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Digestive Enzymes
Lynn Tryba

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.

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
Sources

“Bromelain”; “Lactase Enzyme Oral”; “Papain;” www.webmd.com

“The Health Benefits of Cellulase”; “The Health Benefits of Invertase”; by Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, Global Healing Center, www.globalhealingcenter.co

Contributor
The Taste for Life Staff

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