What Are Digestive Enzymes And Why Do We Need Them?
Oct 06, 2023
When we eat, food is broken down into smaller particles so that the nutrients can be absorbed and utilised by our bodies. A lot of the foods we eat are tough, and different components in our foods need different digestive enzymes in order to be broken down - let’s have a look at some digestive enzymes and why we need them!
Amylase
Amylase is the enzyme responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates and starch into simple sugars. As humans we run on sugars as our main source of fuel, so it is important that the carbohydrates in the food we eat are used efficiently by our bodies so that we can feel energised and focused!
Lipase
Lipase is the enzyme responsible for the digestion of fats into lipids. We need fats in our bodies for a range of functions such as protection of our organs, insulation, and energy! Proper digestion of fats also help our bodies get to those essential fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, and insufficient breakdown and absorption of fats can lead to deficiencies in these vitamins.
Protease
Protease is the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of proteins into amino acids. Amino acids are building blocks needed for a range of functions such as muscle repair, wound healing, and growth, so it is very important that we have sufficient amounts of these available in the body. This enzyme also helps keep harmful bacteria, yeast and protozoa out of the intestine, which could help reduce inflammation and disease!
Lactase
Lactase is the digestive enzyme responsible for digesting lactose - a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. Around 70% of adults are deficient in lactase and are therefore unable to digest lactose when they consume dairy products, this is what causes lactose intolerance! Luckily, it’s pretty easy to correct this - by taking a lactase supplement when you eat any lactose-containing foods, you can say goodbye to any uncomfortable dairy-induced symptoms!
Cellulase
Cellulase is a digestive enzyme that can break down cellulose - cellulose is the fibre that makes up the cell walls of plants. This fibre is mostly indigestible to humans and passes through our digestive systems without being broken down (but it is still very beneficial for health as it supports regular bowel movements!) Humans don’t need cellulase the same way other mammals do as we can get energy from other foods. However, by taking a cellulose supplement you could potentially help break down cellulose which would allow your body to utilise energy from cellulose, and also help release antioxidants and other nutrients trapped in the cell walls!
What happens if we lack digestive enzymes?
Low levels of digestive enzymes can impair our ability to digest the food we eat properly, which can cause a range of digestive symptoms such as bloating and indigestion. It can also reduce the availability of nutrients from our food which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and weight loss - even when eating sufficient amounts of foods! Digestive enzymes are therefore essential in ensuring that all the good stuff found in the foods we eat are put to good use! Taking a supplement may help our bodies digest food which can help relieve a range of gastrointestinal symptoms!
The takeaway
Low levels of digestive enzymes can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms and can have negative health outcomes. If you have chronically low levels of digestive enzymes, you may receive a prescription medication. However, if you are looking for something to help aid digestion or support the breakdown of a large meal - MOBU Digezyme has got you covered! There are also some foods that contain natural digestive enzymes that can aid digestion, for instance fruits such as pineapples and papaya, and fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kefir, so consuming these foods can also help with the breakdown of nutrients!
