Introduction

Enzymes are remarkable proteins that play an essential role in our digestion, acting as the unsung heroes we often overlook. They skillfully break down the foods we eat, turning nutrients into the vital fuel that energizes our bodies.

It’s true that our natural production of enzymes may decrease with age or health challenges. This situation presents an excellent opportunity for us to explore ways to support our digestive health. By understanding these amazing proteins, we can enhance our digestion. We improve nutrient absorption. This paves the way for a vibrant life full of vitality!

Digestive enzymes can provide valuable relief for many, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding the potential risks and interactions ensures a safer and more beneficial experience.

Cautions and Considerations When Taking Enzyme Supplements

While digestive enzyme supplements can offer significant benefits for those with digestive issues, they aren’t suitable for everyone. Taking them without proper guidance may result in adverse effects. Before buying or taking any enzyme supplements, check out this ENZYME CAUTION blog, especially if:

• You Take Prescriptions or
• You have any of the digestive problems listed below.

Depending on the condition and severity, care must be taken when implementing enzymes into your diet style. Here is a list of conditions that can be helped with enzymes, but you need to read this blog to learn to read the labels and know which enzymes to avoid if you have any of these conditions:

• bloating, gas, digestive sluggishness,
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),
• Crohn’s disease,
• ulcerative colitis,
• lactose intolerance,
• leaky gut syndrome, and/or
• food or other allergies

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Below is a list of different enzymes and what they do, their daily dose and food sources. When supplementing, Dao Life Lunar Calendar recommends using food sources first. If you need more than what you can get in food, you can use supplements in pill or powder form. This ensures you are getting enough of what you need.

If supplementing, use naturally sourced, food-grade enzymes. Safe sources to buy is included below. Here’s a breakdown of the most common enzymes, how much you need and what foods provide it.

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Common Enzymes, Sources and Daily Doses

• Protease
  • Daily Dose: 10,000 – 75,000 HUT (Hemoglobin Unit on Tyrosine basis)
  • What It Does: Breaks down proteins into amino acids for easier absorption.
  • Conditions It Helps: Digestive issues, inflammation, immune function, muscle recovery.
  • Food Sources:
    • Pineapple: ~2 oz provides ~60 HUT
    • Papaya: ~1 medium papaya offers ~10,000 HUT
  • Cautions: Gastrointestinal Disorders (Peptic Ulcers, Gastritis, IBD), Pancreatic Issues (Chronic Pancreatitis) and those on Antibiotics (like Amoxicillin or Ciprofloxacin)

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• Bromelain (from Pineapple)
  • Daily Dose: 200 – 1,000 mg (standardized extract)
  • What It Does: Aids in protein digestion, reduces inflammation, and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.
  • Conditions It Helps: Digestive issues, arthritis, sinusitis, muscle soreness, wound healing.
  • Food Sources:
    • Pineapple: 1 cup fresh pineapple provides ~80 mg bromelain
    • Pineapple juice: 1 cup offers ~40 mg bromelain
  • Caution: Gastrointestinal Disorders (Peptic Ulcers, Gastritis, IBD) & Allergies

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• Lipase
  • Daily Dose: 6,000 – 24,000 FIP (Federation Internationale Pharmaceutique units)
  • What It Does: Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol for better absorption.
  • Conditions It Helps: Fat malabsorption, pancreatitis, gallbladder issues.
  • Food Sources:
    • Avocado: 1 medium offers ~2,000 FIP
    • Raw nuts (e.g., almonds): 1 oz provides ~500 FIP
  • Caution: Pancreatic Issues (Chronic Pancreatitis)

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• Amylase
  • Daily Dose: 10,000 – 50,000 DU (Dextrinizing Units)
  • What It Does: Breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars for energy.
  • Conditions It Helps: Digestive discomfort, carbohydrate intolerance, blood sugar regulation.
  • Food Sources:
    • Bananas: 1 medium banana has ~500 DU
    • Sweet potatoes: 1 cup cooked offers ~300 DU
  • Cautions: Anti-diabetic Medications (Metformin, Insulin)

