A Necessary Part of Digestion
Digestive enzymes are substances that help youdigestyour food.
Some conditions can result in digestiveenzyme deficiencies, such as lactose intolerance or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
In that case, supplementation with foods, over-the-counter supplements, or prescription digestive enzyme supplements may be necessary.
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Keep reading to learn about different types of digestive enzymes and how they work.
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What Are Digestive Enzymes?
This is because the pancreas secretes several key enzymes.
Often these deficiencies can be fixed by changing your diet.
you’re free to avoid certain foods or eat foods containing naturally occurring digestive enzymes.
you’ve got the option to also take prescription or over-the-counter (OTC)enzyme supplements.
The most important digestive enzymes include:
Amylase
Amylase is important for digesting carbohydrates.
It breaks down starches into sugars.
Amylase is secreted by both the salivary glands and the pancreas.
The body uses glucose for energy.
During digestion, starch is partially transformed into maltose by amylases.
The maltase enzyme then changes maltose into glucose.
It turns lactose into the simple sugars glucose and galactose.
Lactase is produced by cells known as enterocytes that line the intestinal tract.
Lactose that is not absorbed is fermented by bacteria in the gut.
This can cause you to havegasand an upset stomach.
It’s produced in small amounts by your mouth and stomach, and in larger amounts by your pancreas.
These are simpler sugars that the body can absorb.
Sucrase is found along theintestinalvilli.
These are tiny hair-like structures that line the intestine and absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.
Probiotics are microbes that help support digestive health.
They do not help you digest food.
Some are inherited genetic conditions while others develop over time.
When you consume dairy products, you may experience:
There are several forms of lactose intolerance.
It happens when newborns are unable to break down lactose in breast milk or formula.
They get severe diarrhea if they aren’t given a lactose-free alternative.
Congenital lactase deficiency is sparked by mutations in the LCT gene that provides instructions for making the lactase enzyme.
Symptoms typically begin 30 minutes to two hours after eating or drinking dairy.
These diseases includeceliac diseaseor Crohn’s disease as well as other illnesses or injuries that affect the intestinal wall.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
The pancreas produces the key digestive enzymes amylase, protease, and lipase.
People withexocrine pancreatic insufficiency(EPI) have a deficiency of these enzymes.
As a result, they are unable to digest food properly, especially fats.
Any digestive symptoms that persist for more than a week or two should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
It’s best to eat them raw since heat can lessen or destroy these plant enzymes.
Digestive juices require hydration, so see to it that you drink water throughout the day.
They can do this by eating healthy foods that contain naturally occurring digestive enzymes.
But they can also takenutritional supplementsunder a healthcare provider’s guidance.
Researchers are exploring whether digestive enzymes may also help those with celiac disease.
When should I take digestive enzymes?
The timing for taking digestive enzymes depends on why youre taking them.
Side Effects of Digestive Enzyme Supplements
Like any supplements, digestive enzymes can have side effects.
For example, applying digestive enzymes to the skin can cause severe irritation, pain, and burning.
It is possible that your symptoms could be triggered by a problem with your pancreas.
These conditions require treatment from a healthcare provider.
Before you decide to take an enzyme supplement, get your healthcare provider’s advice.
They can help you determine if it’s safe for you.
Summary
Digestive enzymes are substances that help you digest your food.
They’re secreted by the salivary glands and cells lining the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.
Sometimes people have a digestive enzyme deficiency.
These deficiencies are connected to various health conditions.
Many of these health conditions are related to the pancreas.
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