Fatigue and weakness.
This is one of the most common yet often underestimated symptoms of digestive enzyme deficiency. At first glance, such feelings may seem related to lack sleep, stress, or simply being overworked. However, in some cases, the root cause lies in the impaired functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. When the body doesn’t produce enough enzymes, food isn’t fully digested. As a result, nutrients — especially vitamins and minerals — are not absorbed in sufficient amounts. You might find yourself waking up already tired, losing focus before lunchtime, or feeling apathetic even on a calm day. For example, someone might eat a plate of buckwheat and chicken — seemingly nutritious and healthy. But if there’s a shortage of enzymes, the protein from the meat isn’t fully broken down, and complex carbohydrates are only partially processed. Over time, this can lead to chronic fatigue. That’s why it’s important to recognize the issue early and, in some cases, undergo medical evaluation and consider adding enzyme supplements to the diet if necessary.
Bloating and gas (flatulence).
When the body lacks enough enzymes to properly break down food — especially proteins, fats, or carbohydrates — undigested remnants end up in the large intestine. There, they become ‘food’ for intestinal bacteria, which produce gases in the fermentation process. As a result, a person may experience abdominal bloating, rumbling, unpleasant pressure in the stomach, and sometimes pain. For instance, after what seems like a light dinner of vegetables and chicken, unexpected abdominal discomfort may arise — simply because the body couldn’t fully “process” the meal. In this state, people often find themselves unbuttoning pants, going to bed earlier, or avoiding socializing — just because the body is sending signals of internal imbalance.
Nausea or stomach discomfort.
Nausea and a feeling of discomfort in the stomach can be alarming signs that the body is struggling to digest food due to a lack of enzymes. When enzymes are insufficient, food remains in the stomach longer than necessary, irritating the stomach lining and causing heaviness, pressure, and sometimes even heartburn. A person may feel bloated or heavy even if they haven’t overeaten. For instance, after a regular lunch with meat and potatoes, nausea might appear within an hour, appetite may vanish, and even mood can take a hit. Such symptoms are often blamed on tiredness or a bad day, while in reality, the true cause may lie in a silent enzyme deficiency that disrupts digestion every single day.
Heartburn.
That burning, unpleasant sensation in the chest or throat often appears after meals, especially if the food was fatty, fried, or simply too large in volume. One possible reason is that food lingers in the stomach because there aren’t enough enzymes to break it down quickly and efficiently. As a result, stomach acidity increases, and some of the stomach contents may reflux into the esophagus, causing that burning feeling. For example, after eating your favorite borscht with sour cream or a meat dish with sides, heaviness, belching, and a burning sensation in the chest may appear within just half an hour. This isn’t just discomfort — it’s a sign the body lacks the enzymes necessary for effective digestion. It’s also important to remember that heartburn can be a symptom not only of enzyme deficiency but also of conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or even peptic ulcers. In such cases, the enzymes themselves will not be enough, and you may need additional medications (for example, Omez, Nexium, Lanzol Relief, Pantosec) to fully treat and reduce inflammation. That’s why, if heartburn occurs frequently, it’s crucial not to self-medicate but to consult a specialist.
Decreased appetite.
When the body lacks enough enzymes for proper digestion, one of the first responses may be a noticeable loss of appetite. Foods that once brought joy no longer seem appealing. A person might start skipping meals or forcing themselves to eat only because they “have to.” This happens for a reason: the body instinctively tries to avoid overloading the stomach, knowing that each meal brings discomfort. For example, you may be preparing a delicious dinner only to realize your appetite is suddenly gone. This could be a sign that your digestive system is overwhelmed — it doesn’t have the necessary tools to properly process food, so it slows the process down by reducing hunger.