Enzymes and Their Role in Digestion

Have you ever been told, "You need to take digestive enzymes. Take 1-3 with every meal."? Most people react to this suggestion with dismay. The thought of having to take supplements with every meal is discouraging; at least this is what I thought. That is until I understood the reason why. Like with anything, understanding the underlying mechanism behind something allows you to make informed decisions. That is why the more I learned about just how important digestive enzymes are, the easier it was to buy into idea of taking them. Since the digestive system really is the cornerstone of health of the entire body, making sure the digestive process is complete is of utmost importance and enzymes provide the key.

What are enzymes?
Enzymes are protein molecules in plants, animals, and people that make life processes happen by acting as "change agents" in the millions of biochemical reactions that take place in the body. Digestion is a small but critically important role of enzymes in the body which break down and help build any substance that the body needs.

An example of enzyme activity can be seen by taking two seeds. The first seed is planted in the soil. The second seed is first boiled and then planted. Only the first seed will grow because it contains live enzymes. When processed, packaged, overcooked, and canned foods predominant in the diet, the body becomes depleted of digestive enzymes because these foods are void of enzymes and the body must supply more than its share. On the other hand, soaking seeds overnight in water activates their inherent enzymes and makes them easier to digest. This is why packages of seeds often recommend soaking the seeds for a period of time before planting them in soil. The enzymes become activated in this process. A similar effect takes place when seeds are sprouted, making sprouts very rich in enzymes.

When enzymes are depleted:
Excessively eating foods that are void of enzymes and eating too much food results in a depletion of enzymes in the body. In particular, there is strain put on the pancreas to secrete greater amounts of enzymes than normal. The result is an exhausted pancreas. To reduce the load on the pancreas, the immune system lends its white blood cells which have stores of enzymes to aid in the digestive process. The consequence of this is impaired immune function. Therefore, having sufficient enzymes not only supports the digestive process, but the immune system as well.

Another way to cause an enzyme deficiency is to eat a food or food group too frequently. It is not a coincidence that the foods most likely to cause allergies are the ones that are most commonly eaten. Milk, wheat, eggs, and corn are four common food allergies and are found in the majority of our foods. When you eat pancakes or cereal for breakfast, bread in your sandwich for lunch, and dinner rolls or breaded chicken for dinner, an excess of wheat is being consumed. When this pattern is repeated over days and weeks and years, you can create an enzyme deficiency for that food. Corn is another good example. A person may not eat corn itself, but can consume great quantities of corn daily in the form of corn oil, cornstarch, corn syrup, cereal, dextrin, corn meal, or alcohol made from corn.

Enzyme rich foods
Foods that are high in enzymes include raw meat, unpasteurized milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, fermented foods, sprouted seeds, and nuts that have been soaked in water. Unfortunately, not all of these foods are available or safe for us to consume in today's world.

Another food that is enzyme rich is breast milk. Breast milk is in the raw, uncooked state which means it contains natural enzymes to aid in its digestion thus requiring little digestive effort on the part of the infant. Cow's milk and infant formulas are heat-treated through pasteurization, a process that kills the natural enzymes. Incomplete digestion of these substances will occur if the infant's digestive tract cannot supply all of the enzymes necessary. In this case, partially digested protein particles will pass through the intestinal lining and into the blood stream causing an allergic response. The immune system will also be depleted of enzymes and will not be functioning optimally. Extra digestive enzymes can be given to prevent this from occurring.

What happens when digestion is incomplete?
If food is properly digested, it is broken down into substances that the body recognizes and uses accordingly. If food molecules are not broken down into their smallest form when they enter the bloodstream the body recognizes them as foreign invaders and attacks. When the body is burdened with an accumulation of food that it cannot efficiently digest and assimilate, food allergies and intolerance, indigestion, gas, bloating, heartburn, constipation, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms that can result.

Other imbalances that are linked with incomplete digestion include: arthritis, candida, environmental allergies and sensitivities, asthma, headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, heart disease, obesity, eczema, and hyperactivity.

To increase the enzyme content of your body:

How do you know if you need to take digestive enzymes?
If it has been determined that you have an underactive digestive system, then digestive enzymes can be used to stimulate and rebuild the system. Working with your health practitioner, you should be able to get the digestive system to work again on its own and rely less on taking supplements.

There are two main forms of supplemental enzymes:

Some people's digestion is so weak that they depend on digestive enzymes on a regular basis. If routine use is necessary, choose plant based enzymes.

Like with anything, digestive enzymes are not a magic cure. The recovery of your system will depend on the amount of work you put in. If you are following a protocol of digestive health you can use supplemental digestive enzymes to help get your body back in balance. But in the end, the progress you make is dependant on you and your choice of habits.

References:

Bateson-Koch, Carolee; Allerigies Disease in Disguise

Jensen, Dr. Bernard; Dr Jensen's Guide to body Chemistry and Nutrition

Meyerowitz, Steve; Food Combining and Digestion

Whillier,Stephney; Nutritional Pathology and the Health Care of the Future. Richmond Hill. Ontario: CSNN Publishing, 1999.

About the Author:
Nicole is a Master Herbalist, Holistic Therapist and Nutritionist who works out of a health stored called HealthSeekers in Calgary. She practices Iridology, Ear Candling, and is a Certified Colon Hydrotherapist.
#1 3820 Bow Trail SW
(403) 240-1542

Enzymes and Their Role in Digestion

By Nicole Strashok, BSc, MH, HT