Digestive Enzymes
What are digestive enzymes? The body produces digestive enzymes in order to help digest our food.
The salivary glands produce saliva which has enzymes, there are also digestive enzymes secreted by cells lining the stomach, and in the pancreatic juice secreted by pancreatic exocrine cells.
There are also digestive enzymes in the small and large intestines and in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
There are three major types of digestive enzymes:
- Protease enzymes are what digest proteins. This includes bromelain, papain, carboxypeptidase, chymosin, pepsin, and rennin. It also includes pancreatin which is a multifunctional enzyme that contains trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase, and lipase.
- Amylase enzymes are what our body uses to digest carbohydrates. This type of enzyme includes alpha-galactosidase which is especially good for digesting beans, lactase which is used to digest milk sugar, invertase for digesting sucrose, beta-glucosidase, cellulose which is primarily used to digest the fiber in fruits and vegetables, malt diastase, glucoamylase, hemicellulase, lysozyme, maltase, pancreatin, pectinase, phytase, and sucrase.
- Lipase enzymes are used to digest fats. Lipase and pancreatin are the main enzymes in this category.
Natural Remedies to Help Digestive Enzymes
You can stimulate your natural digestive enzymes by chewing your food longer and making sure it is completely masticated before you swallow it. This is the most critical thing you can do.
Supplemental Digestive Enzymes
Made from a variety of sources, supplemental digestive enzymes come in the three major categories, one for each of the three macronutrients that we have to digest. These macronutrients are:
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Fats
Some enzymes, such as pancreatin, can be used in all three categories. Many of the supplements come in multi-enzyme formulas. They are available in capsule form, as a chewable, and in a liquid or tea form.
Ginger Root
Ginger root can be used to alleviate nausea, strengthen the lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract, and to protect against ulcers and parasites. You can chew a small sliver of the root, or boil it to make tea.
Peppermint
Peppermint tea is a time honored digestive remedy that offers therapeutic properties for the entire gastrointestinal tract. Peppermint tea is fast-acting, nontoxic, and even safe to use with children in small doses.
To make the tea, steep bulk or bagged peppermint leaves for up to ten minutes before drinking. You can also get peppermint oil in capsules. These capsules are especially effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.
Chamomile Tea
A remedy that comes from the history books, Chamomile tea is made from the dried Chamomile flower. This is an excellent home remedy for upset stomachs. The tea will help relieve heartburn, indigestion, colic, and general stress.
It is a mild relaxant and has sedative properties. Add the tea bag or bulk tea to a covered container to prevent loss of the active constituents in steam. Brew for at least 10 minutes before pouring into a cup. Sweeten to taste.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotic bacteria and prebiotic oligosaccharides will help your body maintain a healthy digestive system. These two substances can help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including constipation and diarrhea. They also enhance immune function in the body.
Betaine Hydrochloride
As a beet-based source of hydrochloric acid, this supplement will increase stomach acid and can be one of the most effective supplements for indigestion caused by hypochlorhydria or low stomach acid. This disease is very common in people over 50. The low stomach acid can contribute to poor nutrient digestion and absorption, this condition often leads to fatigue.
Aloe Vera Juice
Juice taken from the aloe vera plant can be an effective digestive aid. It also helps soothe inflamed mucous membranes.
Calcium and Magnesium Chewable Tablets
Calcium carbonate is a natural antacid and magnesium is helpful in the relaxation of smooth muscles, including the large intestine. If you can find a combination of chewable magnesium and calcium it is the most helpful in fighting indigestion. Natural mint-flavored tablets can be the most palatable.
