From bloating and flatulence to heaviness and weight gain, we have all experienced the traditional symptoms that come along with not properly digesting our foods. Whether you're vegan, love your steak, or opt for a grain-free, paleo way of eating, adding one of the best digestive enzymes to your diet can immensely help you break down your food and absorb nutrients.
What are Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive enzymes are a vital part of our digestive system. Our body naturally makes them in order to help us break down our carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Without these enzymes, the nutrients in your food goes to waste.
But as we age, along with other factors such as stress and certain health conditions, our bodies sometimes have a harder time producing enough of these enzymes needed to assist in our daily food intake. This is where adding in one of the digestive enzyme supplements can come in handy.
How Do Digestive Enzyme Supplements Work?
Digestive enzymes take the place of our body's natural enzymes, helping to break down our macronutrients. Once these foods are broken down, our nutrients are absorbed into our bodies through the wall of the small intestine and then distributed through the bloodstream. Because they are meant to mimic our natural enzymes, the supplement must be taken before we eat. This way, they can work their magic as the food hits our stomach and small intestine. If we don't take them with our food, they won't be much use.
With all of the different products and brands on the market today, how are you supposed to know which one is right for you?
Here are our top picks for the best digestive enzyme supplements that you can get your hands on today.
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
HUM Nutrition - Flatter Me
This product is advertised for those who are looking to have a "flatter stomach." It includes 18 of the full spectrum enzymes your body needs to break down your macronutrients, as well as ginger, fennel, and peppermint. These herbs have been shown to help assist in the production of naturally occurring enzymes within our digestive tract. With this trio of herbs enhancing the added digestive enzymes within the supplement, your body will have a much easier time breaking down your meals; allowing you more comfort when eating, less bloating, and hopefully fewer digestive issues.
Aside from being showcased in some of the top media outlets in the health and wellness space, HUM Nutrition rings true to our product philosophies.
During their research and development process, the company collaborates with the top nutritionists and researchers in the country to help identify the highest-quality ingredients needed to deliver the best results for customers. The majority of HUM Nutrition's products are vegetarian and the company is actively working with suppliers to develop a plant-based option. This drive comes from science-backed research on the environmental effects and benefits of a vegan diet on our planet.
Mary Ruth’s - Digestive Food Enzymes
A completely plant-based formula, these digestive enzymes are targeting those with very specific chronic conditions or allergies. On the company's website, Mary Ruth's points out that its products are non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, nightshade-free, sugar-free, celiac-friendly, keto-friendly, and made in a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) facility.
This formula is also good to use if you take in lactose, as the added enzymes are built to be able to break down this hard-to-digest sugar.
We love that the company's main focus is on creating the highest-quality products using the fewest allergens possible. With the rise of chronic conditions in the Western world, providing health-enhancing supplements that will not contribute to already existing health conditions is vital.
Mary Ruth's offer a one-time order, or a subscribe and save for 10% off.
Solluna - Feel Good Digestive Enzymes
Right off the bat, this company puts an emphasis on the importance of absorbing your nutrients as best as possible. Whether you eat a perfect diet or have your cheat days often, making sure your body absorbs the nutrients it's being fed is imperative to your overall health. This plant-based supplement goes into the science behind why you may have a hard time digesting your food, even if you are eating a "perfect" diet.
These Feel Good Enzymes seem to be targeting those who follow an already plant-based diet, as this supplement will help break down fiber-rich foods, as well as hard-to-digest fats. With these and any of our other picks for best digestive enzymes, freeing up the energy you need to digest food will allow your body to focus on other aspects of health, resulting in higher amounts of mental clarity and immunity.
These digestive enzymes contain no milk, egg, fish, shellfish, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, yeast, gluten or preservatives.
The company offers a one-time order, or a subscribe and save for 10% off.
Takeaway
Being able to properly break down and digest your food is essential to your overall health and vitality. Absorbing your nutrients and passing your food is a part of the whole process of detoxification. If you find that you struggle with digestive issues, supplementing with one of the best digestive enzymes may be the thing that allows your body to heal and replenish itself.
We always recommend talking to your doctor about your current GI issues, potential causes, and whether an enzyme replacement is a good choice for you.
Madalyn Hughes has spent the majority of her professional career educating her clients and community on holistic nutrition and natural lifestyle modifications to enhance the quality of their lives. She has been educated as a Holistic Nutrition Practitioner and writing professionally for the past ten years. Madalyn currently lives in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with her husband and three daughters where she works as a nutrition consultant, as well as a freelance nutrition writer.
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