When you’re young, your digestive system usually functions smoothly. The body naturally produces enough digestive enzymes to support nutrient absorption and overall health. However, over time, poor eating habits, consuming hard-to-digest foods, overusing medications, or experiencing prolonged stress can impair the body’s ability to produce these enzymes. As a result, your digestive system may start to function less effectively.
Common signs of enzyme deficiency include loss of appetite, bloating, indigestion, and general discomfort after meals. If left unaddressed, these symptoms can lead to long-term health issues due to poor nutrient absorption.
How to Naturally Supplement Digestive Enzymes
To keep your digestive system functioning at its best, consider supporting it with the following natural enzyme-boosting drinks:
1. Lemon Juice
Benefits: Boosts brain energy, aids digestion, and helps cool and detoxify the body—especially beneficial for those with dark yellow urine, which can indicate excess internal heat.
How to Use: Mix lemon with water, sweetened to taste with sugar or honey.
Note: Avoid drinking in the evening, unless it’s needed to help reduce high fever, during dengue fever, or after a stroke.
2. Ginger & Sugar Water (with a pinch of salt)
Benefits: Warms and nourishes the marrow, conducts energy to the spine, stimulates the pancreas, and supports digestion and blood sugar regulation.
Best for: People with clear or pale urine—often a sign of low body heat or weakness.
How to Use: Combine ginger, sugar, and a pinch of salt with warm water; keep the mixture mild.
Note: Best consumed in the late afternoon. Avoid using it during the day for people engaged in mental work, unless urgently needed to boost energy.
3. Milk Thistle or Dandelion Leaf Water (with sugar)
Benefits: Supports liver and gallbladder function, reduces liver enzymes, helps lower blood pressure, and improves fat digestion.
Best for: People with dark yellow urine—often linked to liver or gallbladder imbalances.
Note: Should not be consumed at night, as bitter substances can disrupt marrow balance and negatively affect sleep.
4. Lemon, Salt & Sugar Water
Benefits: Relieves discomfort or heaviness after eating; replenishes minerals, especially for those who sweat a lot or engage in intense physical activity.
How to Use: Drink during the day, ideally before meals.
***Tips for Effective Use***
Spacing: Leave at least one hour between each type of drink to avoid overloading the small intestine with mixed inputs.
Frequency: Drink each type 1–2 times per week, rotating them based on your body’s needs.
Watch for Progress: Once you notice improvements like better appetite, deeper sleep, and healthy weight gain, your digestive health is likely on the mend.