Problems ranging from mild indigestion or abdominal swelling to nutritional deficiency of proteins or minerals often do not originate in the diet, as one might think, but in the digestive enzymes.

What are digestive enzymes?

Let’s start at the beginning. The enzymes They are substances of a protein nature present in living organisms and responsible for catalyzing its multiple chemical reactionsthat is, to regulate its speed. Without them, most of these reactions would not occur adequately to sustain life.

If we think that All bodily functions are the result of thousands of chemical reactionswe can imagine the amount of enzymes there are in our body.

What function does each type of enzyme have?

Depending on their specific function, there are several types of enzymes..

The digestive tract is essential for food to be digested and absorbed correctly.

They regulate the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fatswhich are large molecules, so that they are broken down into smaller ones and the nutrients can pass into the bloodstream. Thus, starches and carbohydrates in general end up being converted into glucose; fats, in fatty acids and glycerol; proteins, amino acids, etc.

The amylasessecreted in the salivary glands and pancreas, break down carbohydrates: lipases from the pancreas and intestine they break down fats; and the trypsinogen (stomach) and pepsins (pancreas) digest proteins.

There are more specific enzymes in the small intestine.such as lactases, which break down lactose.

When can digestive enzymes cause problems?

In principle, a healthy person should not have problems with digestive enzymess. Digestive enzymes are secreted at different points along the digestive tract. His quantity and effectiveness they remain more or less constants.

But there are multiple causes that can alter this balance and reduce the amount of enzymes: age, diseases of the digestive tract or pancreas, operations surgical…

The gastric problemsintestinal infections, repetitive use of some antibiotics or vascular disorders in the intestine can also alter the amount of enzymes.

Pancreatitis causes, for example, the intestine to be unable to absorb nutrients due to a deficiency of pancreatic enzymes. Nutrients are eliminated without being absorbedproducing diarrhea, among other symptoms.

What happens when digestive enzymes are altered?

There are circumstances that can alter the synthesis of enzymes or make their action not adequate, so that they produce bad digestion, bloating, diarrhea…

Additionally, an enzymatic problem is believed to cause appearance of substances that could lead to inflammation, cancerous disorders, allergies and alterations of the organism.

Bad digestion normally begins to occur, flatulence and abdominal discomfort. These are some of the symptoms, for example, of lactase deficiencythe enzyme that breaks down lactose.

More serious alterations can lead to nutritional deficiencies because they prevent some nutrients from being absorbed.

How do I know if I am missing digestive enzymes?

It’s not easy. You can suffer from digestive disorders and the cause is not in the enzymes.

From symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal pain, some laboratory tests They lead to the correct diagnosis, always by a specialist. The hydrogen testfor example, analyzes the absorption of carbohydrates.

Are there foods with digestive enzymes?

Yes. Enzymes are substances found in all living beings..

some fruits such as papaya, pineapple, avocado or banana They have enzymes that can speed up and facilitate the digestive process of some foods, especially those rich in protein. Hence it is often said that pineapple is digestive.

What diet is appropriate if there is a deficiency of digestive enzymes?

A diet that facilitates digestion, with foods rich in enzymes, such as pineapple or papaya.

Better to eat small amounts, slowly, and very soft dishes to avoid burned fats. The effectiveness of this diet will depend on the severity of the alteration.

Are there digestive enzymes only in cooked foods?

When the food is raw, its enzymatic effect is more intense.

The cookingor even Some food additives can deactivate or reduce the enzymatic action. In fact, enzymes are partly responsible for food breaking down over time.

Can digestive enzymes relieve poor digestion?

Enzymes in some foods can help especially when poor digestion is caused by a stressful situation, an unbalanced diet or having chewed quickly..

Now, if the problems are caused by a serious disorder in the pancreas or intestine will be more difficult.

What is aspergillus?

It is a fungus from which numerous enzymes are extracted for food and pharmacological use. For example, enzymes are obtained that can degrade lactose.

The food industry also uses enzymes as additives, due to their action on some substances: to prevent a juice from being cloudy, modify a flavor, etc.

Are probiotics digestive enzymes?

No. They are microorganisms that contribute to the balance of the intestinal flora and, therefore, to the good condition of the intestine. The bifidobacteria in fermented milk, for example, are probiotics.

Although its positive effect is clear and improves certain aspects of the digestive process, they have nothing to do with enzymes.