How Do Enzymes Relate to Digestion?
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What is an "enzyme?"
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An enzyme is a protein in the body that helps initiate and promote chemical reactions in the body. This is commonly referred to as "catalyzing." When a person refers to enzymes in relation to digestion, they probably are talking about digestive enzymes. There are also metabolic and food enzymes, too. Enzymes relate to digestion in that they play an integral part in how food particles are processed. It generally takes about an hour for food to get processed in the stomach, for example. Without certain digestive enzymes, it would take an incredible amount of time for food to get sent to the intestinal tract where it changes food into food components and nutrition for the body cells. Amylase, proteases and lipases are three types of digestive enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids and oils.
More about Digestive Enzymes.
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Maltase, cellulase, lactase and surcrase are four more digestive enzymes. Cellulase is not produced by the body, so it needs to be ingested in order for people to be able to digest fiber found in apples, for example. Maltase, lactase and surcrase help digest starches found in grains or potatoes, milk and sugars. Coenzymes act as a kind of message carrier between the digestive enzymes that also promote chemical reactions in the body needed for proper functioning. They are often referred to as "vitamins."
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Problems with Enzymes?
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If you have difficulty with digestion, there are supplemental digestive enzymes that can be found in most health food stores. They can help people with various digestive disorders, but you should talk with a doctor before attempting to self-prescribe. Various companies who make supplemental enzymes include Biocare, Earthforce and HealthSense. Some digestive enzymes can be found in Papaya tablets, as well other fruit derivatives.
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