Digestive enzymes are critical to both better digestion and nutrient absorption. Digestive enzymes function like solvents that break foods down into the components that allow them to be absorbed and used by the body. They work throughout the GI tract but are especially plentiful in the stomach and uppermost sections.
To break it down further, we eat food, but our digestive system doesn’t absorb food, it absorbs nutrients. Food has to be broken down from things like steak and broccoli into its nutrient pieces: amino acids (from proteins), fatty acids and cholesterol (from fats), and simple sugars (from carbohydrates), as well as vitamins, minerals, and a variety of other plant and animal compounds. Digestive enzymes, primarily produced in the pancreas and small intestine, break down our food into nutrients so that our bodies can absorb them. If we don’t have enough digestive enzymes, we can’t break down our food—which means even though we’re eating well, we aren’t absorbing all that good nutrition.
Unfortunately, as we age, the gut becomes less efficient, and we naturally begin to produce fewer digestive enzymes. As a result, our digestive tract gradually becomes more alkaline, and it becomes more difficult for our bodies to completely break down the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the foods we eat. This poor or incomplete digestion initially may result in gas, bloating, diarrhea and a permeable or leaky gut and could possibly lead to myriad health problems including vitamin and mineral deficiencies. As an increasing number of undigested or partially digested molecules enter the blood stream, allergies, and possibly other severe health problems including inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, could take place. This is why it’s key to ensure you’ve got enough digestive enzymes and that they’re doing their job.
When shopping for digestive enzymes, look for a comprehensive product that contains enzymes to help you digest the three main types of nutrients: proteases (for proteins), lipases (for fats), and amylases (for carbohydrates). “Please visit our website www.cdrnaturals.com for more information on this and other great health topics.
Remember this article is for information only. Do not make any changes in your diet or lifestyle without first consulting with your preventive health care provider. We always pray for your prosperity and health, 3 John 2, blessings, Donna.
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