July 27, 2021
WHAT IS A DIGESTIVE ENZYME?
A digestive enzyme is a protein that facilitates chemical reactions to break down food. Without these enzymes, our immune and nervous systems would cease to function.
SHOULD I BE TAKING ONE?
In short, probably not… but we’ll get into that a bit more later, and about when you may want to consider it.
ARE DIGESTIVE ENZYMES THE SAME THING AS PROBIOTICS?
Definitively not, but they do work in tandem!
Before we really get into it, in case you don’t make it through to the end…
EAT YOUR VEGGIES! …(AND FRUIT)!! It is so important and cannot be stressed enough. Especially raw, locally grown fruits and veggies. Your body will thank you for it in so many ways.
Okay, so we know that enzymes cause chemical reactions. These minute reactions are necessary so nutrients can be sent off to different parts of the body to create usable energy. Without the help of enzymes, you cannot utilize a single vitamin, mineral or fat, nor would you be able to remove waste, make or break down cells.
Think of digestive enzymes as the worker bees of the digestive system. Alone, they make very small changes, but without them, our body systems cannot/will not work properly, and we need loads of them to get important jobs done!
Simply having enzymes in our bodies is not enough. The environment around them needs to be suitable in order to flourish. They are very sensitive to temperature, and cooking can render enzymes unusable. If the pH in your digestive tract is too acidic or too alkaline, enzymes will not be able to thrive either. Modern day diets are often more acidic than they once were, which… you guessed it, makes for a less conducive environment. Fewer digestive enzymes causes imbalance within the body systems, which can lead to enzyme deficiencies. It can also lead to undigested food accumulating in the intestines which creates a breeding ground for disease.
When you are enzyme deficient, you become unable to absorb food efficiently, which means your body is not able to use all the nutrients from the food you take in. This is the most common reason for the development of food intolerances such as lactose and fructose intolerance.
HOW TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE GETTING ENOUGH:
Your salivary glands, stomach, pancreas and small intestine all have the capability to make digestive enzymes, but the best way to make sure they are plentiful is to…
-EAT YOUR VEGGIES!
Really though, raw vegetables and fruits are the best way for you to get adequate digestive enzymes (anything cooked/processed loses enzymes).
-Fresh and locally grown produce is the best
-Raw vegetables
-Fermented/cultured foods
-some pasteurized milk/dairy products
***You can also get digestive enzymes from animal-based products, but always choose plant-based when possible. Studies show that plant and microbe-based sources are WAY more active and do their job much more efficiently that their animal-based counterparts.
HOW ARE DIGESTIVE ENZYMES DIFFERENT FROM PROBIOTICS??
-Probiotics are live bacteria in your intestines that help keep bacteria in check, help promote a well-functioning digestive system.
-Some probiotics can even produce digestive enzymes
-Probiotics cannot be produced by the body itself, therefore must be consumed through diet.
***Both probiotics and digestive enzymes are imperative to digestive health, immune system health, and overall wellness.
-Digestive enzymes can be produced by the body using the food you eat
You can find some more detailed information on probiotics using the link below:
https://formptrionline.com/2016/09/09/probiotics/
IF YOU STRUGGLE WITH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING, YOU MAY BENEFIT FROM AND/OR WANT TO CONSIDER SUPPLEMENTAL ENZYMES…
-Arthritis
-Food allergies
-Eosinophilic gastroenteritis
-Asthma
-Digestive issues such as IBS, Chron’s, ulcerative colitis, Celiac disease, heartburn, indigestion, and more.
*Digestive enzymes may also be helpful for individuals that are not used to consuming healthy fats, as they can relieve/reduce bloating and gas after meals.
**If you are looking to add a digestive enzyme to your diet, seek one out that contains a variety of enzymes including amalyse, lipase, protease, and cellulase. …There are many more, but these are the main ones that break down starches, fats, proteins, and fibers.
WE HOPE YOU FOUND THIS INFORMATIVE!
As with any change to diet, it is important to consult with your doctor before adding any sort of supplement or over-the-counter regimen to avoid complications. Vitamins, minerals, herbs and other dietary supplements are readily available and may seem harmless, but experts warn not to underestimate the strong effects they can have on the body. If paired with the wrong prescription medication, you could potentially have an adverse reaction.
Also critical to note, is the importance of proper sourcing. Make sure that, should you decide to incorporate any supplement, you choose a reputable supplier that offers high-quality products.
References:
Digestive Wellness, 5th Edition; Strengthen the Immune System & Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion: Elizabeth Lipski, PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMCP
The Natural Candida Cleanse: Molly Devine, RD
Eat Dirt: Dr. Josh Axe
www.optibacprobiotics.com
www.therahealth.com/au