Digestive powder. Medicines for digestion: which ones are better?

Various pathologies gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are accompanied by digestive disorders. Special medications called enzymes help eliminate them effectively and quickly. Characteristic symptoms indicate that you should take medications to improve digestion.

You need to pay more attention to the body, noticing such alarming manifestations:

malaise, decreased performance;
deterioration of the skin;
poor condition of nails and hair;
nausea, flatulence, stool disorders;
abdominal pain, loss of appetite.

These and other symptoms indicate that the work digestive system broken. It is important to choose the right means to normalize it.

What are enzyme preparations

Digestive enzymes are biological substances, having a protein nature and accelerating biochemical reactions.

The functions of protein molecules determine the breakdown of complex substances into simple ones. This ensures easier digestion of food.

Operating principle

Drugs that improve digestion get their name due to the content of digestive enzymes in them. The body produces such elements independently for processing and good absorption of food. These are specific catalysts that accelerate chemical digestive reactions.

However, sometimes such substances are synthesized in insufficient quantities. What causes heaviness in the gastrointestinal tract, gas formation, bloating.

In such cases, effective enzymes contained in medicines are used.

They normalize symptomatic indicators, help relieve pain, normalize stool, and absorb nutrients.

It is important to optimally select doses. Long lasting and uncontrolled reception medications can impair the functioning of the secretion glands.

Indications for use

What medications to take and when depends on the causes of gastrointestinal pathologies. Many problems arise due to violation of the regime, quality of nutrition, abuse of: pickles, fatty foods, smoked foods, sweets.

All products must be dosed, even for healthy people.

Also impairs digestion:

binge eating;
eating immediately before bedtime;
insufficient processing of products;
chewing too quickly;
monotonous food.

In addition to insufficient attention to nutrition, various gastrointestinal pathologies negatively affect the digestion of food:

colitis;
duodenitis;
pancreatitis;
enterocolitis;
hepatitis;
cholecystitis;
cholangitis.

When diagnosing these and other diseases in complex treatment include enzymes. They can be used once, for example, in case of food or alcohol overload of the gastrointestinal tract.

These are appointed medications also during preparation for diagnostic procedures abdominal cavity.

Speed of effect

The speed at which the drug begins to act depends on various factors: the stage of the disease, the form of release of the drug, and the correctness of the drug's prescription. The average time to achieve the effect is 20-40 minutes. The action lasts on average 6 hours.

For faster results, you should follow the recommendations for use:

take enzymes while eating or immediately after finishing eating;
take the medicine clean water;
use the products in strictly dosed quantities, taking into account the recommendations of a specialist.

During the treatment period, you should forget about alcohol and reduce your intake of coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks as much as possible.

Classification of means to improve the digestion process

The medications described above are classified according to the active substance in their composition.

Enzyme groups

Drug class	Action	Representatives	Compound	Peculiarities
Preparations based on pancreatin	Eliminate many causes of pathologies, normalizing the process of food digestion	Penzital, Pancreatin, Creon, Mezim, Pangrol, Lycrease	The main component is pancreatin	Most active 30-40 minutes after application
Products containing, in addition to pancreatin, additional components	Improves intestinal activity, improves pancreatic function, improves gallbladder function	Festal, Panzinorm, Enzistal, Pancral, Digestal	They contain bile acids, cellulose, bile components	The rate of glucose breakdown is increased due to additional components
Herbal remedies	Representatives of this group help normalize the functions of the pancreas	Unienzyme, Nigedaza, Somilaza, Wobenzym, Oraza, Pepfiz	They contain papain, rice fungus, and other components	There are contraindications for allergies
Combination medications	In addition to replacing enzyme deficiency, they relieve inflammation, swelling, and relieve pain.	Flogenzym, Wobenzym, Merkenzym	They combine plant elements with pancreatin and vitamins	Long-term use possible without side effects
Simple enzymes	Release gastrin, promoting stimulation of gastric secretion and active gastrointestinal activity	Betaine, Abomin	Represent chains of amino acids that act on proteins	Used for gastritis, but quite rarely

In most drugs different groups The main active ingredient is pancreatin.

