As Hippocrates said many years ago “All disease begins in the gut” that is why its so important to discuss the enzymes that assist in properly digesting the food we eat. will discuss the 5 most important enzymes for digestion:
1. Protease is produced by the pancreas and the stomach. Their function is to break down the protein into smaller fragments called peptides, then into smaller fragments called amino acids that the body can absorb. This enzyme has another important function in supporting a healthy immune function.
2. Lipase is produced mainly in the pancreas but also in the stomach and mouth. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fat in the food to make it absorbable by the intestines. Also improves the utilization of fats like triglycerides that the body can use for energy. It can also help if you have gallbladder issues or if you had the gall bladder removed because the gall bladder stores the bile produced by the liver and when needed passes bile to small intestine to break down fat without a gall bladder this can’t happen in which it may be beneficial to take a Lipase supplement when eating fatty foods to prevent stomach discomfort.
3. Amylase is produced in the pancreas and in the salivary glands which means amylase is in your spit. This enzyme breaks down carbohydrates into smaller molecules called simple sugars, that helps your body digest starchy foods like potato and pasta.
4. Cellulase is not produced by the body that is why we cant digest certain fibers. Cellulase that is used in supplements are secreted from fermented fungus. Cellulase is able to break down the cellulose that is on the cell walls of many fruits and vegetables and turn it into glucose so our bodies can use it as energy. Non digestible fibers that are high in cellulose are also important for our gastrointestinal health because it promotes absorption of water and promotes softer stool to prevent constipation. That’s why fiber in the diet is so important even when they are not completely digested.
5. Lactase is produced by the cells that line the walls of the small intestines. Lactase helps break down lactose which is the sugar found in milk in simple sugars to be absorbed by the body. This enzyme is what is lacking in people that are lactose intolerant and that is also why lactose intolerance varies in degrees of tolerance and can change over someone’s lifetime.
Some foods you may want to eat more of to improve your digestive health are:
Pineapple, Papaya, Kiwi, Ginger – contain protease and can help digest proteins
Mangos, bananas, honey – contain amylase to help break down carbohydrates
Avocados – contain lipase to help digest fats
Kefir (kuh-feer) – helps break down lactose. But all fermented foods like Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Miso will be rich in digestive enzymes.
Some dietary supplements you may want to try to improve your digestive health are:
Lactaid if you are just looking for a supplement to help when you want to have those dairy products and don’t want the discomfort. Its in a chewable tablet and all you have to do is chew a tablet before you eat the ice cream or whatever contains dairy.
Lactaid Vanilla Chewable Tablet 60ct: https://amzn.to/2Kw94xQ
ENZYMEDICA VeggieGest Capsule is all natural, suitable for vegans, a combination of 12 different enzymes with Amylase, Cellulase, Protease & Lipase from a trademark Thera-blend that assures effectiveness thru a broad pH range, great for overall digestive health.
ENZYMEDICA VeggieGest Capsule 90ct: https://amzn.to/3970VcZ
Reflex Nutrition Digezyme Capsule is a clinically studied ingredient called Digezyme which is a proprietary combo of the 5 enzymes we discussed today that improves digestive health by speeding up the digestive process.
Reflex Nutrition Digezyme Capsule 90ct: https://amzn.to/3bWqlM7