QUESTION:
I was wondering if there was something I could take so that I don’t feel so bloated after eating. Even if I don’t eat much, or even just have a protein shake I feel very bloated. I eat healthily and I also take a strong probiotic, but that doesn’t seem to do much. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Joe
ANSWER:
Hi Joe. Feeling bloated and bogged down every time you eat is annoying and inconvenient to say the least. What you’re describing is extremely common.
There are literally thousands of possible factors that might disrupt the digestive process; some of which have to do with our individual body chemistry. Others have to do agricultural practices involved with food production.
Digestive Enzymes
Before we go any further, I want to start here: Our bodies require a substantial supply of digestive enzymes in order to break food down into nutrients, which our bodies can then use to sustain energy, growth, and cellular repair.
Our bodies are equipped with a highly complex system of chemical processes to achieve this. The moment you begin eating, your pancreas, liver, and gallbladder begin releasing digestive enzymes. These infiltrate the small intestine to break down large food particles into much smaller food particles which are much more easily absorbed.
These digestive enzymes are specialized proteins manufactured by your body. Each enzyme is specifically designed to break down a particular type of molecule within the foods you eat. For example, lipases break down fat, proteases break down protein, amylases break down complex carbohydrates, and invertases break down simple sugars.
Depleted Enzyme Levels
Unfortunately, many of us suffer from depleted enzyme levels, for one reason or another. Aging is the most common reason. But, various types of injuries, illnesses, autoimmune disorders, and allergies can also deplete valuable enzymes. That said, supplementing a wide spectrum digestive enzyme prior to eating could help alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms you’re experiencing.
There are thousands of digestive enzyme supplements on the market produced by various manufacturers. Generally, the wider spectrum enzyme formulas seem to produce the best customer feedback. This is because these particular formulas have more types of enzymes to cover more bases within the realm of the foods we eat.
Examples Of What To Look For
To break down proteins: Bromelain, papain, protease, and pancreatin. For fats: Ox bile extract, lipase, artichoke, and pancreatin. For carbohydrates: Amylase, alpha-galactosidase, invertase, and pancreatin. And, to break down fiber: Cellulase. A well-formulated digestive enzyme formula should contain most of these enzymes. They are best taken directly before meals.
By the way, read the directions closely. I’ve seen where some formulas will suggest taking 1 capsule before each meal. Then, I’ve seen others that say to take as many as 3 or 4 capsules at a time. This is usually because they aren’t as powerful as formulas that only recommend only 1 per serving.
I hope this information helps you out. I wish you all the best of success with your health and training endeavors!
Prove ‘Em Wrong,
Chad Shaw
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