What are Enzymes?

Enzymes are protein molecules that do all of the work required by the body. They not only help us digest our food, but help the cells produce energy and perform detoxification, making them fundamental to every body process. They require vitamins and minerals as cofactors to do their work. They catalyze reactions in the body so that it can grow, sustain, and repair itself. Enzymes are present in all living things. All foods, plant and animal alike, contain the enzymes necessary for their digestion.

Enzymes are found throughout the body. They are in the salivary glands, the stomach, the pancreas, the small intestine, white blood cells, every cell wall, and inside every cell. We will be talking mainly about digestive enzymes, but it is important to note that the functioning of the immune system is highly dependent on enzymes that are used to literally "digest" invaders in our system. The cell wall can also digest certain particles it comes into contact with, and enzymes inside the cell are used to break down these substances.

There are three basic types of enzymes:

1. Those that occur in foods
2. Those made by the body for the digestion of food
3. Those made by the body to perform other functions in the body (metabolic enzymes)

Those that occur in foods get our digestion started. Just as the enzymes in food cause it to rot if it sits on store shelves too long, they begin the breakdown of food in our stomachs. Enzymes made by the body to digest food are in saliva, the stomach, the pancreas, and the small intestine. Finally, we use the materials produced by the breakdown of our food to make the myriad metabolic enzymes that do the work of sustaining and repairing our bodies.

Digestive enzymes are specific to certain types of foods. Here is a partial list of some of the enzymes our bodies need to break down food and what type of food each breaks down:

• Proteases and Pepsin-Protein
• Amylase-Starches or complex carbohydrates
• Lipase-Fats
• Cellulase-Digests cellulose, a plant fiber. This enzyme is not present in humans.
• Glucoamylase-Raffinose and stachyose found in beans, peas, nuts and seeds
• Alpha-galactosidase-Foods rich in galactose bonds such as beans
• Phytase-Phytic acid found in grains, seeds, and rhizomes
• Pectinase-Pectin, found in fruits and vegetables
• Disaccharidases-Simple sugars found in dairy (lactose/lactase), grains (maltose/maltase) and white sugar and flour (sucrose/sucrose)

The effectiveness of enzymes is based on the environment in which they operate. They need the correct temperature, amount of substrate (substance on which the enzyme acts), and proper pH level. Plant-based enzymes work in a wide pH range of roughly 3.0 to 9.0. Animal, or pancreatic enzymes work only in a more alkaline pH of 7.0 to 9.0. Due to this fact, animal enzymes are effective only in the small intestine, where pH levels are higher.

Why Use an Enzyme Supplement?

The main reasons to take an enzyme supplement are to increase energy, soothe digestive stress, and promote regularity. Food particles that are partially digested may pass through the gut wall into the blood, where the body does not know what to do with them. This can cause inflammation and an extra burden on the kidneys to filter the blood. Food that is not digested well enough to pass through the gut wall will pass into the colon, where it will rot and form toxins that are then passed into the blood. This puts an extra burden on the liver to detoxify these substances and the kidney to help pass them. Toxins can also compromise the integrity of the gut wall, causing "leaky gut" syndrome. Leaky gut is thought to be the cause of many food intolerances, autoimmune issues, and even fibromyalgia. Lastly, unfriendly bacteria feed on this indigested food, potentially causing an over-growth that can make us ill.

Since much of our food is cooked, canned, gas ripened or irradiated, the natural enzymes in it are destroyed and our bodies must make up the difference. Food companies have come up with ways to reduce the enzyme activity of foods to extend shelf life. While this makes food last longer on shelves, it does not do much to help our digestion.

Prescription drugs can also affect digestion. It is well known that NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, damage the lining of the stomach. Without this protective mucous lining, we can get ulcers or other stomach issues, inhibiting digestion. Many prescription drugs raise liver enzymes, a sign that the liver is not functioning correctly. Since the liver plays a role in digestion this is also problematic. Antacids decrease the acidity of the stomach, thus impairing protein digestion and our ability to absorb minerals. Protein digestion can be aided by supplemental enzymes. Antibiotics disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to over-growth of harmful bacteria. This can lead to infection, inflammation and gut permeability.

