FAQ: Smidge Digestive Enzymes

Why are digestive enzymes so important?

Enzymes are essential for healthy digestion and a healthy body. They work with other chemicals in the body, such as the stomach acid and bile, to help break down food into smaller molecules for a wide range of bodily functions critical for life.*

When we're healthy, digestive enzymes are secreted along the digestive tract to break food down into nutrients and energy and then eventually be secreted out into waste matter. In other words, you can't live without 'em.

What types of food contain digestive enzymes?

You can find digestive enzymes in fungi, plants and in raw and cultured foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi and other fermented veggies.

Are Smidge® Digestive Enzymes safe for children?

Yes, but run it by your doc first. Smidge® Digestive Enzymes are safe for children 3 and over. For toddlers and sensitive adults, a smaller dose may be obtained by pulling apart the capsule, taking a small portion of the contents and mixing with food.

Warning: Smidge® Digestive Enzymes are not recommended for children under the age of 3, unless otherwise prescribed by a physician. Also, please avoid if you have mold sensitivities, an Aspergillus allergy, or a compromised immune system, as the enzymes are derived from Aspergillus (fungus) via fermentation.

Why isn't my body producing enough digestive enzymes?

First, run this important question by your certified medical practitioner.

When your body doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes (due to an increased consumption of highly processed food and chemicals), diseases of the stomach and small intestine begin to occur. Once the number and types of digestive enzymes produced naturally in our system is diminished, we may no longer have the ability to digest food and fight infection.

You may be able to improve digestive issues with the help of a quality enzyme supplement like Smidge®, in addition to removing sugars, grains, processed dairy, and industrial vegetable and seed oils from your diet (as directed by your doctor).

Where are the ingredients sourced and where is the supplement made?

Our Digestive Enzymes are sourced and produced in the U.S. :)

What are the enzymes derived?

The enzymes are derived from Aspergillus (fungus) via fermentation. For this reason, we do not recommend the product for individuals who have an Aspergillus allergy, mold sensitivities or a compromised immune system.*

As always, consult with a certified medical practitioner, preferably one familiar with gut health, before starting any new supplement.

What's the difference between Smidge® Digestive Enzymes and Smidge® HCl + Enzymes?

Smidge® Digestive Enzymes is a digestive supplement for people who have adequate HCl levels but want to maximize their absorption of fats, proteins and hard-to-digest carbs. It includes all the same enzymes as Smidge® HCl + Enzymes, plus additional enzymes to support the digestion of beans, cruciferous veggies and other carbohydrates. You can even open up the capsules to consume, since it does not contain HCl. Smidge® Digestive Enzymes are a great choice for the whole family or those new to enzymes to support comfortable digestion and nutrient absorption. 

Smidge® HCl + Enzymes is our original formula that contains HCl (hydrochloric acid) and pepsin. It's ideal for people who have occasional acid reflux, gas or bloating and seek a gentle dose of HCl and pepsin with their digestive enzymes. Many of our customers following the GAPS diet or other ancestral protocols that call for restricting grains and carb intake take it, as it helps with the breakdown of meat and animal proteins.* It also helps restore HCl levels and maximize the absorption of fats, proteins and minerals.

Many of our customers have both on hand depending on what’s on their plates!

Can I use Smidge® Digestive Enzymes with Smidge® HCl + Enzymes?

Yes! Smidge® Digestive Enzymes can be used in tandem or sequentially with Smidge® HCl + Enzymes, which contains HCl and pepsin. Some customers start with Smidge® HCl + Enzymes and then move onto only Smidge® Digestive Enzymes after their HCl levels are up. Some use the two in tandem for different meals over the same day.

Tell me more about the DPP-IV enzymes and how they support the breakdown of gluten.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) is one of the few enzymes that can help with the breakdown of proteins like gluten and casein, rich in the amino acid, proline.*

Most health experts recommend using it as a safeguard if you're worried something may contain gluten or casein.* In other words, the DPP-IV enzymes in Smidge® Digestive Enzymes capsules serve more as an additional safety net than as something that can reverse the gluten or dairy challenge you're facing.