Meet your gut’s secret helpers: digestive enzymes! These tiny proteins break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and sugars so your body can soak up the nutrients. Most are made by your pancreas, with a little help from your stomach lining. When your body doesn’t make enough, it can cause bloating, gas, or food intolerance. Dr. Rudolph Bedford from Providence Saint John’s Health Center explains, “They are naturally produced by the body,” and help to break down big food chunks so nutrients can enter your blood easily. Another expert, Dr. Ashkan Farhadi from MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, says different enzymes work on specific nutrients. Here’s the enzyme squad: - Amylase: breaks down carbs - Lactase: breaks down lactose (milk sugar) - Lipase: breaks down fats - Protease: breaks down proteins - Sucrase: breaks down sucrose (a sugar in fruits and nuts) But hold on! Not everyone needs enzyme supplements. Dr. Bedford warns, “They’re not for everybody. They really are for particular disease states.” People with conditions like pancreatic insufficiency, pancreatic cysts, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic duct issues, or lactose intolerance might benefit from them. Timing is also key. Dr. Bedford says, “The best time to consume digestive enzymes is normally within the initial few bites of a meal.” This helps enzymes mix well with food for proper digestion. Taking them on an empty stomach? No use! Want natural enzyme sources? Enjoy pineapple, papaya, kiwi, or fermented foods. But remember, natural enzymes often get broken down during digestion and don’t act like supplements. Be careful though! Using supplements without need can cause constipation, nausea, or diarrhea. If you have ongoing digestion troubles, see a doctor instead of self-medicating. Dr. Farhadi notes, “We see a lot of people with simple indigestion who are consuming digestive enzymes,” but most don’t really need them unless diagnosed. In short, your body is a great enzyme factory—only sometimes does it need a helping hand. Always check with a healthcare provider before trying enzyme supplements to keep your tummy happy and healthy!