Digestive enzymes are another vital piece of the guthealth puzzle. They break down larger molecules of food into more easily absorbed particles, and so are essential for good digestion and nutrient absorption. Without digestive enzymes we cannot process our food.
Through a range of complicated processes, digestive enzymes break down food into amino acids, fattyu acids, cholesterol, simple sugars and nucleic acids, whereas intestinal enzymes metabolise sugars, and pancreatic enzymes deal with fats and amino acids.
Digestive enzymes help to heal leaky gut by taking stress off the gastrointestinal tract, they assist the body to digest gluten, and help to counteract the enzyme inhibitors and anti-nutrients found in nuts, seeds, beans, potatoes and lentils.
People who have age-related enzyme insufficiency, leaky gut, liver disease, Crohn’s disease and other digestive diseases may require digestive enzymes in the form of supplements. However, certain foods can naturally enhance digestive enzyme production, so if you feel like you need a little help, put these in your kitchen medicine cupboard.
PINEAPPLE
Contains the enzyme bromelain, which can aid in the digestion of proteins.
FENUGREEK
Traditionally used to aid digestion and maintain appetite. Studies show it helps suppress increases in blood glucose and is highly anti-inflammatory to the gut. Fenugreek acts as a decongestant to the bile ducts and supports normal bile flow.
MANGO
Contains enzymes such as mangiferin, katechol oxidase and lactase, which can all help with metabolising sugars and proteins.
OLIVE OIL AND LEMON
In combination, these are great for digestion. Olive oil triggers the release of a hormone that improves fat and protein digestion, and lemon juice helps get your saliva flowing, speeding up the digestive process from the beginning. A great way to improve bile flow and digestion is to mix the two ingredients and take each morning or on an empty stomach.
PAPAYA
Contains the digestive enzyme papain, which is most concentrated in the fruit when it is unripe. Papain is wonderful for helping to digest tough fibres, breaking them down into smaller proteins, peptides (short chains of and amino acids.