THE ROLE OF DIGESTIVE ENZYMES ON CHEMICAL DIGESTION
The digestive system is by far one of the most important systems of our organism. It is the
foundation for physical energy, mental clarity, growth, and longevity. Not saying that you
won’t live a long life without a healthy digestive system, however, you may not live life to
your full potential if you’re not absorbing your nutrients optimally and evacuating
regularly.
Digestion can be broken down into two phases: physical digestion, and chemical
digestion. Physical digestion involves contraction and movement of muscles,
from chewing to contraction of the muscles in the intestine pushing down the
food through different organs for nutrient absorption, until finally evacuation of
the fecal matter.
Your poop says more about your health than you could ever imagine, so if
there is one thing that we all should pay attention to is our digestion and how
efficiently we are evacuating, without the need for laxatives.
Now let’s talk about Chemical Digestion. Our body needs to break down our food
into useful nutrients for our cells. One of the most important components of this digestion are the digestive enzymes, which are “catalysts”, increasing the rate of the chemical reaction that happens when the food is being “liquified” into small parts.
There are many types of digestive enzymes, and each is efficient in assisting with the breakdown of one type of macronutrient. For example, the enzyme lactase assists with the breakdown of the sugar present in milk: lactose; The enzyme protease breaks down proteins (large chains of amino acids) and peptides (smaller chains of amino acids).The enzyme lipase breaks down fats. And many other digestive enzymes have their function.
THE WELLNESS PROBLEM INTESTINAL PH AND EATING HABITS
Digestive enzymes are secreted by salivary glands, gastric glands in the stomach, islets in the pancreas, and other secretory glands in the small intestine. Simple secretion of enzymes does not guarantee efficient chemical breakdown. These enzymes need an ideal pH (acidity) to work optimally, and the ideal pH is different for each stage (organ) of digestion (see table below). Different enzymes are active in different parts of the digestive system.
Most people nowadays – particularly those who experience heartburn, bloating, and other symptoms of indigestion – often have an acidic diet and lifestyle, which disrupts the natural pH in the intestine leading to indigestion as the ideal pH for enzyme function isn’t occurring. An acidic diet means not enough alkalizing greens, exposure to chemicals and pollution, and even chronic stress (which must be managed with exercise, time in nature, and relaxing activities).
Taking digestive enzyme supplements after meals can be very efficient in
improving chemical digestion, as concentrations of digestive enzymes will be
higher. People who may benefit from this supplement most include those
experiencing heartburn, bloating, gas, tiredness after meals, nutritional
deficiency, and lactose sensitivity. Also, if taken on an empty stomach, it may
have the potential to stimulate the immune system, improve liver health,
and reduce inflammation.
Try combining supplementation of digestive enzymes with regular consumption
of alkaline foods, such as lemons, spinach, avocados, kale, and celery. As
well as efficient chewing (chew your food until liquid forms before swallowing),
and very important: not drinking and eating at the same time, as fluid
will dilute natural digestive enzymes in your saliva.
PUREWELLNESS DIGESTIVE ENZYMES POWDER SPECIFICATION
Due to the importance of digestive enzymes for effective nutrient absorption, we have developed a blend containing
5 crucial digestive enzymes: protease, amylase, cellulase, lipase, and lactase, which will assist in breaking down
proteins, starchy carbs, fibres, fat, and lactose present in milk and its derivatives.
Recommended Serving: 30 – 35g diluted in a small glass of water or mixed with the last mouthful of food. Preferably
taken immediately after the main meal of the day.
PUREWELLNESS RULES FOR BETTER DIGESTION
DO NOT DRINK AND EAT AT THE SAME TIME:
Wait 15 minutes before and after meals to ingest any fluid (water, juices, etc).
Why? The fluid dilutes the digestive enzymes naturally present in your saliva and stomach acid.
CHEW YOUR FOOD WELL!
Chewing 32 times appears to be an average number applied to most bites of food. Foods that are harder to chew, such
as steak and nuts, may require up to 40 chews per mouthful. Foods like watermelon may require fewer chews to break
down – as few as 10 to 15.
Why? Breaking down the food into smaller particles increases the area of contact between the food and digestive
enzymes leading to a higher rate of chemical reaction.
LOOK FOR WAYS OF RELAXING BEFORE AND DURING YOUR MEALS!
Look for a quiet place, or do some deep breaths, maybe close your eyes, until you feel your heart rate and racing
thoughts slowing down.
Why? Activating our parasympathetic nervous system – also known as the “rest and digest” system, allows the production
of adequate digestive enzymes. It is also important to remember that the gut is super connected to emotions, so
having feelings of stress and anxiety when we eat is tied to digestive malfunction.
TAKE THE DIGESTIVE ENZYME BLEND IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOUR MEAL.
Since fluid shouldn’t be ingested during meals, you can mix 30 – 35g of digestive enzyme powder with the last mouthful
of food. If needed, mix with a small cup of water, and drink it together with your last mouthful.
DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT OR LIKELY TO BECOME PREGNANT. DO NOT USE WHILE BREASTFEEDING.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BENEFITS, DIRECTIONS OF USE, AND
EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS OR ANY OTHER PUREWELLNESS PRODUCTS, PLEASE DO
NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT OUR NUTRITION TEAM!
WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD
TO ASSISTING YOU IN ACHIEVING YOUR HEALTH GOALS!
Thank you for sharing such an insightful and well-written article. I appreciate the thorough research and clear presentation of the topic. Your ability to break down complex concepts into easily understandable information is impressive and beneficial for readers. I look forward to reading more of your content and learning from your expertise. Keep up the great work!