Our bodies come into contact with a huge variety of foods every day. However, we simply do not make the enzymes needed to digest some of them, such as gluten proteins, lactose (the sugar in dairy products) and raffinose (a sugar found in beans and broccoli). This is where digestive enzymes come in.
What are digestive enzymes?
Enzymes are catalysts that speed up biological reactions in the body. Digestive enzymes speed up the breakdown of food in the mouth and gut, so nutrients are released and can be absorbed by the body. They are made mainly in the salivary glands and the pancreas, and are also found in raw plants and vegetables.
Why do we need digestive enzymes?
Undigested food passes into the large intestine, where it is fermented by the resident gut bacteria. This can cause unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, constipation, and food allergies and intolerances. Naturopaths believe toxicity within the bowel is the root of all diseases.
What causes digestive enzyme insufficiency?
Stress, smoking, ageing and alcohol misuse, among other factors.
Supplementing with digestive enzymes
Digestive enzyme supplements contain a range of enzymes from plant and bacterial sources, which help us digest food properly and absorb more of its nutrients.
Conditions where a digestive enzyme may help
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Weight management
- Food allergies and intolerances
- Gut disturbances such as bloating, flatulence, constipation and diarrhoea