Digestion Supplements

Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down food into smaller, absorbable components, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients. They are naturally produced in the digestive tract, primarily in the pancreas, stomach, and small intestine, but can also be supplemented to aid digestion.

Types of Digestive Enzymes:

Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars. It’s produced in the saliva and the pancreas.

Protease: Breaks down proteins into amino acids. It’s primarily produced in the stomach and pancreas.

Lipase: Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. It’s produced by the pancreas.

Lactase: Specifically breaks down lactose, the sugar found in dairy products, into glucose and galactose.

Cellulase: Helps break down cellulose, a type of fiber found in plant cell walls, though this is less commonly produced by the human body and is more often found in supplemental form.

How They Work:

Amylase: Begins the digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth, converting starches into sugars.

Protease: Acts in the stomach and small intestine, breaking down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Lipase: Works primarily in the small intestine to break down dietary fats into fatty acids and glycerol, which are then absorbed by the body.

Lactase: Breaks down lactose in the small intestine, preventing symptoms like bloating and diarrhoea associated with lactose intolerance.

When taken as a supplement, digestive enzymes can help those with enzyme deficiencies, such as people with lactose intolerance, pancreatic insufficiency, or certain other digestive disorders. They can also aid in digestion for those experiencing occasional bloating or indigestion.

Best Supplements for Digestion

For those seeking to improve digestion, several types of supplements can be particularly beneficial:

Digestive Enzymes:

Benefits: Supplementing with digestive enzymes can help break down food more efficiently, reducing symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas. They are particularly helpful for individuals with enzyme deficiencies or those eating meals high in fats, proteins, or carbohydrates.

Use: Often taken before meals to assist in the digestion of specific food groups.

Probiotics:

Benefits: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support gut health by balancing the microbiome, aiding digestion, and enhancing the immune response. They can help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhoea, and constipation.

Use: Daily use can help maintain a healthy gut flora, especially after antibiotic use or during periods of digestive distress.

Fiber Supplements:

Benefits: Fiber supplements, such as psyllium husk or inulin, support digestion by adding bulk to the stool, promoting regular bowel movements, and feeding beneficial gut bacteria.

Use: Ideal for those who struggle to get enough fiber in their diet or who suffer from irregular bowel movements.

Prebiotics:

Benefits: Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed probiotics, the beneficial bacteria in your gut. They help improve digestion and support overall gut health.

Use: Often combined with probiotics to enhance their effectiveness, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

Peppermint Oil:

Benefits: Peppermint oil has been shown to relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which can help relieve symptoms of IBS, such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

Use: Typically taken in enteric-coated capsules to prevent irritation of the stomach lining and ensure delivery to the intestines.

Ginger:

Benefits: Ginger is a natural digestive aid that helps reduce nausea, improve stomach emptying, and alleviate bloating and gas.

Use: Often taken as a supplement, tea, or in raw form to support digestion.

When looking for supplements specifically for gut health, it’s important to choose products that are well-regarded in the UK for their quality and effectiveness. Here are some general categories of supplements that are popular for supporting gut health:

Probiotics:

Benefits: Probiotics are the cornerstone of gut health supplements, as they help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. They can improve digestion, boost immune function, and reduce the symptoms of various digestive disorders.

Use: Look for multi-strain probiotic supplements with well-researched strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These are commonly available in health food stores and pharmacies across the UK.

Prebiotics:

Benefits: Prebiotics support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, enhancing the effects of probiotics. They are particularly useful for maintaining long-term gut health.

Use: Available in both standalone supplements and combined with probiotics (synbiotics), prebiotics can be found in powder, capsule, or tablet form.

Glutamine:

Benefits: Glutamine is an amino acid that plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the gut lining. It’s particularly helpful for those with leaky gut syndrome or other gastrointestinal issues.

Use: Glutamine supplements can be taken daily to support gut health, particularly for individuals recovering from digestive issues or intense physical activity.

Digestive Enzymes:

Benefits: For those with specific digestive issues, such as lactose intolerance or difficulty digesting certain foods, digestive enzyme supplements can provide targeted support.

Use: Commonly found in health food stores and pharmacies in the UK, these supplements are taken before meals to aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Aloe Vera:

Benefits: Aloe vera is soothing to the digestive tract and can help reduce inflammation, promote healing of the gut lining, and alleviate symptoms of IBS.

Use: Available in juice, gel, or capsule form, aloe vera supplements are popular for their soothing effects on the gut.

Turmeric/Curcumin:

Benefits: Turmeric, particularly its active component curcumin, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the gut, supporting overall digestive health.

Use: Often taken in capsule form with added black pepper extract (piperine) to enhance absorption, turmeric is widely available in the UK and can be beneficial for those with inflammatory gut conditions.