The Power of Digestive Enzymes: A Naturopathic Solution for Bloating and Improved Digestion

As we age, our digestive system naturally slows down, and for many people, this can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, and gas. One of the key factors in this digestive slowdown is the decline in digestive enzymes and stomach acid production, both of which are essential for breaking down the food we eat and absorbing nutrients efficiently.

Another very common cause of decreased digestive stregthen is stress. Stress or “fight or flight” actually shuts the digestive system down. The long term solution obviously is to decreased stress but in the meantime digestion can be supported with enzymes mentioned in this article.

From a naturopathic perspective, supporting digestion through the use of digestive enzymes is a gentle yet effective way to restore balance to the digestive system, reduce bloating, and enhance nutrient absorption. In this blog, we’ll explore what digestive enzymes are, how they work, and why they are a crucial tool in managing digestive issues, particularly as we age.

What Are Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are proteins that the body produces to break down the macronutrients in food—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—into smaller components that can be absorbed and used for energy, growth, and repair. The three main types of digestive enzymes are:

1. Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates (starches and sugars) into simple sugars.

2. Protease: Breaks down proteins into amino acids.

3. Lipase: Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

These enzymes are produced by different parts of the digestive system, including the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. However, for various reasons, the body’s production of these enzymes can become insufficient, leading to incomplete digestion, bloating, and other gastrointestinal discomforts.

Decline in Digestive Function as We Age

As we get older, the production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes naturally decreases, which can compromise our digestive capacity. Stomach acid (hydrochloric acid or HCl) plays a crucial role in the initial breakdown of food, particularly proteins. It also triggers the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas. Without adequate stomach acid, the digestive process slows down, leading to:

- Incomplete digestion of food, especially protein.

- Bloating and gas due to the fermentation of undigested food in the intestines.

- Nutrient deficiencies as the body struggles to absorb essential vitamins and minerals like B12, magnesium, and iron. Meaning that taking a multi vitamin and mineral can help digestion.

Low stomach acid can result from aging, chronic stress, or a diet high in processed foods, all of which are common in modern life.

How Digestive Enzymes Can Help With Bloating

For those struggling with bloating and digestive discomfort, taking a high-quality digestive enzyme supplement can be an effective way to restore proper digestion. By providing the body with the enzymes it lacks, enzyme supplements help break down food more efficiently, which can reduce bloating, gas, and other digestive symptoms. Please email if you’d like to know a product we use.

Here’s how digestive enzymes can help address the root causes of bloating:

1. Improved Breakdown of Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates that are not fully digested can ferment in the intestines, producing gas and bloating. Enzymes like amylase and lactase (which breaks down lactose) help prevent this by breaking down starches and sugars more effectively.

2. Enhanced Protein Digestion: Incomplete digestion of proteins can lead to the production of toxic byproducts in the intestines, contributing to gas and bloating. Protease enzymes help break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, ensuring that proteins are fully digested and reducing fermentation in the gut.

3. Better Fat Digestion: When fats are not properly digested, they can remain in the digestive tract for too long, leading to bloating and discomfort. Lipase enzymes help break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol, making them easier for the body to absorb and reducing digestive strain.

4. Relief from Food Intolerances: Many people suffer from mild to moderate food intolerances, such as lactose or gluten intolerance, which can cause bloating when certain foods are consumed. Enzymes like lactase (for lactose intolerance).

Types of Digestive Enzymes and Their Role

Digestive enzyme supplements come in various forms, and they can be tailored to address specific digestive needs. Here’s a closer look at some common enzymes and how they support digestion:

- Amylase: Breaks down starches into sugars. Useful for reducing bloating caused by high-carbohydrate foods.

- Protease: Breaks down proteins into amino acids. Helps with protein-heavy meals and reduces gas related to poor protein digestion.

- Lipase: Breaks down fats into fatty acids. Supports fat digestion, especially after eating fatty meals.

- Lactase: Breaks down lactose (milk sugar). Ideal for those with lactose intolerance, helping to prevent bloating and gas after consuming dairy products.

- Cellulase: Breaks down plant fibers (cellulose). Supports digestion of fibrous vegetables and helps reduce gas production from high-fiber foods.

- DPP-IV: An enzyme that helps break down gluten proteins, useful for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

Supporting Low Stomach Acid

As we mentioned, low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) is a common issue as we age, contributing to indigestion and bloating. Stomach acid not only helps break down food, but it also signals the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas and gallbladder. When stomach acid is low, digestion slows down, leading to bloating, heartburn, and nutrient malabsorption.

Naturopathic remedies to support stomach acid production include:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in water before meals can help increase stomach acid production, improving digestion. ACV acts as a natural digestive stimulant, aiding in the breakdown of food and reducing bloating.

2. Bitters: Herbal bitters, such as dandelion root, gentian, or artichoke, can stimulate the production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. These herbs have long been used in naturopathy to promote digestion and prevent bloating.

3. Betaine HCl: Betaine hydrochloride supplements can be taken with meals to increase stomach acid levels and improve protein digestion. This is particularly helpful for individuals who experience bloating after eating meat or other protein-rich foods.

How to Use Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes can be a valuable tool for managing bloating, especially if you suspect that your body isn’t producing enough enzymes naturally. Here are a few tips for using them effectively:

- Choose a broad-spectrum enzyme supplement: A good enzyme supplement will contain a blend of amylase, protease, and lipase, along with other specialised enzymes like lactase or cellulase to support a wide range of foods.

- Take enzymes before meals: Digestive enzymes should be taken just before or with meals to help the body break down food as it enters the stomach. For larger or more complex meals, enzyme supplementation can be especially beneficial.

- Use regularly: While digestive enzymes can provide immediate relief from bloating, consistent use may also help improve overall digestion in the long term by reducing the strain on your body’s natural enzyme production.

Naturopathic Remedies to Complement Digestive Enzymes

In addition to taking digestive enzymes, there are several other natural methods that can complement enzyme therapy and promote optimal digestion:

1. Mindful Eating: Chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly allows the body to break down food more effectively and reduces the amount of air swallowed during meals, both of which can reduce bloating.

2. Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential for digestion, but avoid drinking large amounts of water during meals, as it can dilute stomach acid and interfere with enzyme activity.

3. Probiotics: Probiotics can support gut health by promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in the intestines, which improves digestion and reduces gas and bloating. Combining probiotics with digestive enzymes can enhance overall digestive health.

Conclusion

As we age, the natural decline in digestive enzymes and stomach acid production can lead to a range of digestive issues, including bloating, gas, and discomfort. From a naturopathic perspective, taking a holistic approach that includes digestive enzyme supplementation, supporting stomach acid production, and adopting healthy eating habits can significantly improve digestion and reduce bloating.

Digestive enzymes are a powerful tool for enhancing nutrient absorption, improving the breakdown of food, and preventing the fermentation of undigested food in the gut—all of which contribute to a healthy, bloat-free digestive system. By supporting your body’s natural digestive processes, you can enjoy meals without the discomfort of bloating and maintain a more balanced digestive system for years to come.

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