Enzymes are known as the "sparks of life" by Dr. Edward Howell, a physician and pioneer in enzyme research. These activated protein molecules play an important role in almost all bodily chemical processes. They are required for the digestion of food, stimulation of the brain, cellular energy production, and tissue healing. Enzymes even work in the presence of enough vitamins, minerals, water, and other nutrients to ensure that life as we know it continues.
Enzymes primarily serve as catalysts, which are substances that help to speed up chemical reactions. If it were not for enzymes, many of the biochemical reactions needed for life would happen too slowly. Additionally, enzymes are not used up during the chemical reaction they assist with; they can be reused over and over again.
Enzymes are special because each one has a function that no other enzyme can do. The chemical makeup of enzymes allows them to only start reactions with certain substances- never anything else. This substance is known as the substrate, and since every enzyme needs a different substrate, the body must produce lots of different enzymes.
The Functions of Enzymes
Enzymes help with almost all bodily processes. Digestive enzymes break down food particles so that they may be used as energy. This chemical transformation, known as hydrolysis, entails putting water to work breaking chemical bonds in order for food to become energy. Other enzymes then convert the stored energy into usable forms for the body as needed.
By the activity of enzymes, iron is concentrated in the blood; other enzymes assist the blood in coagulating and preventing bleeding. The conversion of uric acid to urea is catalyzed by uricolytic enzymes. Respiratory enzymes aid in the removal of carbon dioxide from the lungs.
Enzymes aid the kidneys, liver, lungs, intestines, and skin in eliminating waste and toxins from the body. Enzymes also use the nutrients absorbed by the body to generate new muscle tissue, nerve cells, bone, skin, and glandular tissue. One enzyme can transform dietary phosphorus into bone.
Enzymes are important for the oxidation of glucose, which creates energy for cells. They also protect blood by converting waste materials into forms that can be easily eliminated by the body. In fact, there are so many diverse functions of enzymes that it would be impossible to list them all.
Enzymes are usually categorized into two groups: digestive enzymes and metabolic enzymes. Digestive enzymes help break down ingested food so that the nutrients can be used by the body for various functions; they are secreted along the gastrointestinal tract. If you don't have enough digestive enzymes, you might feel any or all of these symptoms: bloating, gas, indigestion, diarrhea, and pain.
People have the most difficulty digesting fat, followed by protein and carbohydrates, according to a study. Those who are lactose intolerant lack the enzymes required to break down milk sugar. Make certain that any enzyme supplement you buy meets your unique digestive needs.
There are three main categories of digestive enzymes: amylase, protease, and lipase.
Metabolic enzymes, also known as "cellular enzymes," are enzymes that help cells to generate and process energy. They're the go-getters behind all of your body's functions, from energy production to detoxification. Metabolic enzymes control the activities of all of your body's organs, tissues, and cells. They are the workers who create the body out of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Metheticases are found in various tissues performing their own jobs.
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and its partner, catalase, are two key enzymes involved in the body's chemical reactions. SOD is an antioxidant that combats superoxide, a harmful free radical. Catalase removes hydrogen peroxide from the cell, allowing oxygen to be used by the body.
The body mainly focuses on producing around two dozen enzymes that control the digestion and utilization of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Then, it creates the hundreds of metabolic enzymes required to keep all other tissues and organs functional.
Food Enzymes
Our bodies need enzymes to function properly, and while the body can manufacture a supply of enzymes, it should also obtain them from food. The problem is that our diet consists mostly of processed and cooked food, which taxes the body's ability to produce enzymes. To make matters worse, enzymes are sensitive to heat and most are destroyed when exposed to low or moderate heat (118°F or above).
People who want to get enzymes from their diet may find that eating raw foods helps. This is because, when you eat raw foods or take enzyme supplements, it prevents the body's own enzymes from being used up. When this happens, it puts less stress on the body. However, since enzymes are made of protein, you need to make sure there's enough protein in your diet.
Enzyme supplements can provide assistance to those with malabsorption difficulties, candidiasis (yeast infection), and anyone over the age of sixty whose digestive function appears to be slowing down and experiencing unpleasant symptoms.
Enzymes can be found in a variety of foods, naturally. Avocados, papayas, pineapples, bananas, and mangos are all high in enzymes. Sprouts are the most effective source. Unripe papaya and pineapple are excellent sources of enzymes because they contain proteolytic enzymes that break down proteins. The enzymes extracted from papaya and pineapple are proteolytic enzymes known as papain and bromelain that break down proteins. Lipase is present in a wide range of fatty meals; it breaks fats down. Superoxide dismutase occurs naturally in a variety of food sources, including alfalfa, barley grass, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, wheatgrass, and most dark green plants.
As powerful as they are, enzymes cannot act alone. They require adequate amounts of other substances, known as coenzymes, to be fully active. Among the most important coenzymes are the B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc.
The majority of commercially available enzymes are digestive enzymes extracted from various sources. Enzymes are not manufactured synthetically. However, you may create your own digestive enzymes by drying papaya seeds in a pepper grinder and adding them to meals.
Research has shown that as we grow older, the body's ability to produce enzymes decreases. At the same time, malabsorption of nutrients, tissue breakdown, and chronic health conditions increase.
Enzymes can assist you in obtaining the most out of your meals. We feel that enzyme supplementation is critical for our elders. Enzyme supplements are also necessary for a majority of people suffering from cystic fibrosis. This illness affects the pancreas and makes it unable to produce enough digestive enzymes. Make sure to speak with your doctor about which supplement is appropriate for you.
Source: Balch, Phyllis A. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition.” A Practical a-To-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs and Food Supplements, Penguin Books, 2010.
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