When it comes to digestion, enzymes play a vital role in the intricate processes that occur within our bodies, which are nothing short of remarkable. From the moment we take a bite of food, a complex series of chemical reactions takes place to break down nutrients and facilitate their absorption into the bloodstream. At the heart of this extraordinary process are enzymes, which act as catalysts, accelerating the conversion of food into essential molecules that our bodies can utilize. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating role of enzymes in digestion, shedding light on their importance and the specific functions they perform. So, let’s dive into the world of enzymes and unravel their remarkable contributions to our digestive system.
In learning about the role of enzymes as part of our gut cleanse program I find myself intrigued by what they are and how they assist digestion. In my research, I found that enzymes are proteins. The role of these “proteins” is to speed up molecular reactions, thereby making it easier for life to exist as we know it. Otherwise, the reactions that take place in the body would be too slow for us to be able to sustain life. Therefore, enzymes are extremely important and necessary for life.
As I took my research further, I realized one fundamental truth that I don’t believe most people are aware of. There are actually several types of enzymes. In this article, I will be focusing on digestive enzymes, in relation to gut health, as digestive enzymes are used by the body to break down food.
We now know that enzymes speed up the molecular process, which in turn also speeds up digestion. Before we continue our deep dive into enzymes, let’s sidetrack for a second to discuss digestion.
To better understand digestion, let’s discuss each step of the process. So when does digestion begin? Digestion actually starts in the mouth with saliva. Digestive enzymes are activated in your saliva once you start chewing, and are able to break down proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids also known as fats. These are also known as macronutrients.
Next, the food reaches your esophagus, where it is transported (in order as it appears) to your liver, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas, large intestine, small intestine, and lastly to your rectum and anus. Food travels through your GI tract through a process called peristalsis. Your GI tract is a complex network of hollow organs, consisting of muscles that contract to help move food from one stage to the next.
Your stomach takes the food and mixes it with digestive juices containing bacteria that help with digestion. Absorption begins in the large and small intestines. Nutrient absorption takes place in the small intestine, which is crucial for good health.
Now, let’s get back to enzymes.
Since there are various types of digestive enzymes, let’s discuss which enzymes are necessary to break down various types of foods. The main food groups we will be covering are:
There are 6 types of enzymes, needed by your body, which we will profile, including, their role in digestion, and where digestion takes place. See the table below for a quick reference guide:
Enzymes | Role | Digestion Happens in |
Lipases | Digest fats in your stomach | Gut |
Trypsin | Breaks proteins down into amino acids | Small intestine |
Amylase | Transforms starches into sugars | Mouth ( present in your saliva) |
Maltase | Breaks the sugar from starches into glucose | Mouth (present in your saliva) |
Acetylcholinesterase | Breaks down the chemical that activates the muscles | Nerves and muscles |
Lactase | Breaks milk sugar ( lactose), into glucose and galactose | Small intestine |
One thing I found fascinating about digestive enzymes is that they can be animal-based as well as plant-based. Recent studies show that the plant-based version of enzymes is showing great promise in the management of chronic digestive disorders. Some of the chronic disorders include lactose intolerance, celiac disease, gas, bloating, diarrhea constipation, cystic fibrosis, etc.
After reading about the management of chronic digestive disorders, my next question was why? Why would plant-based enzymes be better than animal-based enzymes for managing chronic digestive disorders? Here are the 3 main reasons why plant-based enzymes are better:
#1. Vegetarian/plant-based enzymes can be more concentrated than animal-based enzymes, in turn making them more potent.
# 2. Plant-based enzymes cover a broader spectrum of ph levels in the body, giving them the ability to break down proteins, carbs, and fats. Animal-based enzymes can be limited to just the breakdown of protein.
#3. Plant-based enzymes can contain microbes, which can break down gluten, grains, sucrose, lactose, beans, and fibers from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
So how many over-the-counter digestive enzyme supplements should you take to feel a difference? Our naturopathic doctors recommend taking 1-2 of our Ultimate Enzymes per meal. For larger meals take 2 pills.
My suggestion is to experiment with taking plant-based enzymes, due to the number of positive interactions it has with the foods you eat.
After learning how vitally important digestive enzymes are, I was on a quest to find the best digestive enzyme supplements on the market today. In order to do that, I decided to conduct some research on my own. I contacted 2 naturopathic doctors ( Dr. Conaway & Dr. Glidden), who both recommended Youngevity’s Ultimate Enzymes.
After speaking with them intensely, they both shared the reason why they recommend this product to their patients. Their reasons were that this product is highly potent, non-GMO, gluten-free, and easily absorbed. I found out that they both take these enzymes with every meal, even when they travel for conventions, vacations, speaking engagements, etc.
I was thoroughly convinced, by their passion and testimonials of the product, that I bought some for myself. If you want to find other supplements that I recommend, check out this blog.
Pineapple
I can’t tell you how much I love pineapple. Pineapples go great in smoothies and make any fruit platter look festive. Outside of it tasting delicious and looking exotic, pineapples also contain bromelain, a digestive enzyme. Bromelain breaks down proteins ( as well as amino acids), which aids in digestion.
Avocados
A week doesn’t go by in my household where we don’t consume avocados. This fruit is so unique in that it contains fats and sugar. But avocados contain something else that’s quite unique. They contain a digestive enzyme called lipase, which helps your body digest fats and also aids in absorption.
Kimchi
Ok, so you may not agree with me on this one if you grew up on a “Western diet’, but I can assure you that kimchi is absolutely delicious. What is kimchi? It’s simply fermented vegetables, with a nice spicy kick! Kimchi is so powerful with digestion because it contains 3 types of enzymes that are able to break down proteins, carbs, and fats.
So the next time you are at the grocery store, pick up one if not all of these delicious treats. Your gut will thank you!
Throughout this blog post, we have delved into the significant role that enzymes play in digestion. These remarkable proteins act as catalysts, expediting the breakdown of various nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fats, starch, and lactose. In the small intestines, a crucial part of our digestive system, specific enzymes are present to continue the process of nutrient breakdown. Enzymes are not only essential for digestion but are also required by the body for various other metabolic processes. They rely on specific conditions, such as temperature and pH, to function optimally.
Understanding how enzymes work in digestion offers us a profound appreciation for the intricate mechanisms that sustain our bodies. From the initial stages of food consumption to the absorption of vital nutrients, enzymes act as silent heroes, ensuring the smooth functioning of our digestive system. So, the next time you savor a delicious meal, remember the incredible enzymes that work tirelessly behind the scenes, breaking down the food and enabling your body to derive the nourishment it needs to thrive.
