“It doesn’t agree with me” is a common phrase we hear from folks as they age. Unfortunately, this common cliché can deflect the cause of an intolerance to food when the problem may be a shortage of digestive enzymes.

Whether it’s corn, beans, onions, garlic, red meat, or any member of the cruciferous group of foods—which includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower—narrowing your range of nutrient- and fibre-rich foods due to digestive concerns can compromise many aspects of your health. Indeed, even the avoidance of spices such as curry, black pepper, ginger, and chili due to acid reflux (heartburn) can deny your health many digestive, metabolic, and inflammatory benefits, not to mention flavour.

Gas, bloating, reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and irregularity can all share the impairment of digestive-enzyme production as contributing factors. Pancreatic insufficiency (often age-related) is a common cause of incomplete digestion. The pancreas is the most critical of digestive organs, with production more than a litre per day of enzymes that specialize in the breakdown of proteins (protease), carbohydrates (amylase), and fats (lipase). Supplementation with pancreatic enzymes of animal origin supports the production of this trio of enzymes as an excellent therapeutic option for digestive support.

Here’s an overview of several other compounds to look for in a comprehensive digestive aid. Betaine hydrochloride is a critical compound to support often age-related reduction of production of hydrochloric acid within specialized cells of stomach walls. This acidic environment initiates protein digestion and neutralizes harmful bacteria. The maintenance of a pH level hovering around 1.5 to 3.5 is ideal to keep harmful bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori in check. Pepsin A is a proteolytic enzyme that works synergistically with stomach acids to initiate protein breakdown to get the most out of meat-sourced protein. Ox bile is sought-after to amplify the liver’s supply of bile for natural assistance breaking down stubborn fats that can lead to bloating and discomfort. Papain, sourced from papaya fruit, assists in the breakdown and assimilation of stubborn proteins that, left undigested, can contribute to inflammation and food intolerances. Bromelain is another powerful proteolytic enzyme; it’s a naturally occurring enzyme present in the fibrous core of pineapples.

With the exception of wisdom, the latter years of life witness a decline in every aspect of health and vigour. The importance of eating a broad range of food further correlates with a diverse probiotic population within our digestive tract. Addressing digestive challenges with supplementation can deliver benefits in addition to averting a sore stomach, gas, or bloating. It can elevate long-term nutrient status, immune performance, energy levels, and—last but not least—looking forward to culinary adventures that can truly enhance your quality of life.

Nutrition plays a critical role in healthy aging. Could you benefit from a digestive enzyme?

About the Author: New Roots Herbal

New Roots Herbal is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality natural health products. Their goal is to provide quality of life enhancing products to everyone. Their focus lies in quality, consistency, effectiveness, and a devotion to ethical standards. All raw materials that enter their facility are tested three times over, and these tests are conducted at their state-of-the-art 3400 sq. ft. laboratory staffed with 22 scientists.