Plants release enzymes that break down the sugars and fibers in food for digestion. Plant enzymes work with the enzymes that bodies naturally produce to digest food.
While many people feel that their digestive enzymes are enough, there’s a benefit to taking supplemental plant enzymes to aid in their digestion.
What are Digestive Enzymes?
The body produces natural digestive protein enzymes to break down food and help digestion. There are also plant-based digestive enzymes benefits that work in conjunction with the natural digestive process. Saliva starts breaking down food in the mouth.
Enzymes are also released in the stomach, small intestine, and pancreas to make digestion more effective. These enzymes break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
There are many digestive enzymes. The mouth makes amylase and breaks down carbohydrates. The pancreas makes lipase and protease, which break down fats and proteins. Lactase helps lactose digest, and sucrase breaks down sucrose.
Although the body makes these enzymes, many people don’t have enough of them, or their bodies do not release them as they should. Congenital sucrose isomaltase deficiency occurs when the body doesn’t have enough sucrase to digest some sugars.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs when the pancreas does not digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Many people are lactose intolerant, meaning their bodies do not make enough lactase. They have difficulty digesting milk and other dairy products.
Symptoms of Enzyme Deficiency
When the digestive system does not work well, it could be from an enzyme insufficiency. This often leads to indigestion or malnutrition. Symptoms like cramping and bloating, diarrhea, gas, and oily bowel movements can signal enzyme deficiency.
Sometimes people lose weight for no explained reason. Talking to a doctor is the first step in addressing an enzyme deficiency. A doctor may recommend taking plant enzymes to help supplement the body’s natural enzymes.
Plant Enzymes
The enzymes bromeliad and papain come from pineapple and papaya. Enzymes found in microbial plants are grown specifically for making supplements.
These enzymes have many more benefits than animal-based enzymes.
Safe Supplements
Manufacturers who produce plant-based enzymes have complete control over the growing environment and production of the enzyme.
This makes them safer than animal enzymes, which can be filled with chemicals or antibiotics that the animal may have eaten.
To choose a quality plant-based digestive enzyme, check for certifications from the Good Manufacturing Practice that ensures a good quality product.
Works in Low pH Areas
Animal-based enzymes need a neutral pH to work well, which is usually found in the small intestine. If a body waits until the small intestine to digest food, irritable bowel or other indigestion can occur.
Plant-based enzymes survive in acidic environments like the human stomach. This allows for better digestion with less effort and less indigestion. It also promotes a healthier metabolism, heart, liver, and brain.
Variety of Enzymes
Plant-based enzymes provide protease, amylase, and lipase. They can also provide peptidase, which aids in digesting milk and gluten.
Some may contain xylanase and cellulase, which digest plant fibers. Beta-glucanase uses yeasts, fungi, and grains to digest some fibers. All of these lead to a happier, healthier gut.
Flexible Use
Plant-based enzymes can be combined to provide excellent digestive health or to clean the blood. They are helpful for many reasons, and many consumers report overall better health after taking them.
Individuals who suffer from indigestion or malnourishment may want to talk with their physician about the benefits of plant-based enzymes. These easy-to-take pills can make all the difference to the digestive system.
