Enzymes: What They Do for Digestion, Drugs and Your Health

Enzymes are tiny proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your body. They break food into usable bits, help your liver process medicines, and show up on blood tests when organs are stressed. Knowing a bit about enzymes helps you understand lab results, avoid drug problems, and decide if a supplement might actually help.

How enzymes affect digestion and supplements

Digestive enzymes break down carbs, fats and proteins. Common examples you may hear about: amylase for starch, lipase for fats, protease for proteins, and lactase for dairy. If you have lactose intolerance, a lactase tablet before a meal often works. If your pancreas doesn’t make enough enzymes (common after some surgeries or in chronic pancreatitis), doctors may prescribe pancreatic enzyme replacement like pancrelipase.

Over-the-counter enzyme supplements like bromelain (from pineapple) or papain (from papaya) are popular for bloating or mild digestion aid. They can help some people, but results vary. When shopping, pick brands that list enzyme activity or strength rather than just total milligrams, and choose products tested by a third party when possible. Store them in a cool, dry place to keep them active.

How enzymes change the way drugs work and what to watch for

Your liver uses enzyme systems (often called CYP enzymes) to break down many medications. One well-known example is CYP3A4. If something blocks that enzyme, drug levels can rise and cause side effects. Grapefruit juice is a classic food that can inhibit CYP3A4 and raise levels of several drugs. Some medicines can also speed up these enzymes, lowering the effect of other drugs.

If you start a new medication or supplement, tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take—prescription drugs, vitamins, herbal products, even grapefruit. They can check for interactions related to enzyme changes and adjust doses if needed.

Blood tests often measure liver enzymes like AST and ALT. High values can mean liver inflammation, alcohol effects, or a reaction to medicines. A single mild rise isn’t always serious, but repeated or large increases need evaluation. If your doctor orders enzyme tests, ask what the numbers mean for your medicines and lifestyle.

Practical tips: if digestion is a problem, try simple steps first—smaller meals, reduce fatty foods, and avoid known triggers like lactose if you’re intolerant. Use enzyme supplements only after checking quality and discussing with a clinician if you take other drugs. If you get unexpected side effects after adding a pill or an herbal product, stop it and get medical advice—enzyme-related interactions are often reversible when the trigger is removed.

Want short guides on enzyme-related topics? Our site covers digestive enzymes, liver tests, and how enzymes interact with common medicines. Read individual articles for step-by-step advice and real-world examples you can use at home.