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We touched on enzymes a couple of weeks ago in the Inspiration The Raw Food Buzz.  This week I expand further on the importance of these vital compounds as they relate to just about every aspect of our health.

Enzymes are made up of chains of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). These are involved with every single chemical reaction in the body, millions and millions of which happen every minute of the day. Without enzymes, reactions that help processes like cell regeneration, brain chemical production, and immune system protection of our bodies would never happen – and we would not be able to survive.

But in the context of nutrition, enzymes play a key role in the digestion and absorption of our nutrients. So important are they, in fact, that just a slight imbalance or reduction in enzyme levels could be the difference in whether you are optimally healthy or constantly battling illness.

Enzyme production starts in the mouth, where enzymes target carbohydrates, breaking them down into simpler sugar chains for their absorption later down the line. Once food is swallowed, it enters the stomach and meets an acidic environment. There enzymes mainly target proteins such as those found in meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and soy products. Most of the enzyme activity, however, happens after food leaves the stomach and enters the intestines. Here foods are broken down into their finest components (simple sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids) for easy absorption into the body.

Mainly known for its production of insulin, the pancreas also plays an intimate role in producing the enzymes that act in the intestines.  When this vital organ is overworked and tired, as occurs after years of eating processed, high-sugar foods, its ability to produce enzymes goes down and so does our ability to digest and absorb the nutrients our foods provides us. I often tell my patients, “We’re not what we eat so much as what we absorb.”

You might have low enzyme production if you experience one or more of the following symptoms: gas and bloating after meals, fatigue after eating, indigestion, heartburn, constipation, loose stools, brittle hair and nails, excessively oily skin (acne), very dry skin, joint swelling or pain, allergies, weak muscles, weight gain, or blood sugar imbalance. The list is much longer but you get the idea.

Enzymes come from many natural sources such as pineapples (bromelain), papaya (papain), and of course, raw or lightly cooked foods are generally enzyme-rich. It is safe to say that all processed foods (canned, frozen, or boxed) have little to no enzyme content and draw from our vital enzyme reserves when consumed on a regular basis. Enzyme supplements are part of a multi-million dollar industry for a reason – their value is great for helping people stay optimally well. When choosing the right enzyme formula for you, be sure to consult with a qualified health professional who can take your individual needs into account.