Bloating is undoubtedly one of the most uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations. Whether it’s caused by indulging in a large meal or stems from an underlying digestive issue, bloating can be both uncomfortable and even painful at times.
Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate this discomfort and regain your comfort, such as taking digestive enzymes, to ease tummy troubles and provide relief from gas.
Understanding the Causes of Bloating
A bloated stomach brings a feeling of tightness and pressure in the abdominal area, often accompanied by noticeable distention or swelling. It’s a common problem, affecting approximately 50% of healthy individuals.
While bloating typically subsides within a few hours, persistent or recurrent bloating may signify an underlying digestive issue that requires medical attention.
Several factors can contribute to bloating, including:
- Digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).
- Food intolerances or sensitivities.
- Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach).
- Enteritis (inflammation of the small intestines).
- Hormonal fluctuations, especially during menstruation in women.
- Pancreatic insufficiency, leading to reduced production of pancreatic digestive enzymes.
- Consuming a large volume of food in a short period.
- Excessive gas production.
What Are Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down food into nutrients your body can use. They are produced in your mouth, stomach, and pancreas. The pancreas is like a factory that makes most of these enzymes, which help digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
The Role of Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are essential proteins naturally produced by your body. These enzymes originate from various glands, including the salivary glands and exocrine organs like the mouth, stomach, small intestines, and pancreas.
Their primary function is to break down the food you consume into smaller molecules, facilitating absorption through the intestinal wall.
How Digesta Digestive Enzymes Work
While your body naturally produces digestive enzymes, there are situations where supplementing with digestive enzyme supplements can be beneficial.
These supplements may contain one or a combination of multiple digestive enzymes, aiming to provide gas relief and alleviate bloating.
Digesta digestive enzyme supplements are widely available, with some formulations combining enzymes and probiotics for enhanced efficacy. These supplements can be especially helpful if you have a digestive disorder, as they provide the missing digestive enzymes your body needs.
In conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), often associated with insufficient pancreatic enzyme production, supplementing with digestive enzymes is important.
EPI can disrupt digestion, preventing your body from adequately breaking down food and absorbing essential nutrients.
Supplementing with digestive enzymes can mimic your body’s natural enzymes, promoting healthy digestion, preventing malnourishment, and relieving digestive discomfort.
Types of Digestive Enzymes
Amylase
Breaks down carbohydrates (like bread and pasta).
Lipase
Breaks down fats (like those in meat and oils).
Protease
Breaks down proteins (like those in meat and eggs).
Lactase
Breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk.
How to Take Digestive Enzymes
Choose the Right Enzyme
If you have trouble with dairy, lactase might help. For beans and legumes, alpha-galactosidase can reduce gas.
Consult a Doctor
Before starting any supplements, talk to a healthcare professional to ensure they’re right for you.
You can purchase digestive enzymes online or over-the-counter from health stores and pharmacies. For individuals with chronic digestive conditions affecting their ability to digest food, such as lactose intolerance or cystic fibrosis, doctors may prescribe prescription digestive enzymes.
These capsules protect the enzymes from stomach acid, allowing them to reach the small intestines, where they facilitate the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for nutrient absorption.
Do Digestive Enzymes Help with Bloating?
Some people find that taking enzyme supplements helps reduce bloating and other digestive issues. However, more research is needed to confirm this for everyone. Supplements can be especially helpful for those with specific enzyme deficiencies, like lactose intolerance
Digestive enzymes play a critical role in breaking down food for absorption. Research suggests that these supplements are primarily effective for specific medical conditions, such as the following:
Digestive Enzymes for Specific Conditions
In cases where digestive enzyme production is compromised, leading to enzyme insufficiency, supplements can help alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort.
For instance, those with lactose intolerance lack sufficient lactase enzymes needed to break down lactose in dairy products. Taking a nonprescription lactase supplement can assist in managing lactose intolerance.
Other health conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic cancer, can result in low levels of digestive enzymes, causing symptoms similar to lactose intolerance.
Individuals with these conditions often receive enzyme pills prescribed by doctors to compensate for the lack of natural enzyme production.
Lifestyle Tips for Reducing Bloating
Eat Slowly
Avoid eating too quickly.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Identify foods that make you bloated and try to limit them.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to help digestion.
Common Conditions That Cause Bloating
Lactose Intolerance
Difficulty digesting milk sugar.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
The pancreas doesn’t produce enough enzymes.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A condition causing bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience persistent bloating, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any serious conditions.
All in All
Bloating can be a distressing issue. According to studies, digestive enzyme supplements prove beneficial for specific medical conditions characterised by enzyme insufficiency. In fact, many people in Malaysia are consuming digestive enzymes to help with their bloating.
If you experience persistent or severe bloating, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate guidance on treatment and dietary adjustments.
Remember that everyone’s digestive system is unique, and tailored approaches may be necessary to address your specific symptoms effectively.
Disclaimer
This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
