Can Digestive Enzymes Make SIBO Worse?
When it comes to dealing with Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), the journey can be as complex as a maze. From navigating the world of herbal antibiotics versus prescribed medicines, to experimenting with prokinetics and probiotics, managing SIBO can feel like an overwhelming task. One crucial component that often gets overlooked in this labyrinth of treatments is a simple but potent supplement - digestive enzymes. In this article, we discuss whether digestive enzymes can make SIBO worse, and how to use them effectively.
Digestive Enzymes: A Brief Overview
Digestive enzymes act as catalysts that assist our bodies in breaking down the food we consume into absorbable molecules. Picture this: your digestive system is a dishwasher and the food you eat are the dirty dishes. The digestive enzymes, then, are the detergent that ensures your dishes (or the food) are cleaned thoroughly. Without the enzymes, akin to dishwashing without a detergent, the cleaning process is inefficient and incomplete.
Our bodies produce digestive enzymes naturally in the saliva, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and intestines. Additionally, many food items also contain these enzymes. The three primary types of digestive enzymes are:
- Protease: breaks down protein
- Lipase: breaks down fat
- Amylase: breaks down starches
Apart from these, there are several other types of enzymes, including brush border enzymes like lactase (breaks down lactose, a milk sugar) and sucrase (breaks down sucrose).
When Digestive Enzymes Go Haywire
Under ideal circumstances, our bodies should produce sufficient digestive enzymes. However, various factors can lead to inadequate production of these enzymes. Common reasons include:
- Stress
- Genetic predisposition (common in lactose intolerance)
- Crohn's disease
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Leaky gut
- SIBO
If your body lacks enough enzymes, you might experience:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Dyspepsia (feeling unwell after eating)
- Dull hair, skin, and nails
- Fatigue
- Undigested food in stool
- Constipation/diarrhea
- Food intolerances
The Role of Digestive Enzymes in SIBO Management
Digestive enzymes can provide numerous benefits, especially to those grappling with SIBO. Here's how:
- Symptom Reduction: Digestive enzymes can alleviate some of the most distressing SIBO symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea.
- Diet Expansion: Many individuals have found that digestive enzymes enable them to eat a wider variety of foods, even those high in FODMAPs. For more information, refer to Dr. Mark Pimentel's insights on Fiber, The Low-FODMAP Diet, and SIBO Treatment.
- Improved Nutrient Absorption: Digestive enzymes can enhance nutrient absorption, thereby aiding in weight management, whether you're coping with weight gain or loss due to SIBO.
Effective Use of Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes can be utilized in two ways:
- With Food: Consume the enzymes at the beginning of your meal, allowing them to start working as soon as you start eating. If required, additional enzymes can be taken during or at the end of the meal.
- Without Food: When taken without food, digestive enzymes exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. They can also have an anti-biofilm effect when consumed away from food.
Both methods can prove significantly beneficial for individuals with SIBO, and it might be worthwhile to try both.
Selecting the Right Digestive Enzyme
Choosing the correct digestive enzyme can be a bit tricky. Here's what to consider:
- Presence of Brush Border Enzymes: In addition to lipase, amylase, and protease, the supplement should contain brush border enzymes.
- Sufficient Dosage: Many supplements have an insufficient dose to make a real impact. Make sure your chosen supplement has a high enough dosage.
- Vegan and Allergen-Free: Many supplements are derived from animal products. Aim for vegan and allergen-free options.
- Activated Enzymes: This is critical. Enzymes need activation by a cofactor. If your body lacks what the enzyme needs for activation, it's of no use. Hence, choose a supplement with activated enzymes.
