Enzymes are fabulous little workhorses that play a key role in our body’s cells, catalyzing chemical reactions that facilitate the breakdown of existing materials, while creating new ones. Some foods are harder to digest than other, or some particular foods are ones we might personally be sensitive to, can cause a lot of dreaded bloating and discomfort. Enzymes are essential for the digestive process as well.
How it starts
When we eat food, a key step in the digestive process is the release of digestive enzymes in the small intestine. If we have low production of these essential enzymes, or if we are eating foods our bodies struggle to break down efficiently, we end up with a lot of bloating and digestive discomfort. Let’s take a look at foods that tend to cause problems for people, and how to improve symptoms.
What Are “Triggering Foods”?
Dairy
Researchers estimate that as much as 65% or more of the world's population is lactose intolerant, which is an impaired ability to break down lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. If someone is lactose intolerant, their body does not adequately produce the dairy-digesting enzyme lactase.
Even if you are not fully lactose intolerant, it is common to have difficulty digesting dairy; dairy is one of those more difficult to digest foods that often cause bloat and discomfort. If you suspect dairy is an issue for you, we suggest removing it from your diet for 21 days to see if symptoms improve. The 21-Day Cleanse is the primary way we recommend doing so.
Gluten
Lots of us are foregoing gluten these days, but behind the trendy "gluten-free" buzzword are some serious health concerns. Some have celiac disease, which is an autoimmune illness in which the lining of the intestine becomes inflamed and damaged when the affected person eats gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, spelt, and other glutinous grains).
Others have what researchers have identified as non-celiac gluten sensitivity, in which symptoms are present, but not autoimmune derived. Many of us find that eliminating gluten helps us feel better, and reduces bloating and digestive distress. Celiac testing can only be done while gluten is still in the diet, so if you react badly to gluten, see your doctor get tested before eliminating it. Otherwise, gluten is tough for a lot of people to break down and is a common cause of digestive upset and bloat.
Other Triggering Foods
There are foods that are common culprits for gut distress, fatigue, and inflammation like alcohol, processed junk foods, and refined foods. There are also food sensitivities that are caused by foods that may be healthy in general: like strawberries, or citrus fruits, but cause sensitivity for some. Identifying your personal triggers and sensitivities, and the diet best for your individual needs is key to healing the gut, improving your health, and boosting your energy.
The Amazing Benefits of Digestive Enzymes
Our bodies produce many different types of enzymes as needed for different functions. For instance, amylase is released in your saliva to break down carbohydrates. Various enzymes break down different substances, and a good enzyme supplement, like our Enzyme formula, contains a variety of enzymes with diverse functions, such as protease, lipase, lactase, and amylase. Digest is a plant-based, broad-spectrum enzyme supplement, formulated to provide powerful digestive support, and reduces bloating and indigestion. Digestive enzymes also occur naturally in raw fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and kimchi.
While cleansing, we recommend you take your enzyme supplements with your shakes and solid meals, three times per day. Digestive enzymes are a great aid while healing the digestive process, and can be taken with any meal throughout the day. If your digestion is already in great shape, enzyme supplements can be taken as needed.
Bottom line
Our body’s innate supply of digestive enzymes can dwindle over time due to stress and lifestyle factors. Food sensitivities, digestive disorders, and certain illnesses can all take a toll on the body’s supply of digestive enzymes. Enzyme supplements can be integral to the process of recovering great digestive functioning, cleansing and healing the body and increasing overall vitality and wellbeing.
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