3 Critical Enzymes for Optimal Digestion
Digestion is an essential yet intricate process, involving various parts of your body working seamlessly together—your stomach, small intestine, pancreas, gallbladder, and colon all play pivotal roles. Behind this orchestrated process are tiny yet powerful proteins called enzymes. Enzymes facilitate and speed up chemical reactions essential for breaking down the food we eat and turning it into absorbable nutrients.
Why You Might Need More Digestive Enzymes
For some individuals, the body may not produce sufficient digestive enzymes, or it may struggle to release them properly. This can especially happen with digestive concerns such as leaky gut, SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), or candida overgrowth. Along with stress and adrenal fatigue. A deficiency in certain critical enzymes listed below means certain foods remain improperly digested, causing nutritional deficiencies and uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, gas, and digestive upset.
Let’s delve deeper into the top three critical enzymes that your digestive system relies on:
- Amylase
Amylase is essential for carbohydrate digestion. It breaks down complex carbohydrates into glucose and simpler sugars that your body can easily absorb. Amylase production starts right in your mouth within your saliva, initiating carbohydrate digestion even before food reaches your stomach. It’s also produced by the pancreas to further assist carbohydrate breakdown in your small intestine.
- Lipase
Lipase takes charge of breaking down dietary fats into fatty acids and monoglycerides. This enzyme enables these fats to be absorbed efficiently by your small intestine. Lipase can be found in your mouth, stomach, and pancreas, playing a crucial role in effectively managing dietary fats. Without adequate lipase, fats can pass through your system undigested, leading to discomfort and nutrient malabsorption.
- Protease
Protease is the enzyme responsible for protein digestion, converting proteins into amino acids, the building blocks your body needs for numerous critical functions. Produced primarily in your pancreas and stomach, protease not only aids in breaking down protein-rich foods but can also significantly help relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and other digestive discomforts.
How to Boost Your Digestive Enzymes Naturally
Eat Raw Foods:
Cooking can destroy naturally occurring enzymes in food. Aim for a diverse diet rich in raw vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Mindful Eating & Proper Chewing:
Chewing thoroughly allows enzyme-rich saliva to mix adequately with your food, initiating the digestion process.
Stay Hydrated:
Proper hydration supports all bodily functions, including optimal enzyme production.
Increase Fiber Intake:
High-fiber foods aid digestion and support a healthy gut environment.
Manage Stress:
Chronic stress negatively impacts digestive health, reducing enzyme efficiency. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help manage stress levels effectively.
Digestive Enzyme Supplements
Sometimes dietary adjustments alone aren’t sufficient, and enzyme supplementation may be necessary to restore digestive harmony. Here are some of my preferred and trusted enzyme supplements:
- Designs for Health -Digestzymes
- Now – Super Enzymes
- Pure Encapsulations – Digestive Enzymes Ultra
- Genestra Brands- Digest Plus
Get these supplements through my online dispensary Full Script here.
Remember, identifying and addressing the root cause of digestive struggles is crucial. Supplements are best used under professional guidance to ensure they meet your unique health needs effectively.
Let’s talk! Ready to restore balance to your digestion? Book your FREE 20-minute discovery call today.