12 Proven Benefits of Digestive Enzymes You Should Know
- Enzyme supplementation improved body composition and weight loss in athletes (1).
- Enzyme supplementation improved nutrient absorption in patients with pancreatic insufficiency by 80-90% (2).
- Enzyme supplementation improved skin hydration and elasticity in healthy participants (3).
Knowing the benefits of a substance as well as its downsides is important. A word of caution: not everyone can take advantage of the immense benefits that come with consuming enzymes. The reason for this is because some people don’t produce enough digestive enzymes to effectively digest their food. To know more about the amazing benefits of digestive enzymes and how they can help you, keep reading.
12 Amazing Benefits of Digestive Enzymes You Should Know
Are you curious about the benefits of digestive enzymes? We’re here to tell you about them. Digestive enzymes are important because they break down food into smaller molecules that your body can then use for energy. What’s more, they’re also responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food you eat. In short, this important substance can help you feel healthier and live longer. So, let’s take a look at the many benefits of taking digestive enzymes.
1. Improves Nutrient Absorption
Digestive enzymes are responsible for breaking down the food you eat into much-needed nutrients. It’s important to note that most of the nutrients in your food won’t be absorbed if they aren’t in their “active form”. By using digestive enzymes, you break down foods into the chemicals your body needs to absorb the nutrients. This can be particularly useful for people with low Iron, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D levels. If you’re deficient in Iron, for instance, you’ll be able to absorb more if you have enzymes that break down the Iron into usable molecules.
2. Improves Digestion
Digestive enzymes are what make your food more easily absorbed by your body. This, in turn, helps ensure an efficient digestion process. Your body needs nutrients to function properly, but it also needs the right amount of oxygen and other substances to be healthy. Digestive enzymes ensure that all these things are properly absorbed. They’re responsible for making your food more easily digested by your intestines, which can improve digestion. Digestive enzymes can be especially useful for people with Crohn’s Disease, Celiac Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Digestive enzymes can help reduce inflammation because they’re capable of reducing oxidative stress in your body. The inflammatory process is normal in the body, but too much inflammation can be harmful. When you consume digestive enzymes, they’re capable of reducing free radicals — which are one source of inflammation in your body. This can be especially helpful for people with inflammatory conditions such as Auto-Immune Disorders, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Ulcerative Colitis. Thus, inflammation reduction is one of the best benefits of digestive enzymes.
4. Increases Energy
Digestive enzymes improve nutrient absorption and digestion, but they also produce energy. Enzymes are unique in that they don’t require oxygen to create energy — and they don’t produce CO2, either. This means they’re capable of creating a lot of energy, both in your stomach and in your body. Consuming enzymes can help you feel more energetic. This is especially true for people who are under or overworked — or both.
5. Improves Immune Function
Digestive enzymes are important for nutrient absorption, but they’re also responsible for the immune system. Enzymes are produced in your saliva, which is part of your immune system. This means that when you consume enzymes, you’re helping your immune system. Digestive enzymes can also help you fight off infections by breaking down food particles that can cause harm.
6. Reduces Food Allergies
Food allergies are an important cause of inflammation in your body. When you consume digestive enzymes, however, they’re capable of reducing the amount of histamines in your body. Histamines are responsible for allergic reactions — like congestion, skin rashes and hives. People who have allergies can benefit from consuming enzymes because they can reduce the amount of histamines in their bodies.
7. Improves Skin Health
Your skin is one of the first places you encounter the elements. It’s important to take care of your skin so it’s capable of protecting you from the outside world. Digestive enzymes are especially beneficial for your skin because they help improve hydration levels. You don’t want your skin to be dry and cracked — but, unfortunately, this is often the case. Digestive enzymes can help you prevent dry, cracking skin. This is particularly helpful if you have dry skin or if it’s especially hot or cold where you live.
8. Reduces Constipation
Digestive enzymes are responsible for breaking down and digesting your food. They, therefore, produce waste. Your body needs a certain amount of water to function properly, but, if you have excess waste, it can lead to constipation. A healthy amount of waste is important for your body as it helps your intestines cleanse themselves. Digestive enzymes can help reduce constipation because they’re accountable for breaking down food and producing waste. Therefore, digestive enzymes benefit people who have slow or difficult bowel movements.
9. Improves Mental Clarity
People have been noticing the benefits of digestive enzymes for some time now. This is because they’re capable of improving mental clarity. When you consume enzymes, they’re capable of making up for a deficit in B vitamins — which can be especially helpful for people who are trying to focus. While mental clarity might not seem like a big deal, it’s important. When you’re mentally sharp, you’re less likely to make poor choices that can cause harm to your body — like smoking and eating junk food.
10. Reduces Acid Reflux
The most common type of reflux is caused by stomach acid coming back up the oesophagus. Fortunately, consuming more enzymes can support the health of your stomach lining and reduce acid reflux. This is especially helpful if you have a more severe case of acid reflux. In these cases, even eating a small amount of food can cause severe heartburn. Many people find that they can reduce the impact of acid reflux with digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes can include proteases that can help break down proteins. This means you can consume more without experiencing the same amount of acid reflux.
11. Increases Weight Loss
There are a number of weight-loss supplements available in the market, but few are as effective as digestive enzymes. When talking about the benefits of digestive enzymes, weight loss is a no brainer. Thus, if you want to lose weight but feel frustrated because you’re not losing any weight, try consuming more enzymes. Digestive enzymes can help support your metabolism. This means you’ll be able to digest food more efficiently and use the energy from digestion to support your daily activities. Digestive enzymes can also increase feelings of satiety. This means you’ll feel full and less likely to snack between meals.
12. Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases
The good news is that digestive enzymes can support gut health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. If you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy BMI, consuming more enzymes can reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Digestive enzymes can help with this by promoting the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This means you’ll be less likely to experience metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, consuming more enzymes can support the health of your gut microbiota. This means you have a stronger base of beneficial bacteria in your gut. This may help support your overall health.
Conclusion
Digestive enzymes are an important type of protein found in your stomach that break down food. They’re essential for breaking down food, creating energy and removing waste from your body. What’s more, consuming digestive enzymes can help you live a healthier, longer life. We hope you found this list of the benefits of digestive enzymes supplements helpful.
Enjoy reading? Check out this related article: Digestive Enzyme Supplements: When Do You Take Them?
If you're looking to supplement your diet with a digestive enzyme supplement, consider checking out Nano Singapore Shop! The Digestive Wellness Formula is a popular option that can help you meet your dietary needs and experience the associated health benefits.
References
- Jäger R, Purpura M, Shao A, Inoue T, Kreider RB. Evaluation of a multi-enzyme supplement on digestion of protein, carbohydrate and fat. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2018;15(1):1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0224-0
- Domínguez-Muñoz JE, Iglesias-García J, Vilariño-Insua M, Iglesias-Rey M. Effectiveness of pancreatic enzyme supplementation in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Gut. 2007;56(4):502-508. https://doi.org/10.1136/gut.2006.099225
- Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert J, Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2014;134(4):123-131. https://doi.org/10.1038/jid.2013.476