How Your Gut Works: The Role Of Enzymes In Digestive Health?

The digestive system is an integral part of the human body, responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and maintaining the body’s health. The important biomolecule that leads the whole process is the “ digestive enzyme.”

Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body, helping break down food into a simpler form the body can absorb.

In this post, you will learn how your gut works and the role of enzymes in digestive health.

What Is The Digestive System?

The digestive system is a combination of organs and glands that work together to process the intake, breakdown, and absorption of food. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, small intestine, and large intestine, where chemical and mechanical digestion take place.

Key Enzymes And Their Specific Functions

The digestive system contains different enzymes that act as biological catalysts. These enzymes break down large molecules (fat, proteins, and carbohydrates) into smaller molecules so they can be dissolved in the bloodstream. Several enzymes target different nutrients, turning food into energy that the body needs.

Here are some of the digestive enzymes:

• Amylase: These are released by the salivary gland and convert carbohydrates into simple sugars.
• Protease: These are produced by the pancreas and break proteins into amino acids.
• Lipase: These are produced by the pancreas and convert fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
• Alkaline phosphatases (ALPs): These are found throughout the body, in bones, the liver, and the intestine, and help in protein breakdown.

The Role Of Enzymes In Gut Health

01. Breaking down food for nutrient absorption

The breakdown of food occurs in the small intestine, where proteolytic enzymes split proteins into amino acids. These amino acids are responsible for building muscles, fighting germs, and keeping cells healthy.

The enzyme deficiency causes weakness and reduced immunity.

02. Balancing gut microbiota

The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, collectively known as the gut microbiota.  Enzymes play an essential role in maintaining the balance of good bacteria.

For example, ALPI active protein helps maintain intestinal health by controlling harmful bacteria while supporting beneficial bacteria.

03. Preventing digestive disorders

Low enzyme levels can increase the risk of digestive problems such as lactose intolerance, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), gut infections, and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

Balancing enzyme levels through diet and care can ease these issues.

04. Detoxification

Enzymes such as Alkaline Phosphatase help break down gut toxins produced by bacteria, which can cause swelling or infection.

By removing these harmful substances, enzymes help prevent digestive health issues associated with gastrointestinal diseases.

Common Digestive Enzyme Disorder

1.      Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI):

A condition where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough digestive enzymes to absorb nutrients.

This is often caused by:

• Pancreatitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pancreatic cancer
• Gastrointestinal surgeries

Symptoms involve: bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

2.      Lactose Intolerance:

It is the deficiency of the lactase enzyme responsible for the digestion of lactose.

This is caused by a loss of lactase and damage to the small intestine.

Symptoms include: bloating, gas, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

3.      Celiac disease:

This is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system triggers an immune response to gluten (a protein present in wheat and barley) and damages the small intestine. 

Symptoms involve: bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

Final Thought

Enzymes play an essential role in digestive health, breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and maintaining a balance of healthy bacteria.

With a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing stress, and understanding the role of enzymes can improve your gut health and overall well-being.