Our organs produce digestive enzymes. And different enzymes work on other foods. There are specific enzymes for starches, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. But what exactly do digestive enzymes do, and can they help you? What are the best natural digestive enzyme supplements and their benefits?
We can also assess enzymes from external sources, like raw fruits, vegetables, cold-pressed oils, and raw dairy. Yet when these foods are heated, the enzymes quickly denature.
Then our organs are forced to carry the whole load. This process is stressful to our bodies and much work.
Humans have access to a certain percentage of raw foods. But in the last 50 years, we have been transitioning into a highly processed, cooked diet.
By incorporating digestive enzyme supplements and eating more raw foods, I quickly went from bloated and uncomfortable most of the time to energized and light.
I began to give my body exactly what it needed to break down. Digestive enzymes have made it easier to assimilate the food I was taking in.
It made all the difference. Because when your body must pour all its resources into breaking down the food you’re eating, there isn’t much space left for anything else.
A simple addition of digestive enzymes has helped so much in the early repair stages. Not everyone will have to continue taking digestive enzymes long term.
However, they are beneficial when you begin to understand what foods impact your digestion and health.
How Do Digestive Enzymes Work?
Digestive enzymes play a crucial role in breaking down the food we eat into smaller, more easily digestible components. Various organs secrete them in our digestive system, including salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.
To understand how digestive enzymes work, let’s start with the process of digestion. When we consume food, it goes through several stages of digestion.
FIRST STAGE OF DIGESTION
The first stage begins in the mouth, where enzymes called amylases are present in our saliva. These amylases help break down complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars.
As we swallow, the food travels down the esophagus and enters the stomach. Here, gastric acid and enzymes like pepsin work together to break down proteins into smaller peptides.
Along with this, the stomach also produces an enzyme called gastric lipase that begins the digestion of fats.
The partially digested food then moves into the small intestine. This is where the majority of digestion takes place.
The pancreas releases a mixture of digestive enzymes, including proteases, amylases, and lipases, into the small intestine. These enzymes further break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats respectively.
The small intestine also produces its own enzymes, such as maltase, sucrase, and lactase, which help in the breakdown of specific types of sugars.
Additionally, bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, aids in the emulsification and absorption of fats.
FINAL STAGE OF DIGESTION
The final phase of digestion occurs in the small intestine, where the broken-down nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to various cells in the body for energy and other functions.
In summary, digestive enzymes are essential for breaking down the macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) present in our food into smaller units that can be easily absorbed by the body.
Without these enzymes, the complex molecules in our diet would remain intact and go unutilized by our cells. Hence, the proper functioning of these enzymes is crucial for digestion and nutrient absorption.
Can You Benefit From Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive enzymes play a crucial role in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients in our bodies.
These natural substances are produced by our digestive system and are responsible for breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed by the body.
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Let’s discuss the key benefits that natural digestive enzymes provide.
KEY BENEFITS OF DIGESTIVE SUPPLEMENTS
If you’ve ever experienced digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, or indigestion, after eating a meal, you may want to consider incorporating digestive enzymes into your diet.
While our bodies naturally produce these enzymes, certain factors such as age, stress, poor diet, or certain health conditions can affect their production and lead to digestive issues.
Supplementing with natural supplements can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption, reducing the risk of common digestive problems.
Not only can this improve digestive comfort, but it can also enhance your overall health and well-being.
TYPES OF DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
There are several types, each with its own specific role in breaking down different types of nutrients.
For example, proteases help break down proteins, amylases break down carbohydrates, and lipases break down fats.
By taking a comprehensive digestive enzyme supplement, you can ensure that all types of nutrients are effectively broken down and absorbed.
Digestive enzyme supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and powders.
It is important to choose a high-quality supplement that contains a well-rounded blend of enzymes and is derived from natural sources.
Before starting any new supplement regimen, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any medications.
They can offer personalized recommendations based on your specific needs, and help determine if digestive enzymes could be beneficial for you.
Remember, digestive enzymes are not a magic solution for all digestive issues. They are best used in combination with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques.
By embracing a holistic approach to digestive health, you can support your body’s natural digestive processes and experience optimal wellness.
So, if you’re looking to improve your digestion and well-being, consider incorporating them into your gut health routine.
Here’s to a happier, healthier digestive system!
Check out my natural digestive enzymes, Super Digestive Enzymes.
Join My Gut Health Program!
If you’re interested in getting healthy, restoring your digestion, and boosting your energy, check out my new comprehensive program Restore your Gut Health.
In the program, you get a ton of delicious, satisfying recipes. As well as strategies that will help rebuild your intestinal flora.
In addition, join me on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/EatYourNutrition. This is where I’ll share more information, tips and recipes to help you live a happier, healthier life.
Have You Tried Digestive Enzymes?
What is your favorite natural digestive enzyme? If you haven’t tried digestive enzymes before, were you surprised by all the benefits I discussed?
Let me know your experience in the comment section below.
I would also love to hear what you think, or take a photo and tag me @Eat_Your_Nutrition on Instagram. I love seeing your photos. #EatYourNutrition #LauraVillanueva