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Enzymes are essential chemicals that are the foundation of human bodily functions. They are catalysts (activators) in the chemical reactions that are continually taking place within the body. As coenzymes, vitamins work with enzymes, thereby allowing all the activities that occur within the body to be carried out as they should.
There are many different kinds of enzymes in the human body, acting as catalysts for the many biochemical processes needed for life. Studies have shown that raw food is easier to digest and healthier than cooked food, because it still contains active enzymes, which are destroyed by the heat used in cooking foods. Usually secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine, digestive enzymes are those which help to breakdown the food we eat, continuing the digestive process which began in the stomach.
It is a misconception among some doctors that you do not need enzyme supplements because your body makes its own. While it is true that your body does produce digestive enzymes, if they are not in the right place at the right time then they will not do you much good. Furthermore, when stomach acid is low, the output of digestive enzymes may be reduced once the food reaches the small intestine. Some people need to take a good digestive enzyme along with their meals so that the food will be thoroughly digested/absorbed and their liver will get the nutrition it needs to produce other enzymes on its own.
Plant enzymes help food to be broken down and assimilated. When a body is functioning properly, food is digested into tiny particles that go into the blood and from there into cells. If one lacks any of the necessary digestive enzymes, this does not happen. Plant enzymes work well with your own natural pancreatic enzyme activity and some people need to eat right as well as take supplemental enzymes in order to experience improved health.
Signs & Symptoms
People who lack sugar-digesting enzymes may have problems such as diarrhea or asthma, while those who are deficient in protease, the protein-digesting enzyme, tend to be more anxious, toxic and have low blood sugar. They may also have edema (abnormally large amounts of fluid in the tissue) and suppressed immune systems.
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Signs, symptoms & indicators of Digestive Enzyme Need:
Conditions that suggest Digestive Enzyme Need:
Risk factors for Digestive Enzyme Need:
Digestive Enzyme Need can lead to:
Recommendations and treatments for Digestive Enzyme Need: | | | | | Digestion |  Digestive Enzyme (Trial)
 Bromelain | Bromelain has been used successfully as a digestive enzyme following pancreatectomy, in cases of pancreas insufficiency, and in other intestinal disorders. The combination of ox bile, pancreatin, and bromelain is effective in lowering stool fat excretion in patients with pancreatic insufficiency and resulting in a symptomatic improvement in pain, flatulence and stool frequency. [J Asso Phys Ind 1981;29: pp.207-209] |
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KEY | | Weak or unproven link |  | | Strong or generally accepted link |  | | Strongly counter-indicative | | | May do some good | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Asthma (Asthmatic)
A lung disorder marked by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus coming from the lungs. The episodes may be triggered by breathing foreign substances (allergens) or pollutants, infection, vigorous exercise, or emotional stress. Extrinsic Asthma is triggered by pollen, chemicals or some other external agent; Intrinsic Asthma is triggered by boggy membranes, congested tissues, or other native causes… even adrenalin stress or exertion.
Bile
A bitter, yellow-green secretion of the liver. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and is released when fat enters the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) in order to aid digestion.
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
Edema
Abnormal accumulation of fluids within tissues resulting in swelling.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Flatulence
Abnormal amount of gas in the stomach and intestines.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Pancreas (Pancreatic)
Opposite the liver and behind the stomach, the pancreas has two main functions - to manufacture various enzymes for digestion, and to release hormones to help control the body's use of carbohydrates. It releases insulin to help each cell absorb glucose to burn as energy. In this way, insulin controls the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Proper pancreatic function is very important: too much, too little, or no insulin production can be life-threatening. Some of the chemicals released by the pancreas are not hormones, but stimulate other glands to make hormones. Once again, balance is necessary. Nutritional requirements for the pancreas are many. Research indicates that chromium vitamins C, E, B-complex, calcium, magnesium and potassium are especially important.
Protease
A protein-digesting enzyme.
Small Intestine (Small Bowel)
The small intestine lies between the stomach and the large intestine. It is about 6 meters (20 feet) long and its primary function is to digest (break down) food and absorb nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats). The small intestine makes up more than 70% of the length and 90% of the surface area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach's mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Last updated: Feb 14, 2010
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