Constipation is an uncomfortable gastrointestinal condition that you may experience either occasionally or chronically. While you may have heard that it's caused by lack of digestive enzymes, there's actually no evidence to support this. Instead, causes of constipation are many, and can relate to diet, lifestyle or health status.
Digestive Enzymes
Your gastrointestinal tract secretes many different proteins called digestive enzymes that help you break down the nutrient molecules in your food into smaller molecules that your intestine can absorb into the bloodstream. You have enzymes that digest protein, and enzymes that digest fat, as well as many different enzymes that digest starch and sugars. Without digestive enzymes, you wouldn't be able to extract energy or building blocks for molecules your cells make from your food.
Enzyme Deficiencies
Despite claims by manufacturers of digestive enzyme supplements that many of your health and gastrointestinal woes are due to enzyme deficiencies, such deficiencies are actually quite rare. For instance, a deficiency in the enzyme sucrase-isomaltase, which you use to break down table sugar, occurs in about one out of every 5,000 people, explains Genetics Home Reference. The exception to this general rule is lactase deficiency, which leads to lactose intolerance, and which is more common.
Constipation
Constipation isn't due to lack of digestive enzymes; actually, digestive enzyme deficiency causes diarrhea. This is because when you don't digest a component of your food, it passes into the large intestine and is broken down by bacteria there. This causes formation of large quantities of gas, and can also cause irritation, which leads to diarrhea. Typically you'll experience frequent, loose or explosive stools with digestive enzyme deficiency. Constipation, on the other hand, results from a slow-moving digestive tract.
Solutions
If you're constipated, there are any number of possible causes, explains MayoClinic.com. Pregnancy can lead to constipation, as can simple dehydration. A diet high in fat or protein and low in fiber is another common culprit, and some medications can harden your stools and constipate you. Over-the-counter stool looseners may help if you're a bit constipated. If your condition is chronic, however, see your doctor for help determining the source of your problem.
