Tired of not being able to eat certain foods?

When you're unable to eat your favorite foods because of bothersome issues like occasional gas, bloating, or cramps, it can be downright irritating. Digestive enzymes are needed to break down, process, then deliver the nutrients in food to help us maintain good health, plus provide us with energy. By eating foods such as pasta, pizza, fast-food or fatty meats taking digestive enzymes will alleviate discomfort. Another way to aid digestion is by eating pineapple, also known as bromelain and peppermint after meals.


There are three different types of digestive enzymes: Amylase, Protease, and Lipase


Amylase is used to break down carbohydrates, such as pasta and bread. Saliva contains amylase, which initiates the digestion of dietary starches. Pancreatic secretions also contain amylase.

Protease breaks down protein, such as steak, eggs, chicken and fish. Believe it or not, helping your body break down proteins can actually help your body's immune system. Protein digestion begins in the stomach with the action of the protease, pepsin. The stomach’s acidic environment activates this enzyme.

Lipase breaks down fats, such as cheese, fast-foods and butter. Fat digestion accelerates in the second part of the small intestine with the action of the pancreatic lipases. These enzymes break down fat into essential fatty acids. The lipase enzymes, along with bile salts, are responsible for the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K.

How important are enzymes to digestion? Without enzymes, digestion could not take place and the food we eat could not be absorbed and utilized by our bodies. Enzymes are complex proteins produced by living cells and they start chemical reactions in the body. Enzymes are present in the digestive juices. They act upon food, breaking it down into simpler components the body can use for energy.
What happens if digestive enzymes don’t work adequately? Inadequate digestion is thought to be a significant cause of food allergies. When not digested completely, food can initiate allergic reactions in the body, causing inflammation and immune sensitivity. This can lead to chronic inflammatory conditions and certain types of arthritis.