Unlocking the Power of Digestive Enzymes

In June of 2023, I underwent a procedure, and soon after, I began experiencing hives all over my body which were both itchy and painful. I noticed that everything I ate seemed to be rejected by my body. After conducting some research, I discovered that a lack of digestive enzymes could be a contributing factor to food intolerance during that time. I visited an allergy specialist to determine what was happening, but unfortunately, they could not provide me with a clear answer. However, they informed me that I now had 15 different allergens. This news left me feeling depressed and helpless, foods I once ate, my body no longer tolerated.  It was during my time in prayer, I asked God for wisdom and guidance. I was instructed to start taking digestive enzymes, pre-biotics, and pro-biotics consistently. Since then, I have not experienced any hives or allergic reactions to any of the foods that the allergist had identified. It has been two months now, and I am free of hives and allergens. I have been eating foods that I was told; I was once allergic to and have not experienced any symptoms since. Why am I sharing my story? I want to bring a level of understanding of the importance of digestive enzymes, in hopes of helping others avoid these painful, itchy hives.

Digestive enzymes play a crucial role in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from the food we consume. They are produced naturally by the body and are also available as supplements. Here are some of the key benefits of digestive enzymes:[i]

1.     Improved Digestion: Digestive enzymes help break down complex food molecules into smaller, more easily absorbable components such as sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids. This process aids in better digestion and nutrient absorption.

2.     Reduced Digestive Discomfort: For individuals with conditions like lactose intolerance or pancreatic insufficiency, supplementing with digestive enzymes can help alleviate symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea by aiding in the digestion of specific nutrients.

3.     Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: By assisting in the breakdown of food into its basic building blocks, digestive enzymes support optimal nutrient absorption. This can lead to improved overall health and well-being by ensuring that essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are effectively absorbed by the body.

4.     Support for Gut Health: Digestive enzymes may help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria by promoting efficient digestion and reducing the likelihood of undigested food particles causing imbalances in the gut microbiome.

5.     Alleviation of Food Sensitivities: Some individuals may experience food sensitivities due to difficulties in digesting certain foods. Supplementing with digestive enzymes can aid in the breakdown of these foods, potentially reducing sensitivity reactions.

6.     Assistance with Enzyme Deficiencies: In cases where the body does not produce enough digestive enzymes naturally, supplementation can help compensate for deficiencies and support proper digestion.

7.     Support for Aging Individuals: Natural enzyme production may decline as we age, leading to decreased digestive efficiency. Supplementing with digestive enzymes can help older individuals maintain optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.

[i] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/digestive-enzymes-and-digestive-enzyme-supplements