Secreted by the pancreas, digestive enzymes aid the body in breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. When normal functioning of the pancreas is disrupted (due to illness or injury) resulting in insufficient enzyme production, the body may be unable to properly absorb these nutrients. Digestive enzyme supplements are thought to protect against this malabsorption.
Digestive enzyme supplements often contain a mixture of enzymes, such as proteolytic enzymes (needed to digest protein), lipase (needed to digest fat), and amylase (needed to digest carbohydrates). Proteolytic enzyme supplements are also available, such as bromelain and papain.
Uses for Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are said to aid in the treatment of the following conditions:
- celiac disease
- Crohn's disease
- heartburn
- indigestion
- irritable bowel syndrome
- pancreatic insufficiency
- pancreatitis
- ulcerative colitis
In addition, proteolytic enzymes are said to support healthy cholesterol levels. Although digestive enzymes are normally taken with meals for digestive purposes, when taken in between meals on an empty stomach, they are said to stimulate the immune system, manage arthritis, support healthy inflammatory levels, and support liver health.
Benefits Of Digestive Enzymes
Here's a look at some key findings on the potential health benefits of supplements containing digestive enzymes:
1) Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A digestive enzyme known as pancrealipase may alleviate some symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, according to a pilot study published in Frontline Gastroenterology in 2011. For the study, 69 patients with irritable bowel syndrome were given either pancrealipase or a placebobefore consuming foods known to trigger their symptoms. Study results showed that those treated with pancrealipase experienced a significantly greater improvement in such symptoms as cramping, bloating, and pain.
2) Colitis
Several preliminary studies suggest that bromelain may help manage colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. For example, a 2010 study published inInflammatory Bowel Diseases found that bromelain helped decrease inflammation of the colon in mice with colitis.
3) Cancer
Digestive enzymes may be beneficial to people undergoing cancer treatment, according to a 2008 report published in Integrative Cancer Therapies. In their analysis of preliminary studies and clinical trials on the effects of enzyme therapy (including proteolytic enzymes) on people with cancer, the report's authors found that enzymes may reduce several side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy (including nausea, fatigue, and weight loss).
4) Arthritis
Bromelain may help relieve pain related to osteoarthritis, according to a research review published in Arthritis Research & Therapy in 2006. Looking at nine clinical trials testing bromelain's effects on osteoarthritis patients, the review's authors found some evidence that bromelain may offer pain-reducing effects similar to those of diclofenac (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug often prescribed for osteoarthritis).
Safety
Digestive enzymes may trigger a number of side effects, including stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. In addition, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to digestive enzymes.
It's important to note that self-treating a chronic condition (such as chronic pancreatitis) with digestive enzymes and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. If you're considering the use of digestive enzymes in treatment of a chronic condition, make sure to consult your physician before starting your supplement regimen.
Article courtesy of altmedicine.about.com, written by Cathy Wong and found with sources here.
