(NaturalNews) Enzymes are extremely vital to human well-being. They play a critical role in digestion and nutrient assimilation, in immune response, cognitive acceleration and cellular detoxification, among other things. Get a wide variety of digestive enzymes to improve your digestive system.

Enzymes are long-chain proteins that take on specific shapes and act like a key to unique locks throughout the body. Their job is to carry out very specific functions throughout the body. Most of the digestive enzymes are produced by the pancreas and are therefore called pancreatic enzymes.

Enzymes and the digestive process:

Enzymes are extremely important for breaking down carbohydrates, protein and fatty acids and preparing them for proper digestion and assimilation in the body. Individuals with digestive challenges are often unable to produce sufficient quantities of digestive enzymes and are unable to effectively digest the food that they are eating.

Improper digestion causes significantly more stress and inflammation in the gut lining that ultimately leads to the degradation of the mucosal membranes and the complications of leaky gut syndrome. When the mucosal membrane is damaged, it is then unable to secrete the appropriate enzymes, and we end up with a vicious cycle that causes more gut inflammation.

Symptoms of low pancreatic enzymes:

• Bloating and cramping
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Flatulence (gas)
• Low energy
• Fatigue after meals
• Weight gain
• Food sensitivities
• Food in stools
• Nutrient deficiencies

Key enzymes for improving digestion:

Some of the key enzymes that break down various carbohydrates and fibers include lactase, maltase, amylase, cellulase, glucoamylase, alpha-galactosidase and sucrase. These enzymes help metabolize various sugars and fibers, which reduces inflammation in the gut and the development of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Amylase:
This is an enzyme produced both in our saliva and by our pancreas and secreted into the small intestine. Amylase helps the body metabolize sugar and starch and turn it into glucose.

Glucoamylase:
This enzyme breaks off a free glucose molecule from the complex sugar-based chains that form starch, disaccharides or polysaccharides. The glucose can than be freed up as a source of energy for the body.

Sucrase:
This enzyme breaks down sucrose into fructose and glucose. Sucrase is secreted by the tips of the villi of the small intestine. Individuals with celiac disease or intestinal inflammation may have trouble producing adequate sucrase.

Maltase:
This is the enzyme that helps break down the sugar maltose into two glucose molecules.

Lactase:
This is an enzyme that helps break down the sugar lactose into glucose and galactose. Many people are deficient in the enzyme lactase and are unable to process lactose, which leads to serious gastrointestinal distress and chronic inflammation.

Alpha-galactosidase:
This enzyme hydrolyses the terminal alpha-galactosyl moieties from glycolipids and glycoproteins found in starchy carbs. This enzyme is the active ingredient in many popular products that helps the body reduce gas production from beans and legumes.

This key enzyme helps break down the real tough polysaccharides and oligosaccharides found in foods that are tough to digest like nuts, beans, lentils and cruciferous veggies.

Cellulase:
This enzyme breaks down one of the major fibers in fruits and vegetables called cellulose. Cellulase breaks down cellulose into beta-glucose. Glucose from cellulose is released slowly and should not dramatically increase blood sugar but rather provide a more stable fuel for the body.

Proteolytic enzymes:

Proteolytic enzymes are necessary to metabolize protein molecules into amino acids. When individuals have a compromised digestive tract, they are unable to secrete adequate amounts of these proteolytic enzymes and they end up with large protein molecules that further irritate the gut and poor amino acid absorption which leads to deficiencies.

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About the author:
Dr David Jockers is a Maximized Living doctor and owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Georgia where he specializes in functional nutrition, functional medicine and corrective chiropractic care to get to the underlying cause of major health problems.

His website features great articles on natural health and incredible recipes. He is the author of the best-selling book SuperCharge Your Brain - the complete guide to radically improve your mood, memory and mindset. He has over 50,000 active followers on his social media and email newsletter and is a big influencer in the Primal Health movement.

Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance consultations and health coaching to help you beat disease and reach your health goals. For more information got to www.drjockers.com