Healthy digestion involves a variety of chemicals released by the stomach and pancreas to aid in the breakdown of food. The pancreas releases digestive enzymes to act on different food groups to allow them to synthesize into the bloodstream and pass through the digestive tract. Some people do not produce enough of one or more of the pancreatic enzymes and need supplementation. Many of the enzymes can be found common foods.
Pepsin
Pepsin is an enzyme found in ox bile that breaks down protein, according to Colorado State University. It is often found in combination with other digestive enzymes in products sold at health food stores. Pepsin's enzymatic action on meat and poultry is very strong and may cause problems for individuals using it as a supplement. A health provider should be consulted before adding additional pepsin to your diet.
Bromelain
Derived from pineapples, bromelain is a plant enzyme used primarily in the digestion of meats and other proteins, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Eating fresh pineapple during or at the end of a meal may contribute to lowering the level of acid reflux. Making juice from fresh pineapples and their skins will yield even more of the enzyme than merely eating the flesh of the fruit. The juice should be consumed during or directly after a meal for it to be most effective. For people not able to eat pineapples, bromelain supplements can be purchased at health food stores. They should also be consumed during meals for optimal enzymatic action.
Lactase
Some people are unable to digest milk and dairy products due to the presence of milk sugar known as lactose. Lactase is the digestive enzyme used in the breakdown of milk sugar, according to Colorado State University, and can be added to the diet in supplement form to aid in digestion. Lactase supplements are available at pharmacies under different brand names and combined in many digestive enzyme products.
Raw, Organic Honey
Raw honey that contains all of its original nutrients including propolis, royal jelly and pollen is one of the best enzymes for use in breaking down carbohydrates and starches, writes Felicia Drury Kliment in "The Acid Alkaline Balance." Other honey sold with fewer nutrients does not have the enzymatic action and will not do the job, says Kliment.
Raw Milk
Raw milk from cows and goats contains the digestive enzyme known as lipase, which is used for the breakdown of fats, according Colorado State University. The milk must be raw, unpasteurized and left unheated to make use of all of its natural enzymes. Kliment advises drinking the milk in the morning and at lunchtime, but no later than midday to make the best use of the enzymes in the body. Raw milk is available at certain dairy farms specializing in this product. Caution is advised and those wishing to drink raw milk should thoroughly investigate the source, being especially aware of cleanliness to avoid contamination of the product. Raw milk should be consumed within 48 hours to avoid spoilage.
References
- "The Acid Alkaline Balance"; Felicia Drury Kliment; 2002
- Colorado State University: Exocrine Secretions of the Pancreas
- University of Michigan Health System: Digestive Enzymes
- University of Michigan Health System: Bromelain
- Colorado State University: Lactose Intolerance - Lactase Non-Persistence
