To Take Or Not To Take Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Digestive enzyme supplements have gained much popularity as a form of self-medication for their claims to give relief from digestive disorders like gut irritation, bloating, heartburn, stomach pain, and even improve digestion. But the question is, are they really effective and safe for your digestive health? This is because their long-term use is still a subject of debate.
In this blog, we will discuss the benefits, risks, and considerations of taking these digestive enzyme supplements and explore whether they are good or not as a part of your daily routine.

What Are Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down the food you eat into nutrients that the digestive tract can absorb. These enzymes are naturally produced by the body, especially in the stomach, pancreas and small intestine.

Some of the common digestive enzymes include amylase, lipase, protease, maltose and sucrase. These enzymes work together to speed up the chemical reaction, which allows the body to digest the food particles properly.

In cases where the body is unable to produce these enzymes in a sufficient amount, digestive enzyme supplements can be taken to aid in the digestive process.

What Are The Potential Benefits You Can Get After Having Digestive Enzyme Supplements?

According to the opinion of Dr. Indraneel Saha, a reputed gastroenterologist in Kolkata who is also a well-known doctor for stomach pain, these supplements provide temporary relief. Here are some of the common reasons individuals take digestive enzyme supplements.

1. Digestive discomfort: Many people take digestive enzyme supplements regularly to get relief from discomfort such as gas, bloating, fullness pain, chest pain and indigestion. These supplements reduce the likelihood of these symptoms.
2. Food sensitivities: Some people are intolerant to certain foods like dairy or gluten. They experience symptoms such as cramps, nausea and acid reflux. Taking digestive enzyme supplements helps the body handle such specific types of food sensitivities, thereby improving digestion.
3. After having a large meal: For individuals who consume large or heavy meals, these supplements break down the food more efficiently and reduce the heaviness of the stomach.

Long-Term Consequences Of Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Take a look below at some of the long-term effects of taking these supplements that most people are not aware of:

1. Dependency: Taking digestive enzyme supplements increases their reliance on them. As a result, the body will lose its ability to produce digestive enzymes naturally over time, making it harder for individuals to digest food without taking them.
2. Side-effects: Having too much of these supplements for too long leads to potential side-effects like diarrhoea, nausea, gas, bloating, upset stomach, headache and even allergic reactions.
3. Underlying health conditions: Digestive enzyme supplements must not be taken if individuals suffer from underlying health issues such as acute pancreatitis, as they worsen the symptoms and even result in major health issues.
4. Interferences with other medicines: These supplements are also known to interfere with other medications, especially blood thinners.

Should You Take Digestive Enzyme Supplements?

The answer to whether you should take digestive enzyme supplements depends on your health condition and needs. For instance, if you have been diagnosed with enzyme insufficiency, then your doctor might prescribe you supplements for the time being. You must take the recommended dosage and at the advised time.
Moreover, if you suffer from occasional digestive discomfort, especially after heavy or rich meals, taking digestive enzyme supplements can provide temporary relief. However, if your digestive disorders become quite frequent and severe, it is best to seek medical help without waiting for a long time, says Dr. Indraneel Saha, a well-recognised doctor for stomach pain.

Conclusion

It is important to keep in mind that digestive enzyme supplements might not work for all individuals, especially in cases where the health issues are more than just digestive disorders. Also, it is always advised to stick to a balanced diet or be mindful of your eating habits to support your digestive health. If the symptoms still persist, consult a healthcare professional before taking digestive enzyme supplements as per your needs.