Enzymes and digestion. The benefits and harms of enzymes. Getting used to enzymes. List and description of enzyme preparations to improve digestion

Important role in the digestion process, stomach enzymes play a role, which appear as a result of the work of organs gastrointestinal tract. The digestive system is one of the main ones, since the functioning of the body as a whole depends on its functioning. Digestion is understood as a set of chemical and physical processes, as a result of the interaction of which various necessary compounds that enter the body with food are broken down into simpler compounds.

Basics of Human Digestion

The oral cavity is the starting point of the digestive process, and colon- final. At the same time, digestion in its structure has two main components: mechanical and chemical processing of food that enters the body. At the initial point, a mechanical type of processing occurs, which includes grinding and grinding the food.

The gastrointestinal tract processes food through peristalsis, which promotes mixing. The chemical process of processing chyme includes salivation, during which carbohydrates are broken down, and food entering the body begins to be saturated various vitamins. In the gastric cavity, slightly processed chyme is susceptible to exposure of hydrochloric acid, which accelerates the process of breakdown of microelements. After this, the substances begin to interact with various enzymes that appear thanks to the work of the pancreas and other organs.

What are the digestive enzymes of the stomach?

In the patient's stomach, protein particles and fats are mainly broken down. The main components of the breakdown of proteins and other particles are considered to be various enzymes, together with hydrochloric acid, produced by the mucous membrane. All these components together have a name gastric juice. It is in the gastrointestinal tract that all microelements necessary for the body are digested and absorbed. In this case, the enzymes necessary for digestion move into the intestines from the liver, salivary glands and pancreas.

The upper layer of the intestine is covered with many secretory cells that secrete mucus, which protects vitamins, enzymes and layers deeper. The main role of mucus is to create conditions for easier movement food products into the intestinal zone. In addition, she performs protective function, which consists in rejecting chemical compounds. Thus, approximately 7 liters of digestive juices, which include digestive enzymes and mucus, can be produced per day.

There are a large number of factors that accelerate or slow down the secretory processes of enzymes. Any disruptions in the body lead to the fact that enzymes can be released in incorrect quantities, and this leads to a deterioration in the digestion process.

Types of enzymes and their description

Enzymes that promote the digestion process are secreted in all parts of the gastrointestinal tract. They significantly speed up and improve the processing of chyme and break down various compounds. But if their number changes, this may indicate the presence of diseases in the body. Enzymes can perform one or several functions. Depending on their location, several types are distinguished.

Enzymes produced in the mouth

• One of the enzymes produced in oral cavity, is considered ptyalin, which breaks down carbohydrates. Moreover, its activity remains in a slightly alkaline environment, at a temperature of about 38 degrees.
• The next type is the elements of amylase and maltase, which break down the disaccharides of maltose into glucose. They remain active under the same conditions as ptyalin. The enzyme can be found in the structure of blood, liver or saliva. Thanks to their work, various fruits quickly begin to be digested in the oral cavity, which then enter the stomach in a lighter form.

Enzymes produced in the gastric cavity

• The first proteolytic enzyme is pepsin, through which protein is broken down. Its initial form is pepsinogen, which is inactive due to the fact that it has an extra part. When it is affected by hydrochloric acid, this part begins to separate, which ultimately leads to the formation of pepsin, which has several types (for example, pepsin A, gastricsin, pepsin B). Pepsins dissociate in such a way that the proteins formed in the process can easily dissolve in water. After this, the processed masses move to the intestinal zone, where the digestive process is completed. Here, absolutely all proteolytic enzymes produced earlier are finally absorbed.
• Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fat (lipids). But in adults this element is not as important as in childhood. Due to high temperature and peristalsis, compounds decompose into smaller elements, under the influence of which the effectiveness of enzymatic influence increases. This helps simplify the digestion of fatty compounds in the intestines.
• In the human stomach, it increases the activity of enzymes due to the production of hydrochloric acid, which is considered an inorganic element and plays one of the main roles in the digestion process. It promotes the destruction of proteins and activates the activity of the listed substances. At the same time, the acid perfectly disinfects the gastric zone, preventing the proliferation of bacteria, which in the future can lead to putrefaction of food masses.

According to modern data, in human body contains more than 3000 different enzymes. There are more than 50 of them in the liver alone, and their firing rate is about a million times per second. Some enzymes are capable of breaking down 20-30 million substrate molecules within a minute.

