Digestive enzymes may be the answer to digestive distress if you’re on keto. While the ketogenic diet has become a popular way of eating, some have found gut issues to be a potential downside.
The elimination of high-carb fruits, grains and starches results in less consumption of dietary fiber, which could lead to constipation, bloating and other digestive health issues.
The addition of a digestive enzyme supplement may help combat digestive woes and make the transition to a keto diet a little smoother.
What are digestive enzymes?
Naturally-occurring digestive enzymes in the mouth, stomach and intestines break down food so the nutrients can be absorbed by the body.
If the body doesn’t make enough on its own, the digestive process slows down and can lead to nausea, bloating and other uncomfortable symptoms.
Since the keto diet is high in fat and moderately high in protein, a digestive enzyme supplement containing lipases (that break down fat) and proteases (that break down protein) may benefit your digestive health.
Over-the-counter digestive enzyme supplements may come from animal or plant products, so pay attention to the product’s label if you have allergies or concerns.
Other Benefits
If you’re also incorporating exercise into your daily routine, here’s another bit of good news about supplementing with digestive enzymes.
Studies, such as this one published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, have found that a proteolytic enzyme blend may also reduce the effect of delayed onset muscle soreness (or DOMS) that is experienced 1-3 days post exercise.
Another study found that the proteolytic enzyme supplement bromelain was effective at reducing symptoms of pain and inflammation and may be effective at treating osteoarthritis sufferers.
Try:
Garden of Life O-Zyme Ultra Ultimate Digestive Enzyme Blend Vegetarian Capsules
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