Most holidays are synonymous with food, lots and lots of food. Large festive meals, awesome hors d’oeuvres, homemade pastries and sweets that grace our palate once a year are usually too much for most of us to resist. Even people who are normally clean eaters fall victim to the food madness; ignoring the inevitable agony that anxiously awaits them.
So, what’s a guy to do? Turn down mom’s apple pie or granny’s six-layer lasagna? I don’t think so! Instead, think digestive enzymes.
Our pancreas, that very important organ that sits behind the stomach and regulates blood sugar by producing insulin, also manufacturers digestive enzymes. Their purpose is to assist the digestive track in breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for proper absorption. Unfortunately, with age and through eating enzyme deficient food, our digestive enzyme numbers decrease, which often explains the cause of indigestion and all its nasty-ass symptoms. Bloating, flatulence, heartburn, burping, sour stomach and more are typical symptoms, and are often bad enough to cause a lot of pain and discomfort.
Ok, that was a quick and simple explanation of digestive enzymes, and since I’m sure you would rather know what to do about it than the science itself, let’s talk remedies.
My go-to choice for times like Christmas dinner, or any other time I pig out, is digestive enzyme supplements. These products help digest and move food along that might otherwise sit and ferment in your gut. There are countless digestive enzymes on the market, which can be found in capsule, tablet, powder, and liquid forms. Some are all-inclusive and address all three types of nutrients: protein, fats, and carbs, while others, like Beano, deal with a single nutrient – carbs.
My favorite enzyme, Digest Gold by Enzymedica, addresses all three categories of food, which are found in most meals. The company has combination products, like what I take, and individual ones, as well. They’re very powerful and effective; however they also have a price tag to match. They aren’t cheap, but honestly, how much would you pay not to be gassy at the New Year’s Eve party? But this isn’t the only brand that works. There are many, less expensive digestive enzymes available, so finding one that does the job should be easy. Health food stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, and online are the places to buy them.
This is what you do. Directly before you begin eating, grab a glass of water and pop the recommended dosage. It’s best to have it in your stomach, ready and waiting. If you forget or can’t take it beforehand, take it afterwards. They typically aren’t as effective after you’ve eaten, but that’s definitely a better option than taking none at all. Ask my wife! The best thing is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations that will be listed on the label.
I realize digestive enzymes aren’t everyone’s answer to overeating discomfort, but if you anticipate a rough road ahead, pick up a bottle and give them a try. They’ve saved me from sleeping on the sofa many nights! Bon appétit!
by Aaron Marino
