Digestive Enzymes: Immunity Starts in the Gut

Science knows over 3 000 enzymes, while some experts believe that there are many more – up to 50 000. Each enzyme performs a specific function, like a key that opens a specific lock, i.e. triggers a specific biochemical reaction. Enzymes consist of amino acids and are secreted in the body to speed up reactions that would otherwise not occur at the physiological temperatures of the human body. Today estet-portal.com will talk about digestive enzymes, the consequences of their lack and ways to stimulate their production.

Digestive enzymes – everyone has their own role

It is worth noting that enzymes are important for every cell of the body and are involved not only in the digestive, but in all physiological processes. Enzymes run the biological processes that the body needs to transport nutrients, remove toxins, and perform other functions, such as:

• energy generation;
• oxygen absorption;
• infection control;
• wound healing;
• suppression of inflammatory processes;
• supply of nutrients to cells;
• detoxification;
• fat breakdown, cholesterol regulation;
• resorption of blood clots;
• regulation of hormones;
• slow down the aging process.

Enzymes do not work alone, they need coenzymes to perform their tasks.

Digestive enzymes help break down food into components that can be absorbed, transported and used by every cell in the body. Digestive enzymes are extracellular, i.e. they are outside the cells. Most of these enzymes are produced in the pancreas.

There are 8 main digestive enzymes:

1. Protease – breaks down proteins.
2. Amylase – breaks down carbohydrates.
3. Lipase – breaks down fats.
4. Cellulase – breaks down fibers (fiber).
5. Maltaza – converts complex sugars into glucose.
6. Lactase – breaks down lactose.
7. Fitaza – helps digestion in general, especially in the production of B vitamins.
8. Sugarase – breaks down sugars.

The digestive process begins in the mouth. It is in the mouth that enzymes (mainly amylase) begin to act. Amylase contained in saliva begins to break down carbohydrates. When food enters the stomach, the protease works to break down proteins. After food enters the small intestine, lipase breaks down fats, and amylase finally cracks down on carbohydrates. It is in the small intestine that 90% of the digestive process and the absorption of nutrients that enter the bloodstream are assisted by the millions of tiny villi in the small intestine.

What is the danger of a lack of digestive enzymes and how to make up for it

When enough digestive enzymes are produced, they work together to ensure an efficient digestive process. In case of a lack of enzymes in the digestive system, a number of problems arise.

The body's ability to produce enzymes is reduced if a person consumes a lot of processed foods, sweets, and frequently takes medications such as antibiotics.

Despite the relatively large size of enzymes, their protein structures are quite fragile. Amino acids in the molecular chain are combined with each other, forming certain sequences and forms that provide unique characteristics and functions of enzymes. If the chain structure is broken, the enzyme becomes denatured – its form changes and its ability to function disappears.

Enzymes are sensitive to high temperatures and pH changes, which is why each enzyme works in a specific part of the digestive tract according to the pH level it needs to function. The number of enzymes produced decreases with age: 13% every 10 years.

Digestive enzyme deficiency leads to impaired digestion of food and absorption of nutrients, resulting in the following symptoms:

• constipation;
• bloating;
• abdominal pain;
• flatulence and belching;
• heartburn and acid reflux.

Chronic malabsorption of nutrients can lead to the development of a number of diseases, because the body will not receive enough material to maintain health and fight disease.

In addition to breaking down food, enzymes (particularly proteases) promote intestinal healing, help control pathogens, and support the immune system, which originates in the gut.

The immune system originates in the gut.

There are 4 ways to optimize the production of enzymes in the body, namely:

1. Eating raw (unprocessed) food. Raw foods are rich in enzymes, which, after heat treatment, lose their ability to perform their functions. So the more raw foods you eat, the better. Ideally, a person should get 75% of their digestive enzymes from food.
2. Thorough chewing of food. The digestive process begins with chewing, as a result of which the absorbed food is easier to digest in the stomach and intestines. It is worth noting that chewing gum and chewing food – not the same thing. In the latter case, the brain causes the pancreas to double its production of enzymes when there is actually nothing to break down, so the pancreas is wasted.
3. Reduce calories. More "live", unprocessed food and fewer calories – means less energy for the digestive process and less need for enzyme production.
4. Avoid stress. Chronic stress negatively affects the functioning of the whole organism, including its ability to effectively digest food and produce enzymes.

There are also special nutritional supplements that make up for the deficiency of digestive enzymes. However, estet-portal.com strongly recommends that you consult your doctor before taking any supplements to make sure you need to use them. Help your body work naturally through dietary modification, physical activity, bad habits, and stress management.