Each cell produces the enzymes it needs for life, but the resources of cells and the reserves of enzymes in the body are not unlimited. The main external source of enzymes are organic and, first of all, herbal products from the garden, vegetable garden, ocean. Such food contains enough enzymes for its complete absorption by the body.

The more natural ingredients in your diet raw foods, the more you make it easier for your cells to produce their own enzymes, helping them conserve energy. But if you eat mostly boiled or fried food, you deprive your body of living enzymes (they are destroyed at temperatures above 50 degrees) and force your cells to intensively produce the missing enzymes. Cells that work without rest become overloaded, age faster and die.

In addition, some enzymes are diverted from controlling the most complex biochemical processes and are engaged in the elementary digestion of food that is not characteristic of the human body. The more enzymes used for digestion, the more difficult it is for the body to produce enough energy to power the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, muscles, immune system, and other organs and tissues.

Boiled and fried foods cause food leukemia - a condition when, after eating food, the number of leukocytes, that is, white blood cells, increases in the blood. The body produces additional white blood cells when it needs to get rid of foreign proteins, toxins and other harmful substances. Natural, unprocessed foods do not cause a significant increase in the number of white blood cells. So food leukemia is a sign that heat treatment of food causes a chronic disease!

The human body contains very few enzymes that break down starches. But our diet contains most of all various starchy foods, ranging from white flour products to potatoes. This diet negatively affects the functions of the pituitary gland and thyroid gland.

Such nutrition forces the pancreas to produce its own enzymes above normal, and this leads to its hypertrophy and subsequent exhaustion. They also increase in size thyroid, spleen, liver and kidneys.

The ability of cells to synthesize enzymes is not unlimited, and the activity of the enzymes they produce decreases over time. In addition to genetic factors, the production of enzymes also depends on the level of depletion of the body's enzyme potential. Increasing the consumption of natural enzymes with food reduces the consumption of our own enzyme potential, which we inherit at birth.

This limited supply lasts a lifetime. The faster we use up enzyme energy, the faster we will get sick and die. We live as long as our body possesses enzyme activity factors from which it produces new enzymes. When we reach a point where the body is no longer able to produce enzymes, our life ends.

For humans, the main source of “extra” enzymes is food. If enzymes are present in food, then they themselves carry out a significant part of the work of digesting food. But if you eat food that has been heat-processed and lacks enzymes, the body is forced to produce enzymes for digestion. This greatly reduces the limited enzyme potential.

With age, the consequences of enzyme deficiency become more pronounced. If you compare the blood composition of young and elderly people, then the content of vitamins, minerals and trace elements big difference you won't notice. But the content of enzymes in the blood of elderly people is 100 times lower than that of young people.

Some of the enzymes from food products that are not spent on digestive processes enter the bloodstream and help their own enzymes cleanse and heal the body. They enter the liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, lungs, duodenum; they can also be found in urine. Therefore, you should consume more natural enzymes if you are experiencing increased stress, as well as during illness and recovery.

Many diseases modern people caused by enzyme deficiency. Previously this problem was associated with age-related changes, but now more and more often a lack of enzymes in the body occurs in young people. What are they, how do they affect health and how to compensate for the deficiency of these important substances? Let's figure it out.

Why does the body need digestive enzymes?

All vital processes are ensured by thousands of chemical reactions. They occur in the body in mild conditions, no impact high pressure and temperature. Substances that are oxidized in human cells burn quickly and efficiently, providing the body with building materials and energy.

Rapid digestion of food in the cells of the body occurs under the influence of enzymes, or enzymes. These are biological catalysts, which, according to the functions they perform, are divided into 3 large groups:

1. Amylase. This is the collective name for a group of enzymes that process carbohydrates. Each type of carbohydrate has its own type of amylase. Such enzymes are secreted along with gastric juice and saliva.
2. Lipase is a group of digestive enzymes that break down food into fats. They are secreted in the stomach and pancreas.
3. Protease is a group of enzymes that process proteins. These digestive enzymes are synthesized with gastric and pancreatic juice, like lipase.

One of the common reasons for gaining excess weight these days is insufficient output pepsin in the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, it is useful to take bromelain. It is a powerful biological catalyst for carbohydrate and protein metabolism. It indirectly promotes the accelerated breakdown of fats and their removal from the body. This plant enzyme also prevents the formation of subcutaneous fat deposits. On average, 1 g of highly active bromelain burns up to 900 g of fat.

