Is The Key to Better Gut Health Digestive Enzymes?

couple having breakfast together
couple having breakfast together

Have you ever wondered why you sometimes feel sluggish, bloated, cramped, or tired after a meal? 

A lot of that has to do with how your body breaks down the food you eat

That’s where digestive enzymes come in. 

Let’s dive into this fascinating world of enzymes and their role in our digestive health.

What are Digestive Enzymes? 

Digestive enzymes are proteins the body produces to help break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed and utilized. You can also get digestive enzymes through external sources like food and supplements

Enzymes are essential for the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. 

Many digestive enzymes are naturally produced by various parts of our digestive systems, including the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.

From the moment a piece of food touches your tongue until it leaves your body, enzymes work to help us absorb all the nutrients we can from it. 

The 3 Main Types of Digestive Enzymes

Let’s briefly get into the science to shed some light on how digestive enzymes work and where they come from.  

1. Amylase

Amylase breaks down carbohydrates into sugars. These sugars are the primary source of energy for our cells, fueling various physical and mental activities. Amylase is found in saliva and pancreatic juice.

2. Protease

Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids. Amino acids are essential for repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and facilitating numerous metabolic processes in the body. Protease is found in the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.

3. Lipase

Lipase breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Glycerol is essential for energy production, metabolism, hydration, and various physiological functions contributing to overall health. Lipase is produced by the pancreas and released into the small intestine.

When all your digestive enzymes function properly, you get several real-life benefits, including improved digestion, enhanced nutrient absorption, and better gut health. 

Digestive enzymes help reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion by properly breaking down food. They also enhance the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients from food, contributing to overall health. 

Additionally, digestive enzymes support a healthy gut microbiome by preventing undigested food particles from causing inflammation or bacterial overgrowth.

Sometimes, however, the enzymes in our bodies don’t work correctly; we simply lack enough of them, or our bodies may slow down their production as we age.

And this leads to problems. 

How Can You Tell if You’re Enzyme Deficient?

Early detection of enzyme deficiency is key to maintaining your digestive health. A deficiency involves recognizing specific symptoms and sometimes undergoing medical testing. 

Common symptoms of enzyme deficiency include:

• Frequent digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain
• Malabsorption, a condition that prevents the absorption of nutrients through the small intestine and could include frequent diarrhea
• Unintentional weight loss is also an indicator 

Additionally, nutritional deficiencies caused by poor digestion may produce symptoms like fatigue, weakness, hair loss, and skin issues. 

A woman who's tired, in front of her computer

Specific food intolerances, such as difficulty digesting dairy products (lactose intolerance) or digestive issues when consuming gluten-containing foods, can also suggest enzyme deficiencies.

Additionally, medical tests can identify enzyme deficiencies through: 

• Stool tests (measuring fat and undigested food)
• Blood tests (checking nutrient levels and antibodies)
• Breath tests (measuring hydrogen for lactose intolerance)
• Direct enzyme testing (assessing pancreatic function)

If enzyme deficiency is suspected, it is crucial to consult a gastroenterologist. They can evaluate your medical history, conduct exams, and order tests. 

How to Manage an Enzyme Deficiency

If you’re showing signs of enzyme deficiency, there are a few steps you can take to get yourself back in tip-top shape. 

Of course, it’s imperative that you speak with a healthcare professional first. 

But in general, here’s how you can deal with this issue. 

Manage Underlying Conditions

Shot of a middle aged female doctor consulting with her patient in the hospital.

Sometimes, an enzyme deficiency might be due to underlying health issues. This is the #1 reason you should speak to your doctor. 

Monitoring your symptoms and seeking professional guidance are essential steps in effectively managing and treating enzyme deficiencies.

If you’re diagnosed with an enzyme deficiency, your treatment options may include one or both of these additional measures. 

Dietary Adjustments

A woman prepping her healthy lunch

One approach to managing digestive enzyme issues is to avoid certain foods that can exacerbate your symptoms. This might include dairy, gluten, or high-fat foods that your body struggles to break down effectively. 

Avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms allows your digestive system to heal and function more efficiently. Over time, this can lead to fewer digestive issues, improved nutrient absorption, and overall better health.

However, while this can improve digestive health and reduce discomfort, it’s not always the most enjoyable path.

Let’s face it: Missing out on your favorite foods can feel like a real drag. Who wants to pass on an Italian dinner or a creamy ice cream sundae? Social gatherings, dining out, and even everyday meals can become a challenge when you have to think about what you can and can’t eat constantly.

But you’re in luck because there’s another step you can take. 

Digestive Enzyme Supplements

Stonehenge Health Incredible Digestive Enzymes

Imagine savoring your favorite meals again, free from the fear of digestive distress. Digestive enzyme supplements—like Incredible Digestive Enzymes from Stonehenge Health—can help improve nutrient absorption, enhance gut health, and reduce bloating and indigestion.*

Incredible Digestive Enzymes is a blend of 18 multi-functioning enzymes specially formulated to help you digest your food the way your body was meant to. 

