5 Questions to Ask About Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are a protein that is used in the stomach to help break down the food that is ingested. They are key in speeding up the chemical reaction that is needed in order to turn the nutrients found in the food we consume into substances that can be absorbed into the digestive tract. Digestive enzymes occur naturally within the body, including in our saliva and in cells found on the surface of the intestines.

They can also be released by some of our internal organs, including the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. There are different types of enzymes that work to target different nutrients. These are amylase which is used to break down starches and carbs, a protease that focuses on breaking down proteins, and lipase which takes care of the fats.

Digestive enzymes work in the body to break down the food that we consume. Once broken down by the digestive enzymes, the nutrients that are extracted can then be absorbed into the digestive tract. Digestive enzymes are a protein that works by speeding up the natural chemical reaction that is responsible for breaking down the food and turning the nutrients into absorbable substances. Without digestive enzymes, or when there is an insufficiency, food isn’t properly digested.

The result can be stomach aches, gas, diarrhea, and other symptoms that can cause pain in the stomach. Luckily there are prescription medications and enzyme supplements available to help the body to bulk up on digestive enzymes in order to properly digest food. While there are over-the-counter options available, it is best to check with your naturopath or doctor before starting treatment to ensure that you do have a digestive enzyme deficiency.

We should consume a wide variety of foods as part of a healthy, nutritious diet and to help our bodies to break down the food we eat, there are three different types of digestive enzymes found in our stomach. Each type of enzyme is focused on a different type of nutrient and works to digest them more efficiently. The three types of digestive enzymes are amylase which the body uses to break down the starches and carbs we consume, a protease which is for breaking down proteins, and lipase that takes care of breaking down fats.

When the body doesn’t properly create enough of a particular digestive enzyme, people experience digestive disorders. Lactose intolerance is a common example of digestive enzyme insufficiency. In this case, the body doesn’t make enough lactase and isn’t able to properly break down lactose, the natural sugar in milk.

Digestive enzymes occur naturally in the body and can be found in saliva, as well as in cells that live on the surface of the intestines. Some of our internal organs also release digestive enzymes, specifically the gallbladder, pancreas, and liver. The production of digestive enzymes can be disrupted through lifestyle choices that can destroy digestive enzymes. Some of the factors that can contribute to a decline in the digestive enzymes include smoking, overeating, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, stress, medication, dehydration, and negative emotions.

Digestive disorders can also be responsible for a digestive enzyme deficiency as the body doesn’t make enough enzymes for proper digestion. Such conditions include lactose intolerance, in which the small intestine doesn’t produce enough lactase, which is used for breaking down the lactose in milk.

When someone has a digestive enzyme insufficiency, the nutrients in food are unable to properly break down for absorption which can affect the immune system or become toxic in the bowels, causing a variety of ailments and diseases. Some possible symptoms of a digestive enzyme insufficiency can include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, headaches, dull skin, hair thinning or loss, indigestion, mood swings, insomnia, and others. These can all be symptoms of other conditions as well, so it is important to get checked out by a licensed doctor or naturopath to determine if a digestive enzyme insufficiency is at play. Once the issue is properly diagnosed, an appropriate treatment plan can be built. At Vive Ageless Weight Loss Center, our team of experts has extensive experience with all issues related to digestion and gut health and can help you get back to feeling your best. Our clinics are located at two locations in Coral Gables, FL and Pinecrest, FL. You can contact us or book an online appointment for both of our locations. We serve clients from Coral Gables FL, Miami FL, Pinecrest FL, South Miami FL, Coconut Grove FL, Brickell FL, Kendall FL, Richmond Heights FL, and Westchester FL.