Enzymes and Stomach Acid

The next two weeks we are going to get into the world of enzymes and learn their function and importance to our health. First I will explain and enzymes and then next week discuss enzymes’ role in athletics. Enzymes are functional proteins that act as catalysts to perform important functions in digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. There are thousands of enzymes, but they all fall into one of three groups; 1) digestive, to help break down food. The major digestive enzymes are protease, lipase, and amylase, used to digest protein, fats, and carbs. 2) Metabolic, necessary for body function, and, 3) plant based enzymes from raw food, to prepare and aid food in digestion. Without enzymes no reactions can take place in our body; vitamins, minerals, and hormones cannot function without enzymes.

There are thousands of enzymes in the body and each one of them can only perform one chemical reaction, but, enzymes can be used over and over again to perform that function. As previously stated, those major functions include digestion and the chemical reactions in our body such as detoxification, cell regeneration, immune support, metabolism for energy production, and synthesis of hormones and vitamins.

Digestive enzymes can be lost through sweat, waste, and ageing, so it is important to supplement enzymes as well as eat lots of raw foods if you can. Some of the major benefits to enzyme supplementation include:
• Improved digestion
• Strengthen our immune system
• Give our bodies more antioxidants
• Reduce injury and inflammation
• Aids in reproduction problems

Before running off to get digestive enzymes it is important to understand the role of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and ensure you are producing adequate amounts in your stomach. If there is not enough stomach acid then proteins cannot be digested, digestive enzymes cannot be stimulated, and bile release will be inhibited causing problems for the gall bladder which stores bile. That’s right, if you do not have adequate stomach acid, you cannot use enzymes, and will not properly digest food. Symptoms of low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) include constipation, halitosis, undigested food in stools, and acid reflux, so, ensure proper stomach acid prior to beginning enzyme supplementation.

Have a great Thanksgiving, and have some enzymes for your appetizer.