You wake up feeling tired again, even after a full night’s sleep. Your stomach feels bloated after lunch, and that afternoon snack leaves you rushing to the bathroom with loose stools that seem harder to flush than usual. These little discomforts pile up quietly, day after day, until they start affecting your energy, your mood, and even your favorite meals. Many people brush them off as normal aging, stress, or “something I ate,” but they can point to a common yet often overlooked issue with how the body digests food.
What Is Pancreatic Insufficiency?
Pancreatic insufficiency, often called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or EPI, happens when the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes to break down food properly, especially fats. Research from sources like the Cleveland Clinic and NIDDK shows this can lead to poor nutrient absorption over time.