Release forms

There are two forms of enzyme-based drugs. These are tablets and capsules. The first ones have been known for a long time and inspire confidence in many patients. The tablets act only on the stomach, dissolving in it under the influence of the secreted juice.

Capsules are a later generation form. They are characterized by double shells. One of them dissolves in the stomach, while the second only reaches the intestines. Therefore, the entire gastrointestinal tract works to break down the drug.

Drugs with the greatest effect

Among the most popular means more often called:

Festal;
Somilase;
Enzistal.

Festal

Along with pancreatin, it contains bovine bile and hemicellulose. Has a positive effect on the functions of the gastrointestinal tract as a whole.

with limited enzyme production;
with flatulence, irritable intestines;
to combat diarrhea (not caused by intestinal infection);
to improve the functions of the digestive system as a whole.

The drug is contraindicated for hepatitis and acute pancreatitis. The price is quite affordable.

Traditionally it is considered especially effective means. The low price combined with high effectiveness made the product in demand.

Its indications are wide:

binge eating;
imperfection of the masticatory apparatus;
pancreatic enzyme deficiency;
chronic gastrointestinal diseases.

Pancreatin is absorbed well. Side effects are rare. A specialist will help you determine the dose.

Produced on the basis of pancreatin in the form of capsules. Consequently, its effectiveness is increased by penetration into the intestines.

Shown:

with pancreatitis in chronic form;
after operations;
during periods of heavy food consumption;
to counteract indigestion.

The capsule is swallowed before meals. Relieves heaviness and bloating. Urticaria and diarrhea may occur due to the auxiliary components in the composition. Creon is stronger than Pancreatin, so you should consult your doctor about the possibility of taking it.

Appointed:

with a lack of enzymes;
when food elements stagnate in the gastrointestinal tract;
when diagnosing pancreatitis;
at inflammatory processes in the stomach.

You need to take one tablet before meals. The duration of the course is determined by the doctor. Mezim is contraindicated in patients with hepatitis or intestinal obstruction. Its price is higher than Pancreatin.

List of inexpensive digestive medications

The concept of high cost is not always equivalent to quality. There are good analogues that are more affordable.

Inexpensive tablets are available for sale at any pharmacy.

dietary supplements

A special group of drugs for stimulating digestion are dietary supplements. They have become popular and help to activate metabolic processes, lose weight. These are complexes of biologically active substances that can restore intestinal microflora, improve metabolism and the condition of the gastrointestinal tract as a whole.

Pineapple extract

Improves the processing of protein foods and their absorption by the body.

Helps stimulate the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, promotes active burning of calories. It has a complex effect, including promoting weight loss.

Dietary supplements developed a large number of, it is important to choose the most effective ones in a particular situation.

Children's drugs to improve digestion

Babies also suffer from digestive disorders. For them, only a doctor can prescribe the appropriate remedy and its dosage. To protect against exposure of hydrochloric acid For children, products with a special coating are more often recommended. Only a doctor can determine the dose of the drug in infants.

From 3 years of age, children are prescribed capsules or tablets. It is recommended to open the capsule for newborns due to the baby's inability to swallow. The powder from the capsule is mixed with milk.

You should not use hot water for the solution, since heat destroys the active components of the substance.

Preparations containing bile components should be used with caution in children. Children are prescribed enzymes in small doses to avoid inhibition of the natural activity of the pancreas. These medications are taken by children during meals.

Features of the use of enzymes in old age

With age, enzyme production in the body decreases (by about 13% per decade). Their structure and functionality may change. Therefore, older people have to compensate for their deficiency systematically in order to avoid gastrointestinal pathologies with special drugs.

Use of enzymes during pregnancy

The fetus, as it develops, is capable of squeezing digestive organs, disrupting the blood circulation of the pancreas and liver. This interferes with the natural synthesis of digestive enzymes.

In addition to following certain diets, pregnant women are often recommended to take Mezim. It can be used even without medical advice, since the elements it contains are safe. But still, during the period of gestation, it is better to avoid medications if possible.

Side effects

There are few side effects from such drugs. Only excessive formation of uric acid (hyperuricosuria) is possible, which is a prerequisite for the development of uric acid (stone formation).

