What They Are

• Proteins that help break down food into nutrients
• Essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption
• Naturally made by the body, but often insufficient with gut dysfunction

When to Use Them

• Bloating, gas, or fullness after meals
• Undigested food in stools
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Low stomach acid or sluggish bile
• Gut healing (IBS, SIBO, leaky gut)
• Stress, aging, or post-antibiotic support

Common Digestive Enzymes

• Protease – Breaks down protein
• Peptidase – Further breaks down protein fragments
• Lipase – Breaks down fats
• Amylase – Breaks down starches
• Lactase – Breaks down milk sugar (lactose)
• Sucrase – Breaks down table sugar (sucrose)
• Maltase – Breaks down grain sugars (maltose)
• Cellulase – Assists in fiber digestion