If you’re looking to enhance your digestive health, you have several supplement options to choose from. You can purchase many of these supplements over the counter. However, you must be careful when taking these supplements. They may have side effects and be contraindicated with certain medications and other supplements.
Before taking any supplement, check the Medscape Interaction Checker to determine if it’s safe. Usually, digestive health supplements are taken gradually, starting with a low dose and increasing over time. They work best when added to a more extensive gut healing regimen.
Prescription Digestive Enzymes
Although various digestive enzymes are on the market, you should only take prescription products. The Food and Drug Administration is in charge of them, whereas OTC products are not. In addition, they may contain impurities or low doses of active ingredients.
Your doctor is your best resource to determine whether or not you require an enzyme supplement. Unlike OTC products, prescription digestive enzymes come in different formulations and contain various enzyme concentrations. In addition, these types of enzymes are not bioequivalent or clinically interchangeable.
Over-the-Counter Digestive Enzymes
You can find a variety of over-the-counter digestive enzymes and supplements. However, there are many risks associated with digestive enzymes and supplements. Some can cause constipation, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, or other adverse effects.
In addition, there is no FDA-regulated standard for these products, so you should be careful about what you purchase. To ensure safety, read the ingredients and dosage before taking them. For best results, take digestive enzyme supplements with food.
Natural Digestive Enzymes
The human body produces naturally occurring digestive enzymes, which are crucial for healthy digestion. They break down food into smaller molecules easily absorbed through the small intestine. An inadequate number of digestive enzymes can lead to gastrointestinal distress or food intolerance.
Your body can obtain digestive enzymes from foods or supplements. Some of the best sources of digestive enzymes are raw fruits and vegetables. However, chemical, pH, and temperature changes can interfere with the production of digestive enzymes.
Side Effects of Digestive Enzymes
Taking digestive enzymes and supplements can cause a variety of side effects. Therefore, getting the proper dosage for your individual needs is essential. Side effects may include constipation, dependency, bloating, gas, and indigestion.
The use of enzyme supplements is also associated with a risk of toxicity. Moreover, long-term use of digestive enzymes and supplements can lead to dependency, which ignores underlying causes.
Activated Charcoal
Detoxifying agents like activated charcoal help eliminate harmful substances. Its chemical process of adsorption binds with elements in the body. It can reduce the symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, diarrhea, bloating, and wind. Drinking water with activated charcoal helps eliminate toxins quickly and helps prevent constipation. This supplement is not a replacement for a healthy diet.
Fennel Seed
To reap the digestive benefits of fennel seed, you can chew it after each meal or add it to granola or smoothies. Fennel seed supplements are also a good choice for relieving constipation. You should consume at least three capsules daily, preferably with a meal.
If you are on a diet, consult your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen. Fennel seed is a good choice for reducing constipation and balancing the acidity in the body.