In case of overdose, the following manifestations are possible:

nausea;
stool disorders;
allergic reactions;
feeling of heaviness in the stomach.

Should also be avoided long-term use such funds.

Contraindications

In some cases, enzyme agents may worsen general state person.

The following are noted as contraindications:

gout;
acute pancreatitis;
acute gastritis;
liver pathologies (hepatitis);
celiac disease (hereditary intestinal pathology);
colitis, diarrhea;
allergies to animal protein.

The advisability of using medications can only be determined by a qualified doctor.

The importance of consulting a doctor

There are many enzyme preparations for digestion; it is difficult to understand their nuances on your own. Only a doctor can individually select the most effective medicines . After all, the signs various diseases are often similar and easy to make mistakes.

A comprehensive solution to the problem that has arisen is possible with qualified help, and not based on impressions from commercials. The doctor will determine whether you should take tablets or capsules depending on whether the source of discomfort is in the stomach or intestines.

Synthesized enzyme preparations serve to improve digestion. They compensate for the insufficient production of such substances by the human body.

Reception special medicines improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The range of such drugs is wide; your doctor will help you choose the medicine individually.

Abdominal discomfort and digestive disorders have happened to each of us. There can be several sources of such problems.

To prevent unpleasant consequences, you need to add it to your diet. special drugs to improve digestion. They were created for fast and effective elimination disorders of the digestive tract.

Signs you need digestion pills

With regular examination of the body, any malfunction in its functioning will be instantly detected and corrected. When problems relate to the gastrointestinal tract, they provoke the appearance of a number of symptoms that can be used to diagnose the disease in early stages. We list the main signs that require taking a remedy to improve digestion.

Chronic fatigue and depression. Similar symptoms appear from a lack of vitamins, microelements and nutrients in the body. If there is a shortage of important components, it is forced to deplete its own reserves, which are either slowly or not replenished at all.
Increased sleepiness. Appears when there is a deficiency of important substances in the usual diet.
Deterioration of skin condition. The skin becomes dry, unpleasant to the touch, scars and age spots appear.
Deterioration of hair and nails. One of the most common and dangerous symptoms lack of useful nutrients in the body.
Discomfort in the intestinal area. Regular constipation, diarrhea, flatulence and nausea are clear signs of gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Stomach pain. If your stomach often hurts and turns, especially after eating food, then you should immediately contact a qualified specialist.
Loss of appetite. This symptom is a logical consequence of the previous one, and indicates the rapid development of the disease.

If you notice one of the above symptoms, then you need to consult a doctor and purchase medications to improve digestion.

For what reasons is digestion impaired?

Indigestion can begin after a heavy dinner or, conversely, prolonged malnutrition. Diet directly affects the functioning of the digestive system, so you should be careful about your food intake.

Junk food abuse. A large amount of smoked, salted and fried foods causes the digestive system to work beyond normal, which over time will irreversibly lead to malfunctions.

Binge eating. Experts say that food intake should be completed with feeling light hunger. The fact is that the connection between the stomach and the brain is not lightning fast. For this reason, people often overeat because they continue eating when their stomach is already full. To eliminate such risks, you should eat slowly and in moderate portions.

Insufficient chewing of food. Eating food quickly can have unpleasant consequences. Especially when it comes to solid foods that require additional chewing before entering the stomach.

Late dinner. After 8 o'clock in the evening, the body's performance decreases noticeably, and along with it the ability to digest heavy food.

Drinking water with meals. A person needs to drink large amounts of water every day, but not during meals. By drinking water with food, you slow down the digestion process and partially destroy beneficial features digestible products.

Sticking to simple rules By eating a healthy diet, you will significantly reduce the risk of stomach discomfort and problems with the digestive system. But for those who have already encountered similar difficulties, we present a list of worthy products that improve digestion.

