As we get older, our bodies undergo many changes. Some are visible, and some are felt! One condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), affects about 23% of elderly people, according to the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Improving these conditions may require a multi-pronged approach. One option is to take digestive enzymes, which can provide digestive health benefits. However, you may wonder, how long does it take for digestive enzymes to work?
In this post, we'll explore what digestive enzyme supplements are, what they can treat, and how quickly you can gain benefits from taking them.
Our bodies naturally produce digestive enzymes made from proteins. They work to break down food and help us digest it properly. Digestive enzymes ensure that we gain the full benefit of our food, allowing the body access to nutrients that give it energy, enable it to repair itself, and keep vital functions running.
Digestion begins the moment we see or smell food! The salivary glands in our mouths secrete enzymes, including amylase. As soon as we put food into our mouths, these enzymes work on breaking down starches and fats.
As we chew food, it becomes ready to enter the esophagus. Once it reaches the stomach, more digestive enzymes kick in.
Several organs are involved in the production of digestive enzymes. These include the following:
They fall into five main categories:
Working together, these enzymes help our bodies to stay healthy and strong. Enzymes also make the process of digestion comfortable and help us to have stools that are healthy and easy to pass. The challenge is that as we get older, things can start to change.
With age, the individual parts of our digestive system may not work as well as they did when we were younger. It may take food longer to pass through the digestive system.
One study published in Digestion examined pancreatic exocrine secretions in 180 patients between the ages of 16 and 83. It found that pancreatic secretions reduce as we age. In short, the older we get, the fewer digestive enzymes we may produce.
This means that seniors with digestive issues may benefit from supplementing with natural digestive remedies that include enzymes.
However, before starting any course of treatment, it is a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. They know your medical history and can discuss whether they are right for you. They can also advise you when choosing enzyme supplements.
If you are struggling with digestive discomfort, there could be many conditions at play. It is vital to talk to your healthcare provider before deciding on a course of treatment. It is possible that they are caused by a lack of digestive enzymes, or they may be symptoms of other issues.
Digestive enzyme insufficiency can cause:
Some causes of digestive enzyme insufficiency are genetic but can also develop due to certain illnesses and surgeries. These include:
If you have had any of these issues, your doctor is likely to talk to you about digestive enzyme supplement benefits and start you on them. However, if you have not yet had this conversation, it may be good to reach out and discuss the best supplements for digestion to help you feel comfortable again.
You may have read that fruits such as pineapple and avocado are packed with enzymes, and that's true. And there is no substitute for a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. However, the evidence is weak that these help digestive processes in the body.
If you have digestive enzyme insufficiency, supplements are the best way to get the enzymes you lack. There are a lot of varieties on the market, and many people say they help them feel better. However, there is one important caveat.
Unlike medications, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate natural digestive remedies. Product manufacturers do not have to prove that they are effective. However, this does not mean that they don't help.
The safest course is to do your research, talk to your doctor, and then make the right decision for your condition.
When evaluating natural digestive remedies, look for the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) seal. This is the only body that evaluates the safety of supplements on sale in the US. If it has the NSF seal, you know it has been tested for contaminants and only contains the ingredients it claims to.
Also, carefully read the label and do not exceed the stated dose.
If you choose the right digestive enzyme supplement for your needs, it should get to work right away! You take it before your meal, and it immediately supports your body's natural digestive process. You should start to feel the digestive health benefits of enzymes in the first few days after taking them.
Digestive enzyme supplements could significantly improve your quality of life. If you do not feel any different after a few days, talk to your doctor. They may recommend trying a different supplement or investigating other causes of your digestive issues.
We hope you've found this rundown of digestive enzymes helping. The answer to the question "How long does it take for digestive enzymes to work?" can give you hope! If your body needs extra digestive enzymes, your symptoms could improve in a few days.
At Barnes Place Personal Care, we can help you manage your medication and enjoy delicious meals that provide the nutrition you need. We take care of all your personal care needs so you can get on with enjoying life! Our activity calendar ensures there's always something fun to get involved with.
Arrange to visit us in Latrobe, PA, to see for yourself what life is like at Barnes Place!