I'm asked from time to time whether it's worth taking digestive enzymes, and I really don't know how to answer that.

On the one hand, digestive enzymes are not a Chinese concept, and because of that I have no understanding of what conditions they are suitable for, and on the other hand, I occasionally hear from patients that digestive enzymes have helped them.

So I turned to Roni Baruch, a senior dietitian M.Sc. R.D. at the Gastroenterology Institute in Ichilov, whom I have worked with for many years and trust very much, and asked her about digestive enzymes. Here are her answers for you :)

So what exactly are digestive enzymes in a supplement?

Roni Baruch: "The exocrine activity of the pancreas involves the secretion of digestive enzymes into the digestive system. In a healthy state, everything works properly. In situations of damage to the pancreas, such as: acute pancreatitis/surgeries in the digestive system that involve damage to the pancreas, such as after a Whipple operation/old age (in old age there can be mild pancreatic insufficiency)/severe diabetes, the pancreas can secrete enzymes insufficiently - which does not meet the 'requirements' that the person needs to digest food and drink.

In these situations, the clinical signs are diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, flatulence, or fatty stools (a more extreme condition). There may also be weight loss."

How is insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes diagnosed?

Roni: "Pancreatic function is diagnosed by testing for elastase in the stool and based on symptoms. If there is suspicion that the pancreas is not secreting sufficient enzymes, the patient can be given an enzyme supplement and see how he reacts to it."

"The supplement can be given even if all tests are normal and only based on the patient's symptoms."

Can digestive enzymes cause harm?

"There is no need to be afraid of administering digestive enzymes. They cannot cause harm."

Are there several types of digestive enzymes, and if so, what are the differences between them?

"The most reliable supplement on the market in my opinion is Crown, and I think it's the best because it contains all the enzymes. It comes in two different doses: 10K and 25K. The 10K can be bought without a prescription, and the 25K requires a prescription."

Is there a concern that the person will get used to the supplement and be forced to increase the dosage or will not be able to stop taking it?

"You don't get used to digestive enzymes and you can stop them whenever you want."

Which people would you recommend trying digestive enzymes?

"For people with the symptoms we talked about and who are over 60 years old, when their tests are normal."

*I (Dana) would like to introduce the perspective of Chinese medicine here for a moment. As practitioners of Chinese medicine, we believe that even young people can suffer from digestive problems due to a weak pancreas, so I asked Roni several times if it was still worth giving the supplement to young people who suffer from the symptoms she mentioned, but she believes that it would only be suitable for people over the age of 60.

Are there foods that may encourage the production of natural digestive enzymes in the body?

Roni: "I don't know about such foods."

How long do I need to try digestive enzymes to see a change?

"Change should come within days to weeks. While taking the enzymes, it is important to maintain appropriate dietary guidelines and spread fatty foods throughout the day."

That's it for today...I hope this knowledge helped you.

If you suffer from digestive symptoms: irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Crohn's, and more, I would be happy to assist you through Chinese medicine treatment. You can contact me via the website or WhatsApp.

You are also invited to join a quiet WhatsApp group where I post information about natural treatment for digestive problems.