Enzymes
Digestive Enzymes: The Complete Guide
Have you been wondering what people have been talking about - every single time they mention digestive enzymes? It isn’t like the phrase is being repeated by every single person on TikTok or on Reels - thereby making it an ingredient that you need to go and research!
The phrase “Digestive Enzyme” is quite simple- and we can quickly get to what the gist of it is - enzymes that help you digest. But beyond that, if you have been baffled, and are trying to make sense of it - we have done all of the research for you!
Digestive enzymes are the silent superheroes in your life - they work day and night to break down the food you eat- and give you all the nourishment from it! Enzymes are a type of protein that you find in your cells!
The Importance of Enzymes
Enzymes are biological catalysts - like a super-fast train that speeds up your body’s processes. It is estimated that at least 4000 processes in the body are sped up by enzymes!
- They break down the food so fast that you get all the goodness in it before you start feeling starved
- They lower the energy required to wake up every cell in your body
- They help in the building and repairing of your muscles
They’re not just important for all of our well-being, they are crucial! They are the reason you are able to eat as you want - cupcakes, fried chips, buttered scones, and so on- and get the energy from them.
Where exactly do you find these brilliant little guys?
Your body produces digestive enzymes! Your saliva has them and, your pancreas, gall bladder, and liver release them regularly into your body. The cells on your intestine have them as well! They are extremely crucial for your health and help your body function normally!
Are there any specific enzymes that we can say thank you to?
There are many different enzymes in our body that help keep us functioning. But there are 3 main ones that do the heavy lifting.
- Amylase - The Starch and Carbohydrate Destroyer!These are made in the mouth and the pancreas. Your salivary gland’s amylase immediately attacks the food when you pop it into your mouth. They continue breaking them down as you chew. Once they have moved into your stomach, the amylase made by the pancreatic glands start attacking the food. Your bloodstream continuously gets the energy through the breaking down of carbohydrates by Amylase!
- Protease - The Protein Anhillator Made by your pancreas and stomach, this enzyme does a major share of the work - it makes proteins into amino acids. This helps build your muscles and helps keep all your organs healthy including the one all the way up in the skull!
- Lipase - The Fat CrumblerThis enzyme is made majorly in your pancreas and also by your mouth and stomach (in smaller quantities). They break down fats into fatty acids and simple sugar alcohol.
Other common enzymes which are made in the small intestine are
- Lactase - which handles the breaking down of lactose
- Sucrase - which helps break down sucrose
Do things mess with these superheroes?
There are things that can turn your heroes into zero! For instance, you must have just noticed how your pancreas plays a major role in making all of these enzymes. So what happens when a villain - like pancreatitis - takes over your pancreas? Yeah! Your enzyme production comes to a standstill!
Other things that mess with your enzymes are
- Increase in body temperature: Just like us in summer, enzymes hate working if it is too hot. They just don't function as well, till you turn your internal AC on, and get your body back to its normal temperature.
- Acidity: High levels of acidity in your stomach triggers your enzymes to break down. (But there are certain enzymes that thrive in these high pH conditions!)
- Diseases and Disorders
- Lactose Intolerance
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
- Cystic fibrosis
- Pancreatic cancer
What are some of the symptoms of having insufficient enzymes?
Insufficient digestive enzymes can lead to a lot of issues including
- Malnutrition
- Gastrointestinal Irritation
- Belly Pain and cramps
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Uncomfortable bowel movements
- Unexplained weight loss
Can I add supplements for digestive enzymes?
You can absolutely add them to your diet! They help your body process food and absorb nutrients better. Our bodies tend to reduce their production of enzymes, proteins and other elements, as time goes on. To ensure that your body is working at optimum levels, supplementing your diet is necessary. This keeps you functioning properly, and your body getting all the nutrients it requires!
One of our favorite digestive enzyme supplements is the Marocell Poo Poo Enzyme!
It contains the following enzymes
- Alpha-amylase - 9, 87,126 Units/stick
- Lipase - 2,086 Units/stick
- Protease - 5,376 Units/stick
- Lactase
- Cellulase - which has a catalytic effect on your other enzymes
It also contains the goodness of 15 powdered grains and 17 fruits and vegetable extracts! AND it comes in the taste of sweet bananas!
Can you imagine getting all the benefits of all those digestive enzymes, the grains, and the fruits & vegetables with the yummy taste of bananas?
The Poo Poo Enzyme
- Reduces The Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Increases Nutrient Absorption- Increases Your Energy
- Prevents Leakage From The Gut
- Healthy Inflammatory Response
- Decreases Chronic Fatigue and Pain
- Combats Anxiety
- Hypochlorhydria Relief
- Weight Loss
The Poo Poo Enzyme can be taken 1-3 times a day, 1 sachet at a time (though we know how tempting it is to keep taking in more and more!)
Our Takeaway
Digestive enzymes play a vital role in your well-being - quite literally. You need them to survive! From breaking down the food you eat, to helping your muscles and brain be in their best shape - they affect every inch of you!
Ensure that you keep your hero/sidekick partnership with your enzymes in the best possible state!