Description
Digestion is the process of breaking apart food into smaller pieces until it can be absorbed through intestinal walls and into the bloodstream and tissues. Digestive enzymes are compounds with very specific tasks to find and sever chains of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibers, starches, sugars and other substances within foods. For example, protease enzymes reduce large protein molecules into smaller units of nutrition, amino acids. Lipase enzymes do the same with lipids (fats) until they become smaller functional fatty acids. Cellulase, amylase and lactase enzymes tackle simple and complex carbohydrates. Unfortunately, the body does not always create enough enzymes to completely reduce food into the necessary nutrients. Incomplete digestion can cause intestinal gas, bloating, cramping, heartburn and sometimes diarrhea. This happens frequently with dairy products, grains and legumes. Fortunately, digestive enzyme supplements may support the bodys daily enzymatic needs. Examples include, bromelain and papain, (protease enzymes derived from pineapple and papaya), lipase, amylase, cellulase, and lactase enzymes.