problems range from mild indigestion Abdominal swelling to nutritional deficiencies of proteins or minerals often do not come from food, as one might think, but from the digestive enzymes.
What are digestive enzymes?
Let’s start at the beginning. That enzymes are proteinaceous substances that are present in living organisms and responsible for catalyzing its many chemical reactions, that is, to regulate its speed. Without them, most of these reactions would not occur sufficiently to sustain life.
When we think of something All bodily functions are the result of thousands of chemical reactionswe can imagine the number of enzymes in our body.
What is the function of each enzyme type?
There are different types of enzymes according to their specific function..
Digestives are essential for food to be properly digested and absorbed.
Regulate the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, which are large molecules so they can break down into smaller ones and the nutrients can get into the bloodstream. Thus, starches and carbohydrates are generally converted to glucose; fats, in fatty acids and glycerol; proteins, amino acids, etc.
That amylasessecreted in the salivary glands and pancreas break down carbohydrates: lipases from the pancreas and intestines break down fats; and the trypsinogen (stomach) and pepsin (pancreas) digest protein.
There are more specific enzymes in the small intestineB. lactase, which breaks down lactose.
When Can Digestive Enzymes Cause Problems?
Generally speaking, a healthy person should not have problems with digestive enzymesYes, digestive enzymes are secreted at various points in the digestive tract. Her quantity and effectiveness stay more or less constants.
But there are several causes that can change this balance and reduce the amount of enzymes: age, diseases digestive tract or pancreas operations surgical…
That stomach problemsIntestinal infections, repeated use of some antibiotics or vascular diseases in the intestine can also change the amount of enzyme.
For example, inflammation of the pancreas causes the intestines to be unable to absorb nutrients due to a lack of pancreatic enzymes. Nutrients are excreted without being absorbedleading to diarrhea among other symptoms.
What happens when digestive enzymes are altered?
There are circumstances that can alter the synthesis of enzymes or cause their action to be insufficient so that they produce bad digestion, bloating, diarrhea…
In addition, an enzyme problem is believed to be the cause Occurrence of substances that can provoke inflammation, cancer, allergies and changes in the body.
Usually they start to produce bad digestions, bloating and abdominal pain. These are some of the symptoms, for example of lactase deficiencythe enzyme that breaks down lactose.
More severe changes can lead to malnutrition They prevent the absorption of some nutrients.
How do I know if I’m lacking digestive enzymes?
It is not easy. Indigestion can occur and the cause is not in the enzymes.
From symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal pain, some laboratory tests lead to the correct diagnosis, always by a specialist. The hydrogen testanalyzes, for example, the intake of carbohydrates.
Are there foods with digestive enzymes?
Yes, enzymes are substances found in all living things.
some fruits such as papaya, pineapple, avocado or banana They have enzymes that can speed up and facilitate the digestive process from some foods, especially those high in protein. Therefore, pineapple is often referred to as digestive.
Which diet makes sense if there is a lack of digestive enzymes?
A diet that facilitates digestion, with enzyme-rich foods like pineapple or papaya.
Prefer to eat small amounts, slowly and very light dishes Avoid burning fat. The effectiveness of this diet depends on the severity of the change.
Are digestive enzymes only found in cooked foods?
When the food is raw, its enzymatic action is more intense.
Cookor Some food additives can deactivate or reduce the enzymatic effect. In fact, enzymes are partly responsible for causing food to break down over time.
Can digestive enzymes relieve indigestion?
Enzymes from some foods can help especially when poor digestion is caused by a stressful situation, an unbalanced diet or chewing too quickly.
However, if the problems are caused by a serious medical condition in the pancreas or in the intestines will be more difficult.
What is Aspergillus?
It is a fungus from which numerous enzymes are extracted for food and pharmacological purposes. For example, enzymes are obtained that can break down lactose.
The food industry also uses enzymes as additives because of their properties Effect on some substances: to prevent a juice from going cloudy, changing a taste, etc.
Are Probiotics Digestive Enzymes?
no They are microorganisms that contribute to the balance of the intestinal flora and thus on the good condition of the intestine. For example, the bifidobacteria in fermented milk are probiotics.
Even though its positive effect is clear and improve certain aspects of the digestive process, they have nothing to do with enzymes.
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