Often due to our lifestyle and diet, we can come across various problems with our digestive tract. The best resolution to this problem would be to change in eating habits. For example to consider better diet or the control of how we eat meals (this can also be very important). For some time now an idea appeared to solve these problems through digestive enzyme supplementation. Does it make sense? Let's check it!
Digestive enzymes - what they are exactly
Of course, it will be best to start from the beginning. Digestive enzymes are produced by our digestive tract to break down fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Thanks to this, we are able to digest them and then assimilate all the nutrients that we need for the proper functioning of the body. According to many studies, digestive enzymes supplementation can positively contribute to absorb valuable components from food, as well as reduce or eliminate the discomfort of the digestive tract.
Enzyme supplementation and digestive problems
The operation of our digestive system is crucial for the preservation of all functions in the human body:
- obtaining essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and many others
- the proper rate of organ and tissue regeneration
- reducing the risk of food intolerance in our body
- reducing the risk of harmful effects of toxins and irritants that may appear in our digestive system
All this will ultimately affect how we function and whether our body is healthy or not.
Just think of it - what we will receive from consuming plenty of protein if we are unable to properly assimilate all the essential amino acids and ingredients necessary for protein synthesis?
Problems with the digestion of food pose a threat to the appearance of such problems as it is also a chance of occurrence of such problems as:
- flatulence
- diarrhoea
- stomach pain
- lack of appetite
In such cases, the recommended solution is prokinetics - drugs that affect the rate of gastric and intestinal emptying. Can we replace the common drug with supplements containing digestive enzymes? One of the studies has tried to check it!
Results of the study
According to the above-mentioned tests, we surely can. What’s more, sometimes we even should do this! With comparable efficacy, digestive enzyme supplementation seems to be a less aggressive form of coping with digestive system disorders. Of course, in the case of serious digestive problems, prokinetics may certainly be the only solution (or the beginning of serious dietetic changes), however, less radical solutions can certainly be an interesting alternative in dealing with digestive problems.
Summary
Supplementation with digestive enzymes will certainly surprise us many times. Positive effect on digestive problems is only a fraction of their full potential, e.g. in the aspect of supporting athletes. If you have the above-mentioned problems with the body, it is certain that you can consider including digestive enzymes for in supplementation.
