9 essential keys on digestive enzymes

Enzymes are molecules, created by our own body, that catalyze the thousands of chemical reactions that we produce and that are crucial to our lives. The lack of some enzyme can hinder the functioning of the metabolism and the digestive process.

A poor diet, gastrointestinal disorders and aging itself can affect the production of enzymes. An example of an enzyme deficiency is that of lactase, which explains lactose intolerance.

Each enzyme has a specific function, from the transport of nutrients or the elimination of toxic waste, to the purification of the blood in the liver or the nutrition of the brain. There are many: they reduce the tension of the stomach and intestinal walls, improve digestive function, strengthen the immune system and can help control ailments related to chronic inflammation.

1. Natural digestive enzymes in fresh and raw vegetables

A diet rich in fresh and raw vegetables provides a wide variety of enzymes. Avoid long cooking so as not to destroy them and introduce salads and smoothies into the daily diet.

2. Important enzymes for digestion

Digestive enzymes break food down into molecules.. We find them in saliva, gastric and pancreatic juices, and intestinal secretions. Lipases, amylases and proteases stand out.

3. Enzymes for the immune system

White blood cells have enzymes, which help them destroy viruses and bacteria. certain enzymes they help us to restore the balance in the inflammatory processes by allowing faster and more effective healing.

4. Enzymes from pineapple and papaya

In the pineapple we find large amount of bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, that is, it breaks down proteins. Bromelain resists the acidity of the stomach and the alkalinity of the intestine. It is effective for treating dyspepsia, gastric ulcers and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Papaya contains papain, another proteolytic enzyme. It was already used in Central America to improve the digestion of meat. In addition, it is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.

5. Bitter vegetables promote the production of gastrin

Escarole, endive, watercress, radish or artichoke promote gastrin production and digestive enzymes from gastric, pancreatic juices and bile. In addition, they have choleretic and cholagogue properties and improve liver function.

6. Milk thistle for the liver

It has hepatoprotective properties, favors the activity of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (an antioxidant found in the liver) and inhibits the enzyme lipoxygenase (which can damage the liver).

7. Enzyme Supplements for Digestion

Multi-enzyme supplements improve the digestive process and help reduce dyspepsia, a stomach condition that causes slow digestion with bloating, pain, and fullness.

8. Miso, an excellent source of enzymes

Miso is a fermented seasoning widely used in Japanese cuisine. Contains live enzymes if it has not been pasteurized. You can take it in the form of soup or add it as a condiment.

9. Do the enzymes contain probiotics?

Enzymes do not contain probiotics. Probiotics are foods rich in bacteria that can favor the balance of the intestinal flora. Although they participate in similar processes, They are not the same and should not be confused..