By Hilary Metcalfe

Digestion is deeply personal... what leaves one woman feeling light and energised might leave another bloated, sluggish, and foggy.

I know the feeling well. When I was living with endometriosis, my digestion often felt like a daily battle. No matter how clean my diet was, the bloating, discomfort, and unpredictable digestion persisted. It wasn’t just physical — it was emotional. Feeling heavy and disconnected from my body became the norm.

That’s what led me to look deeper. Beyond probiotics, beyond food rules, to the simple question: what if my body just needed a little help doing what it was designed to do?

That’s when I discovered the quiet power of natural enzymes, specifically papain from papaya and bromelain from pineapple. They became game-changers for me: not a quick fix, but gentle allies that supported digestion, reduced inflammation, and restored a feeling of ease in my body.

It was part of what inspired The Digestive Herbata, a blend crafted to calm the gut, ease bloating, and support natural digestive flow.

Here’s what I’ve learned: how enzymes work, how they connect to hormones and gut health, and how to use food and herbs to find your rhythm again.

Xx,
Hilary
Co-Founder of The SABI - a wellness brand built from the inside out

How Digestive Enzymes Support the Gut

Digestive enzymes are proteins your body uses to transform food into absorbable nutrients. When enzyme activity slows — from hormonal changes, stress, or inflammation — digestion stagnates. The result: bloating, discomfort, and often constipation.

As enzyme output drops, undigested food ferments in the gut, increasing inflammation and altering the microbiome — a pattern common in women with endometriosis, PCOS, or perimenopausal shifts.

Papain & Bromelain: Nature’s Digestive Duo

Both papain (from papaya) and bromelain (from pineapple) are proteolytic enzymes, meaning they help the stomach break down proteins and reduce inflammatory load. They also indirectly support gut motility — easing the constipation that often accompanies hormonal imbalance.

Clinical studies show papain and bromelain improve post-meal comfort, reduce bloating, and support enzyme balance in the gut (Phytotherapy Research, 2021).

Why They Work So Well

• They assist the stomach and pancreas in protein digestion — lightening the load on your gut.

• They reduce inflammation that can slow bowel movements.

• They improve nutrient absorption, supporting hormonal balance at its foundation.

The Hormone–Digestion Connection

Hormones influence digestion at every level — from enzyme secretion to bowel motility.

When progesterone peaks (as it does premenstrually or during early pregnancy), the intestines slow, allowing water to be reabsorbed from stool — making it harder and more difficult to pass. That’s why functional gut rituals — hydration, enzymes, fibre, and herbal support — make such a difference for women.

Functional Nutrition for Digestive Rhythm

This is where functional nutrition bridges science and self-care. Instead of focusing on restriction, it’s about using food intentionally — to regulate hormones, improve motility, and reduce inflammation.

Hilary’s Functional Nutrition Guidelines

• Feed your enzymes: Include enzyme-rich foods like papaya, pineapple, kiwi, and fermented vegetables daily.

• Add fibre strategically: Think prebiotic vegetables (leeks, artichoke, chicory) to nourish the microbiome without excess bloat.

• Support bile flow: Bitter greens (rocket, dandelion, endive) encourage digestive juices that keep elimination regular.

• Stay mineral-rich: Magnesium and potassium from nettles, leafy greens, and pumpkin seeds support smooth muscle function — essential for relieving constipation.

• Sip consciously: Herbal infusions like The Digestive Herbata soothe the gut-brain axis, supporting enzyme function through relaxation.

Constipation isn’t just a mechanical issue — it’s often a hormonal and nervous-system one. Supporting both is where real relief begins.

The Synergy of Herbs and Enzymes

Natural enzymes work best when combined with herbs that calm the digestive system and regulate stress. That’s why The Digestive Herbata was formulated to be taken alongside meals or at the end of the day — to enhance digestive rhythm naturally.

Together, they form a daily ritual — not just for digestion, but for reconnection with your body’s signals.

Hilary’s Enzyme-Rich Smoothie for Digestion & Hormone Harmony

This simple smoothie is rich in natural enzymes, fibre, and anti-inflammatory compounds — the perfect breakfast or midday reset.

Papaya Pine Enzyme Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh papaya

• ½ cup pineapple (fresh or frozen)

• ½ banana

• ½ tsp grated ginger

• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (for fibre + omega-3s)

• 1 cup coconut water or oat milk

• Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or turmeric

Blend until smooth. Sip slowly — ideally mid-morning or after a meal — to support natural enzyme activity and keep digestion flowing.

Listening to Your Gut

For years, I tried to “fix” my digestion — cutting foods, tracking symptoms, trying every supplement. What worked wasn’t control — it was rhythm. Supporting the natural enzymatic and hormonal cycles of my body brought lasting relief.

Healing the gut isn’t about doing more; it’s about listening better. Start with food that nourishes, herbs that soothe, and rituals that slow you down. Sometimes, the simplest habits — a piece of fresh fruit, a cup of tea, a moment to breathe — are the ones that transform everything.

ABOUT HILARY Hilary is the Co-Founder of the SABI, a Holistic Nutritionist, natural, whole foods Chef, product developer and advocate for women getting to know their bodies, cycles and selves better. Born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Baja California, Mexico, she now lives in Los Cabos with her partner Kees, a curly-tailed rescue dog from Curacao, Flint and her rainbow babies Paloma and Bea.

References

1. "The Role of Papain in Protein Digestion" - National Library of Medicine
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

2. "Bromelain as a Digestive Aid: A Review" - Phytotherapy Research
   https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/

3. "The Benefits of Digestive Enzymes and Herbal Remedies" - Journal of Gastrointestinal Disorders
   https://www.gastrojournal.org/

4. "Natural Enzymes for Gut Health" - Advances in Nutrition
   https://academic.oup.com/advances

HORMONAL & PROUD

Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI is changing the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and even, pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and time again by women and now come backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and difficulty conceiving.

We invite you to get to know your body and its cycles better –– to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormones to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. We are here to help with the information, understanding and natural tools to support your body and the emotional process along with it.

DISCLAIMER

The SABI blog and articles are not meant to instruct or advise on medical or health conditions, but to inform. The information and opinions presented here do not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals for your unique situation.