7 science-supported benefits of digestive enzymes and dietary supplements for digestive healing

Patients in the study showed significant improvement in their conditions and improvements in intestinal permeability from dietary supplements for digestive healing

The body produces digestive enzymes to help break down the foods we eat, which enables us to use the nutrients these items contain to better support various physical and mental functions. When the body does not produce enough of these enzymes in patients, sometimes additional dietary supplements for digestive healing are warranted.

Amylase is an enzyme that helps break down carbs, lipase breaks down fats, and protease breaks down proteins. This process begins in the mouth, then continues into the stomach and small intestine, thanks largely to enzymes released by the pancreas.

Research indicates that taking digestive enzyme supplements provides several health benefits. Here are seven to consider.

Improved digestive health

Some medications, such as those used to treat cancer, can negatively affect the gut by changing its biome. Not only can this impact a person’s health, but it may also change the drug’s response.

According to a 2018 study in the journal Oncotarget, taking a supplement with digestive enzymes helped restore gut bacteria ratios, improving intestinal health. It also helped protect against inflammation.

Better nutrient absorption

Certain medical conditions can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food, requiring dietary supplements for digestive healing. This includes gastrointestinal disorders and conditions such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), which is when the pancreas doesn’t make a sufficient amount of digestive enzymes.

Research published in Current Drug Metabolism suggests that supplementing with digestive enzymes can improve malabsorption issues for people with medical conditions such as EPI and lactose intolerance.

Prevention of leaky gut

Leaky gut refers to when the lining of the intestine has holes or cracks. This allows toxins to enter the bloodstream, also causing abdominal cramps, pain, bloating, and gas.

One measure of colon lining health is butyrate production. Butyrate is produced when gut bacteria break down dietary fiber, and a 2019 study connected supplements containing digestive enzymes with increased butyrate production rates.

Reduced IBS symptoms

Like with leaky gut, people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also often face abdominal discomfort, bloating, and gas, along with diarrhea and/or constipation. These symptoms can interfere with everyday life, making it harder to work, go to school, or otherwise leave home — where a bathroom is always steps away.

An article in Gastroenterology & Hepatology reports that digestive enzymes and dietary supplements for digestive healing are among the most used complementary and alternative treatments for managing IBS symptoms. Additionally, the IBS symptoms that these therapies are used to help the most are bloating and pain.

Dietary supplements for digestive healing = stronger immune system

Strengthening our immune system not only helps us fight off the latest cold and flu bugs, but it also helps protect against serious diseases. For many, the pandemic has renewed their interest in discovering which nutrients work best for boosting immunity, with studies often pointing to vitamins C and D, along with zinc and a few others.

Other research makes a connection between dietary enzymes and stronger immune function, indicating that both the digestive and immune systems work together to aid in host defense.

Healthier skin

It’s no secret that what you eat can affect the health of your skin. The same is true for some people when it comes to dairy products.

In one small-scale study involving 11 patients with severe atopic dermatitis, taking pancreatic enzyme supplements for six weeks resulted in a significant improvement in their condition. They also had improvements in intestinal permeability from dietary supplements for digestive healing.

Dietary supplements for digestive healing and mental health benefits

While most of these benefits are physical, taking an enzyme supplement may also contribute to better mental health.

For instance, having a “fragile gut” with low digestive enzyme activity has been associated with autism spectrum disorders according to one review, making dietary supplements for digestive healing a potential treatment option. Another study connected enzyme supplementation with more positive mood responses. Specifically, it resulted in greater overall mood pleasantness.

If you’re interested in providing your patients with access to high-quality digestive enzyme supplements, Dee Cee Laboratories, Inc., offers Proteo-Zyme. This proteolytic enzyme supplement supplies the body with bromelain, papain, pancreatin, chymotrypsin, and trypsin. It is also standardized for amylase, lipase, and protease.

Proteo-Zyme is gluten-free and non-GMO. Like all Dee Cee products, it is manufactured in an FDA Registered Facility using Good Manufacturing Practices.