Enzymes: How Do They Help with Digestive Distress During Times of Overindulgence?

There are many different celebratory opportunities that present the opportunity for overindulgence. Most often, there is an abundant array of different foods, including decadent deserts. These times of celebration will depend on the culture and where in the world we live. In Canada for instance, we have just celebrated our Thanksgiving Day. For much our early history in North America, a day of "thanksgiving" was a more solemn, religious observance centered on fasting and quiet reflection, rather than feasting. The transition of Thanksgiving into a national holiday focused on home, family, and culinary overindulgence happened in the 19th and 20th centuries.

 During celebratory holidays most people tend to overindulge in food and drink, as fun and feasting go hand in hand. I could say the best thing is to not overeat in the first place, but where’s the fun in that? However, there is often a price to pay because overeating can cause digestive distress.

Digestive enzymes are produced and secreted by the gastrointestinal system to breakdown fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, that facilitate digestion and absorption of nutrients.

The primary enzymes include:

• Amylases: break down carbohydrates and complex sugars such as those found in bread or pasta into simple sugars like glucose.
• Proteases which include bromelain, pepsin and papain, break down proteins from meat, fish, eggs, eggs and dairy into amino acids. 
• Lipases: Break down dietary fats. 
• Lactase: Specifically breaks down lactose (milk sugar) for people with lactose intolerance.
• Pancreatin: A broad-spectrum blend containing a combination of protease, amylase, and lipase. 

 Amylase, proteases and lipases will digest most meals and work synergistically to help support optimal digestion.

It is estimated that 75 percent of individuals worldwide experience or some degree of  lactose intolerance, even though many may not be aware of this and attribute the gut discomfort to other causes. Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk products while casein is the protein in milk. Many who have a lactose intolerance also have trouble digesting milk protein. Taking a supplemental lactase enzyme combined with proteases can help digest lactose and casein and reduce or even eliminate uncomfortable gut symptoms.

Gluten sensitivity is also a common problem and for those with either celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.  A digestive supplement that combines protein-digesting enzymes (proteases) and a specific gluten-digesting enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV help reduce or eliminate the symptoms of gluten intolerance. DPP-IV is thought to be one of the key enzymes responsible for the digestion of these proteins and is found in lower amounts in the intestinal lining of individuals with gluten intolerance.

While following a gluten, casein/lactose free diet usually reduces uncomfortable symptoms there are times when a person chooses to indulge or there are often hidden sources of these in foods.

In addition to overeating and drinking a celebration usually has an abundance of sweets and rich deserts are a huge temptation for everyone. Those who have intolerances to lactose and gluten may find the holidays particularly challenging and unable to resist. That’s where supplemental digestive enzyme preparations come in—they help people tolerate lower levels of gluten, casein or lactose intake and enjoy the odd desert without regret.

Several formulations of digestive enzymes are available on the market, each being different in terms of enzyme type, source and origin. Talk to the knowledgeable staff at Vitamin Shop to help guide your choice of a blended mixture that suits your digestive needs whether it is for the festive celebration or to aid digestion on a regular basis.