What Are the Different Types of Enzymes?
Natural enzymes are categorized into two main types: systemic enzymes and digestive enzymes. While some enzymes are produced by our bodies, others are found naturally in certain foods or available as supplements. Ensuring you have the right amount of enzymes can support digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system. Many plant-based foods are excellent sources of enzymes. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables is an effective 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 facilitate various bodily processes, acting like lubrication that keeps everything running smoothly. Supplements containing systemic enzymes are often used to address specific health issues or to promote general health. These enzymes help break down excess mucus, fibrin, toxins, allergens, and clotting factors. Many people prefer systemic enzymes over non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they can reduce swelling without suppressing beneficial circulating immune complexes (CICs).
What Are Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive enzymes, as the name suggests, aid in the digestive process. They help the body break down fiber (cellulase), protein (protease), carbohydrates (amylase), and fats (lipase). Working primarily in the gastrointestinal tract, digestive enzymes can alleviate common issues like indigestion, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and gas. Many people find that maintaining a proper balance of digestive enzymes leads to a more efficient and self-maintaining digestive system.
Benefits of Systemic and Digestive Enzymes
Both systemic and digestive enzymes offer numerous health benefits. Systemic enzymes support overall healing and wellness, while digestive enzymes enhance gastrointestinal health and various aspects of digestion. Below are detailed benefits of both types of enzymes.
Benefits of Systemic Enzymes
Systemic enzymes are helpful for conditions involving fibrosis, which is caused by a sticky protein called fibrin. They also reduce scar tissue, clean the blood of cellular waste and toxins to support normal liver function, and promote immune system response by enhancing white blood cell efficiency. Additionally, they help manage yeast overgrowth, reducing stress on the liver. Targeting inflammation throughout the body, systemic enzymes can aid in reducing swelling and providing pain relief in certain inflammatory disorders.
Benefits of Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes make it easier to break down food for better nutrient absorption. They provide healthier relief for those with pancreatic insufficiency (PI) and promote better diet tolerance for vegetarians or vegans. These enzymes also alleviate certain digestive intolerances and support a healthy balance in the body’s microbiome. By aiding in the absorption of vital nutrients, digestive enzymes help a healthy body function even better.
What Are the Best Natural Sources of Enzymes?
While the human body produces enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin, additional enzymes can be obtained through food or supplements. Papain and bromelain, found in papaya and pineapple respectively, are well-known digestive aids. Raw, organic, and uncooked foods naturally provide digestive and systemic enzymes that activate in the stomach’s acidic environment. However, cooking often destroys 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 lack of systemic enzymes allows waste to build up in the bloodstream and lymph system, straining the immune system. Other symptoms of poor 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, often due to high potency digestive enzyme intake. If you notice any changes in your daily functions, discontinue use and consult with your healthcare provider to address your specific dietary needs.
Should I Take an Enzyme Supplement?
While the pancreas naturally produces some enzymes, increased toxin loads and processed foods can overwhelm the body. Natural, raw foods supply enzymes, but processed and overcooked foods do not. The modern diet often lacks enough enzymes to fully support digestion and other vital functions. Supplementing with a blend of systemic and digestive enzymes can enhance digestion and promote cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic health. I personally use and recommend VeganZyme?, which is the most advanced full-spectrum systemic and digestive enzyme formula available, free from fillers and toxic additives.
