Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down food into smaller nutrients so that our body can absorb them more easily.
First, let me summarize the four main digestive enzymes responsible for different stages of digestion:
- Salivary enzymes start digestion by breaking down carbohydrates in the mouth, turning them into glucose molecules
- Stomach enzymes break down proteins into peptides
- Pancreatic enzymes continue digestion by breaking down proteins, fats, and complex sugars; proteins become amino acids and fats become fatty acids
- Intestinal enzymes (lactase, maltase, dipeptidase) finish digestion by breaking down remaining nutrients into even smaller nutrients
These enzymes are therefore essential for proper digestion.
Also read | Everything you need to know before buying digestive enzymes according to a pharmacist
Lack of digestive enzymes, the main symptoms
Abdominal pain
This pain can be felt in different areas of the abdomen and is caused by spasms of the intestinal muscles or painful stomach contractions.
They are due to an accumulation of poorly chewed food in the stomach.
It then releases too much gastric acid, causing heartburn. During my research for this article, I found this study, which shows that taking enzyme-based supplements helps reduce this abdominal pain.
Bloating and gas
Bloating corresponds to an accumulation of gas in the intestine due to poor digestion of food.
Gas can indicate inadequate digestion of food, accompanied by abdominal pain and bloating.
Indeed, in the absence of enzymes, colon bacteria ferment undigested carbohydrates, releasing substances that can cause gas.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can also be a symptom of a lack of digestive enzymes. It occurs when food is not properly digested and stools become watery and frequent.
Certain enzymes taken as oral supplements help reduce diarrhea, especially if taken during or after a meal.
Weight loss
Are you losing weight and having trouble gaining it back? It might be due to a lack of digestive enzymes, as the body cannot absorb enough nutrients from food to maintain a healthy weight.
Intolerance to certain foods
When there is a lack of digestive enzymes, one can experience difficulty digesting certain foods. I think of fatty foods or those rich in fiber.
This dysfunction then leads to abdominal pain and bloating.
Let me give you an example. In case of lactase deficiency, an enzyme found in the intestine, lactose is poorly tolerated.
People with a lactase deficiency then have great difficulty digesting dairy products rich in lactose.
Why do we lack digestive enzymes?
Between dysfunctions and bad habits
Digestive enzymes activate as soon as one ingests one of their favorite substrates. Thus, proteolytic enzymes are active in the presence of proteins, lipolytic enzymes for lipids, and glycolytic enzymes for carbohydrates.
When these enzymes are deficient, nutrients are then poorly broken down and therefore poorly absorbed by the body.
Several causes underlie a lack of digestive enzymes:
- A diet that’s too fatty leads to an overload of digestive enzymes, which are overly solicited
- Lack of chewing forces our body to produce too many enzymes to break down large pieces
- Aging, as we age, our body naturally produces fewer digestive enzymes
- Alcohol that disrupts enzyme production
- Dysfunction of digestive organs like the pancreas, which prevents or reduces enzyme production
Other causes for a lack of digestive enzymes can include gastrointestinal surgeries that disrupt the proper functioning of organs.
Or even during serious illnesses like cystic fibrosis, cancer or autoimmune diseases that cause pancreatic damage.
My opinion
Do one or more of these symptoms resonate with you? You may suffer from a lack of digestive enzymes. To stimulate them, consider a diet rich in fibers, fermented foods, and vegetables.
Take the time to chew when you eat to aid the enzymes’ work. If stress takes over, meditation or exercise can help you find calm… And a more peaceful digestion.
Finally, I draw your attention to the fact that these symptoms may be caused by other health issues, so I recommend that you consult a doctor.
