Unlocking Digestive Health: Enzymes & Probiotics Explained
By Karyn Choate
People assume that enzymes and probiotics do similar tasks when it comes to supporting a healthy functioning body, yet they actually have very different assignments. Enzymes are vastly underplayed in their crucial role of digestive assistance. Not only do enzymes help to break down and digest your food, they also allow your body to better assimilate or utilize the nutrition you are eating.
Enzymes naturally occur in your body, and in fact there are hundreds of different enzymes carrying out a wide array of functions. There is no energetic process that occurs within your body that does not involve some type of enzyme. They are not only a catalyst for digestion to occur, but enzymes are involved in just about every metabolic process in your body. This is why taking supplemental enzymes can be so incredibly beneficial for you.
For example, in the case of gallbladder issues, often the body is struggling to digest fats properly, and this is where enzymes that are high in lipase can be of great value. Protease enzymes are incredibly beneficial for digesting proteins, promoting tissue and organ health and also for supporting your immune system. Supplemental plant based enzymes can work in your body within a wide pH range, so even with compromised digestion enzymes can provide the energy that is needed for the job.
Amylase enzymes are necessary for carbohydrate digestion and assimilation, and these enzymes are actually present in your saliva. This is why chewing your food thoroughly (to the consistency of cake batter) is such an important step in the digestive process. Many digestive woes could be avoided by simply observing this rule of thumb.
Probiotics are designed to support your gut biome with beneficial bacteria. In many cases the use of antibiotics can wipe out the good gut flora right along with bad bacteria, so avoiding exposure to antibiotics as much as possible is key to healthy, flourishing gut flora. Antibiotics as well as hormones may also be present in foods such as dairy and meat, so try to read your labels. When your gut biome has been compromised, this can also affect your emotional health, as over 80 percent of serotonin is produced in your gut. Serotonin is the feel good hormone that also delivers signals throughout your central nervous system.
To keep your digestion and your gut healthy, focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables and fermented foods. Managing stress levels, sleep, and staying hydrated are important as is getting regular exercise. Eat slowly, by chewing your food thoroughly, and be mindful of your eating habits by identifying and avoiding trigger foods such as fatty or spicy foods. For persistent digestive issues, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations and treatments.
Karyn Choate is a Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor, Natural Digestive Health Specialist and a Certified Iridologist. She has been helping people across the country at her office, Natural Digestive Health Center, in downtown Rochester for over 10 years. For more information please visit the website at naturaldigestivehealthcenter.com.
