Are you looking for a way to step up your digestive health this new year? Upping your intake of digestive enzymes might be just what you are looking for. Our bodies naturally produce digestive enzymes that work to break down the substances we consume. However, a person’s body can struggle to produce or release the enzymes properly creating digestive ailments. Enzyme insufficiency produces symptoms such as bloating, excess gas, irregular bowel movements, and/or weight fluctuation.
Luckily, there are ways to increase your digestive enzyme intake which can help you best support your digestive process and avoid adverse issues. The best digestive enzymes can be taken in the form of vitamins for bloating, and can be found naturally in many different types of foods. Below, we break down the certain supplements and foods that can help support your body in breaking down the food you consume.
Supplements that Contain Digestive Enzymes and Why They Are Important
Our curated bloating supplement named Sexy & Slim was created with digestive enzyme support in mind. It contains a digestive enzyme complex consisting of a variety of digestive enzymes that work to help your body break down substances such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Each enzyme has a different responsibility. For example, bromelain — which can be found in pineapple — helps our bodies to digest protein. Bromelain is especially helpful for those who have a pancreas that struggles to produce enzymes on its own. Bromelain is also known for its inflammatory-reducing properties, which makes it a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.
With a digestive enzyme supplement such as Sexy & Slim, you can rest assured that your body is getting the support it needs in maintaining its enzyme levels in order for it to properly do its job. We recommend that Sexy & Slim be taken in the evening in order to wake up feeling refreshed and debloated for the new day ahead.
A digestive enzyme supplement can also help your body properly absorb nutrients from the food you are consuming. For example, if you are consuming high levels of protein in your diet, but do not have the proper enzymes to break it down, you could be missing out on nutrients the food has to offer.
Different Types of Foods That Contain Digestive Enzymes That You Should Add to Your Diet
Producing an insufficient amount of enzymes can really take a toll on one’s body, but luckily there are many foods that one can incorporate into their daily meals in order to boost their enzyme levels.
1. Kiwi
Kiwi may be small, but it contains high levels of beneficial nutrients that can bring your health to the next levels. It contains a protease enzyme called actinidin which helps your small intestine properly absorb protein and helps to break down any proteins you consume. In addition to its enzyme levels, kiwis contain fiber which can help to promote proper bowel movements. Kiwis also can help keep your immunity levels in check due to the amount of vitamin C they contain.
2. Ginger
Zingibain is another protease enzyme that helps to break down proteins and it can be found in ginger. Ginger, which is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, can be a great way to promote proper muscle contraction in one’s body. This will be especially helpful if you are experiencing constipation, because the ginger can help move along any waste or substances that might be sitting in the digestive tract. Given its versatile taste, ginger can easily be added to a variety of different meals, making it an easy way to get in that extra amount of enzymes.
3. Miso
Miso is already known for its digestive healing properties due to its probiotic nature, but did you know it also contains a host of different digestive enzymes? Due to its high levels of several different types of enzymes, miso is a great way to cover your bases when it comes to digestive health. Similarly to ginger, miso can be used in a variety of different ways in the kitchen including as a marinating paste for proteins, to make soup, and/or as a seasoning ingredient.
How To Minimize Any Adverse Effects That Are Caused by Digestive Enzyme Insufficiency
Aside from increasing your enzyme consumption through different foods and supplements, there are certain lifestyle habits that can be beneficial to alleviate digestive complications.
Ensuring you are properly hydrated is the first step to reducing digestive complications, because dehydration only further exacerbates any unwanted issues. Hydration does not have to come from only water, but can be a mix of water, tea, coffee, broth, and other types of fluid. However, it is important to remember that certain types of drinks like coffee can actually cause dehydration to the body, so it cannot be used independently to nourish the body.
Reducing your meal portion and instead increasing the amount of meals you consume can help relieve some of the stress off your body. When you are giving your body more time in between meals to properly digest the food, it allows your body the time it needs to do its job without feeling overwhelmed.
Exercising consistently can also help to promote proper digestion. Exercise can also reduce your stress levels, which can be negatively contributing to poor digestion. If you are looking for inspiration, low-impact exercises and high intensity interval training exercises are two forms of movement that gained popularity recently.
Lastly, it is important to avoid participating in activities that can cause more stress for your body. For example, consuming high levels of alcohol can cause inflammation, dehydration, and stress. These instances will create less than ideal circumstances for your body to properly work. If you are experiencing digestive ailments, it is best to stay away from alcohol and its potentially damaging effects.
While these lifestyle changes cannot solve the enzyme insufficiency issue, they can be beneficial in helping maintain a healthy body which is essential in achieving proper digestion.