Q: “What are Enzymes and why do I need them?” – from Victor of Eastvale

A: Simply put, enzymes help the body digest our foods so that we get all of the necessary nutrients for good health. A great example of this can be seen when rice carbohydrates, also known as complex carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars to be absorbed into the body. Without the digestive enzyme amylase, the rice carbohydrates would pass through the body undigested and would not able to get into the blood and cells. As this example of a digestive enzymes shows, there are also cellular enzymes that control actions inside of cells.

Most people when asking about enzymes are referring to digestive enzymes which are also made in various areas of the body. Digestive enzymes are needed to digest foods into smaller particles so the body can absorb nutrients. Simply put, without enzymes, foods would not fully digest.

Another example to remember, a raisin is 1000 times to big to be assimilated into the body. Amylase is another type of enzyme that breaks down starches into sugar and is found in small amounts in our saliva and primarily the pancreas.

Protein digestion is accomplished with Hydrochloric acid and pepsin (HCL/Pepsin) in the stomach and protease from the pancreas. Fat digestion first starts with bile emulsification from the liver-gallbladder and lipase enzyme from the pancreas. Smaller fragments of sugars like lactose are broken down in the digestive system by enzymes made in the intestinal walls. Your body’s digestive system changes with age. From the age of 18, the body produces about 1 quart of HCL/ Pepsin fluids and 1 pint of pancreatic enzymes (amylase, protease and lipase) per day. This is enough to handle the needs for an additional calorie onset at an earlier age. As we age though, the digestive system of many individuals changes including the production of digestive fluids and enzymes to about one half.

Other circumstances can challenge our digestive system as well. Stress, food choices like junk foods, over eating and other factors might cause the body to have bloating, indigestion and other digestive complications. The use of digestive enzymes does an efficient job helping improve digestion in many circumstances. Although considered to be a newer category, digestive enzymes have been on the market for over 100 years.

Other traditional digestive aids including bitter herbs, which have been used by many different cultures including Chinese, Indian and Europeans and most other indigenous cultures. Among the most popular bitters are the ‘Swedish Bitters’. Bragg’s apple cider vinegar has been used for over 80 years for digestion as well. Supplemental forms of enzymes can come from animal or vegetable sources, including concentrated food sources of enzymes as well such as bromelain (pineapple) or papain (papaya) and ginger. The choice to use a food enzyme or digestive enzyme should not be substituted for good dietary habits.

One of the biggest uses for digestive enzymes is bloating, gas, and upset stomach which often times come from bad food choices and over eating. Making wise food choices and using enzymes or bitters when needed is the best advice. Always check with a doctor if you are having serious complications with your digestive system.

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References:

Ann Nutr Metab 2010;56:74–79
(DOI:10.1159/000272133)

1. Zoltan Rona, MD, MSc, Encyclopedia of Natural Healing, Natural Life Publishing Inc., Blaine, WA. 1997 pg. 801-5
2. Acta Med Austriaca. 1979;6(1):13-8.[Intestinal resorption with 3H labeled enzyme mixture (wobenzyme)].[Article in German]Steffen C, Menzel J, Smolen J.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=digestive+enzymes+wobenzyme
3. Where do the immunostimulatory effects of oral proteolytic enzymes (‘systemic enzyme therapy’) come from? Microbial proteolysis as a possible starting point. Biziulevicius GA.Med Hypotheses. 2006;67(6):1386-8. Epub 2006 Jul 25.PMID:1687035 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16870353
4. Examination of the Antiglycemic Properties of Vinegar in Healthy AdultsJohnston C.S. · Steplewska I. · Long C.A. · Harris L.N. · Ryals R.H. Nutrition Program, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Mesa, Ariz., USA http://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/272133