Have you noticed that your digestion isn’t what it used to be? There’s a simple reason for that. The body’s manufacturing of enzymes slows as we age. These protein molecules work throughout the digestive tract to give us energy.
The good news is that supplemental enzymes, taken when you eat a meal, can aid digestion. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common enzymes and their uses.
Enzyme |
What It Digests |
Used For |
|
Bromelain |
Proteins |
Pain and swelling, sinus infections, colitis |
|
Cellulase |
Fiber |
Blood sugar and cholesterol regulation, intestinal tract detoxification |
|
Invertase |
Carbs |
Sugar digestion, bacterial infections |
|
Lactase |
Lactose (milk sugar) |
Lactose intolerance |
|
Lipase |
Fats |
Celiac and Crohn’s diseases, indigestion, IBS |
|
Pancreatin |
Proteins, fats, carbs |
Digestive problems, viral infections, sports injuries, food allergies, autoimmune disorders |
|
Papain |
Proteins, fats, carbs |
Pain and swelling, diarrhea, psoriasis |
“Bromelain”; “Lactase Enzyme Oral”; “Papain;” www.webmd.com
“The Health Benefits of Cellulase,” 5/29/11; “The Health Benefits of Invertase,” 7/1/11; by Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, Global Healing Center, www.globalhealingcenter.co
