How to Use Digestive Enzymes for Optimal Health

Overcoming Thanksgiving Digestive Woes

Does the Thanksgiving feast have you worried about acid reflux, bloating, gassiness, heartburn or other digestive upset? Then you may be suffering from poor digestion due to weak stomach acid or inadequate digestive enzymes. This is a very common condition, yet it is often improperly treated with antacids, or other prescription medications.

Foods are chewed in the mouth and then passed into the stomach where digestive enzymes and strong hydrochloric acid break down the contents into a slurry called “chyme.” This mixture of partially digested food is then passed into the small intestines for further breakdown and absorption into the body. However, if the stomach acid is not strong enough or the digestive enzymes are insufficient, the slurry remains in the stomach for hours causing bloating, reflux and discomfort. Medications that further reduce stomach acid only aggravate this condition.