Digestive Enzymes + Stomach Acid
Our bodies are freakishly amazing and powerful in that they create some of the “things” needed to carry out its own functions.
Digestive enzymes are the perfect example.
Digestive Enzymes
These are naturally occurring proteins the body creates to easily break down food and aid digestion. Carbs, proteins and fats are broken down into smaller pieces. This speeds up the chemical reactions that absorb nutrients.
There are three types of digestive enzymes: proteases, lipases and amylases.
Protease turns proteins to amino acids and small peptides for building and repairing. Lipase changes fats into fatty acids. Amylase converts carbohydrates into simple sugars for energy.
When enzymes aren’t functioning properly, the body does not break down food efficiently. Which means it does not get the nutrients it needs. There are symptoms to look out for that could indicate low digestive enzymes.
Signs & Symptoms:
Bloating
Gas/belching after meals
Constipation or undigested food in stool
Abdominal pain
Food sensitivities/nutrient deficiencies
Food sits in stomach like a brick/rock
Feeling full quickly
Dysbiosis
Skin issues
Thankfully, there are things you can do to foster the natural production of digestive enzymes.
Prioritize limiting and managing your stress. Stress inhibits and slows digestion. It also negatively affects the production of digestive enzymes.
Eating in a relaxed state with little to no distractions, and chewing your food until it is applesauce consistency eases digestion. You can also support your stomach’s acid production. The gut and stomach’s job becomes effortless.
Lastly, incorporate more foods that contain digestive enzymes such as:
Pineapple
Kiwi
Avocado
Raw Honey
Banana
Sauerkraut/Kimchi
Kefir
Mango
Bee Pollen
Apple Cider Vinegar
Adding such foods means the body can perform functions with a bit of help. Food will be broken down, nutrient availability will increase, nutrient deficiencies will improve, gut health will flourish and energy levels will rise. It may not be immediate, but time will improve one’s wellness.
Stomach Acid
Stomach acid has been mentioned a few times – So, what’s the deal?
A lot of the issues above overlap with symptoms of low stomach acid. A fluid that also works to digest and break down food. A lack of stomach acid leads to issues with digestion since food stays in the stomach longer than it should.
Someone with low stomach acid will most likely have an enzyme insufficiency. They are also more susceptible to pathogens as stomach acid is our first line of defense against ingested pathogens. Support the production of stomach acid by:
Not eating while stressed or distracted
Stimulating your vagus nerve
Consuming a high-protein diet
Including enough zinc in your diet
Having high-quality sea salt
Consuming digestive bitters
Takeaways
This information may seem unimportant. However, if you implemented some into your lifestyle you may be surprised by what disappears. The things you thought were “normal” or “just a part of getting older” might no longer exist.
Although the body can create digestive enzymes and stomach acid on its own, it doesn't mean that you need to ignore them altogether. Sometimes our diet and lifestyle can throw these processes off. Being proactive is a great habit to have.
Supporting these natural processes may leave you feeling energized, satisfied after meals, seeing results you’ve been waiting for or with improved mental health.
When we positively change and fine tune the way we live, our quality of life can only get better.
The inspiration and information from this post comes from Kristen Adamek, a gut health practitioner. Her instagram handle is @kristennicolenourished. She posts awesome infographics and facts helping improve bloating and digestion.