children, working hours, what’s for dinner… These are the kinds of things that often occupy our thoughts. What is happening in our cells? Not so much. However, our cellular health is key to a healthy body, and enzymes play an important role in the entire process.
This article is a deep dive into enzymes, what exactly they are, how I use them, and how they can help with energy, digestion, and more. Although I don’t take many supplements or even take them daily, enzymes are one of the few exceptions. I used enzymes in my journey to recover from Hashimoto’s autoimmune disease and I still use them for other reasons.
After 7 years of taking them and a lot of trial and error, I’m sharing what I found!
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are the exact tools our bodies use to break down and rebuild things. In scientific terms, enzymes are protein catalysts that reduce activation energy and speed up reactions, all without being absorbed by the body. Different purposes are different, like a key only fits a specific lock. For example, lipase helps digest fats and oils only, while amylase only digests carbohydrates.
They also work differently in different situations, which is why they can work differently depending on their usage. Factors such as pH, temperature, co-factors and minerals all play a role in triggering enzymes to do their work.
In theory, we get them from food; Especially production. Our bodies make many enzymes, such as amylase in saliva to break down carbohydrates, or gastric enzymes to break down proteins in our digestive system. These enzymes break down most of the macronutrients in our bodies so we can use what we eat.
But with declining soil quality and nutrient availability and gut microbiomes and absorption issues, many of us could use some extra help in this area. Lately I’ve realized that my body isn’t making and using enzymes and I’m not getting all the healthy food I’m eating. Enzymes are as important as minerals and light in my book when it comes to basic health.
They are especially useful in cases of stress, inflammation and bowel issues. Enzymes are key when it comes to dealing with heavy metals, parasites and overall recovery.
The best way to take enzymes
If our bodies are not producing all the enzymes we need efficiently, the next best thing is to take a quality enzyme supplement. But how you take them makes a difference. When we take enzymes with food, they help us better digest, absorb and break down the compounds in our food. These help reduce bloating and gas, especially after eating. Digestive enzymes also help with that heavy, overstuffed feeling when food sits around and isn’t broken down properly.
Taking enzymes on an empty stomach works in a completely different way. Enzymes away from food act in a systematic manner, such as proteolytic enzymes. So while they have many uses, timing is important here. Research has investigated enzymes such as serrapeptase and nattokinase for circulation and inflammation support. Nattokinase has been studied to break down blood clots, After surgery, serapeptase is used for inflammation research.
You can find enzymes derived from plants and microbes, which help fill the gaps that the body is already working on. I have learned the hard way that the best way to support the body is to work within the body’s natural system. The idea is not to overwhelm or overload the body’s natural systems, which can lead to problems down the road.
Different types of enzymes
I explained that different enzymes do different things, so what are the different types of enzymes? First of all, there are lipases that are responsible for breaking down fats such as glycerol and fatty acids. Next are amylases such as glucoamylase and lactose. These interact with carbohydrates, starches, lactose oligosaccharides, and other types of carbohydrates. There are also certain enzymes that target fiber to make it more digestible, which means less gas and bloating.
Specific enzymes such as serrapeptase and nattokinase perform other functions in the body.
Solving Enzyme Complement Labels
Turn over a bottle of an enzyme supplement and you’re sure to see a variety of acronyms and lingo on the label. For example, proteases may be labeled with HUT, PC, and SAPU, which relate to how many enzymes are present and their activity levels.
These units matter more than milligrams, which don’t tell you much about what it does for you. There are many different terms to consider here, but the main idea is to look beyond grams and milligrams and look at activity units.
Who should take enzymes?
Not every supplement is the best option or necessary for every person. Anyone with impaired bowel function or who may benefit from taking an enzyme supplement Digestive problems. Studies show benefits for people with low stomach acid and pancreatic insufficiency, both of which can occur with age.
If left untreated, as we age, we tend to produce more stomach acid and pancreatic enzymes. Anyone on a high-protein or high-fat diet can see benefits because we require more digestive energy from our bodies and can use the extra boost.
Another time I prioritize enzymes is when I travel and eat or during the holidays. Since I’m trying to adjust my routine these times, I find that enzymes are helpful in keeping digestion on track.
