Digestive Enzymes: An Overview

Food intolerances? IBS? Cramps, bloating or gas? You’re certainly not alone if you suffer from any of these ailments. While there are many possible reasons for them, gut health is seldom talked about and digestive enzymes, less so. Let’s explore them below!

What Are Digestive Enzymes?

They are naturally occurring proteins that help your body break down everything from carbohydrates to fats and also proteins from the food you eat and allow for the absorption of nutrients. These enzymes are produced in the mouth, stomach and small intestine.

Why They’re Important

They are essential for proper bodily function, enabling the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from food. Insufficient enzymes can result in malnutrition, anemia and other health issues. Having a deficiency causes problems like constipation, diarrhea, bloating and indigestion from poorly digested carbs and fats.

The Essential 6

• Amylase breaks down carbs and starches into simple sugar.
• Lactase breaks down lactose into simple sugars glucose and galactose.
• Lipase breaks down lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.
• Protease breaks down protein into amino acids.
• Maltase breaks down malt sugar into glucose.
• Sucrase breaks down sugar into glucose and fructose.

Having An Insufficiency

For those who suffer from insufficiencies, it could be either congenital or develop over time. Some insufficiencies may be genetic, meaning they’re the result of an abnormal gene. Whereas others maybe be caused by certain disorders or medical treatments like chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, gastrointestinal surgeries and pancreatic cancer.

Supporting Your Gut To Maintain Healthy Levels

The best thing you can do regardless of which category you fall in here is to eat a diet rich in whole food. Certain foods contain these enzymes such as avocados, bananas, ginger, honey, kefir, kiwi, mangos, papayas, pineapples and sauerkraut. If needed, supplements can be taken for additional support like NOW Foods, Thorne, Doctor’s Best Vitamins and Life Extension. Prescription enzyme supplements are recommended for conditions that affect the functioning of the pancreas.

Conclusion

Digestive enzymes are essential to nutrition and overall good health. They help your body absorb nutrients from the foods you eat. Without them, certain foods can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, food intolerances or nutritional deficiencies. Looking to improve your gut health? Check out How To Destroy Your Gut Health 101.

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Sources

1. Pietrangelo, Ann. “Digestive Enzymes: What Are They, Do They Work, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 3 Sept. 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency/the-role-of-digestive-enzymes-in-gi-disorders.
2. Barbara Bolen, PhD. “Digestive Enzymes: Types and Function.” Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 6 Sept. 2022, https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-digestive-enzymes-1945036.
3. “Digestive Enzymes and Digestive Enzyme Supplements.” Digestive Enzyme Supplements | Johns Hopkins Medicine, 10 Feb. 2022, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/digestive-enzymes-and-digestive-enzyme-supplements.