{"id":270872,"date":"2025-11-19T03:14:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T03:14:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/270872\/"},"modified":"2025-11-19T03:14:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T03:14:15","slug":"digestive-enzymes-work-best-at-this-time-of-day-say-gut-health-experts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/270872\/","title":{"rendered":"Digestive Enzymes Work Best at This Time of Day, Say Gut Health Experts"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you\u2019re one of the 70 million<\/a> Americans whose digestion is off, it\u2019s understandable to want to do what you can to turn things around quickly. Social media is packed<\/a> with posts from people who swear that taking digestive enzymes helps to keep them regular, reduce bloating, and even encourage weight loss. Those are some big claims for something as simple as taking a supplement.<\/p>\n

But most people aren\u2019t familiar with digestive enzymes, making it even harder to know if this is worth considering. Here\u2019s the deal: While digestive enzymes are a thing, they\u2019re typically only recommended for people with serious issues digesting food. Meaning, this isn\u2019t usually something a healthcare provider would suggest if, say, you\u2019re concerned about a little bloat after a big meal. <\/p>\n

Meet the experts: Rudolph Bedford, M.D.,<\/a> gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; Ashkan Farhadi, M.D.,<\/a> a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA<\/p>\n

If your doctor directly suggests trying these supplements, it\u2019s fair to wonder when is the best time to take digestive enzymes. Here\u2019s what gastroenterologists want you to know.<\/p>\n

What are digestive enzymes?<\/p>\n

Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down carbohydrates, proteins, sugars, and fats in your GI tract to make them easier to absorb from your small intestine, explains Rudolph Bedford, M.D.,<\/a> gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. \u201cThey are naturally produced by the body,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n

Some of these are made by the lining of the stomach, but the majority are made in the pancreas, says Ashkan Farhadi, M.D.,<\/a> a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. There is a range of digestive enzymes, and each works to break down specific macronutrients, he adds. <\/p>\n

That\u2019s what your body does naturally. But some people\u2019s bodies have trouble secreting certain digestive enzymes properly\u2014and that can lead to a food intolerance or be a sign of a disease, Dr. Bedford says. That\u2019s when prescription digestive enzymes or supplements may come into play. <\/p>\n

Types of digestive enzymes<\/p>\n

Your body produces five main digestive enzymes. Again, each targets something slightly different. Here\u2019s a breakdown, according to experts: <\/p>\n

Amylase: This enzyme focuses on breaking down carbs. Lactase: Lactase breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products. Lipase: This digestive enzyme breaks down fats. Protease: Protease breaks down proteins. Sucrase: This enzymes breaks down sucrose, a type of sugar found in foods like fruits and nuts.How digestive enzymes work<\/p>\n

At baseline, digestive enzymes help to break down the food and macronutrients that you ingest. For most people the pancreas naturally secretes digestive enzymes, allowing for the breakdown of the foods you eat so that you can absorb nutrients properly, Dr. Bedford explains. But if it\u2019s not naturally secreting certain enzymes like it should, you can wind up with bloating, stomach cramps, gas, and diarrhea, Dr. Bedford says. <\/p>\n

That\u2019s when some people will take digestive enzymes supplements. These help to mimic the work of natural enzymes your body would produce to break down those macronutrients we just mentioned. In the process, they can help lower the risk of having uncomfortable digestive issues. <\/p>\n

Who should take digestive enzymes?<\/p>\n

While some people are just putting themselves on digestive enzymes, it\u2019s best to do this under a healthcare provider\u2019s guidance. \u201cThey\u2019re not for everybody,\u201d Dr. Bedford says. \u201cThey really are for particular disease states.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to Dr. Bedford, those may include people with these conditions:<\/p>\n

Pancreatic insufficiency Pancreatic cysts Pancreatic cancer Diabetes Cystic fibrosis Pancreatic duct complications Lactose intolerance<\/p>\n

\u201cMany people take these because they believe they will improve their digestive system, but your body does a good job break down these enzymes unless you have a disease,\u201d Dr. Bedford says. <\/p>\n

When is the best time to take digestive enzymes?<\/p>\n

The best time to take digestive enzymes is usually within the first few bites of a meal, Dr. Bedford says. \u201cYou want the enzymes to be mixed in with the food as digestion begins,\u201d he says. (In the case of something like lactase, Dr. Bedford says you can take it right before you have a trigger, like a latte or ice cream.)<\/p>\n

There is no reason to take digestive enzymes outside of eating, though\u2014they are specifically designed to help support your digestion.<\/p>\n

Foods that contain digestive enzymes<\/p>\n

There are certain foods that naturally contain digestive enzymes. However, these are a little different from supplements, which are designed to have a slow release, Dr. Bedford explains . The digestive enzymes in food will often be broken down before they can help support your digestion. <\/p>\n

A few foods that contain digestive enzymes include papaya, kiwi, mango, avocado, figs, and pineapple. <\/p>\n

Potential side effects of digestive enzymes<\/p>\n

Again, you shouldn\u2019t blindly put yourself on digestive enzymes. If you go this route, Dr. Bedford says you can end up with constipation, along with nausea and diarrhea. <\/p>\n

When to see a doctor<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re dealing with digestive issues that don\u2019t go away after a few weeks, it\u2019s important to see a healthcare provider. They can give you a full evaluation to see what could be behind your symptoms. <\/p>\n

But Dr. Farhadi says there\u2019s no need to just put yourself on digestive enzymes. \u201cWe see a lot of people with simple indigestion who are consuming digestive enzymes,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n

Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.<\/p>\n

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