The end product of both disaccharides and starch digestion are monosaccharides. These monosaccharides are absorbed in the small intestine. Carbohydrates that are not absorbed in the small intestine are fermented by bacteria in the colon and converted to short-chain fatty acids, which are then absorbed by the colon.

When we consume disaccharides our bodies break them down into single sugars. These sugars are glucose, fructose and galactose, and they are used as energy for our body. Lactose, for example, can be found in breast milk and is used as an energy source by infants.

Formation and Breakdown of Disaccharides The H and -OH that were removed from the two monosaccharides join together to form a water molecule, H2O. When disaccharides are broken down into their monosaccharide components via enzymes, a water molecule is added. This process is called hydrolysis.

In the case of a lactase deficiency, undigested milk sugar remains in the intestine, which is then fermented by the normal intestinal bacteria. These bacteria produce gas, cramping, bloating, a “gurgly” feeling in the abdomen, and flatulence.

Undigested disaccharides cause an osmotic load that attracts water and electrolytes into the bowel, causing watery diarrhea. Bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates in the colon produces gases (hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane), resulting in excessive flatus, bloating and distention, and abdominal pain.

Amylase. This enzyme helps break down starches into sugar, which your body can use for energy. If you don’t have enough amylase, you may get diarrhea from undigested carbohydrates.

Foods high in starch include:

• Starchy vegetables like peas, corn, lima beans, and potatoes.
• Dried beans, lentils, and peas such as pinto beans, kidney beans, black eyed peas, and split peas.
• Grains like oats, barley, and rice. (The majority of grain products in the US are made from wheat flour.

1. absence of starch digesting enzyme in gastric juice. 2. highly acidic pH inside stomach does not allow salivary amylase to continue its action.

Normally, blood glucose levels increase after you eat a meal. When blood sugar rises, cells in the pancreas release insulin, causing the body to absorb glucose from the blood and lowering the blood sugar level to normal.

Once a protein source reaches your stomach, hydrochloric acid and enzymes called proteases break it down into smaller chains of amino acids. Amino acids are joined together by peptides, which are broken by proteases. From your stomach, these smaller chains of amino acids move into your small intestine.

The pancreas serves two functions in the breakdown of starch: It produces the enzyme amylase which is released from exocrine glands (acinar cells) into the intestinal tract.

Starches are long chains of glucose that are found in grains, potatoes and various foods. But not all of the starch you eat gets digested. Sometimes a small part of it passes through your digestive tract unchanged. In other words, it is resistant to digestion.

We now know that starches are not completely digested, and, indeed, some are quite poorly digested. We have learned that the undigestible carbohydrates are not just neutral bulking agents, but have important physiologic effects, and even contribute energy to the diet.

The digestion of starch begins with salivary amylase, but this activity is much less important than that of pancreatic amylase in the small intestine. Amylase hydrolyzes starch, with the primary end products being maltose, maltotriose, and a -dextrins, although some glucose is also produced.

The top recommendation for a general, all-encompassing digestive enzyme is Pure Encapsulations Digestive Enzymes Ultra (view at Amazon). If lactose and dairy products are the primary cause of discomfort and irregular digestion, Lactaid (view at Amazon) is the top choice.

Digestive enzyme supplements also could interact with antacids and certain diabetes medications. They may cause side effects including abdominal pain, gas and diarrhea.

There’s no standard dosage for digestive enzymes. Studies often used preparations that contain mixtures of several enzymes and effective dosages vary widely. 2 If you’re going to try digestive enzymes, consider a short trial period of two or three weeks. If it works, you may want to continue with it.

As probiotics and digestive enzymes are different things and perform different jobs, it is absolutely fine to take them together.

Common side effects. The most common side effects of digestive enzyme supplements include constipation, nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. As with all over-the-counter dietary supplements, digestive enzyme supplements aren’t controlled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Many forms of digestive enzyme supplements are widely available over the counter, and they are mostly considered to be safe when taken as recommended. Some studies have suggested that bromelain, a digestive enzyme supplement made from pineapples, interferes with platelets in the bloodstream.

Probiotics: Living strains of bacteria that add to the population of good bacteria in your digestive system. Prebiotics: Specialized plant fiber that acts as food for the good bacteria. This stimulates growth among the preexisting good bacteria.

Here are seven of the most common signs:

1. Upset stomach. Stomach disturbances like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn can all be signs of an unhealthy gut.
2. A high-sugar diet.
3. Unintentional weight changes.
4. Sleep disturbances or constant fatigue.
5. Skin irritation.
6. Autoimmune conditions.
7. Food intolerances.

Prebiotics are shown to improve stool frequency and consistency, and when combined with probiotics may provide even more benefits for constipation.

Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some medications that may interact with certain probiotics include: antibiotics, antifungals (such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, griseofulvin, nystatin).

There may soon be a new tool in the fight against childhood obesity. Prebiotics reduce body fat in children who are overweight or obese by altering their gut microbiota, according to new research published in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA).

“The best time to take a probiotic is on an empty stomach,” Dr. Wallman says. For most people, that means taking a probiotic first thing in the morning (at least an hour before a meal, Dr. Wallman advises), or right before you go to sleep.