I use digestive enzymes (on an empty stomach) for their anti-inflammotry properties. I can notice more puffiness around my upper eyes when I skip a dose. I can also have a problem with a hemorroid too if I miss a dose.

Most people are familiar with bromelain but other protease enzymes can help with inflammation too.

I believe that my pancreas is probably enlarged because of my severe nutritional deficiencies. Unfortunately mainstream medicine doesn't seem to think the pancreas can become unhealthy or enlarged. But I have read that the last thing to show problems is the insulin production. Type II diabetes is really the main pancreas problem that is recognized by mainstream medicine. But the pancreas is the main organ (source), though not the only one, for digestive enzymes.

There are very few things that happen in your body without some enzyme being involved. After a certain age, most people probably need enzymes to digest their food if they have been eating a diet high in cooked foods. But, taking digestive enzymes on an empty stomach allows them to get into your bloodstream so they can function throughout your body.

Usually auto-immune problems can start with problems or permeability issues of the GI tract. It is usually a matter of UNdigested food particles getting into the bloodstream. So, taking enzymes with food may help prevent those UNdigested foods from causing this immune response by getting digested or broken down completely.