Enzymes are in every living cell. They are catalysts that aid in many biochemical reactions in the body and encourage cellular health. They are fundamental elements for facilitating digestion, absorption, transportation and elimination. Increasing digestive enzyme intake is essential in boosting metabolism and immune system function; this is possible by eating more raw foods.
Action
Enzymes are activated in water, so it is important to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Supplemental digestive enzymes can provide an extra boost to your metabolism and repair a worn-out system more quickly than changing to raw foods alone.
Reaction
The pancreas is the source of 50 percent of enzymes for digestion; if there is not enough taken in through food, the pancreas works overtime to compensate. Symptoms of digestive enzyme deficiency in your body include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, insatiable cravings, inflammation and nausea.
Prevention
Add fermented vegetables like sauerkraut or kimchi and beverages like kombucha (a fermented fungus tea) or kefir (soured milk drink) to your diet when you can. These all have natural enzymes and create a healthy bacterial flora in the gut, balancing out the digestive system and alleviating the debilitating symptoms. Consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables will also boost enzyme intake; pineapple and papaya are both good sources.
Supplementation
Over-the-counter enzymes and formulas are available in a wide variety. Some of the enzymes naturally found in our bodies (such as pepsin and lipase) can be supplemented by animal sources such as pigs and oxen, while others are actually found in plant material (such as amylase and protease). It is a good idea to find a supplement with a broad spectrum of enzymes to reap the full benefits.
Bromelian is a plant-based enzyme found in pineapple; it has been found to be a very effective treatment for many digestive issues and is a proven anti-inflammatory.
Papaya enzyme, also known as papain, is another commonly used and valuable digestive aid. It has even been shown to break down wheat gluten and prevent harm to coeliac sufferers.
Protein-digesting enzymes such as pancreatin (a combination of amylase, lipase and protease) are sourced from animals and used in the medical community for treating diseases such as cystic fibrosis and inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. These are helpful for a sluggish pancreas, and assist in repairing cellular stresses the organ can go through.
Amylase is necessary for breaking down carbohydrates and starches.
Lipase is needed for breaking down fats, triglycerides in particular. These are required for proper intestinal absorption of nutrients.
Protease is responsible for the digestion of proteins, which are very hard to assimilate.
Evolution
Our bodies have evolved over many generations, and they have not developed to metabolize foods of a modern diet. Processing and preserving foods (especially with chemicals) is a fairly recent addition to our physiology, creating a ripe setting for nutrition-based diseases. Cooking canning and freezing deplete the natural enzymes in plant foods; steaming or lightly sautéing them is the best option to retain favorable nutrients and a large portion of the enzymes.
Convenience is another factor behind current health issues; preservation and fortification help foods be supermarket ready and have a longer shelf life but pollutes our cells. Eating in a rush all the time does not allow us to consume our food at a normal pace. The human body metabolizes nutrients better if the meals are spread out throughout the day in several smaller portions and at an easy pace. Chewing is the first step to starch breakdown; masticating well can increase your enzyme production and instigate the act of digestion.
