Wave goodbye to digestive discomfort in 2024 with a little help from your enzymes.
Words Chantelle Pattemore
What are enzymes?
We all know that once food reaches the stomach, it’s broken down by the gut so nutrients can be absorbed and unwanted elements can be released as waste. But how does this happen?
The gut bacteria we’ve heard plenty about aren’t the ones (figuratively) working away with miniature hammers and chisels. Instead, the task falls on proteins called digestive enzymes. ‘They’re like the workforce of our digestive system,’ states Alex Allan, registered nutritional therapist (alexallannutrition.co.uk). There are numerous digestive enzymes, but three play a particularly central role: amylases break down carbohydrates; proteases tackle proteins; and lipases break up fat. This process creates ‘smaller molecules that the body can absorb, such as sugars, amino acids and fatty acids’, she says.
Having plenty of digestive enzymes that work efficiently is key to a happy tummy, says Alex, and even if we eat a well-balanced, healthy diet, we won’t see the nutritional benefit if we can’t digest our food. ‘When food is properly broken down, nutrients can be absorbed efficiently – supporting energy production, cell growth and maintenance,’ she explains.
Alongside optimal nutrient absorption, being able to properly break down the food we eat can help prevent issues such as bloating, gas and nutrient deficiencies, says Alex.
What happens if enzyme levels are low?
Various symptoms can indicate that our enzyme levels aren’t as high as they should be. These include:
● Digestive discomforts – such as gas, indigestion, bloating and belching
● Undigested food in stools
● Oily or pale-coloured stools
● Diarrhoea and/or increased urgency to defecate
● Fatigue after eating
● Unexplained weight loss
‘If you notice any of these symptoms or persistent digestive issues, it’s important to check this with your GP for a proper evaluation,’ advises Alex. ‘These could be signs of gut irritation or potentially a more serious condition.’
What causes enzyme deficiency?
A number of issues can lead to enzyme deficiency – including the ageing process. ‘The cells responsible for producing enzymes may not function as efficiently over time,’ Alex explains. ‘Additionally, ageing can lead to changes in the structure and function of certain digestive organs, such as the stomach and pancreas, which play crucial roles in enz
