Digestion turns a meal into smaller components the body can absorb. Movement, digestive secretions and the lining of the gut all play a part; enzymes are only one piece of that process.

From the first bite

Chewing breaks food into smaller pieces and mixes it with saliva. The oesophagus carries it to the stomach, where muscular mixing and gastric secretions prepare it for the next stage.

Absorption and the bowel

In the small intestine, enzymes and bile help process nutrients for absorption. The large bowel handles remaining material, absorbs water and supports bacterial fermentation. Stool is stored in the rectum before it is passed.

Symptoms do not identify one cause

Pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea can arise for many reasons. Food intolerance, allergy, coeliac disease and other conditions require different approaches. More enzymes are not automatically the answer to every digestive symptom.

Useful everyday observations

Record recurring symptoms and changes in bowel habit, keep meals regular where practical and maintain food variety. Seek medical review for persistent symptoms, blood in stools or unexplained weight loss. Our Knowledge Bank explains individual food components.

Further reading: NIDDK: your digestive system.