Overview
As the name suggests, digestive enzymes aid in the digestion (break down) of food into particles that are small enough to be taken into our circulation from the gut (absorbed). If the food is not properly broken, it reaches the large intestine unchanged. Here, the colonic bacteria break down the food, contributing to gas and other unpleasant GI symptoms like abdominal bloating.
Though our digestive tract normally produces these proteins or enzymes, it sometimes becomes necessary to replace or supplement them so that they can be readily used by our body when required.
In this post, we’ll explore the key digestive enzymes and their health benefits.
If you want to start supplementing, read our science-based guide to maximizing the benefits of digestive enzymes.
1. Protease
This enzyme breaks down the ingested proteins into smaller fragments called peptides or even into small units known as amino acids. It is unique in that its role is not only confined to digesting food but it can also cleave the bonds between the cell walls of harmful microbes in our body and protect them from attacking us. Also noted, is protease’s ability to degrade harmful wastes and toxins, which plays a vital part in shielding our immune system.
2. Amylase
This enzyme catalyzes the breakdown of large molecules of starch into simpler sugars. Normally, amylase is produced by the pancreas and the glands that form saliva. If this enzyme is deficient, your body will have to work harder to help digest the complex carbohydrates and extract nutrients from them. By supplementing amylase, you can double-check your digestion of carbs.
Moreover, glucose (a sugar) is the primary product of carbohydrate metabolism. Our body utilizes glucose to fuel our cells, a lack of which can otherwise lead to fatigue from inadequate availability of glucose.
In addition to its digestive functions, amylase also helps maintain normal blood glucose levels. If you have diabetes, your blood amylase levels are likely to be on the lower side. This reflects the poor functioning of the pancreas and its failure to produce a normal amount of amylase in diabetes. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research in 2016, revealed low serum amylase levels in diabetics. [1]
3. Lipase
Lipase aids in the digestion of dietary fats and is highly effective at easing symptoms related to improper absorption of this macronutrient. Just like amylase, lipase also plays a role in maintaining normal blood glucose levels.
4. Aspergillopepsin (ASP)
Derived from the fungus named Aspergillus niger, ASP degrades larger proteins into smaller fragments. Most noticeable is its ability to take in the hard-to-digest gluten proteins found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Insensitivity to ̶ and failure to digest ̶ gluten-containing grains is a hallmark of the celiac disease. [2]
Microbiome Plus+ Premium Digestive Enzymes
How about a supplement that encloses all the above-listed digestive enzymes in one bottle? Thanks to the Microbiome Plus+ Premium Digestive Enzymes, this helps ensure that you reap the benefits of all these digestive enzymes just by popping a single supplement. The Premium Digestive Enzymes can be your go-to supplement for keeping digestive and metabolic issues at bay.
References
- Madole MB, Iyer CM, Madivalar MT, Wadde SK, Howale DS. Evaluation of Biochemical Markers Serum Amylase and Serum Lipase for the Assessment of Pancreatic Exocrine Function in Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR. 2016;10(11):BC01-BC04. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2016/23787.8900.
- Ehren J, Morón B, Martin E, Bethune MT, Gray GM, Khosla C. A Food-Grade Enzyme Preparation with Modest Gluten Detoxification Properties. El-Shemy HA, ed. PLoS ONE. 2009;4(7):e6313. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0006313.
