How It Works

Breaking food down into smaller molecules that the body can more easily absorb and use requires digestive enzymes.

However, refined foods and overcooked foods contain minimal, if any, enzymes, which can lead to less-than-optimal digestion and occasional digestive disturbances like bloating and gas.

Digestive enzymes bind with food particles to enhance the reactions necessary to turn solid foods into liquid solutions of nutrients to be absorbed in the intestinal tract and used by our cells.

Enzymes have the capacity to process food at an amazing rate, making digestion infinitely more efficient.

Protease

Protease is an enzyme that breaks down proteins, including milk proteins (caseins), into smaller proteins and amino acids. By aiding protein digestion, protease helps reduce bloating, gas, and other digestive discomforts that can occur, especially when eating high-protein meals or consuming a high-protein diet. Protease also helps increase nutrient absorption and supports the immune, circulatory and digestive systems.

Amylase

Amylase digests starches, converting complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. Amylase is secreted primarily by the pancreas and salivary glands.

Lipase

Lipase is the main enzyme that breaks down dietary fats (lipids) and oils. Lipase is also needed for absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Supplemental lipase is especially helpful for people who have difficulty digesting high-fat foods, including nuts. Lipase may help reduce gas, bloating, and fullness after eating a high-fat meal.

Cellulase

Cellulase helps the body break down the cellulose fiber in fruits and vegetables into glucose. Humans cannot naturally digest cellulose, which is why some people experience gas, bloating and other digestive issues when eating foods containg cellulose. Supplementing with cellulase enzymes can improve nutrient absorption from plant-based foods and help reduce stomach discomfort that can occur when the body has difficulty digesting sucrose.

Invertase

Invertase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates, particularly sucrose (table sugar). Invertase breaks down sucrose into simpler sugars (fructose and glucose), which are easier for the body to absorb and utilize. Undigested sugars that reach the large intestine can ferment and cause gas and bloating. Invertase can help reduce this discomfort when consuming sucrose and starchy foods.

Alpha-galactosidase

Beta-glucanase

Beta-glucanase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates known as beta-glucans that are found in cereal grains such as barley, oats, rye, and wheat.

Phytase

Beet Root Fiber

Red beet root, also referred to as just "red beet", has traditionally been used to promote glandular and liver health. Beets contain dietary fiber which enhances digestion, promotes the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria, and supports bowel regularity. Beets are also a rich source of dietary nitrates that support vascular health.

Caraway

The crescent-shaped seeds of caraway are actually the fruit of this plant. Caraway seeds have long been used for digestive issues like gas and bloating. Caraway also provides antioxidants. Its pungent anise-like flavor may be attributed to the active compounds limonene and carvone. According to the European Union Herbal Monograph, caraway is traditionally used for symptomatic relief of digestive problems such as gas and bloating.

Dandelion

Dandelion supports digestion and is reported to have tonic effects on the liver and gallbladder. Traditionally used as a liver tonic, dandelion contains polysaccharides that may support liver function and help detoxify the liver. Animal studies show that antioxidants found in dandelion root (including caffeic acid and luteolin) may help protect the liver and support healthy cholesterol levels.

Fennel

Fennel is an aromatic herb that helps soothe digestive disturbances and relax smooth muscles of the digestive and intestinal tract. Fennel is regarded as a traditional cleansing herb and is often used after eating to ease cramping, bloating and gas. Fennel seeds are rich in antioxidants and micronutrients such as selenium, which supports the immune system.

Gentian

Gentian root is known for its bitter taste and has been used traditionally to support the digestive system. Gentian root has been used in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. During the Middle Ages, gentian was used by Europeans as a digestive tonic to promote appetite and relieve stomach upset, nausea and gas. Gentian root stimulates the release of digestive fluids and bile. Gentian is also said to support liver and gallbladder function.

Ginger

Ginger has been used as both food and medicine in Asia for thousands of years. Traditionally, ginger has helped with a laundry list of complaints, including cold, fever, joint discomfort, aches, cramps, nervous system support, oral health, circulatory health, plus indigestion, gas, nausea and vomiting. Researchers have found that ginger may help settle the stomach during times of occasional nausea, motion sickness and morning sickness.