Understanding What Drives Low Digestive Enzymes &
Why the Nervous System Matters

Digestive enzymes are proteins released by the stomach, pancreas and small intestine that break food down into absorbable nutrients.

When enzyme output is low, food is only partially digested. This can lead to bloating, gas, loose stools or constipation, food reactions, nutrient deficiencies and fatigue.

Low enzyme output is not a diagnosis on its own, but a functional issue that often sits underneath conditions such as IBS, SIBO, reflux, dysbiosis and ongoing digestive discomfort.

What’s Really Happening When You Have Low Enzymes

Healthy enzyme production depends on adequate nutrition, pancreatic function, good blood flow to digestive organs and calm nervous system signalling.

Levels commonly become low due to:

  • chronic stress and nervous system activation

  • long-term inflammation in the gut or pancreas

  • low stomach acid (which normally triggers enzyme release)

  • nutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc and magnesium

  • ageing

  • recurrent infections

  • restrictive diets or low protein intake

  • certain medications

  • eating quickly or while anxious

When enzymes are insufficient, undigested food becomes fuel for bacteria, increasing fermentation, gas production and irritation of the gut lining.

The Gut–Brain Axis

Enzyme secretion is directly influenced by nervous system activity.

When the body is in fight, flight, freeze or shutdown, blood flow to the digestive organs decreases and enzyme release slows. Over time, this can become a persistent pattern.

Many people notice their digestive symptoms worsen during:

  • periods of prolonged stress

  • emotional strain

  • rushed meals

  • irregular eating schedules

  • poor sleep

For some, low enzyme output reflects a digestive system that has been operating in survival mode for too long.

Why Common Advice Falls Short

Taking enzyme supplements can help reduce symptoms, but they do not address:

  • why enzyme production dropped

  • why digestion signalling is impaired

  • why inflammation or nutrient depletion persists

  • or why stress physiology remains high

Without restoring these foundations, enzyme dependence can develop.

What Actually Helps Long Term

Supporting natural enzyme production involves improving the environment in which digestion occurs.

This often includes:

Supporting stomach acid
So enzyme release is properly triggered.

Replenishing key nutrients
Such as zinc and magnesium.

Reducing inflammation
In the gut and pancreas.

Balancing the microbiome
To reduce fermentation pressure.

Improving eating patterns
Slower meals, regular timing and adequate protein.

Regulating the nervous system
So digestive signalling can normalise.

When these layers are addressed together, digestion often becomes stronger, more comfortable and more reliable.

TLDR

What drives low digestive enzymes
Low enzyme output develops when stress physiology, nutrient status, stomach acid levels, inflammation and digestive signalling are disrupted.

The role of the nervous system
Stress states reduce blood flow to digestive organs and suppress enzyme release, leading to poor breakdown of food.

In short
Low digestive enzymes are rarely just a pancreatic issue. They reflect a digestive–microbiome–nervous system pattern. When these systems are supported together, symptoms often improve.

This is the Mind–Body–Biome approach.