The best drugs to improve digestion

Disturbances in the digestive system should be eliminated proper diet nutrition and special medications. Drugs that improve digestion and intestinal function are divided into 3 types according to the key active substance:

Medicines based on pancreatin. Pancreatin is considered the most effective and fast-acting digestive enzyme. Within a few minutes after taking such medications, the substance begins to actively act and fight the signs of indigestion.
Medicines based on pancreatin in combination with other additional elements (bile acids, cellulose, etc.). Auxiliary components accelerate the breakdown of complex sugar compounds, help normalize intestinal function and increase the secretion of digestive enzymes.
Medicines whose action is aimed at restoring normal activity of the pancreas.

Important! Only a qualified doctor can determine which drug group can solve your stomach problems. Sometimes pain symptoms that are similar in effect can occur from different diseases. Therefore, in some cases, it is more advisable to choose a drug that includes additional elements than regular Pancreatin.

The speed at which the drug affects the source of the problem also depends on the form of its release. IN modern medicine There are two common options for releasing digestive enzymes:

Capsules. Enzymatic preparations for improving digestion in capsule form have been produced relatively recently. But their effectiveness has been repeatedly proven during clinical trials. The advantage of capsules over the tablet form is the simultaneous effect on both the stomach and intestines. Due to the special shell, part of the active substance is distributed in the stomach, and the remainder goes directly into the intestines.

Pills. This is a more common form of drug release. In this connection, buyers initially develop a loyal attitude towards medicines in the form of tablets. As noted earlier, the effect of the tablets is aimed only at the functioning of the stomach.

The choice of release form of the drug should be based on the doctor’s recommendations. There is no need to overpay for capsules if the source of discomfort is located directly in the stomach. An experienced specialist will be able to determine the cause of the disease and suggest the optimal and effective solution.

Here is a list of the most popular and effective medicines, improving digestion.

Pancreatin

Pancreatin is considered one of the most effective drugs for digestion. Its popularity is due not only strong effect, but also at a fairly modest price. The use of Pancreatin is prescribed in the following situations:

with defective secretion of pancreatic enzymes;
with long-term disturbances in the functioning of the stomach, intestines or liver;
when eating large amounts of food;
when leading a sedentary lifestyle;
for problems with chewing processes.

There are no optimal dosages for the drug. However, it is considered normal to take one tablet with each meal. At acute diseases It is recommended to increase the dosage to 2-3 tablets. Pancreatin has virtually no side effects. Any consequences after taking the drug are observed in only 1% of all users. The main side effects include:

discomfort in the stomach, nausea, vomiting;
allergic reactions, in the form skin rash;
an increase in the amount of uric acid in the body.

Despite the rare occurrence of side effects from taking the drug, Pancreatin is recommended to be used exclusively on the recommendation of a doctor. A specialist will be able to determine the optimal dosage and frequency of doses.

Creon

Many gastroenterologists prefer Creon. The fact is that it is available in capsules, which significantly increases its effectiveness. The key active ingredient of the drug is pancreatin, which stimulates the production of vital digestive enzymes. Creon is necessary for:

treatment of chronic pancreatitis;
conducting postoperative therapy on the gastrointestinal tract;
oncological diseases (if the tumor interferes with the normal functioning of the stomach or pancreas);
eating large amounts of food (at holidays, feasts, etc.).

The drug has virtually no side effects, with occasional cases of diarrhea or mild pain in the abdominal area. Most often these Negative consequences are caused not by pancreatin, but by additional elements included in Creon.

Mezim

Mezim can rightfully be called the most popular drug that improves the functioning of the digestive system. This is due not only to a powerful advertising campaign in the media, but also to the high effectiveness of the medicine. The composition of one Mezim tablet includes pancreatin, lipase, amylase and protease. The drug is prescribed in the following situations:

with a decrease in the amount of digestive enzymes produced;
if you have problems with metabolism;
when inflammatory processes occur on the walls of the gastric mucosa;
for chronic pancreatitis.

Experts advise taking 1 tablet before meals. In some cases, increased dosages are prescribed. The course of treatment can last from a week to 3-4 months, depending on the stage of the disease.

Important! Mezim is contraindicated for people suffering from intestinal obstruction, jaundice or hepatitis.

The composition of Mezim is identical to the composition of Pancreatin, but the difference lies in the shell. Mezim has a sweeter and more palatable coating, which attracts most patients. Also, because of this feature, Mezim is more often prescribed to children.