What Are the Different Types of Enzymes?
Natural enzymes can be categorized into two main types: systemic enzymes and digestive enzymes. Some of these enzymes are produced by your body, while others are found in certain foods or available as supplements. Ensuring you have the right amount of enzymes can aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system. Many plant-based foods are rich in enzymes, so maintaining a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to provide your body with a variety of enzymes.
What Are Systemic Enzymes?
Systemic enzymes play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. They support various bodily processes, acting like lubrication that keeps everything running smoothly. People often take systemic enzyme supplements to address specific health issues or to promote general well-being. These enzymes help break down excess mucus, fibrin, toxins, allergens, and clotting factors. Many prefer systemic enzymes over non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they can reduce swelling without suppressing beneficial immune complexes.
What Are Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive enzymes, as the name suggests, aid in digestion. They help break down fiber (cellulase), protein (protease), carbohydrates (amylase), and fats (lipase) in the gastrointestinal tract. These enzymes can alleviate common digestive issues like indigestion, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and gas. When digestive enzymes are balanced, the digestive system tends to function more efficiently.
Benefits of Systemic and Digestive Enzymes
Both systemic and digestive enzymes offer numerous benefits. Systemic enzymes support overall healing and wellness, while digestive enzymes enhance gastrointestinal health. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of each:
Benefits of Systemic Enzymes
Systemic enzymes are beneficial for conditions involving fibrosis, as they help break down the sticky protein fibrin. They also reduce scar tissue, cleanse the blood of cellular waste and toxins, support normal liver function, and enhance the immune system by improving white blood cell efficiency. Additionally, they help manage yeast overgrowth, reducing stress on the liver. Systemic enzymes are particularly effective in targeting inflammation throughout the body, which can slow the healing process if excessive. Studies suggest that proteolytic enzymes may reduce swelling and provide pain relief in some inflammatory joint disorders.
Benefits of Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes facilitate the breakdown of food for better nutrient absorption. They provide relief for pancreatic insufficiency (PI), improve diet tolerance for vegetarians and vegans, alleviate certain digestive intolerances, and support a healthy balance in the body’s microbiome. By helping the body absorb vital nutrients, digestive enzymes contribute to overall health and well-being.
What Are the Best Natural Sources of Enzymes?
While the body produces some enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin, others are best obtained through food or supplements. Papain and bromelain, found in papaya and pineapple respectively, are well-known digestive aids. Raw, organic foods naturally provide digestive and systemic enzymes that activate in the stomach’s acidic environment. However, cooking tends to destroy these beneficial enzymes.
What Are the Symptoms of Low Enzyme Levels?
Low levels of digestive enzymes can cause food to rot in the intestines, leading to bloating, indigestion, gas, and abdominal discomfort. A deficiency in systemic enzymes can result in waste buildup in the bloodstream and lymph system, overburdening the immune system. Other symptoms of low enzyme levels include heartburn, lethargy, and undigested food in the stool.
Digestive and Systemic Enzymes Side Effects
Enzyme supplements generally have few side effects. Some people may experience an upset stomach or changes in stool, usually due to high-potency digestive enzymes. If you notice any changes in your daily functions, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.
Should I Take an Enzyme Supplement?
The pancreas naturally produces some enzymes, but the modern diet, which often includes processed and overcooked foods, may not provide enough enzymes to support digestion and other vital functions. Supplementing with a blend of systemic and digestive enzymes can promote digestion and support cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic health. One recommended product is VeganZyme, a comprehensive systemic and digestive enzyme formula free of fillers and toxic additives.