Got Indigestion?

Indigestion. The inability to digest.

More than any other issues, people ask me about their digestion problems. Reflux, gas, bloating, heartburn all point to weak gastric juices, not enough stomach acid, and just not chewing the food enough. For these types of complaints, I often recommend digestive enzymes.

Digestive enzymes are secreted by the body to break down food. They start at the beginning of digestion, the mouth, and are secreted along the digestive route. Many people lack the necessary enzymes to adequately break down their food. This not only causes digestive issues but it can leave you malnourished.

Eating foods that support your body's natural functioning is always best. Many foods boost enzyme production or contain enzymes themselves. See the list of NATURAL SOURCES for foods that can be eaten at the beginning of a meal, to help break down your food.

• If you choose a digestive enzyme supplement, here's what to look for:

• If you have low stomach acid, and most people do, choose a supplement with betaine HCL and pepsin. (see Stomach Acid - Too much or not enough)

• If you have trouble digesting fat or have gallbladder pain after you eat, choose a supplement with bile salts or bile acids like ox bile and lipase.

• If you have trouble digesting dairy products, choose a supplement with lactase.

• If you have problems digesting protein, or if you have an autoimmune disease, choose a supplement with protease.

• Supplements with herbs like ginger, peppermint, papaya, etc. help support digestion.

  (adapted from draxe.com, Digestive Enzymes, Benefits, Types, and How They Work)

Drugs That Deplete Digestive Enzymes

Avoid these like your health depends on it because it does.

• Acid-reducing medications delay the release of hydrochloric acid and inhibit the absorption of B12, folate, zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium

• Antibiotics reduce "good" bacteria in the gut causing deficiencies in B vitamins, potassium, and biotin; hinders absorption of calcium, zinc, magnesium, and iron when taken together; hinders production of vitamin K, which is made by the "good" bacteria

  
  

Benefits of Digestive Enzymes

• Improves digestion

• Increases nutrient absorption

• Increases energy

• Improves immunity

Symptoms of Digestive Enzyme Deficiency

• Bloating

• Brain fog

• Cravings

• Diarrhea

• Gas

• Hair loss

• Joint pain

• Migraines

• Mood swings

• Morning fatigue

• Muscle weakness

• Oily stools

• Reflux

• Thyroid problems

Causes of Digestive Enzyme Deficiency

• Age

• Liver congestion

• Low stomach acid

• Pancreas problems

• Pharmaceutical drugs

• Processed foods

• Stress

Natural Sources of Digestive Enzymes

Eat these at the beginning of the meal to help breakdown your food.

• Pineapple

• Apple Cider Vinegar

• Sauerkraut

• Papaya

• Kefir

• Bananas

• Raw honey

• Raw coconut

• Kiwi

• Avocado

• Kimchi

• Kiwi

Caution

If you choose to take a digestive enzyme supplement, always follow the instructions on the bottle. Taking too much can cause side effects like nausea, gas, diarrhea, etc.

My Favorite Product

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Resources

1. Digestive enzymes: benefits, types and how they work - Dr. Axe. (2025b, May 30). Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/nutrition/digestive-enzymes/

2. Digestive enzymes and digestive enzyme supplements. (2024b, June 20). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/digestive-enzymes-and-digestive-enzyme-supplements

3. Pandol, S. J. (2010). Digestive enzymes. The Exocrine Pancreas - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK54127/

4. Visen, A., Visen, S., Sharma, A., & K.S. Visen, P. (2021). Genesis of Nutraceuticals [ScienceDirect.com]. In Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals in Metabolic and Non-Communicable Diseases. Academic Press. https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128198155/functional-foods-and-nutraceuticals-in-metabolic-and-non-communicable-diseases#book-description