Digestive Enzymes – What are they & Why do we Need them?
OK, Melissa what are digestive enzymes and why do I need them? Do I even need them?
To answer the question quickly….
What are digestive enzymes?
Digestive enzymes are proteins that help digest the fats, carbs and protein in the foods you eat. Digestive enzyme supplements can help you absorb certain foods more efficiently.Do you need them?
YES…. I always say we need them is because none of us take the time to chew our food the recommended 32x before swallowing.. or how many of us actually chew our food until your mouthful of food is liquefied or lost all of its texture? NOT ME… I have tried, and it just seems gross…If you have ever eaten processed food, you need digestive enzymes.
If you have a food intolerance you need digestive enzymes.
For those of you that like a more detailed scientific answer…. here’s my best attempt at explaining it without it being confusing. Digestive enzymes are made throughout your body. They break down food into amino acids, fatty acids, cholesterol, simple sugars and nucleic acids. They can take stress off of the stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder and small intestine by helping break down difficult foods- Essentially, they help break down larger molecules into more easily absorbed particles that the body can use to survive.
- The macro-nutrients are broken down into molecules small enough to be carried in the bloodstream and boost metabolism to ensure it runs effectively.
- They keep your stomach and intestines from being agitated. An agitated and uncomfortable stomach after mealtime-and beyond–is just too much time spent in frustration-not to mention the often-resulting low daytime energy and insufficient rest at night.
Who Should Take Digestive Enzymes?
My opinion is everyone can benefit from them. Due to the vast amount of processed foods we eat and the depleting nutrient supply in our diets along with the rise of chronic disease, a little extra help couldn’t hurt any of us. Some of the health conditions that make for a good reason to supplement are:- leaky gut
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Crohn’s disease
- ulcerative colitis
- diverticulitis
- malabsorption
- diarrhea/constipation
- acid reflux, gas, bloating,
- liver disease
- Iron/B12/Vitamin D deficiency
Now you know who should take them and why… what are the best ones to take?
Of course, I have a favorite one and if you want to know the one I use, please feel free to send me a quick note and I will share that… but also do your research. When looking for a supplement use the guidelines below and you will have a pretty good start.- First be sure to look for a full-spectrum enzyme blend for general digestive improvement.
- Choose a blend with herbs such as peppermint. Peppermint stimulates the production of bile to aid in the digestion of fats.
- Proteases (also called proteolytic enzymes) helpyou convert proteins into amino acids. They play a key role in conditions of inflammation and bloating, and support both the circulatory and immune systems.
- Glucoamylase decreases bloating and digestive irritation, and effectively convert starch from common foods like potatoes, corn, and wheat into glucose, thus reducing gas and the feeling of fullness after eating.
- Amylase enzymesbreak down starches.
