What are the Side Effects of Digestive Enzymes?
The side effects of digestive enzymes are
generally mild and temporary. The use of these types of enzymes diet can be very
useful for people who may have difficulties in breaking down proteins,
carbohydrates, and fats or have trouble properly absorbing nutrients from foods.
Although the side effects of digestive enzymes are often mild,
there are some other effects and possible drug interactions to be aware of.
Absorb Nutrients
Digestive enzymes are absolutely essential to
life. Digestive enzymes allow the human body to absorb nutrients from foods.
These enzymes are normally secreted from the pancreas. The enzymes work as
catalysts to the cell processes that break down proteins. In order for any
chemical process in the human body to take place, enzymes must first lower the
amount of energy it takes to start the process. By lowering the activation
energy required to begin the chemical process, enzymes allow each process to
occur an extremely elevated rate. Without these enzymes, chemical processes
would be too slow to have any effect. So, without enzymes, the human body would
not be able to sustain any life.
Digestive
chemical processes
When many different types of enzymes work
together to create a succession of chemical processes, it is called a metabolic
pathway. The digestive tract is an example of such a metabolic pathway. Many
different types of enzymes, each specifically designed to start chemical
processes in certain cell types, work together to start each chemical process
that allows the digestive tract of the human body to break down proteins and
absorb nutrients. This digestive process begins in the mouth and travels all
the way to the end of the digestive tract. Any problems with these digestive
enzymes can lead to digestive conditions and difficulties in obtaining
sufficient amounts of nutrients from foods. Artificial digestive enzymes can be
prescribed for people with digestive difficulties to aid in the digestion
process.
There are three types of digestive enzymes, Amylases break down carbohydrates, and Lipases break down fats and the Proteolytic enzymes digest proteins. A health care professional can prescribe digestive enzymes to help anyone who may have a type of disorder that limits their body’s ability to absorb nutrients. This can include problems like pancreatic cancer, Charon’s disease, and Celiac disease. Because these enzymes alter the body’s function they often have side effects. These side effects are often seen in the first few days of taking them. Most of these are temporary and are digestive tract and stomach related. Side effects of digestive enzymes may include stomach pain, nausea, appetite problems, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Other side effects may involve other parts of the body in forms such as headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
It is important to report side effects to the
prescribing doctor to make sure there is no sign symptom of a more serious problem
and to make sure that the problems do not get any worse. Another common side
effect of these types of enzymes can be a reduction of natural lipases. This
occurs because the enzymes destroy them. This can result in difficulty in
breaking down fats. There may also be some negative drug interactions. People
taking any form of anticoagulants should be especially careful. Many forms of
these digestive enzymes are for sale as over the counter supplements or
medications. As with any form of supplements or medical prescriptions, it is
important to discuss the risks and rewards with a health care professional. The
proper dosage of digestive enzymes is important, as is the specific types of
digestive supplements that should be used. This is another important reason to
consult with your doctor. Digestive enzymes are generally a safe way to help
the body break down foods and absorb nutrients.
