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| The purpose of our digestive system is to break down macro nutrients, comprised of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, into smaller units, amino acids, sugars, and free fatty acids, that can pass through the intestinal walls to be used by our bodies. This breakdown of foods relies on digestive enzymes: proteases for proteins, amylases for carbohydrates, and lipases for fats. Digestion begins in the mouth with digestion of carbohydrates, and continues throughout the stomach and intestines. Stomach disorders, abdominal pain, gas, diminished immunity, delayed wound healing, allergies, muscle wasting, bowel problems, even mood swings and skin disorders can be a result of poor digestion and poor absorption of nutrients. What good is eating nutritious foods and taking supplements if they are not absorbed by your body?
Digestive enzymes are available as supplements in capsules, tablets, chewable wafers, liquids, sublinguals, powders and granules. The most common sources of digestive enzymes used in supplements are pineapple, papaya, malt, Aspergillis niger, Aspergillis oryzae, ox bile, and hog pancreas. Because digestion mainly takes place in the small intestine, some supplements are enteric coated to pass undisturbed through stomach acid. Other enzyme formulas address all phases of digestion. Enzymes should be taken at the beginning of a meal. Contrary to popular myth, drinking plenty of water with a meal aids the digestive process.
References: Bland, Jeffrey, Ph.D., “Digestive Enzymes,” 1993. Cichoke, Anthony J., D.C., “Enzymes & Enzyme Therapy,” 1994. Howell, Dr. Edward, “Enzyme Nutrition,” 1985.
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