The human body manufactures two main types of enzymes, digestive and metabolic. Other enzymes may also be consumed from the foods we eat. Each enzyme has a specific function, and some may even be taken in supplement form and used therapeutically. Talk to your health care practitioner before trying enzymes or other natural supplements.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are secreted in the mouth and throughout the digestive tract. They are used to break down the food we eat into smaller particles that can be absorbed by the body. Digestive enzymes include: salivary amylase, produced in the saliva, and used to break down carbohydrates or starches into simple sugars; pancreatic amylase, produced by the pancreas, also used to break down starches; trypsin produced by the pancreas and pepsin produced in the stomach, both of which are used to break down proteins; lipase, produced by the pancreas and used to break down fats; and, two enzymes made in the small intestine, peptidases, used to further break down amino acids, and maltase, used to further break down sugars.
Metabolic Enzymes
Metabolic enzymes are also manufactured by the body and used for a variety of activities in the body. They are used in growth and development, the production of energy, to help regulate hormones, and to inhibit inflammation in the body. Every metabolic process in the body requires enzymes. There are hundreds of metabolic enzymes produced, the main group of which are called oxygenases. Oxygenases are used as regulators and are involved in a number of cellular processes. Metabolic enzymes are generally not found in supplement form, and researchers are still trying to determine their therapeutic value.
Food Enzymes
Most foods naturally contain enzymes used to help break down specific components of that food. Raw milk, for example, contains an enzyme called lactase, which is used to break down the lactose, or naturally occurring sugar in the milk. Cellulase, found in many plants, helps break down the cellulose, or soluble fibers, in the plant itself. Some plants further contain unique enzymes that can be used therapeutically. Pineapple contains a digestive enzyme called bromelain, which has been used to treat inflammation and arthritis. High temperatures will destroy enzymes. Eat plenty of raw or lightly cooked fruits and vegetables to retain the plant enzymes.
Supplements
Because cooking and pasteurization destroy the enzymes found naturally in foods, many take supplemental enzymes to aid in digestion. One common enzyme supplement is papain, an enzyme found in papaya that is used to help break down meat protein. Other enzyme supplements may contain a combination of key digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, protease, pepsin and trypsin. Although no adverse effects have been reported from taking supplemental enzymes, there is still little scientific validation for their medicinal use. Talk to your health care provider before taking digestive enzymes.
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