What Are Digestive Enzymes?

Digestive enzymes are biological molecules responsible for the breakdown of food in the body. These enzymes break food particles into individual nutrients that the body can use. The body does not absorb actual food; instead, it absorbs the nutrients found in food. The nutritional components in food are then absorbed by the body.

Digestive enzymes turn food into a variety of substances the body can use. Proteins turn into amino acids, carbohydrates turn into simple sugars and fats turn into fatty acids. Additionally, plant and animal compounds are broken down into usable vitamins and minerals. 

The digestive system is comprised of the salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, liver, gall bladder, small intestine and large intestine. Each of these systems work in one accord to help digest the food you consume. When the digestive system is not functioning properly, the enzymes your body needs to absorb food can diminish.

How Digestive Enzymes Can Help

Dietary interventions are often necessary to restore digestive functions. Eating a diet filled with raw fruits and vegetables will help correct deficiencies. Cooked and processed foods virtually destroy all enzymes in your food. For this reason, most foods you eat are deficient in enzymes. To help improve digestive functions, eat a variety of raw fruits and vegetables.

Digestive enzymes are another way to help restore your digestive system. Supplemental enzymes ensure that the foods you eat are properly digested, reduce inflammation and improve the immune system. 

When your digestive system is not functioning properly, you may experience gas, bloating and constipation. These symptoms are often caused from improperly digesting food items. Digestive enzymes can help alleviate the symptoms of ingesting certain food items, such as dairy products, beans and meats.

The Types of Enzymes

There are three main types of digestive enzymes. Each kind of enzyme helps digest certain foods. The three types are protease, lipase and amylase. Protease helps to digest proteins. Lipase helps digest fats. Finally, amylase helps to digest sugars, starches and other carbohydrates. 

How to Choose a Digestive Enzyme Formula

The market is filled with digestive enzymes, so determining the best enzyme for you can seem difficult. The following criteria will help you determine the best brand of digestive enzyme for you.

Quality

The first thing to consider when shopping for digestive enzymes is the quality of the product. The most potent formulas are manufactured following strict guidelines. The best quality products are free of coatings, fillers, artificial colors and excipients. Therefore, it is essential that you read the list of the ingredients.

Reputation

A company's reputation is only as good as its products. Digestive enzyme formulas, such as those manufactured by Pure Encapsulations , provide your body with the enzymes your body needs to properly break down food into usable nutrients. 

Potency

When choosing a digestive enzyme, choose one that offers maximum potency. Many second-rate products contain ingredients that can reduce the bioavailability of its ingredients. Seek out a product that is free from potential allergens, such as wheat, nuts and gluten.

Numerous medical issues can prevent the production of digestive enzymes. Pancreatic issues, inflammation, aging and stress can all cause a digestive enzyme deficiency. When the body is unable to produce enough digestive enzymes, digestive distress can occur. Issues including poor digestion, bloating, lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance are the side effects of digestive distress.