Bromeylane works differently depending on what you eat. When consumed during meals, it serves as a digestive enzyme, helps break down and absorb proteins, activates the work of other enzymes and generally normalizes digestion. Bromelain also improves the functional activity of the intestine, stimulating the elimination of metabolic products and toxins, supporting the microflora of the large intestine. As a result, metabolism is normalized. When taken on an empty stomach, bromelain has an anti-inflammatory effect, relieves pain and swelling, and is therefore used for joint diseases. This substance also reduces blood clotting.

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down proteins. It is found in all parts of the papaya except the roots. This enzyme contains lysozyme, which destroys toxins of various pathogens infectious diseases, including staphylococci and streptococci. Papain also prevents the formation of blood clots in blood vessels, accelerates wound healing and trophic ulcers, bedsores. It stimulates their cleansing of necrotic masses. For those losing weight, it is important that papain is often included in medications for weight normalization. It improves digestion and breaks down proteins to a state in which they are quickly and easily absorbed.

Enzymes are the workhorses of our body. If you look at an academic reference book, you can find out that the word enzymes translated from Latin means leaven. And it is precisely thanks to this leaven that a huge amount occurs in our body every second. chemical processes.

Each of these chemical processes has its own specialization. During one, proteins are digested, during the other, fats, and the third is responsible for the absorption of carbohydrates. In addition, enzymes are capable of converting one substance into another, more important for the body at the moment.

Enzyme-rich foods:

General characteristics of enzymes

The discovery of enzymes occurred in 1814, thanks to the conversion of starch into sugar. This transformation occurred as a result of the action of the amylase enzyme isolated from barley seedlings.

In 1836, an enzyme was discovered, later named pepsin. It is produced independently in our stomach, and with the help of hydrochloric acid it actively breaks down proteins. Pepsin is also actively used in cheese making. And in yeast transformation, alcoholic fermentation is caused by an enzyme called zymase.

According to their chemical structure, enzymes belong to the class of proteins. These are biocatalysts that carry out the transformation of substances in the body. Enzymes according to their purpose are divided into 6 groups: lyases, hydrolases, oxidoreductases, transferases, isomerases and ligases.

In 1926, enzymes were first isolated from living cells and obtained in crystalline form. Thus, it became possible to use them in the composition medical supplies to improve the body's ability to digest food.

Today science knows a large number of various enzymes, some of which are produced pharmaceutical industry as medicines and dietary supplements.

Pancreatin, extracted from the pancreas of a large cattle, bromelain (pineapple enzyme), papain, obtained from the exotic papaya fruit. And in fatty foods plant origin For example, avocados and the pancreas of animals and humans contain the enzyme lipase, which is involved in the breakdown of fats.

Daily requirement for enzymes

The total number of enzymes necessary for the body to function properly during the day is difficult to calculate, due to large quantity enzymes that exist in our body in very different quantities.

If gastric juice contains few proteolytic enzymes, then the amount of products containing the necessary enzymes should be increased. Pancreatin, for example, is prescribed in amounts ranging from 576 mg per day and ending, if necessary, with a 4-fold increase in the dosage of this medication.

The need for enzymes increases:

• with sluggish functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• for some diseases of the digestive system;
• overweight;
• weak immunity;
• intoxication of the body;
• V old age when your own enzymes are produced worse.

The need for enzymes is reduced:

• when increased amount proteolytic enzymes of gastric juice;
• individual intolerance to foods and medications containing enzymes.

Beneficial properties of enzymes and their effect on the body

Enzymes are involved in the digestive process, helping the body process food. They normalize metabolism, promoting weight loss. Strengthens the immune system and removes toxins from the body.

Promote the renewal of body cells and accelerate the process of self-cleaning of the body. Converts nutrients into energy. Accelerate wound healing.

In addition, foods rich in enzymes increase the number of antibodies that successfully fight infections, thereby strengthening our immunity. The presence of digestive enzymes in food promotes its processing and proper absorption nutrients.

Interaction with Essential Elements

The main components of our body - proteins, fats, carbohydrates - interact closely with enzymes. Vitamins also contribute to the more active functioning of certain enzymes.

Enzyme activity requires acid-base balance body, the presence of coenzymes (vitamin derivatives) and cofactors. And also the absence of inhibitors - certain substances, metabolic products that suppress the activity of enzymes during chemical reactions.

