Digestive enzymes offer many health benefits. While some people are aware that enzymes are important, not everyone knows that enzymes are essential and make life possible. Almost every function in the human body depends on enzymes and without them, we would not receive nutrients fast enough to survive.

Digestive enzymes help you break down food (e.g. carbs, protein, fats) and utilize nutrients for energy. They are necessary for optimal digestion and overall well-being.

Unfortunately, today’s average diet is loaded with enzyme-depleted foods such as overcooked vegetables and microwaved meals. It’s good news that the new Canada’s Food Guide encourages more enzyme-rich foods in the diet – suggesting fruits and vegetables make up half your plate.

Gas, bloating, heartburn, and digestive discomfort may point to insufficient enzymes and a need for supplements.
If you are looking for a natural way to support healthier digestion, this is a digestive health supplement to inquire about.

Digestive Enzymes Can:

• Facilitate the breakdown of food into usable components
• Reduce stress in the gut
• Help break down starches and carbohydrates into sugar molecules
• Help break down protein into amino acids
• Help break down fat
• Reduce uncomfortable digestive symptoms (e.g. gas and bloating)

While digestive enzymes can benefit people of any age, they are especially important for people over the age of 50 years old. Since enzymes naturally decline with age, taking a complete digestive enzyme formula before meals is often recommended for people over the age of 50.

Younger folks use digestive enzyme supplements too.
Especially if they are experiencing low energy or digestive discomfort such as gas, bloating, or heartburn. For optimal digestion, enzymes are essential. Look for an enzyme formula that contains ingredients like amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, lactase, pectinase, and phytase. Since different foods are broken down by different enzymes and the average person consumes a variety of foods at each meal, a multi-enzyme formula is typically best.

In addition to supplements, if your body is showing signs of inadequate enzymes, you may want to eat smaller meals and avoid fatty foods, spicy foods, coffee and alcohol. Chew your food well, slow down at meals, and add lemon wedges to your filtered water. Many people opt for shots of apple cider vinegar before meals in hopes of stimulating their body’s natural enzymes.

Optimal digestion is not just about the foods that you put into your body. It’s about absorbing the nutrients from the food that you eat. Taken with meals, digestive enzyme supplements can help you get the most out of your meals. Now that’s something to smile about.

By Dr. Sara Celik, ND

Renew Life’s DigestMORE plant-based digestive enzyme formula helps digestion, breaking down macronutrients like proteins into amino acids usable by the body. Digestive aids like DigestMORE help to reduce mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms which may occur with specific types of foods or when overeating.

About the Author: Dr. Sara Celik, ND

Dr. Sara Celik is a licensed naturopathic doctor and the spokesperson for Renew Life. She has over 15 years of experience in the wellness industry and her clinical focus is on gut health. Dr. Sara is committed to educating and inspiring Canadians. She has contributed to various magazine publications and television programs.