Digestive Enzymes

Introduction and Overview of Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are found throughout the whole digestive system and begin with amylase, a digestive enzyme, that is in our saliva.  This enzyme breaks down carbohydrates when we chew.  The more you chew the carbohydrates the more the amylase and chewing action break down the carbohydrates to their component sugars therefore the food becomes sweeter as this process happens.

The Digestive Process and Digestive Enzymes

Once the food has been swallowed it enters the stomach and within around an hour or so it is then digested by the stomach acid and pepsin.  Pepsin is another enzyme that is released into the stomach.

From the stomach the food enters the small intestine and the enzymes from the food that you eat begin to work. The naturally produced pancreatic enzymes as well as enzymes from the small intestine lining are then released to do their job of digestion.  The enzymes in the small intestine are lactase, which breaks down milk sugar, DPP IV, which breaks down milk protein and other proteins, and dissacharrides, which breaks down some starches and sugars.

Problems with the Digestive Process

Anything that causes problems to the small intestine like inflammation, yeast or leaky gut can disrupt the production and release of these enzymes and cause a person to have trouble digesting their food.  Many people with digestive problems will go on a special diet to eliminate all the foods that these enzymes are unable to digest but this is not solving the problem but merely eliminating the foods that require these enzymes until the condition is healed.

You simply cannot underestimate the importance of digestive enzymes when it comes to your overall digestive process, when it comes to your overall good and sound health.  Digestive enzymes not only play a significant role in routine digestive process but they are vital in healing problems in this digestive system.

Healing the Digestive System and Digestive Enzymes

Other people will take a different approach to heal.  This way is through the use of digestive enzymes and additional supplements.  Enzymes have been proven to heal the gut and once the gut lining heals and re-grows new lining the natural enzymes start doing their job.

Summary and Conclusion:  The Importance of Balanced Digestive Enzymes

The bottom line is when digestive enzyme supplements are supplied; they can have a pro-active healing effect on the gut tissue and also breaking down the foods themselves.  With this in mind, you will want to give serious consideration as to whether you should make the purchase of dietary supplements that include or involve digestive enzymes.  You will be on a course towards overall better health by monitoring and improving your digestive enzyme count in your digestive system.