- Digestive enzymes are enzymes that break down foods into materials that the body can use. Protein digesting enzymes can improve the body’s digestive function and assist in breaking down protein.
- Incomplete digestion is the cause of several ailments such as flatulence, bloating, food allergies, nausea, bowel problems and stomach disorders.
- The human body makes approximately twenty two different enzymes that contribute to digestion. Protein enzymes sources are within the body and also can be derived from a variety of supplements and foods.
Humans need protein digesting enzymes in order to properly function. The human body needs enzymes to help purify and break down food, cleanse the colon and keep up energy levels. When protein is not properly broken down because of enzyme deficiency it causes health issues in the digestive tract, stomach and intestines and the body does not get the proper nutritional benefit it needs from protein. What occurs in the body is that the protein is broken down into amino acids that carry out specific tasks in the body for proper maintenance and performance.
Enzyme supplements may be beneficial in helping facilitate proper digestion. Also certain foods can be combined with protein to help properly digest it. B complex vitamins are known to assist in the production of digestive enzymes. Protein enzymes sources such as apple cider vinegar and lemon juice stimulate digestive enzymes because of the acidic environment they create. Since the American diet has taken such a dramatic turn for the worse over the last thirty years many people suffer from digestive issues such as heart burn, acid reflux and the like. Enzyme supplementation is a less expensive and healthier alternative to expensive prescription drugs that have side-effects. The poor food choices many people make result in incomplete nutrition. This leads to the body being overworked and under-fueled because it has to work harder replacing the lost enzymes.
Although a shift to healthier eating patterns will drastically help absorption enzyme supplements can be a healthy preventative measure. They have no side-effects when taken properly and are quite affordable. Taking these could potentially save you thousands of dollars worth of expensive prescription drugs and visits to the Doctor’s office. You’ll also get more of the health benefits of the protein you’re taking since it will be digested more completely.
Only specific enzymes contribute to the digestion of protein based foods. Below is a list of enzymes responsible for breaking down protein based foods:
Protease –
Breaks down proteins found in meats, nuts, eggs, and cheese.
Peptidase –
Breaks down small peptide proteins to amino acids.
Trypsin –
Taken from animal pancreas, breaks down proteins.
Alpha – chymotrypsin –
Animal-derived enzyme breaks down proteins.
Bromelain –
Taken from pineapple, breaks down a broad spectrum of proteins, has anti- inflammatory properties.
Papain –
From raw papaya, broad range of substrates and pH, works well breaking down small and large proteins.
Alpha-glactosidase –
Facilitates digestion of beans, legumes, seeds, roots, soy products.
Without the proper enzymes to correctly break down the protein that our body needs overall health can suffer. Being knowledgeable of our enzymatic process and how they assist with protein digestion will dramatically improve well being.
Digestive enzyme supplements are fantastic for promoting normal transit time, healthy digestion and absorption, and minimizing digestive upset! My pick is an all vegetarian blend that contains 18 digestive enzymes (some are enteric coated to work in the small intestine, not just the stomach)called Flora Zyme. Plus, this product also contains probiotics!
– Anna M