DIGESTIVE ENZYMES AND YOUR HEALTH

The primary digestive enzymes are the hydrolases because they help break down food by adding a water molecule.

The three main classes are:

1. protease (act on proteins)
2. amylase (act on carbohydrates)
   
3. lipase (act on fats)
   

Enzymes are important substances found naturally in the body and in raw foods.  If someone does not produce enough enzymes to properly break down their food for proper absorption, they can experience symptoms such as gas, constipation, bloating and heartburn.

Supplemental enzymes typically come from two sources:

1. ​Pancreatic enzymes come from the pancreas of animals.
2. Plant-based enzymes are usually derived from the fungus ​Aspergillus oryzae.

Why choose plant-based enzymes over animal-based enzymes?

• ​Several human studies suggest that plant-based enzymes may play a role in anti-inflammatory therapy.
• They are more effective at digesting food than pancreatic-based enzymes because they operate effectively at a very wide pH range.  They can digest actively in the acidic environment of the stomach and the alkaline environment of the small intestine.
• Pancreatic enzymes are more easily degraded than plant enzymes as they are only effective in the slightly alkaline environment of the small intestine.
• Plant-based digestive enzymes are also found in raw pineapple (bromelain) and green papaya (papain) as well as other raw foods.
• No animal has to be killed in order to get the pancreatic enzymes.

Digestive enzyme supplementation is believed to be helpful for a large number of health conditions, including:
Digestion - Plant-based enzymes appear to not only improve the break down of macronutrients but also improve hydrochloric acid production in those with low stomach acid.
Pain/Inflammation - Some find help from using digestive enzymes or bromelain as anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling.  It is useful in post-traumatic responses and swelling and after surgery.  Bromelain's most popular use has been to reduce joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (500 - 2000 mg daily - taken in 2 doses away from meals).
Anti-aging Properties - enzymes reduce tissue irritation.
Cardiovascular Disease - Enzymes reduce platelet aggregation, arterial plaquing, and clot formation (400 to 1,000 mg daily has been shown to reduce the symptoms of angina pectoris).