Digestive enzymes: Do you know why to take them?

Enzymes are a type of protein with metabolic functions. They are catalysts, capable of speeding up and slowing down the chemical reactions in the body, and in digestion, they help with the assimilation of the nutrients you ingest. They can also modify the time it takes for the human body to create molecules and different substances.

All elements of the human body need them to perform their function. Without them, the body would literally stop. They are one of the pillars of life, health, and well-being.

In the stomach, digestive enzymes control the absorption of nutrients and the transformation of molecules into absorbable sources.

Function of digestive enzymes

All the foods you eat require the presence of digestive enzymes to be absorbed. These proteins are responsible for processing each nutrient correctly so it can be transformed into molecules that cells can absorb.

There are countless enzymes, over 100, and about 20 are responsible for processes related to digestion. They act throughout the digestive system, not only in the stomach. They are found in parts of the body like the small intestine, mouth, and pancreas. As mentioned, they are present in all areas of the digestive tract.

They can all be distinguished by their function:

• Proteases: They are responsible for breaking down proteins into simpler molecules like amino acids. They help in digesting them.
• Lipases: They target fats and transform lipids so they can be absorbed.
• Amylases: They control the assimilation of carbohydrates.

There are others, and they could be categorized as “metabolic” or “digestive,” but the ones that interest us in this article are the latter, those responsible for transforming food into nutrients and substances that can be used by the body.

As you can imagine, when there are not enough digestive enzymes, a series of problems arise with the assimilation of the food you consume. Some of them include nutritional deficiencies, anemia, as your body cannot properly absorb the food you eat.

Symptoms such as flatulence, bloating, and discomfort can also occur. When there are too few enzymes, the food ferments uncontrollably. This produces chemical reactions, and not all the material can be used, so you have to expel the excess. If you cannot assimilate it, the excretory system has to work harder to get rid of the waste. During this process, gases and bloating will accompany you.

Furthermore, because they transform all elements, when they do not function properly, you may notice a decrease in skin quality. The necessary nutrients don’t reach your body, leading to a general decline. Hair is one of the first things to notice, as well as the complexion, muscles losing strength, and you may feel muscle pain, cramps, and joint discomfort. If this persists, some foods may cause allergies because they cannot be processed by the digestive system. There is an excess of decomposing organic matter, and your body reacts.

Who should take digestive enzymes

Primarily older adults, as with age, there is a decline in the production of enzymes. Also, some people with chronic digestive diseases. An example is Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, hiatal hernia, or those with gastritis.

For the rest of the people, although there is no pattern or group that can be specifically identified, digestive enzymes are usually beneficial. They improve the food absorption process, speed up digestion, and ensure you get the minerals, vitamins, and amino acids your body needs from food.

Detecting if you need digestive enzymes is difficult if you are not a health or nutrition professional, but if you have any of the symptoms described, a supplement may be helpful. Additionally, due to pollution and current lifestyle, it is much more likely to have a low level of these molecules at some point.

In any case, if you notice a lot of gas or that food hasn’t been sitting well with you lately, it is best to consult a specialist to diagnose whether you really need them.

Foods that increase them

When there is a significant deficiency, certain supplements should be used, but certain foods that improve the production of natural enzymes can also be beneficial. In this sense, one commonly used is ginger for the stomach, but you can also use:

Natural digestive enzymes

Fortunately, there are various products and supplements that can help improve the enzyme levels in your digestive system. Some fresh foods that contain them include fruit, soybean sprouts, and vegetables, but when there is a deficiency, it is important to add a supplement with natural digestive enzymes. This will reactivate the entire food metabolism process and adjust your levels to the body’s standard. This way, you quickly return to normal and begin the process of obtaining the necessary minerals, vitamins, and substances for health.

Enzyme supplements provide digestive proteolytic enzymes. Some of them include bromelain, papain, bromelina, and are obtained from various foods. Each brand has its origin, and you can find different laboratories that manufacture lipase, amylase, and proteolytic digestive enzymes, in addition to including antioxidants and amino acids. When buying the product, check if it contains anything other than enzymes.

Digestive enzyme brands

These are just a few brands that you can easily find in online herb stores and trusted herbal shops. But there are many brands. It is best to look for the product that fits your budget and contains the necessary number of enzyme capsules. Keep in mind how long you will be taking them to avoid spending more money than necessary or wasting them in the bottle.