Enzymes aid in digestion, and mainly come from the foods you eat. The pancreas supplies your primary digestive enzymes, and food enzymes are also an important part of the natural digestion process. Eating the right foods can enhance your digestion and help prevent and eliminate various digestive disorders. Always consult your health practitioner when using foods to treat serious conditions.
Bromelain
Pineapples supply the enzyme bromelain. Bromelain assists with protein digestion, especially with heavy protein foods like meat. Bromelain is not only helpful in digestive process, but has been found to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Taking it between meals may lessen body pain in the joints and muscles. Eat raw pineapple or make fresh juice to benefit from the bromelain, but you may not get enough this way. If you can't eat pineapple or drink pineapple juice, bromelain is sold in supplement form. Bromelain can thin the blood, so consult with your health practitioner before taking it if you are on blood thinners.
Papain
Papayas contain the digestive enzyme papain, or papaya proteinase I. Papain is another enzyme good for protein digestion, similar in action to bromelain. Eat raw papaya during meals or as dessert for the greatest benefits. The skin of the papaya is also high in papain. Papain is generally included in digestive enzyme supplements, especially those made for vegetarians.
Amylase
Raw honey is an excellent source of the enzyme amylase, used by the body to digest carbohydrates. Not all honey contains high levels of amylase. Only raw, organic honey contains all of honey's natural elements, including propolis, bee pollen and royal jelly. The enzymes in this kind of honey break down the starchy foods you consume.
Lipase
Raw, organic milk contains the enzyme lipase, which assists with the breakdown of fats. Raw milk is best consumed in the morning to obtain most of its benefits. Raw butter or sweet butter with cultures also contain enzymes that assist with fat breakdown. Raw milk is not pasteurized, so do not drink it if you are pregnant, nursing or have a compromised immune system.
Herbal Enzymes
Certain herbs and spices used in cooking also provide enzymes for good digestion. The herbs should be consumed in their raw state, and you can use them to season or garnish salads. Try fennel, peppermint leaves, ginger and catnip for a variety of healthful flavors. Make herbal tea from the fresh herbs by steeping them for a few minutes in boiling water. Strain and drink the tea with a small amount of raw honey to benefit from their enzymatic activity.
References
- "The Acid Alkaline Balance"; Felicia Drury Kliment; 2002
- Colorado State University: Exocrine Secretions of the Pancreas: R. Bowen, July 2006
- University of Michigan Health System: Digestive Enzymes
- University of Michigan Health System: Bromelain
- Colorado State University: Lactose Intolerance - Lactase Non-Persistence; R. Bowen; April 2009
- "The pH Miracle"; Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
