Do Digestive Enzymes Prevent Nutrient Deficiencies

Role of Digestive Enzymes In Preventing Nutrient Deficiencies & Boost Gut Health 

Enzymes play a significant role in your body. They are the proteins that speed up the chemical reactions and are essential for the proper functioning of the body. 

Digestive enzymes are the enzymes that help in digestion of food and are secreted by salivary glands, stomach, pancreases, and small intestine. Enzymes split up large molecules, increase the process of digestion, and allows food to be absorbed in the bloodstream efficiently. 

Types of digestive enzymes

Different types of proteins are released inside the body. Critical digestive enzymes secreted in the body include  

• Amylase - Pancreases and salivary glands release this enzyme. Both salivary and pancreatic amylase helps break down the carbohydrates, starches and sugar.
• Proteases - Proteases are digestive enzyme that play an essential role in the digestion of proteins. Proteins are broken down into basic units (amino acids) and are important for numerous body processes like cell division, blood clotting and healthy immune system. Main proteases include pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidases.
• Lipases - Lipase enzymes break down fat in the body and are secreted by pancreases. They are produced in smaller amounts in the mouth and stomach while a large number of lipases are produced in the pancreas.

Benefits of digestive enzyme

Digestive enzymes are vital, and without them, food will not be digested in the body. These enzymes 

• Are essential for healthy digestion
• Help in proper absorption of nutrients 
• Support colon health
• Breakdown protein, carbohydrates and fats into smaller particles for easy digestion
• Help to treat leaky gut and improves symptoms of acid flux and irrigatable bowel movements. 

Gut health and digestive enzymes

Digestive enzymes and its supplements have beneficial effects on gut health. According to a study, people consuming supplements of digestive enzymes experienced lower episodes of abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and heartburn. The deficiency of these enzymes causes a wide range of intestinal problems.

Digestive enzymes are useful for the maintenance of gut health as they are released from the gastro-intestinal fluid. Digestive enzymes, together with other gut bacteria, support a healthy gut.

Natural food items with digestive enzymes

Different tropical fruits like mango, papaya, pineapple, kiwi, and fermented vegetables are rich in digestive enzymes, and their regular consumption helps improve the process of digestion. 

Supplements 

Different digestive enzyme supplements are also available in pills, powder and liquid form. The nutritionists usually prescribe them to the people suffering from conditions like

• Acid reflux
• Thyroid problems
• Difficulty indigestion 
• Heartburn
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Morning fatigues
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Mood swings, depression or irritability

Deficiency of digestive enzymes

Deficiency of digestive enzyme can occur due to diseased stomach or issues with intestine or pancreases. It is linked with different health issues, including insufficient absorption, malabsorption, irritable bowel movements, and constipation. In some conditions, the body does not make enough digestive enzymes which can lead to different gut issues like difficulty in digesting lactos,e which can cause diseases like bloating, diarrhoea, and flatulence.

Conclusion 

Digestive enzymes help to fulfil the nutrient requirement of the body by catalyzing different food molecules and supporting their absorption. They are very important for proper food digestion and nutrient absorption in the body. Taking digestive enzymes in supplemental form may help regulate bowel movements and prevent certain gut issues.