Additionally, Incredible Digestive Enzymes addresses all food groups with one unique blend of enzymes to help put you back on track with ease and comfort.*

Don’t let enzyme deficiencies hold you back. Embrace the benefits of a healthy digestive system with Incredible Digestive Enzymes

Take the first step towards a happier, healthier you.

Stonehenge Health Incredible Digestive Enzymes

Recipe Sure to Impress: Spring Vegetable and Goat Cheese Frittata (Easy to Make!)

Senior elderly couple standing in kitchen at house feeling happy
Senior elderly couple standing in kitchen at house feeling happy

Brunch season is nearly here. 

There’s just something about a warm Spring morning that makes you want to call your friends, whip some eggs, and enjoy a leisurely brunch with some good conversation. 

And with restaurant prices the way they are now, why not cook at home? 

This menu takes advantage of fresh spring produce and combines healthy ingredients with vibrant flavors and colors, making it perfect for impressing your friends at a Spring brunch. 

Let’s dig in.

Spring Vegetable and Goat Cheese Frittata

A fresh taste of Spring with a creamy goat cheese finish that your friends and family will love…

Ingredients:

– 8 large eggs

– 1/2 cup milk

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced

– 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

– 1 cup fresh peas (or frozen if fresh aren’t available)

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

– Fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, or basil), for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

3. Heat olive oil in a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add leek and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.

4. Add asparagus and peas, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are just tender.

5. Reduce heat to low and pour the egg mixture over the vegetables. Cook for a couple of minutes until the eggs start to set at the edges.

6. Sprinkle halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled goat cheese over the top.

7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the frittata is set and golden on top.

8. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Vegetable and Goat Cheese Frittata

Bonus: Strawberry Spinach Salad

Put your main course over the top with this sweet salad on the side. A healthy substitute for pancakes.

Ingredients:

– 5 cups fresh spinach leaves

– 1 cup strawberries, sliced

– 1/2 cup walnut pieces, toasted

– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

– 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, and toasted walnuts.

2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.

3. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top just before serving.

4. Optional: Serve the frittata and salad with a selection of artisan breads or croissants and a refreshing beverage like cucumber water for a complete and impressive brunch spread.

Enjoy!

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Enhance Your Brunch Experience with Incredible Digestive Enzymes

Group of senior friends at dinner party at home, cooking.

To fully enjoy the delightful flavors of Spring without any digestive discomfort, consider incorporating Stonehenge Health’s Incredible Digestive Enzymes into your mealtime routine.* 

These enzymes are expertly formulated to aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and plant fibers, ensuring you can savor every bite of your brunch with ease and comfort.*

Why Choose Stonehenge Health’s Incredible Digestive Enzymes?

Stonehenge Health Incredible Digestive Enzymes

When you indulge in a meal that’s as rich and diverse in ingredients as these recipes, your digestive system might need a little extra help. 

Our Incredible Digestive Enzymes provide that support, optimizing nutrient absorption and reducing the likelihood of bloating or discomfort often associated with meals that include dairy and complex fibers.* 

It can be taken daily to make a noticeable difference, allowing you to focus on the joy of your gathering without the worry of digestive issues.

More Info

3 Reasons Most Diets Are Doomed to Fail 

older couple smiling eating together
older couple smiling eating together

We’ve all been there. You’ve been busy enjoying your life, and suddenly, you look in the mirror and aren’t happy with who’s looking back. 

If the extra pounds have snuck up on you, for many, the go-to answer is dieting, but…

83% of diets fail!

At least according to research published by UCLA Health.1

Does that really mean nobody sticks to a diet?

In short, yes. 

But to fully understand the impact on your weight loss, nutrition, and chronic disease management, it’s a lot more helpful to look at what  these two terms mean: 

1. Diet
2. Failure

At its core, a diet is simply the food and beverages you ingest. A diet can be designed to facilitate weight loss or other health objectives, or it can be based on cultural or lifestyle choices like Mediterranean, Paleo, Keto, Vegan, or because of religious mandates, etc.

Failure, in terms of dieting, usually refers to either regaining the weight you lost on account of dieting or simply abandoning the diet’s food selection criteria entirely. 

The statistics shed some light on the issue: 

• 42% of adults globally are attempting to lose weight
• 23% are trying to maintain their weight
• 45 million Americans go on a diet each year
• Americans spend $33 billion each year on weight loss products2

If diets have failed for you in the past, you’re not alone. 

Clearly, a substantial effort is put into dieting, so why do so many people not see success?

Top 3 reasons most diets fail

Healthy nutrition concept. Fruits and vegetables vs sweets and unhealthy food.

