If your Instagram is anything like mine, you’re likely being bombarded with digestive enzyme ads. And with big promises and excellent marketing, it is tempting to press buy – but before you do, let’s break down my approach to digestive enzymes, especially the time and place to use them, even in the most stubborn cases. 

My Take…

As we dig in, I first want to emphasize I am not & never will be “anti-digestive enzyme supplements” – especially for conditions like Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, or even chronic conditions of EPI.

BUT when it comes to IBS & chronic gut/ histamine issues I find my clients get better results when we skip over the digestive enzyme supplements & help their bodies make enzymes all by themselves. 

“Rebooting the system” if you will.

What exactly are digestive enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are needed to break down the protein, fats, and carbs you eat in your diet. The main 3 digestive enzymes in the body (amylase, lipase, protease) are made in the mouth and pancreas and are stimulated by food, saliva, & gastric hormones. 

We of course make other enzymes in the stomach, and we also make an additional enzyme called elastase in the pancreas. Elastase is primarily needed to break down proteins. If you’re not breaking down proteins well, the gut lining can become permeable (“leaky”) and proteins can sneak into the bloodstream & trigger an immune response.

👋🏼 Hello immune reaction.

👋🏼 Hello feeling like a ‘sensitive sally’

👋🏼 Hello food sensitivities

👋🏼 Hello gut symptoms 

👋🏼 Hello high histamine 

How do you know if you’re producing digestive enzymes?

You can test elastase output via a stool test to get clarity on if you are actually making digestive enzymes properly and, therefore if you are breaking down food properly. You want elastase numbers to be well over 750. 

If elastase is low – this doesn’t mean you need to supplement with digestive enzymes, but rather ask the question:  What’s preventing your body from making digestive enzymes all by itself? 

The three main root causes at play here are:

1. Mineral deficiencies
2. Not chewing your food well
3. Eating when in a stressed state (binging, frantic, distracted, eating quickly). 

The best news is, when you address the true root cause of why you are not making digestive enzymes properly – you can save money unnecessary supplements, AND you, my friend, have THE long-term solution to your symptoms.