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• Pectinase
  • Daily Dose: 250 – 1,000 Endo-PGU units
  • What It Does: Breaks down pectin found in fruits, making them easier to digest and enhancing nutrient absorption.
  • Conditions It Helps: Gut health, bloating, fruit intolerance.
  • Food Sources:
    • Apples: 1 medium apple provides ~20 Endo-PGU
    • Citrus fruits (e.g., oranges): 1 medium orange offers ~15 Endo-PGU

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• Cellulase
  • Daily Dose: 500 – 1,000 CU (Cellulase Units)
  • What It Does: Breaks down fiber (cellulose) in plant foods, promoting gut health.
  • Conditions It Helps: Bloating, IBS, enhancing nutrient absorption from plant-based foods.
  • Food Sources:
    • Broccoli: 1 cup cooked has ~100 CU
    • Kale: 1 cup raw provides ~80 CU

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• Lactase
  • Daily Dose: 3,000 – 9,000 ALU (Acid Lactase Units)
  • What It Does: Breaks down lactose in dairy products, reducing symptoms of lactose intolerance.
  • Conditions It Helps: Lactose intolerance, digestive issues, bloating.
  • Food Sources:
    • Kefir: 1 cup offers ~300 ALU
    • Aged cheese (e.g., cheddar): 1 oz has ~150 ALU

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If you need to supplement your enzymes, check this list. Having a lack of food sourced enzymes in your diet style, might require additional enzyme supplements.

Top 5 Food-Grade Enzyme Supplements (with Links)

Here are five highly recommended enzyme formulas for extra supplementation when food sources are inadequate in your daily menus.

1. Pure Synergy Enzyme Power™
   • Description: 100% organic, non-GMO, food-grade enzyme formula. Includes a blend of protease, amylase, lipase, bromelain, and cellulase sourced from organic foods.
   • Benefits: Supports digestion of proteins, fats, carbs, and fibers.
   • Link to Purchase
2. MaryRuth Organics Digestive Enzymes
   • Description: Vegan, organic formula containing bromelain, papain, amylase, and lactase derived from pineapple, papaya, and other whole foods. Non-GMO and free from artificial additives.
   • Benefits: Aids in reducing bloating, gas, and indigestion while enhancing nutrient absorption.
   • Link to Purchase
3. Garden of Life Organic Digest+
   • Description: USDA organic, non-GMO certified, food-grade enzyme blend with added probiotics. Includes amylase, protease, lactase, and lipase.
   • Benefits: Promotes healthy digestion and gut flora balance, ideal for those with dairy or gluten sensitivities.
   • Link to Purchase
4. Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes Ultra with Betaine HCl
   • Description: vegetarian supplement. It is designed to support the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fibers, and dairy products. It combines a high-strength blend of digestive enzymes with betaine HCl. This combination promotes optimal nutrient absorption. It also maintains healthy gastric pH levels.
   • Benefits: Enhances digestion of various macronutrients, supports nutrient bioavailability and absorption, helps maintain optimal gastric pH.
   • Link to Purchase
5. Dr. Mercola Full Spectrum Enzymes
   • Description: A food-derived enzyme formula that includes protease, lipase, and amylase from non-GMO, organic sources. Free of artificial ingredients and nanoparticles.
   • Benefits: Supports full-spectrum digestion, helping alleviate symptoms of digestive discomfort, particularly after heavy meals.
   • Link to Purchase

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These enzyme supplements are perfect for individuals who want natural support for their digestive health after reading about the cautions here. They offer the added assurance of being free from artificial additives and harmful chemicals.

Conclusion

Adding high-quality digestive enzyme supplements can be a game-changer for those struggling with digestive issues. These enzymes can alleviate symptoms like bloating, gas, and indigestion. They also help with chronic conditions like IBS, Crohn’s disease, and food intolerances. Natural and organic enzyme formulas come directly from food sources. They are the best option. The body more easily recognizes and utilizes them. Investing in clean, non-GMO, food-grade enzymes ensures that you’re supporting your digestive health without compromising on quality.

Make sure you check the cautions here before you buy to adjust to your medical needs.