Enzymes are typically present in raw, whole foods to assist with digestion, in adition to the ones that are supposed to be produced by your own body. The majority of people don't obtain enough through diet alone these days, especially with the common diet of cooked and heavily processed foods.

Additionally, there are several enzymes that the human body lacks, such as cellulase (the enzyme thatbreaks down cellulose) and phytase, the enzyme that breaks down the phytates and phytic acid we consume in our diet. That's why many people have trouble breaking down certain foods like starchy beans, legumes and nuts.

Without the essential enzymes needed for proper digestion, you may not completely break down your foods enough to absorb their nutrients. Undigested foods in the digestive tract can ferment, causing gas, bloating and other digestive difficulties.

So a good digestive enzyme capsule would contain a high potency plant-based enzyme formula and at least 100,000 H.U.T. units of protease per serving. There should be varieous enzymes blended for full-spectrum digestion.

If you suspect you have low stomach acid, you would look for a formula that contains hydrochloric acid (HCl).