Digestive enzymes are proteins whose main function is breaking down nutrients from food into tiny particles for facilitating absorption. Digestive enzymes are present everywhere in the mouth, stomach, and small intestines. Enzymes such as amylases enable the conversion of starchy food into sugars; proteases produce amino acids from protein; & lipases allow fat to break down, which as a result is absorbed in the small intestines.
Fiber is made up of molecules that resist digestion. Consequently, they pass through the digestive system since they cannot be broken down by enzymes. Digestive enzymes are needed for this process, since they break down molecules such as fats, proteins, and carbs into even smaller molecules, in order to be absorbed promptly.
When you buy digestive enzymes, you’ll likely come across the following 7 main types:
- Proteases – Break down protein into small peptides and amino acids.
- Lipases – Break down fat into 3 fatty acids and a glycerol molecule.
- Amylases – Break down carbs such as starch into simple sugars.
- Lactase – breaks down lactose, a sugar found in various dairy products.
- Cellulase – breaks down cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls.
- Maltase – breaks down maltose, a sugar found in grains and malted foods.
- Sucrase – breaks down sucrose, a sugar found in table sugar and a host of other foods.
When the digestive system is functioning adequately, it makes the required digestive enzymes to break down the food you eat. However, some factors can inhibit the production of enzymes, for example, aging, unhealthy food, and certain medical conditions. That being said, taking digestive enzymes and probiotic supplements after talking to your gastroenterologist can help to improve digestion and mitigate symptoms of digestive disorders.
Digestive enzymes can be beneficial in various ways, like:
Improving digestion – Digestive enzymes facilitate the breakdown of food into smaller molecules, that are then absorbed by the body. This improves digestion and mitigates the risk of bloating, gas, and related digestive problems.
Relieving symptoms of digestive disorders – Buy digestive enzymes and probiotics supplements from a good online pharmacy and take them to help relieve symptoms of digestive disorders like lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and celiac disease. For example, lactase supplements can allow people who are lactose intolerant to digest lactose more comfortably.
Aiding nutrient absorption – Digestive enzymes aid in the breakdown of food into its component parts, for easy absorption by the body. This boosts nutrient absorption and assures that the body gets the nutrients it needs to function properly.
Reducing inflammation – Digestive enzymes can aid in reducing inflammation in the gut, as they break down proteins that can trigger an immune response. This will be beneficial for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other inflammatory conditions.
The Nutshell
Certain digestive enzymes, like lipase, can facilitate the breakdown of fats. This in turn supports weight management and may be beneficial for people trying to lose weight and reduce fat. Digestive enzymes are proteins that function as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions that are vital for life.