7 Benefits Of Digestive Enzymes: Support Your Gut, Heart & More*

Digestive enzymes play a crucial role in our overall digestive health, primarily by aiding in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from the foods we consume. While our bodies naturally produce these enzymes, a number of factors (like age and certain digestive conditions) can impact how many the gut has to work with. This is where digestive enzyme supplements come into play. 

In this article, we'll explore the benefits of digestive enzymes, from supporting optimal digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health to modulating healthy inflammatory and immune responses.*

Digestive enzymes are compounds produced by the body that help break down food into smaller, more easily absorbable molecules. Each type of enzyme targets a specific type of nutrient, facilitating its digestion and absorption.

These enzymes are primarily produced endogenously throughout the digestive system (i.e., in the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine), but can also be taken as a supplement for further digestive support. They help the body effectively utilize nutrients for energy, growth, and overall functioning.*

"Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down food macromolecules into their smaller building blocks, in order to facilitate their absorption into the body through the gut lining," digestive health expert Vincent Pedre, M.D. previously told mindbodygreen. "The body makes a variety of digestive enzymes, from amylase in saliva to proteases in the stomach to lipase in the small intestine."

Without adequate levels of these critical digestive enzymes, your gut will have a tougher time properly absorbing the nutrients your body needs. You may also experience GI health issues, such as stomach upset.

As the name suggests, digestive enzymes can help with a number of digestive functions. In a 2013 randomized controlled trial (RCT) from Neuroendocrinology Letters, papain (papaya) supplements were found to help maintain healthy digestive tract physiology2, significantly reduce bloat, and even promote healthy elimination. 

Intestinal barrier integrity and healthy gut microbiota are critical components of digestion, as they majorly impact the absorption of key nutrients in the gut. 

One of the more surprising benefits of digestive enzymes is their potential role in regulating healthy inflammatory actions.* 

According to a 2016 Biomedical Reports review, bromelain has been found to activate inflammatory mediators5 (including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in both animal and human studies and help modulate a healthy inflammatory response.

Given the gut’s impact on immune function, it’s less surprising that digestive enzymes also play a role in maintaining a healthy immune system.*

Preclinical studies present promising actions in digestive enzymes' ability to promote healthy cardiometabolic function.* In a 2021 study published by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, papain was found to markedly reduce serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels6 in mice.

In older studies, digestive enzymes have also been shown to help promote healthy muscle recovery following strenuous exercise.* 

In a 2009 RCT published by Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, protease supplementation was found to help promote muscle strength and function7 after eccentric exercise, thanks to its role in modulating healthy inflammatory activity.*

The body produces its own digestive enzymes, which are secreted by various organs in the digestive system. For example, salivary glands release amylase to initiate carbohydrate digestion, while the pancreas produces enzymes like amylase, lipase, and protease to further break down food in the small intestine. The small intestine also produces enzymes like lactase to digest lactose.

For further digestive support, some individuals may opt for digestive enzyme supplements, which are available in various forms and formulations and often contain a combination of enzymes to support the breakdown of macronutrients.*

mindbodygreen’s very own organic veggies+ powder delivers a blend of digestive enzymes (protease, amylase, glucoamylase, invertase, diastase, and lipase), as well as sea vegetables, leafy greens, berries, herbs, and pre- and probiotics to aid digestion and nutrient absorption and promote a healthy gut microbiome.*

Digestive enzymes are a vital component of optimal gut health and function. While the body makes the digestive enzymes it needs endogenously, some people need a little extra help via food and/or a high-quality supplement (like mindbodygreen’s organic veggies+) to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and digestive well-being.* 

But remember, digestive enzymes are not a substitute for addressing the root cause of digestive issues. Rather, they’re meant to complement a balanced diet, proper hydration, regular physical activity, and other measures for optimal digestion.