Digestion and GI Health

Enzymes are protein molecules that accelerate the chemical reactions to digest food, generate energy, repair tissues and cells of the body and regulate a range of biochemical reactions in the body. Enzymes in food work with enzymes in the body to carry out this complex process of digesting food and utilizing the nutrients for energy and cell repair.

There are conditions and situations that impair this natural process. Overcooking food can destroy the essential enzymes and certain health conditions can inhibit the body’s natural enzyme production. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, reflux, gas, indigestion, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

These symptoms cause discomfort in the short term, but can have more damaging health effects over a longer period of time. Some of the problems that can result from digestion problems include headaches, inflammation of the intestines, immune reactions, such as rashes and allergies and fatigue. In addition, the nutrients the body needs can be deficient and absorption can be impaired, which affects health and wellness.

Supplemental enzymes can be taken to assist in the natural digestion process. A variety of enzymes that are derived from plant and microbial sources are effective for encouraging a healthy GI tract.

Additionally, we have found that food allergies and sensitivities are often a major component in GI complaints. See our section on food allergies for more detailed information.