Acid reflux, a common digestive complaint characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, can cause discomfort and persistent heartburn. Conventional treatments focus on medications like antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which may cause unwanted side effects. However, digestive enzyme supplements have gained attention for their potential benefits in supporting gastrointestinal health, particularly with mitigating acid reflux and heartburn.1
In this article, we will take a look at how digestive enzymes work, learn more about their impact on acid reflux, and understand the benefits of digestive enzyme supplementation for reflux.
What Are Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive enzymes are specialized proteins produced naturally in the body, primarily in the pancreas, stomach, and small intestine, that work together to ensure efficient digestion. These proteins play a crucial role in breaking down macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller, more digestible molecules that can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body. The primary digestive enzymes include amylases, which break down carbohydrates and starches into simple sugars; proteases that digest proteins into amino acids; and lipases, which break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
How Digestive Enzymes Are Related to Reflux
Stomach acid, mainly formed of hydrochloric acid, is a highly acidic liquid your stomach naturally produces to digest and absorb nutrients. Reflux (also known as acid reflux) is often characterized by a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn) or regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus.1 Reflux may occur because of improper digestion of food due to a variety of factors, one being insufficient enzyme production. Incomplete digestion can lead to food remaining in the stomach and intestines for longer than usual, leading to fermentation in the gut.2 This fermentation produces a buildup of gas and increases pressure, pushing stomach acid upward into the esophagus, causing other common symptoms associated with reflux such as abdominal pain, indigestion, gas, bloating, and occasional diarrhea or constipation.2
In the next section, we will discuss in detail the benefits of digestive enzyme supplementation for acid reflux.
Benefits of Digestive Enzyme Supplementation for Reflux
While the body produces its own digestive enzymes and certain foods can provide a direct dietary source of various enzymes, some individuals may require supplementation. Here are some of the benefits of digestive enzyme supplementation to consider:
Improved Digestion of Food
Supplementing with digestive enzymes ensures that food is thoroughly digested and broken down, reducing the chances of fermentation and gas production. This can alleviate the pressure in the stomach and lower the risk of acid reflux.2,3
Reduced Bloating and Gas
Occasional heartburn is usually due to not enough stomach acid available coupled with incomplete digestion. Complete digestion can help minimize occasional reflux; proper digestion facilitated by enzymes can help reduce bloating and gas. Less gas production means less pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus.3
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption
By improving digestion, enzyme supplements can enhance nutrient absorption, promoting overall digestive health and reducing symptoms of acid reflux. Better nutrient absorption also means the body is more efficient in its metabolic processes, potentially reducing other factors that may aggravate reflux.2,4
Support for Gastric Emptying
Slow gastric emptying is when the stomach takes longer to empty its contents into the small intestine, increasing the likelihood of reflux. Enzymes can help speed up the digestive process by breaking down food more quickly, facilitating smoother and faster gastric emptying.4 This, in turn, reduces the time during which the stomach contents can reflux into the esophagus.
Practical Application of Digestive Enzyme Supplementation for Occasional Acid Reflux
Selecting the Right Enzyme Supplement
When searching for an over-the-counter supplement, remember to choose a product that includes a variety of enzymes such as amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, and cellulase to target different food groups.
Dosage and Timing
Follow the recommended dosage on the supplement label. As for timing, digestive enzyme supplements may be most effective at supporting gut health when taken before or with meals to ensure that it aids in the digestion of the food you consume.5
Lifestyle Changes and Modifications
Other lifestyle modifications to keep in mind are to eat smaller meals more regularly to reduce the pressure on the LES, to identify and avoid foods that may trigger your reflux symptoms, to maintain an upright posture after eating to help prevent acid from moving up into the esophagus, and to consume prebiotic- and probiotic-rich foods to support the gut microbiome and overall health.2,4
Summary
Digestive enzyme supplementation offers a practical and effective approach to supporting acid reflux by improving digestion, reducing stomach pain, enhancing nutrient absorption, preventing food fermentation, and supporting gastric emptying. By integrating digestive enzymes into your healthcare routine along with other lifestyle changes, you can mitigate the discomforts of acid reflux and promote a healthier digestive tract.
References:
1. Dossett ML et al. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. 2017;44(2):265-280.
2. Herdiana Y. Nutrients. 2023;15(16):3583.
3. Kines K et al. Integrative Med (Encinitas). 2016;15(4):49-53.
4. Quinten T et al. Archives of Public Health. 2014;72(Suppl 1):P7.
5. DomÃnguez-Muñoz JE et al. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2005;21(8):993-1000.
