Many foods lose their natural enzymes during cooking or processing. These enzymes, which are normally present in raw whole foods, are needed for digestion. Enzymes are protein-based substances essential for bodily functions including a healthy digestion.

Without these enzymes, a person may experience digestive difficulties like gas and bloating, heartburn, sour stomach and indigestion. Take digestive enzyme supplements to help your body break down ingested foods so that nutrients are absorbed well. This is to prevent undigested food in the digestive tract that can ferment and release harmful toxins.