A woman has revealed the significant health improvements she experienced after incorporating a specific supplement into her daily diet. Taking to TikTok, content creator revealed what she's been taking to boost her wellbeing and physique.

"I've NEVER been in better shape than I am now," she exclaimed. "What I did was simple! I added this to my daily routine. You're welcome, ladies." She then showcased a bottle of digestive enzymes to the camera.

Digestive enzymes are proteins that play a critical role in breaking down food into smaller molecules, enabling easier nutrient absorption and digestion. They ensure your body effectively utilises the nutrients from food for energy, growth, and cellular repair.

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Good digestion plays a crucial role in overall health. It helps your body effectively break down food into essential nutrients, which are vital for energy production, growth, and cell repair. Digestion is the process through which your body obtains the necessary vitamins and minerals from the food you consume, enabling you to function at your best and be as healthy as possible.

While the body naturally produces these enzymes, they can also be found in certain foods. Digestive enzymes are primarily secreted by the pancreas, stomach, liver, and small intestine, which are essential organs for digestive health, reports .

• Lipase: This enzyme helps to decompose fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
• Sucrase: It breaks down sucrose, the sugar commonly found in table sugar, into fructose and glucose.
• Protease: This enzyme is responsible for breaking proteins down into amino acids.
• Amylase: It works to convert carbohydrates, such as starch, into sugars.
• Lactase This enzyme breaks down lactose, the sugar present in milk.

However, some individuals experience a deficiency in these necessary enzymes or have issues with their natural production, leading to difficulties in breaking down certain foods and missing out on vital nutrients. Types of digestive enzymes include the following:

A deficiency in digestive enzymes can lead to malnutrition or irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. Several symptoms to look out for include:

• Belly pain or cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Yellow, greasy stools that float
• Foul-smelling stools
• Gas

If these persist, it's crucial to seek medical advice, as they could indicate gut irritation or a more serious problem. To manage symptoms, try eating less dairy and consider purchasing lactose-free food and drink.

Also, avoid processed and heavily refined foods and follow a diet rich in whole plant-based foods, Enzyme supplements may also help alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders, but always consult your doctor before adding them to your diet.

Research into digestive enzymes suggests that taking supplements can improve digestion and help manage certain health conditions. Furthermore, these studies show that a lack of digestive enzymes can result in dyspepsia - commonly known as indigestion or an upset stomach.

In , results have shown that digestive enzyme supplements can aid in breaking down food, thus enhancing digestion. have indicated that digestive enzyme supplements may help manage symptoms of celiac disease (CD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

have shown that digestive enzyme supplements may enhance digestion in individuals who have undergone a small bowel resection. However, further research is required to back up these claims.

Many people turn to over-the-counter digestive enzyme supplements to help with problems like acid reflux, gas, bloating, and diarrhoea. These supplements often contain enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and protease.

Some also include lactase and alpha-galactosidase, which the body does not naturally produce, even in healthy individuals without enzyme deficiencies. Alpha-galactosidase helps break down a type of non-absorbable fibre known as galactooligosaccharides (GOS), mainly found in beans, root vegetables, and certain dairy products.

While GOS is known for its health benefits, it can cause gas and bloating in some people. The most effective digestive enzymes are those our bodies naturally produce and work best when we eat a diet rich in whole foods, such as:

• Honey , particularly the raw variety, contains enzymes like amylase and protease.
• Mangoes and bananas are rich in amylase, which aids in the ripening of these fruits.
• Papaya features a specific protease known as papain.
• Avocados are a source of the digestive enzyme lipase.
• Sauerkraut , which is fermented cabbage, acquires digestive enzymes through the fermentation process.

Some conditions or medical treatments that can lead to pancreatic enzyme insufficiency include diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, gastrointestinal surgeries, pancreatic cancer or any condition that affects your pancreas. People diagnosed with enzyme deficiencies usually need prescription digestive enzymes. Your doctor may ask for a stool sample to check for a deficiency.

Constipation is the most common side effect of digestive enzyme replacements. Other, less frequent issues might include nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.

If you're grappling with persistent gut problems or displaying signs of EPI, it's crucial to seek medical advice without delay. You may not be soaking up all the vital nutrients required for your general health.