How to make enzymes more effective
If there’s one theme you’ve heard me repeat over and over again, it’s that extras work best when layered over a solid base. Enzymes are no different. Before adjusting doses or experimenting with time, I focused on simple basic habits that support the body’s enzyme production and activity.
You need to chew more than you think
Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth due to salivary amylase. When we rush through a meal, we often skip that first important step. Digestion begins even before swallowing.
Cooling down also shifts us into a parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) state. When we eat when we are stressed or distracted, our digestive system slows down. For me, something as simple as taking it Three slow breaths It really improves how I feel before I eat.
Support stomach acid (if needed).
Low stomach acid becomes more common with age and affects protein synthesis and nutrition. It is important to have enough stomach acid to break down proteins. Betaine HCl or bitter This may be helpful, but check with your provider first. This is very individual, and anyone with ulcers, reflux, GI bleeding, or should work with a professional before trying certain medications.
Do not water things
Hydration is important, but drinking large amounts of fluids during meals dilutes stomach acid and enzymes. I drink most of my liquids between meals rather than with them. For some people, that small shift alone can reduce bloating and post-meal discomfort.
Movement after meals
Even a light walk after a meal supports digestion and blood sugar control. I often go for a short walk after a meal (especially in the sunshine!) for exercise as well Supports lymph flow. A short walk, gentle stretching or simply being active can support digestion and recovery without the need for strenuous exercise.
Matter of minerals
Enzymes depend on co-factors such as magnesium, zinc and sodium. In particular, zinc plays a role in digestive enzyme production and stomach acid function. That’s why I see it. Minerals as a base. When we have enough minerals, both the enzymes we make and replenish, work better.
Enzymes and Autoimmunity: My Experience
During my recovery from Hashimoto’s, I always feel like things aren’t moving well. Stiff joints, swollen fingers and low energy in the mornings were all too common for me. I started with the basics, focusing on minerals, nervous system function, sunlight, sleep, and eating protein. Then I layered in both digestive and systemic enzymes.
The changes were gradual, but over time I noticed:
- My rings were loose in the morning.
- My joints felt less strong.
- Digestion felt smooth rather than heavy.
- My sleep increased
Enzymes aren’t a magic pill, but I’ve definitely noticed how using them has helped my body have what it needs to reach my health goals. And the consistency helped more than doing something aggressively.
Enzymes for performance and recovery
Although this is discussed more in fitness circles, it is worth mentioning. Especially since many people realize how much better they feel by focusing on the body and mind Healthy proteins.
Digestive enzymes can support high protein diets by improving nutrient breakdown and reducing inflammation. Proteotic enzymes (derived from food) have been studied to support muscle recovery and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
While performance is not my primary reason for using enzymes, I have seen consistent benefits here, especially among strength athletes. My older teenage athletes now take enzymes without any need because they notice a difference too.
Best enzyme options
As with any supplement quality and context matter. Be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider if you take anticoagulants, have bleeding disorders, are post-surgery, or have an ulcer or active GI bleeding. Children may benefit from certain enzymes, but you can always talk to your provider for targeted advice.
When choosing an enzyme, look for something clearly labeled with units of activity (not just milligrams). It’s something I reach for when third-party security testing becomes available. I also look for formulas that are designed to remain active at the proper pH level for my body to use the enzymes.
Here are my favorite enzymes that check all the boxes for me:
Practical tips if you want to experiment
If you are considering enzymes, here is the approach that worked for me:
- Start Low (One Capsule)
- Track how you feel (digestion, energy, stiffness, sleep, etc.)
- Increase gradually if necessary
- Be intentional about timing (with and without food).
- Keep the foundation strong: minerals, protein, sunlight, exercise, stress management
I find that timing and consistency are more important to me than quantity.
Final thoughts about enzymes
Enzymes may not be flashy or trendy, but they are silent supporters working hard behind the scenes. For me, when they overlap in sleep, minerals, sunlight, Nervous system safetyand equilibrium density.
I don’t take many supplements every day. Enzymes are one of the few I regularly carry around because I see enough use to keep them in my tool kit. Our bodies are incredibly smart, but sometimes they need the right support to function how they were designed.
Have you tried enzymes before? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