Medical procedures, injury, or other genetic issues, may also impair digestion. One example is when the gall bladder is removed and fat digestion is compromised. To digest fat we need bile from the liver (normally this is stored in the gall bladder) and the enzyme lipase. If the gall bladder is removed and fat digestion is impaired, this can be improved by taking bile salts and an enzyme formula with a high amount of lipase. Another example is trauma to the body such as an injury or surgery. During trauma, the body breaks down protein quickly to form the necessary immune and inflammatory proteins needed by the body. If protein digestion is less than optimal, as it frequently is in older individuals, the body will not make the needed immune and repair compounds. This is another case where an enzyme supplement can be helpful.

As we age, our body produces fewer enzymes. This can be due to many factors and can worsen over time. When older individuals have wasting diseases, it is often because they are not breaking down the food they eat, and therefore the nutrients in the food are not available for use in the body.

Food sensitivities can also create a need for specific enzymes. Undigested particles of food can pass to the bloodstream and create inflammation and other problems because the body does not know what to do with them. Certain enzymes can help with food intolerances. These enzymes ARE NOT to be used when there is a true food allergy, only with intolerances. Some examples are lactase for lactose intolerance, DPP-IV for gluten, and alpha-galactosidase for beans or soy.

What Types of Enzymes Are Available as Supplements?

There are three different types of enzymes that can be found in supplement form:

Plant-based Enzymes. Grown in a lab setting, these enzymes are grown on a plant medium such as soy or barley and are produced by certain fungus or probiotics. They are the most potent of the enzymes and work in a broad pH range of 3.0-9.0.

Plant Enzymes. These enzymes are obtained by grinding plant material. Two common plant enzymes used in supplements are bromelain, from pineapple stem, and papain, from the latex of papaya. Both of these enzymes require a temperature higher than that of body temperature to be activated. For this reason they are most effective at the site of inflammation where tissue temperature is elevated.

Animal Enzymes. These enzymes are from animal glands and organs. In the case of pepsin, it is usually from the stomach of pigs. They include enzymes like pancreatin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and phospholipase. Similar to our own pancreatic enzymes, they are effective in a more alkaline pH range of 7.0 to 9.0.

Can I Take Too Many Enzymes?

Experts such as Edward Howell, M.D. and Howard Loomis, D.C. do not believe that taking supplemental enzymes inhibits the body in its own production of them, but others disagree. I view enzyme supplements as a corrective approach. I would do a course of them to rebalance the digestive system, and then stop to see if normal digestion can be maintained without them. If problems recur, continued use is warranted.

Exceptions to this include those who take enzymes for more permanent or chronic issues. Removal of the gallbladder, continued use of a prescription drug that affects digestion, old age, chronic disease, and persistent inflammation are some examples. Individuals with these conditions may need enzymes on a regular basis.

I like to take enzymes at the change of season, when the element of earth within all of us needs some extra support. This is the element that stabilizes us and helps us through the change. I notice that my digestion is typically weaker at the change of season. If I take enzymes for two weeks or so, the problem is usually resolved. Additionally, I like to take enzymes on as as-needed basis. Thanksgiving comes to mind, as do vacations, dinners out, or other situations where I eat something I normally wouldn't.

Digestive enzymes can make a difference in minor digestive issues in just a few days. More chronic issues may take a couple of months or more to resolve.

Is It Preferable to Eat a Raw Food Diet Rather Than Take Enzymes?

The benefit of a raw food diet is that the foods you eat will contain the enzymes necessary to break down that food. We can all benefit from adding more raw foods to our diet. However, eating a completely raw food diet is somewhat impractical and is quite a science. Animal products like meat, poultry, eggs and fish are not usually eaten raw due to contamination issues. People with chronic disease often have digestive issues that would make it hard for them to properly digest a 100% raw food diet, particularly the fiber in the diet. Also, warmed foods are important in the winter, so a raw food diet in Chicago does not make a lot of sense. In order to get the proper heat in a raw food diet you must be knowledgeable in the use of warming herbs. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you must be vigilant to make sure that you get adequate protein, iron, B12 and zinc so that you have all the building blocks necessary to make your metabolic enzymes.

In conclusion, enzymes are a safe and effective way of supporting and correcting many digestive issues. Indigestion, gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and food sensitivities can all be aided by the use of supplemental enzymes. Make sure that the brand you buy has sufficient amounts of the enzymes, no fillers, and no artificial preservatives. Enzymes can be broad-based, or targeted at specific issues like inflammation, gluten sensitivity, or the inability to digest fat. Ask our staff which enzyme supplement might be right for you.