Digestive enzymes are super important for the optimum absorption and utilisation of food. What many of us don’t know is that the body requires a healthy level of enzymes in the gut.

As one ages the capacity to make enzymes in the body decreases, and there are definite ways both in your diet and through supplementation that aids fighting against this as far as possible. Insufficient enzyme production results in malabsorption of food and it’s very vital nutrients.

What are digestive enzymes?

Enzymes are the chemicals in your stomach and small intestines which break down your food into individual components so that they can be absorbed by the body and utilised where necessary.

How can I replace or encourage enzymes?

The easiest way to get this done is by substituting raw foods with cooked foods whenever possible. When food is in its natural, unprocessed state it is in the best condition to maintain good health.

Raw food vs Cooked food

The reason being is that when food is cooked for long periods of time, the heat destroys the enzymes and as a result, one does not take in the required amount of enzymes. This is one of the contributing factors to why at middle age our bodies may become metabolically depleted of enzymes.

If a person’s diet only consists of overcooked, and overly refined foods it will be void of enzymes. Enzymes which the body desperately needs, this may even cause the brain to shrink. Fewer digestive enzymes are required to perform the digestive function when one consumes uncooked, raw food.

Unfortunately, it is not as simple as “you are what you eat” digestive enzymes play a vital role to make food consumption possible. As a result, this means we have to ensure our bodies have optimal levels of healthy enzymes to be able to perform this task. Therefore it to take a comprehensive look at both internal enzymes, as well as those consumed through other foods, and as supplements.

Nutraceutical supplements to boost your natural digestive enzymes:

Nutraceuticals will depend greatly on which part of the digestive tract is involved in your symptoms and because of this it may include digestive enzymes.

– Black radish extract

– Deoxycholic acid

– Artichoke extract

– Peppermint oil

– Zinc (as zinc L-carnosine)

– Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice extract (DGL)

– Cranberry extract

– Artichoke extract blend

For a full understanding consult your local health care practitioner.