Suport Your Gut Health with Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are crucial in maintaining gut health, but sometimes we don’t produce enough. These enzymes help break down and absorb essential nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins & minerals. When our body can’t properly digest or absorb these nutrients, it can affect everything from our immune system to hormones and even our mood.

While we let the enzymes work their magic, let me share a bit more about our digestive process and enzymes.

Our digestive process begins in our brain! When we smell or even see food, our system is stimulated. This causes our mouths to water as a result of saliva production, and we even get a release of juices in our stomach. When we chew our food, the enzymes in our saliva begin to break down our food. As the digestion process continues, the acid in our stomach begins to break down protein, vitamins, and minerals. Next, enzymes are secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine to help finish breaking down protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Absorption of various nutrients and reabsorption of water will take place in the large intestine.

Signs you might need digestive enzymes can include bloating, gas, or constipation. Food sensitivities are another clue that your digestive enzymes might not be working optimally.

There are three primary digestive enzymes:

• Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates (like starch) into simple sugars. It’s found in saliva and pancreatic juices.
• Protease: Breaks down proteins into amino acids. It’s found in the stomach and the small intestine.
• Lipase: Breaks down fats (triglycerides) into fatty acids and glycerol. It works with bile in the small intestine. We’ll discuss bile more in a minute.

Often, reflux and heartburn are mistaken for signs of high stomach acid, when in fact, they can indicate low stomach acid. Low stomach acid makes it difficult for our bodies to break down food and send signals to release digestive enzymes. This can lead to nutrient absorption issues and symptoms like nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation. If you have conditions like anemia or hypothyroidism, you might be more prone to low stomach acid.

Digestive enzymes are frequently paired with Betaine HCl. In the stomach, the Betaine is separated from the HCl to form hydrochloric acid, which is what our stomach acid is made up of. This extra hydrochloric acid from the digestive enzyme tablets aids in breaking down food and sterilizing it, preparing it for absorption in the small intestine. Flourish’s Vital Absorption capsules are primarily betaine HCl.

Flourish’s Digestive Enzymes with Betaine also contain ox bile. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. If you’ve had liver issues in the past, or gallbladder issues, or had it removed, the ox bile can help improve fat digestion and absorption.

Supporting your body with digestive enzymes can make a significant difference in how well you absorb and utilize nutrients—impacting everything from your energy levels to your immune system. If you’re experiencing digestive discomfort or suspect your enzyme levels may be low, adding a high-quality supplement like Flourish’s Digestive Enzymes with Betaine could be a helpful step toward better gut health and overall well-being.

Have questions? Schedule a consultation with our nutritionist and get a customized plan to help you lose weight. 

Call or email us for help.

405-751-3333,

info@flourishrx.com