Who needs digestive enzymes? We do, actually. For many of us, our lifestyles demand them.

Before you run to buy bottles of enzymes from the health food store, let’s determine whether you need them.

Our bodies need all the nutrients from good, wholesome foods that we can gain. Digestive enzymes help your body to break down food for faster and more easy assimilation. Why is assimilation important? Food that stays too long in the digestive tract tends to garner the same reaction as a dead body in your house – after a while, it smells, no one wants to visit and maggots invite themselves to the party.

Pineapples contain Bromelain, a digestive aid found in the core and stem of the fruits.

Is it possible to gain enzymes from food? Absolutely! Raw fruits and vegetables overflow with enzymes. Some of them have very high enzyme levels. The high-enzyme foods include pineapple, papaya, and sprouts and seeds. Having meat with sprouts and other veggies, for example, is more helpful to the body than meat with rice, potatoes or bread. The enzymes in the vegetables further help to digest the meat.

Self-Check: Should you take enzymes?

If you struggle with any of the following, consistently, talk with your doctor about supplementing with digestive enzymes:

• Gas and bloating, especially after meals

• Chronic Constipation

• Heavy feeling in the stomach long after you have eaten

• Undigested food in your stool

• Consistently floating stools

• Oily film in the toilet bowl

• Continued belching (burping)

• Reflux

Make sure to try a small bottle first, to see whether you notice positive changes. Finding the right enzymes, especially in today's overflowing market, make take a few trials. When you have found the right one, your body will let you know. Naturopaths can help you determine what you need.