What Are Digestive Enzymes?
Tummy Troubles – Your Digestive Enzyme Army Might Need Reinforcements
If you’ve ever felt crampy, heavy, or gassy after a bowl of pasta or that second cappuccino, you’re not alone. Around 1 in 5 Australians regularly experience digestive discomfort.
What many don’t realise is that the cause could be something as simple and natural as digestive enzyme-related discomfort.
This article will help you understand how your body processes food, why that process can slow down – and how to help restore balance.
What Are Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive enzymes are proteins your body produces to break down large food molecules into smaller nutrients it can absorb and use for energy, repair, and vitality.
Think of them as keys that unlock your food. Without the right key, food can ferment in your gut – leading to bloating, gas, indigestion, and fatigue.
Each enzyme is highly specific and works on only one type of nutrient.
Types of Digestive Enzymes
>Proteases
Break down proteins into amino acids for building and repairing muscles and tissues, producing other important enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function and metabolism.
- Animal-based proteins – meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, and dairy (casein and whey)
- Legume-based proteins – lentils, chickpeas, beans, and soy products like tofu and tempeh
- Grain and seed proteins – including gluten-containing grains like wheat, and protein-rich seeds
>Amylases
Convert complex carbohydrates into simple sugars that provide quick energy for the brain, muscles, and metabolism. These sugars are either used immediately or stored in the liver and muscles for later.
- Starchy staples – bread, pasta, rice, and root vegetables like potatoes
- Grains and legumes – oats, barley, wheat, beans, and lentils
- Starchy treats and fruits – bananas, plantains, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods
>Lipases
Dissolve fats (triglycerides) into fatty acids and glycerol for energy, hormone production, nutrient absorption, and support of cell membranes and nerves.
- Oils and spreads – olive oil, coconut oil, butter, margarine
- Whole food fats – nuts, seeds, avocado, and plant-based fats
- Animal-based fats – dairy (cream, cheese, full-fat milk), meat, poultry, and fatty fish; like salmon and sardines
>Lactase
Specifically digests lactose, the natural sugar in dairy products, into smaller sugars your body can absorb. Many people lose this enzyme after childhood, leading to dairy intolerance.
- Liquid dairy – cow’s milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk (goat and sheep milk are lower in lactose)
- Soft dairy foods – yoghurt, custard, cream cheese, ricotta, and ice cream
- Hidden sources – many processed foods, baked goods, and sauces may also contain hidden lactose (check labels)
>Cellulase
Is a plant- and microbe-derived enzyme that helps break down cellulose—the fibrous structure of plant cell walls used to feed your gut microbiome. While humans don’t naturally produce cellulase, it helps ease the digestion of high-fibre foods.
- Fibrous vegetables – broccoli, kale, cabbage, and other tough greens
- Skinned fruits and legumes – apples, pears, lentils, chickpeas, beans
- Grains, nuts, and seeds – wheat bran, oats, and fibre-rich seeds
Why Your Digestion Might Be Struggling
Why does Digestive Enzyme Production slow down or become insufficient?
Even if you eat well, your body might not produce enough enzymes. Here are some common reasons:
Ageing:
From your 40s onward, enzyme output naturally declines. This can lead to symptoms like bloating, indigestion, and even nutrient deficiencies.
Food Intolerances:
When your body lacks certain enzymes—like lactase for dairy or protease, amylase and cellulase for gluten—even healthy foods can trigger symptoms.
Highly Processed Diets:
Packaged and refined foods often lack natural enzymes, placing added strain on your digestive system. In Australia, over 40% of daily energy intake comes from ultra-processed foods—further lowering your enzyme support.
Nutrient-Depleted Food Supply:
Modern farming practices have reduced the natural enzyme and nutrient content of produce. In Australia, soil degradation affects large areas of agricultural land. You may not be getting as much digestive support from whole foods as you think.
Signs your digestion may need support
If these signs sound familiar after a meal, don’t ignore them. Your digestive enzyme army might need reinforcements:
- Bloating and abdominal distention
- Excess intestinal gas and flatulence
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- A lingering feeling of fullness
- Changes in bowel habits (loose stools or constipation)
- Fatigue or sluggishness post-meal
How Can Enzyme Support Help?
Digestive enzyme supplements may help your body break down food more efficiently, especially when taken before or with meals.
They can assist in:
- Aiding healthy digestion of trigger foods
- Reducing symptoms associated with food intolerances
- Support nutrient absorption and healthy digestion
Why Choose GutAid?
Whether you’re navigating food sensitivities or just want to feel more comfortable after meals, our pure plant-based enzyme formulas are here to help you reconnect with your body—gently and naturally.
GutAid offers a family of targeted, 100% natural plant-based enzyme supplements designed to support the body’s own enzymes for those who experience occasional symptoms associated with digestive discomfort:
Gut Relieve: Broad spectrum enzyme support for every day meals
Gluten Relieve: Aids digestion of ingredients commonly found in gluten-containing foods
Dairy Relieve: Helps breakdown ingredients commonly found in dairy products.
Please note that this article is not used to diagnose or treat specific conditions and is not to replace advice, treatment or consults with medical professionals. This is a helpful resource to educate and equip others to live a gut-healthy life. Full references available on request
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
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