Help & FAQ

Everyone talks about “gut health” but what does that actually mean?

Your GI tract is an amazingly complex conduit that nourishes and at the same time fortifies your body. Each meal we consume we welcome in substances that are either overtly friend or foe. Just because a friend can get away with eating something doesn’t mean that same food is your friend. Gut health in the broadest sense means good digestion of your food, minimizing food sensitivities and overt allergies, plus sustaining the trillions of friendly probiotics in your GI tract and ensuring the microbiome, which is the composite of the sum of the life sustaining bacteria in your GI tract, are balanced and thriving. When good bacteria thrive so do we. A messed up gut can contribute to hormone imbalances, mood fluctuations and so much more.

What are digestive enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are a group of enzymes that help break down food to facilitate the absorption of their nutrients by the body. They break down complex food molecules that if left undigested can act as irritants to your GI tract or prevent you from getting the full goodness and nourishment from a given food. We make digestive enzymes in our mouth, pancreas and even small intestinal lining called, the brush border.

Historically our ancestors ate raw and lightly cooked food. Prepackaged food is a modern invention. Fresh food self digests, think of how the produce you buy at the store has to be consumed in a timely fashion. This is because “live food has enzymes to degrade itself” where as food from a cardboard box or hermetically sealed plastic bag like chips are largely devoid of active enzymes and thus your body has to work harder to digest them optimally. This means both your body and your microbiome are not fueled in the best way possible. This is why supplementing with a well designed and broad digestive enzyme allows you to get the more nutrients out of each morsel consumed.

How do digestive enzymes work?

Depending on the digestive enzyme, they have different functions. Some break down protein, others fats (lipids) and even carbs need help.  Then after we look at basic enzymes, there are specialized enzymes to help break down lactose (aka lactase) or beans (alpha-galactosidase).

My body already produces digestive enzymes?

Yep, your body is hard at work making enzymes.  Yet, just like some of your friends seem to have “guts of steel” other friends have sensitive digestive systems. Some of this may have to do with ethnicity, or put another way it comes down to genetics.  Most people find that they have a certain group of foods that are agreeable to their digestive tract; yet almost everyone except Superman and Wonder Woman's friends have areas that require cautious eating.  Of course digestive enzymes won’t help you with a ghost pepper, some things just scream DON’T eat me or else.

What are the key benefits of digestive enzymes?

They break down complex food molecules that if left undigested can act as irritants to your GI tract or prevent you from getting the full goodness and nourishment from a given food. An extreme example of foods that are challenging to digest are beans, particularly if you want to remain socially acceptable.

Why are digestive enzymes beneficial for my gut health?

Two major reasons. The smaller you make the morsels of food you eat the greater the surface area allowing better assimilation potential of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.  So, remember even before taking a digestive enzyme, make time to chew while eating. Some healthcare providers also recommend digestive enzymes to help lessen the immune challenge of certain foods. 

Why should I incorporate digestive enzymes into my diet?

Our food supply is becoming increasingly difficult to digest. Historically our ancestors ate raw and lightly cooked food. Prepackaged food is a modern invention. This modern food is largely devoid of active enzymes and thus your body must work harder to digest them optimally. This means both your body and your microbiome are not fueled in the best way possible. 

Additionally, as we age or experience stress, our enzyme levels decrease – further inhibiting optimal digestion causing bloat, indigestion, gas and other digestion related issues.

Supplementing with a well-designed and broad digestive enzyme allows you to get the most nutrients out of each morsel consumed and improve your overall digestion.

How many digestive enzymes should I take per meal and why?

Totally depends on you and your meal.  Big meals generally need a little more help to digest. Plus it depends on whether you are eating foods you know really aren’t your friend.  (Of course never eat something that you are deadly allergic too or can harm you, yep Ghost Peppers really should not be on anyone’s list of edible).

Is it possible for me to take too many digestive enzymes? What would happen?

Yes, if you take too many enzymes or if you have gastritis or an ulcer or uncontrolled acid reflux you can irritate your “inners” the delicate tissues that make up your GI tract. Start with one capsule and listen to your body.  When we listen to our body, we can’t go wrong.

Probiotics are also known commonly as "friend" bacteria, and in rare cases yeast or other microbes. Probiotics are living organisms. Whereas digestive enzymes are just as their name describes enzymes that digest.

I am already taking a probiotic, can I incorporate a digestive enzyme?

Probiotics grow and enzymes break down.

Probiotics are also known commonly as "friend" bacteria.  They are living organisms that restore the natural balance of your gut bacteria. Digestive Enzymes are just that: enzymes. They help break down the food we eat. They make a great 1-2 punch.

Can I take this with other supplements?

Yes. Unless you have been told otherwise by your medical provider.

How do I know it’s working? When will I feel something?

You should feel better digestion almost immediately. This will vary from person to person but should result overall in less bloat, less aches, less toxins, and better bowel movements.

What is the gut brain axis and why is it important?

Simply put your gut makes more serotonin and dopamine, brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that control happiness, calm and contentment. Yet, there is also evidence that one of the 12 major nerves from your brain called the Vagal (Vagus) nerve is a conduit for a good portion of the gut brain connection.

Should I take it with food?

Yes, ideally the first 1/3 of your meal then take your enzymes.

Can I take it on an empty stomach?

You can, yet there is no food for them to work on and you may increase the chance that it irritates your stomach or other digestive tissues.

What is the serving size?

Generally 1 to 2 pills depending on how naughty you are being with off limit foods; size of the meal; and if you are chewing adequately.

Is this vegan? Gluten free?

This formula is vegan (unless you consider bacteria or yeast ferments off limits). It is gluten free.

Returns

What is the return policy? 

Due to the nature of our products, only products that haven't been opened and are sealed in their original packaging may be returned for a refund, within 30 days of your delivery date.

Please note: Shipping charges are non-refundable and are not refunded in the event of the return of a product. If items are shipped outside of the US, Canada, or Puerto Rico, items will not be eligible for a return regardless if they are unused and sealed and within 30 days of your delivery date.