Description
Belly Bliss
A comprehensive digestive enzyme supplement combining fungal-derived enzymes, plant proteases, and probiotic bacteria to support the breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. This formula is designed to assist digestion, particularly for individuals with compromised digestive enzyme production, those consuming enzyme-depleted processed foods, or anyone seeking digestive support during meals.
What's In It:
Enzyme Components:
• Makzyme-Pro™ Enzyme Blend: A proprietary combination of fungal proteases derived from Aspergillus oryzae, a koji mold used for centuries in Asian fermentation (soy sauce, miso, sake). Fungal proteases work across a broad pH range (pH 3.0-9.0), meaning they remain active throughout the entire digestive tract—from the acidic stomach to the alkaline small intestine. This contrasts with animal-derived proteases (like pepsin) that only function in narrow pH ranges.
Specific Enzyme Functions:
• Fungal Protease (from Aspergillus oryzae): Breaks down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. Proteins must be hydrolyzed into absorbable units for the body to utilize them for tissue repair, enzyme production, and metabolic functions. Fungal proteases include multiple subtypes (acid protease, neutral protease, alkaline protease) that collectively digest proteins regardless of stomach acid levels.
• Bromelain: A proteolytic enzyme (protease) extracted from pineapple stems. Contains multiple cysteine proteases that break peptide bonds in proteins. Bromelain has been studied for:
- Protein digestion support
- Potential anti-inflammatory properties (when taken between meals on empty stomach)
- May help digest tough protein structures in meat
• Papain: A cysteine protease enzyme derived from papaya fruit. Similar to bromelain, papain cleaves peptide bonds in proteins, supporting protein breakdown. Particularly effective at breaking down tough meat fibers. Papain remains active across pH 3.0-9.0, providing function throughout the digestive tract.
• Fungal Lipase: An enzyme that hydrolyzes triglycerides (fats) into glycerol and free fatty acids—the absorbable forms required for fat digestion. The body produces pancreatic lipase, but supplemental fungal lipase can support fat digestion, particularly for those with:
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Gallbladder issues or removal
- Fat malabsorption symptoms (floating stools, undigested fat)
• Fungal Lactase: Breaks down lactose (milk sugar) into glucose and galactose. Lactase production naturally declines after weaning in many populations, leading to lactose intolerance. Supplemental lactase enables digestion of dairy products without gas, bloating, or digestive discomfort in lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Alpha-Galactosidase: Breaks down complex oligosaccharides (raffinose, stachyose, verbascose) found in beans, legumes, cruciferous vegetables, and whole grains. Humans lack the enzyme to digest these sugars, so they reach the colon intact where gut bacteria ferment them, producing gas. Alpha-galactosidase pre-digests these sugars before they reach the colon, reducing gas and bloating from high-fiber foods.
Probiotic Component:
• Lactobacillus acidophilus: A lactic acid-producing bacterium naturally found in the human gut and fermented foods. Produces lactic acid that lowers intestinal pH, creating an environment less favorable for pathogenic bacteria. May support digestive health, lactose digestion, and immune function.
• Lactobacillus casei: Another beneficial Lactobacillus strain that ferments carbohydrates into lactic acid. Studied for potential benefits in supporting gut barrier function, immune response, and digestive comfort.
• Lactobacillus plantarum: A versatile probiotic found in fermented vegetables (sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles). May support digestive health, gut barrier integrity, and has been studied for potential benefits in IBS symptoms.
Note on Probiotics in Enzyme Formulas: The probiotic content here is likely minimal compared to dedicated probiotic supplements (which typically provide billions of CFU per dose). The primary function of this product is enzymatic digestion support, with probiotics as complementary components.
What It Does:
This supplement provides exogenous (externally sourced) digestive enzymes that work alongside the body's endogenous (internally produced) enzymes to break down macronutrients:
Protein Digestion Support:
- Proteases (fungal, bromelain, papain) break proteins into peptides and amino acids
- Particularly helpful for those with low stomach acid or pancreatic enzyme insufficiency
- May reduce protein-related bloating or feeling of heaviness after meals
Fat Digestion Support:
- Lipase breaks triglycerides into absorbable fatty acids
- Assists those with compromised bile production or pancreatic function
- May help with fat malabsorption symptoms
Carbohydrate Digestion Support:
- Lactase enables dairy digestion in lactose-intolerant individuals
- Alpha-galactosidase reduces gas from beans, legumes, and cruciferous vegetables
Overall Digestive Comfort: By enhancing breakdown of all three macronutrients, this formula may reduce common digestive complaints including bloating, gas, heaviness, and sluggish digestion after meals.
Who Might Benefit:
• Individuals with low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) or achlorhydria—often associated with aging, PPI use, or certain conditions • Those with pancreatic insufficiency—reduced production of pancreatic enzymes due to pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or other conditions • People with gallbladder issues or removal—reduced bile flow affecting fat digestion • Lactose-intolerant individuals consuming dairy • Those experiencing gas and bloating from beans/legumes • People consuming primarily cooked/processed foods lacking natural enzymes found in raw foods • Individuals with digestive discomfort after protein-heavy meals • Older adults with age-related decline in digestive enzyme production
The Raw Food Enzyme Theory:
The product description mentions "lack of raw foods in most people's diets." Context: Raw, uncooked plant foods contain their own enzymes (food enzymes) that can assist in their own digestion. However, cooking above 118°F (48°C) denatures these enzymes. The theory suggests that consuming enzyme-rich raw foods reduces the burden on the body's digestive enzyme production.
Important Nuance: While food enzymes may contribute to digestion in the stomach before gastric acid denatures them, the human body is well-equipped to produce its own digestive enzymes. Enzyme supplementation is most beneficial for those with compromised production, not necessarily as a replacement for the body's natural capabilities in healthy individuals.
Realistic Expectations:
Digestive enzyme supplements provide the most noticeable benefits for individuals with enzyme deficiencies or digestive impairments. Healthy individuals with normal enzyme production may experience subtle improvements in digestive comfort, particularly with large or hard-to-digest meals, though effects vary.
This is a supportive supplement, not a cure for underlying digestive disorders. Those with persistent digestive issues should work with healthcare providers to identify root causes.
Sourcing & Production:
Manufactured in the USA.
Product Specifications:
- Servings per Container: 30 (60 capsules)
- Serving Size: 2 capsules
- Net Weight: 0.25 lb (133g)
- Country of Origin: USA
Usage Instructions:
Standard Dosing: Take one (1) capsule twice daily, 20-30 minutes before meals (breakfast and dinner, or lunch and dinner).
Why Take Before Meals: Enzymes need time to reach the stomach and small intestine so they're present when food arrives. Taking 20-30 minutes before eating ensures optimal enzyme availability during digestion.
Timing Considerations:
-
With meals: Can be taken with first bite if pre-meal timing isn't feasible
-
Largest meals: Use with your most protein/fat-heavy meals for maximum benefit
-
Dairy-containing meals: Especially important for lactase benefit
-
Bean/legume meals: Crucial for alpha-galactosidase benefit
Important Safety Information:
Do not exceed recommended dose. Pregnant or nursing women, children under 18, and individuals with known medical conditions (especially bleeding disorders, peptic ulcers, or scheduled surgery—proteolytic enzymes may have mild blood-thinning effects) should consult a physician before use.
Drug Interactions: Digestive enzymes may interact with certain medications. Consult healthcare provider if taking antibiotics or other medications.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DO NOT USE IF SAFETY SEAL IS DAMAGED OR MISSING. STORE IN A COOL, DRY PLACE.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
