The digestion of food is a complicated process requiring a variety of enzymes and digestive juices to complete the task successfully. When food is allowed to remain in the stomach for a prolonged period it may putrefy and contribute to causing gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Undigested food can back up into the esophagus, causing damage during GERD attacks. Digestive enzymes provide the proper chemicals to break down food and move it effectively through your system.
The Role of Enzymes
Most people produce enough digestive enzymes in the pancreas to properly break down the food they eat. The enzymes and various digestive juices made in the pancreas are specialized in their action and each pancreatic enzyme works on the breakdown of a different food group. When the pancreas fails or is compromised, the body needs supplementing to effectively synthesize food. Providing enzyme support in the form of special foods or supplements acts to promote better digestion, and may prevent symptoms of GERD.
Protease
The pancreatic enzyme protease breaks down proteins. When proteins are not properly broken down, they remain in the stomach for an excessively long period and may cause acid reflux and other symptoms of GERD such as chest pain, belching, bloating and gas, according to Colorado State University. Enzyme supplements such as pepsin, produced by humans and animals alike, are useful in the breakdown of proteins if your body is not doing a good job on its own. Additionally, if you prefer a non-animal based enzyme for protein digestion, try bromelain or papain. Both of these plant-based enzymes complement the action of protease and are effective for protein digestion, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Lipase
Lipase is the pancreatic enzyme responsible for fat breakdown. This includes the synthesis of all fats and triglycerides, notes Colorado State University. Supplements containing pancreatin are available in most pharmacies and health food stores. In addition to using pancreatin, you may want to drink raw unpasteurized milk or add butter with active cultures to your diet. Felicia Drury Kliment writes in "The Acid Alkaline Balance" that natural enzymes found in raw cow's and goat's milk help to break down fats gently and efficiently. If you are overweight and suffer from GERD, your doctor may prescribe a drug to block the absorption of triglycerides and inhibit the action of pancreatic lipase, writes Colorado State. These drugs should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Amylase
Amylase helps with carbohydrate and starch digestion and the primary source in the body is the pancreas; however, there is small amount of amylase in the saliva used for pre-digestion of foods. A deficiency in amylase may prevent you from digesting sugars, such as with lactose intolerance where your body cannot digest the milk sugar in dairy products. This deficiency is one of the main causes of acid reflux and symptoms of GERD. When sugars don't digest properly they can ferment in the stomach causing undesirable symptoms. The enzyme lactase is available for oral consumption and may help prevent GERD symptoms. Another enzyme that may be helpful for starch digestion is alpha-galactosidase, which assists in the break down of foods such as beans, soy, legumes, broccoli, cabbage and certain grains. Both lactase and alpha-galactosidase are available in pharmacies.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Digestive Enzymes
- Coloradoo State University: Exocrine Secretions of the Pancreas
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease--Diagnosis
- Colorado State University: Lactose Intolerance - Lactase Non-Persistence
- International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Controlling Intestinal Gas
