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Digestive Enzymes

By The Taste for Life Staff

Have you noticed that your digestion isn’t what it used to be? One of the reasons is that the body's production of enzymes slows with 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. They are especially useful for people who have lactose intolerance or trouble digesting fats. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common enzymes and their uses.

Enzymes and Their Purpose
Enzyme What It Digests Uses
Bromelain  Proteins
  • pain and swelling
  • sinus infections
  • colitis
Cellulase Fiber
  • blood sugar regulation
  • cholesterol regulation
  • intestinal tract detoxification
Invertase Carbs
  • sugar digestion
  • bacterial infections
Lactase Lactose (milk sugar)
  • Lactose intolerance
 Lipase Fats
  • Celiac disease
  • Crohn’s disease
  • 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

"Digestive enzyme supplementation in gastrointestinal diseases" by G. Ianiro et al., Current Drug Metabolism, 2016
"The Health Benefits of Cellulase"; "The Health Benefits of Invertase;" by Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, Global Healing Center, www.globalhealingcenter.co
"Systematic review: Efficacy and safety of pancreatic enzyme supplements for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency" by J.R. Taylor et al., Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics

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The Taste for Life Staff

The Taste for Life staff come from a wide variety of backgrounds and specialties. We believe learning is a life-long process, and love to share the knowledge we gain.

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