There’s no singular reason why dieting efforts fail at such a high rate, but as we researched studies, there are three recurring themes that tend to stand out: 

1. Unsustainable methods

Tape measure wrapped around hands

Many diets are based on restrictive or unsustainable methods that are difficult to maintain long-term. Unsustainable methods can include severe calorie restriction, eliminating whole food groups, or relying on meal replacements.

Basically, trying to upend a major part of your life abruptly, the amounts or types of food you eat have about the same shelf life as the average New Year’s resolution, short-lived.

2. Psychological factors

Older woman looks sad and stressed

Psychological factors, such as emotional eating, stress, and lack of motivation, play a significant role in the failure of diets. Many diets do not address these underlying issues, which can lead to their failure.

As life events unfold and inevitably bring stress into your life, it can be too easy to slide back into the comfort of unhealthy foods. Or, you may find that the nature of your stress has simply de-prioritized your diet in favor of dealing with the new stressors.

3. Metabolic adaptations

Metabolism Medical Concept. Diet Nutrition Immunity Human Health.

The body can adapt to lower calorie intake by slowing down metabolism, making it harder to lose weight over time and easier to regain the LBs once normal eating patterns are resumed.

When your body fights against your plan to diet, this can be particularly frustrating because you’ve done so much hard work from a mental perspective. Luckily, there are ways to enhance your body’s response to the foods you eat.

One method of helping to regulate your body’s response to food is through adding digestive enzymes.

Helping Your Body Digest

Incredible Digestive Enzymes

Incredible Digestive Enzymes from Stonehenge Health is a blend of 18 multi-functioning enzymes specially formulated to help you digest your food the way your body was meant to – without having to think and worry about discomfort.* 

If you struggle with digesting protein, carbs, dairy, fiber & gluten, Incredible Digestive Enzymes helps promote a healthy digestive system and relieve occasional gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort. *

Now, you can enjoy the healthy foods you love without planning your day around the inconvenience of occasional digestion woes.

Sources:
1. uclahealth.org/news/dieting-does-not-work-ucla-researchers-report
2. livestrong.com/article/13764581-weight-loss-statistics/

‘Healthy’ Snacks: Fact or Fraud?

woman eating granola bar
woman eating granola bar

In our quest for healthier living, we often swap traditional treats for snacks labeled ‘healthy.’ Yet, beneath their wholesome veneer, some of these choices might not be as beneficial as we believe. This exploration reveals the truth behind these snacks and introduces a simple yet effective solution for maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

The Misconception about Healthy Snacks

Flat lay composition with protein bars on color background

The allure of ‘healthier’ snack options is strong. From granola bars adorned with promises of natural ingredients to fruit juices marketed as wholesome alternatives to soda, the choices seem endless.

However, these supposedly healthy snacks often harbor hidden sugars, excess calories, and artificial additives. For instance, those crunchy granola bars and flavored yogurt options, though packed with some beneficial nutrients, can also be loaded with added sugars and preservatives, diminishing their nutritional value.

The Reality Behind Labels

Hands of a man holding a pile of cereals with nutrition

Marketing tactics can make deciphering the truth about these snacks challenging. Terms like ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ don’t always equate to healthful. Despite their natural origin, fruit juices can have sugar levels comparable to soft drinks.

Flavored yogurts, though a source of calcium and probiotics, often come with a hefty dose of added sugars. It’s important to understand that healthy ingredients don’t offset the impact of unhealthy ones.

Making Smarter Snack Choices

Middle age woman smiling confident holding apple at home

So, what constitutes a genuinely healthy snack? The key is simplicity: whole, unprocessed foods reign supreme. Opt for crisp fruits and leafy vegetables, or consider the simple richness of unroasted nuts and unseasoned seeds.

These natural choices deliver essential nutrients in their purest form, without the sugars and unhealthy fats often hidden in processed snacks. These natural snacks provide important nutrients without the added sugars and unhealthy fats in many processed snacks. Incorporating these into your diet can significantly impact your overall health and well-being.

A Holistic Approach to Healthy Snacking

Acai Smoothie bowl with granola, banana, strawberry and blueberries. Superfood.

While making smarter choices is essential, it’s also necessary to understand that occasional indulgences are part of a balanced lifestyle. This is where holistic wellness approaches, including supplements like Stonehenge Health’s Incredible Digestive Enzymes, can play a pivotal role.

This supplement is designed to support digestion and breakdown of protein, carbs, dairy, fiber & gluten, ensuring that your body efficiently absorbs nutrients from both your regular meals and those occasional treats.* By supporting your digestive system, Incredible Digestive Enzymes help relieve the occasional gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort brought on by incompatible food choices.*

The End All Be All

Incredible Digestive Enzymes

In the end, while the path to healthier snacking is fraught with misconceptions, understanding the truth behind snack labels and choosing whole, unprocessed foods can make a significant difference. With the support of Incredible Digestive Enzymes, you can enjoy a balanced approach to nutrition and wellness, beat the bloat and embrace a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.*