If you want to boost your digestive system’s health, many different types of supplements are available.
Most of these supplements are sold without a prescription. However, you should proceed with caution if you take these supplements. When combined with certain medications and other supplements, they may have unfavorable effects and are not advised.
To see whether a supplement is risk-free for you to take, visit the Medscape Interaction Checker. Typically, it is advised to gradually increase the dosage of digestive health supplements, starting with a modest amount. They function best when added as a supplement to an extensive gut healing program.
Digestive Enzymes that are Prescribed
Although numerous types of digestive enzymes are available, you should only use prescription drugs. OTC goods are exempt from regulation by the Food and Drug Administration. However, they may contain trace amounts of pollutants or active ingredients.
If you are unsure whether a certain enzyme supplement is right for you, it is recommended to consult your doctor. Contrary to over-the-counter medicines, prescription digestive enzymes come in various formulations and contain different amounts of each enzyme. Additionally, these enzymes are neither interchangeable nor bioequivalent in a therapeutic situation.
Natural Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are naturally developed by the body and are crucial for a meal’s efficient digestion. They break down food into tiny molecules so the small intestine can easily absorb it. A deficiency of digestive enzymes may cause food intolerance or gastrointestinal distress.
Your body can obtain digestive enzymes through food or supplements. One of the best sources of digestive enzymes is raw fruits and vegetables. However, temperature, pH, and chemical composition variations can hinder the production of digestive enzymes.
Effects of Digestive Enzymes
There could be a lot of unpleasant side effects from taking vitamins and digestive enzymes. Therefore, getting the right dosage for your unique needs is essential. Possible side effects include indigestion, bloating, gas, dependency, and constipation.
Additionally, there is a toxicity risk associated with enzyme supplements. Long-term use of digestive enzymes and supplements can potentially lead to dependence, which ignores the underlying issues.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a strong detoxifier that helps with toxin removal. It binds to things in the body through a chemical mechanism known as adsorption.
It can alleviate the symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and wind. Drinking water that has activated charcoal helps with quick detoxification and prevents constipation. You should not use this certain supplement in place of a balanced diet.
Cumin Seed
Fennel seed can be chewed as a digestive aid after each meal or added to oats or smoothies. Fennel seed-based supplements are a fantastic choice for constipation relief. Three or more capsules should be taken daily, ideally with food.
If you’re on a diet, talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement program. Fennel seed is a great remedy for constipation and controlling the body’s acidity.
Readily Available Digestive Enzymes
Over-the-counter digestive enzymes and supplements come in a variety of forms. However, various risks are associated with utilizing digestive enzymes and supplements. Some of them could cause constipation, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, or other unfavorable side effects.
In addition, there is no FDA-regulated standard for the products you purchase, so you should be cautious about what you buy. To ensure your safety, read the ingredients descriptions and dosage recommendations before using them. For best results, take digestive enzyme supplements with food.