What is digestive enzyme supplementation? Digestive enzymes1 produced by the body help optimize the breakdown, absorption and utilization of the nutrients in our foods. As we get older, the body gradually produces less of these.
In working with patients, I have found no matter what the diet (or age) of a particular patient, most have found their overall health and sense of wellness was improved by simply taking a full-spectrum digestive enzyme supplement at the beginning of each meal or snack.
Initially, many forget to take their digestive enzyme supplements, but as time goes by, it becomes easier for patients to remember taking them because of the benefits they experience.
The following are the three main categories of digestive enzymes:
- Carbohydrate digesting enzymes, such as amylase (breaks down starches), lactase (breaks down lactose in dairy products) and invertase (breaks down table sugar).
- Protein digesting enzymes, such as protease (breaks down proteins) and peptidase (breaks down shorter parts of proteins).
- Fat digesting enzymes called lipases.
Full–spectrum digestive enzyme supplements can contain additional enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of other food components. For example, the human body does not create enzymes that break down the cell walls of plants, which are made of cellulose. Depending on the formulation, cellulase and similar enzymes can be added to help break this down.
In addition to improving nutrient absorption, a supplement containing a well-balanced blend of digestive enzymes helps with the removal of waste products, enhances detoxifying mechanisms of the body, increases fat burning, supports a healthy microbiome and decreases inflammation. Another important benefit of digestive enzyme supplementation is decreasing the likelihood of developing food sensitivities, which, in turn, can adversely affect your gut microbiome and immune system.
The most basic and important digestive enzyme supplement is one that is full–spectrum, meaning it contains the enzymes necessary to break down all the major macronutrients. The enzymes should be non-animal derived, being of plant or microbial origin. Additionally, the blend of digestive enzymes should be able to help the breakdown of nutrients in a variety of foods and meals, whether vegetarian or omnivorous, cooked or raw.
Of course, starting full–spectrum digestive enzyme supplementation does not mean you can go ahead and eat anything presented to you as food, such as highly processed “former” foods or those prepared with refined carbohydrates. But a full–spectrum digestive enzyme supplement will help you better digest your foods and absorb the available nutrients.
The healing power of enzymes
There are many amazing benefits of digestive enzymes and many resources available to learn about enzyme therapy. Digestive enzymes taken with meals make the nutrients contained in food available for absorption into the body, which has systemic effects throughout. Examples of this are the proteases, which can help down-regulate pro-inflammatory mediators throughout the body and enhance immune function. Proteases also help break down biofilms, which can prevent potentially harmful microorganisms in the gut from being detected by the immune system.2,3
Digestive enzyme supplementation helps those with many chronic health concerns; it helps reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and chronic inflammation, aids in losing weight and maintaining weight loss, and supports and improves skin and hair, the immune system and overall energy and vitality. In addition, digestive enzymes play a role in anti-aging. Finally, taking a full–spectrum digestive enzyme can greatly reduce food intolerance (as opposed to true food allergies), which for many people can help chronic health issues.
I have also seen some patients have great improvements in maintaining chiropractic adjustments when their food is optimally digested and nutrients become more available.
Digestive enzymes saved my life. I believe they are the key to vitality, health, wellness and longevity. It is not just what you eat; it is what you digest.
Digestive enzyme supplementation for everyone?
The use of digestive enzyme supplements helps make the nutrients in food we eat available and optimize gut function, so taking them is of value to nearly everyone. It is also very important the public at large be better informed about the potential benefits of simple, yet profound properly formulated digestive enzyme-based supplements.
Be well, be healthy, and remember, “You are not what you eat, you are what you digest and absorb.” ― Ashley Koff, RD
ELLEN CUTLER, DC, is a bestselling author and internationally recognized teacher, public speaker and media spokesperson. Her books include MicroMiracles — Discover the Healing Power of Enzymes, now available in a revised, expanded edition. She has a chiropractic degree and specializes in the use of desensitization to food and other sensitivities, gentle detoxification and enzyme and nutritional therapies for chronic conditions that have perplexed the conventional medical establishment. This is all addressed in her revolutionary healing technique, Ellen Cutler Method (ECM). Connect with her at DrEllenCutler.com.
References
- Cutter E. Miracles of Enzymes. Dr. Ellen’s Way. https://drellencutler.com/miracles-of-enzyme/. Accessed May 16, 2024.
- Baidamshina DR, et al. Targeting microbial biofilms using Ficin, a nonspecific plant protease. Sci Rep. 2017;7:46068. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5384253/#:~:text=Proteases%20are%20believed%20to%20be,intercellular%20communication%20of%20gram%2Dpositive. Accessed May 16, 2024.
- Mitrofanova O, et al. Effects of Bacillus Serine Proteases on the Bacterial Biofilms. BioMed Research International. 2017. Hindawi. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2017/8525912/. Accessed May 16, 2024.
