Digestive enzymes are proteins which are so important for our digestive system because they assist in the breakdown and absorption of the food we eat. They are especially important because they allow us to absorb the nutrients from our food which of course is imperative for good health.

Our bodies are made to actually produce these digestive enzymes. Our saliva contains digestive enzymes. Certain organs such as our liver, gallbladder and pancreas secrete these digestive enzymes and the cells on the wall our intestines also store these enzymes. The problem often arises however when our body doesn’t produce enough of these digestive enzymes, and we suffer from digestive issues. This is when taking a Digestive Enzyme tablet may be helpful.

Interestingly there are many different types of enzymes which exist to target and are responsible for breaking down certain elements and nutrients in our food. These digestive enzymes are produced by our body to assist with the absorption of specific types of food such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Below are just some of these enzymes – 

Protease which includes pepsin, trypsin, and fruit proteases such as bromelain and papain targets and breaks down protein

Amylase focuses on and breaks down carbohydrates, sugars and starches which are often found in plant foods (grains, vegetables and fruits etc)

Lipase breaks down fats and is helpful in absorbing foods such as nuts, oils, eggs meat and dairy products.

Lactase helps break down lactose. Tilactase is also a type of lactase which helps with digesting lactose in dairy products

Sucrase breaks down sucrose (sugar) converting into fructose and glucose

Cellulose helps breakdown cellulosic fibres and

Maltase breaks down maltose (malt sugar) into glucose

As we age our digestive enzymes decrease and we may be more prone to lactose intolerance, acid reflux and general bloating, gas etc. At a time when it’s even more important that we absorb the nutrients from our food, it is essential to address this depletion of our digestive enzymes. These issues can also be caused because our stomach acid becomes more alkaline preventing pancreatic secretions from being released and of course low acid can be the cause of acid reflux.

As many will be fully aware, you don’t have to be elderly to suffer from digestive issues. Digestive issues such as abdominal bloating, digestive discomfort, belching, gas, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be helped by taking digestive enzymes. If after eating you have this feeling of ongoing fullness, taking digestive enzymes may help.

Various raw fruits contain enzymes which can aid digestion. Kiwi, papaya, pineapple, bananas and mango. Fermented foods such as natural yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi may be helpful.

Taking a Digestive Enzyme for many can be very helpful.  As we know good gut health is crucial to our overall health and wellbeing. Digestive enzymes are not just beneficial for our health they are essential!!

For more information call down to chat to the team at Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North St, Batemans Bay. Don’t forget to tune in to Bev on 2EC every Wednesday at 12.30pm