Digestive enzymes are small proteins in the body in charge of the breakdown of food into beneficial nutrients and waste products. These enzymes are also responsible in the absorption of the needed carbohydrates, proteins, fats and fibers from our diet. There are hundreds to thousands of digestive enzymes in the body. The body can only acquire the optimal benefit of the food consumed and vitamin and mineral supplement if the body has adequate catalysts to properly assimilate the nutrients. However, these enzymes become depleted under certain conditions such as stress, poor eating habits and the inevitable one, aging.

Fresh or traditionally packed and canned foods such as pickled or fermented products are a good source these beneficial digestive enzymes. These enzymes would then work concurrently with the digestive enzymes in the body to facilitate break down and absorption of nutrients available in the foods we consume. Sadly, food preservation and processing methods at present time already utilize extreme heat which may destroy the enzymes naturally present in the food. Without these natural dietary enzyme supplement, the body will need to depend entirely on its own available digestive enzymes. Thus, digestive enzymes supplements are just as important as the nutritious food we eat.

The best digestive supplement you are looking for should have these contain the various necessary digestive enzymes to facilitate digestion:

1. Amylase – for the digestion of carbohydrates into simple sugars

2. Protease – for the digestion of proteins into essential amino acids

3. Lipase – for the digestion of fats into useful fatty acids

4. Bromelain – one of the safest and most effective supplement to help break down proteins

5. Papain – another natural digestive enzyme for protein absorption from the plant papaya

6. Alpha-galactosidase – can break down and assimilate long carbohydrate chains present in legumes

7. Ox Bile – a source of strong and safe lipase enzymes needed to emulsify fat present in the diet; may reduce the risk of gall stones and enhance absorption of fat-soluble vitamins

8. Pancreatin – contains the pancreatic enzymes amylase, lipase, and trypsin to assist in the breakdown of starches, fats and proteins

9. Betaine – for the digestion of fats and proteins; Betaine hydrochloride, an acidic form of betaine, is recommended as a supplemental source of hydrochloric acid for individuals who have a HCl deficiency

A digestive supplement should also have the appropriate amount of each necessary digestive enzymes without overriding or overwhelming the body’s own digestive efforts. The ingredients must also be of high quality and all natural. Nutritional label must be available encompassing the weight and, most importantly, the actual enzymatic strength of each component. And not to mention, a best digestive supplement must be sold at a reasonable cost comparative to its excellent quality and consistent potency. The manufacturer’s accreditation and certification is also significant. Manufacturers should be systematically trained and the ones testing and retesting the supplement should be authorized scientists with PhD degrees.

Indeed, appropriate supplementation is necessary to help in restoring the enzyme reserve to its normal levels but more importantly, the digestive enzyme supplement that you will purchase must also be of top-quality, complete and cost-effective. Digestive enzyme supplements come in capsule and tablet forms found at your local or internet vitamin store.

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Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Digestive Enzymes, Supplements for digestion, Improve Natural digestion