Signs of enzyme deficiency in the body:

• disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract;
• general weakness;
• malaise;
• joint pain;
• Achilles gastritis;
• increased unhealthy appetite.

Signs of excess enzymes in the body:

• headache;
• irritability;

Factors influencing the content of enzymes in the body

Regular consumption of enzyme-containing foods helps replenish the lack of essential enzymes in the body. But for their full absorption and vitality, it is necessary to ensure a certain acid-base balance, characteristic only of a healthy body.

Over 3,000 enzymes are known to science, while some experts believe that there are many more of them - up to 50,000. Each enzyme performs a specific function, like a key that opens a certain lock, i.e. triggers a specific biochemical reaction. Enzymes are composed of amino acids and are secreted in the body to speed up reactions that would not otherwise occur at physiological temperatures. human body. Today the site will talk about digestive enzymes, the consequences of their deficiency and ways to stimulate their production.

Digestive enzymes - each has its own role

It is worth noting that enzymes are important for every cell of the body and are involved not only in digestion, but in all physiological processes. Enzymes trigger biological processes necessary for the body to transport nutrients, remove toxins and perform other functions, namely:

• energy production;
• oxygen absorption;
• infection control;
• wound healing;
• suppression of inflammatory processes;
• supply of nutrients to cells;
• removal of toxins;
• breakdown of fats, regulation of cholesterol levels;
• resorption of blood clots;
• regulation of hormones;
• slowing down the aging process.

Enzymes do not work alone; they need coenzymes to complete their tasks.

Digestive enzymes help break down food into components that can be absorbed, transported and used by every cell in the body. Digestive enzymes are extracellular, i.e. they are outside the cells. Most of these enzymes are produced in the pancreas.

There are 8 main digestive enzymes:

1. Protease - breaks down proteins.
2. Amylase - breaks down carbohydrates.
3. Lipase - breaks down fats.
4. Cellulase - breaks down fibers (fiber).
5. Maltase - converts complex sugars into glucose.
6. Lactase - breaks down lactose.
7. Phytase - helps with digestion in general, especially in the production of B vitamins.
8. Sucrase - breaks down sugars.

The digestive process begins in the mouth. It is in the mouth that enzymes (mainly amylase) begin to act. Amylase contained in saliva begins to break down carbohydrates. When food enters the stomach, protease works to break down proteins. After food enters the small intestine, lipase breaks down fats, and amylase finally deals with carbohydrates. Exactly at small intestine 90% of the digestive process and absorption of nutrients occurs, which enter the bloodstream with the assistance of millions of tiny villi in the small intestine.

What is the danger of a lack of digestive enzymes and how to replenish it

When sufficient amounts of digestive enzymes are produced, they work together to ensure an efficient digestive process. In case of enzyme deficiency digestive system a number of problems arise.

The body's ability to produce enzymes is reduced if a person eats a lot of processed foods, sweets, and frequently takes medications such as antibiotics.

Despite the relatively big sizes enzymes, their protein structures are quite fragile. Amino acids in the molecular chain combine with each other to form specific sequences and shapes that provide the unique characteristics and functions of enzymes. If the chain structure is disrupted, the enzyme becomes denatured - its shape changes and the ability to perform functions disappears.

Enzymes are sensitive to high temperatures and changes in pH levels, which is why each enzyme works in a specific part digestive tract according to the pH level required for its functioning. The amount of enzymes produced decreases with age: by 13% every 10 years.

Deficiency of digestive enzymes leads to impaired digestion of food and absorption of nutrients, which leads to the following symptoms:

• constipation;
• bloating;
• stomach ache;
• flatulence and belching;
• heartburn and acid reflux.

Chronic malabsorption of nutrients can lead to the development of a number of diseases because the body does not receive enough material to maintain health and fight disease.

In addition to breaking down food, enzymes (particularly proteases) promote gut healing, help control pathogens, and maintain immune system, which originates precisely in the intestines.

The immune system originates in the intestines.

There are 4 ways to optimize enzyme production in the body, namely:

1. Eating raw (unprocessed) food. Raw foods are rich in enzymes, which, after heat treatment, lose their ability to perform their functions. Therefore, the more raw foods you eat, the better. Ideally, a person should get 75% of their digestive enzymes from food.
2. Chewing food thoroughly. The digestive process begins with chewing, as a result of which the absorbed food is more easily digested in the stomach and intestines. It is worth noting that chewing chewing gum and chewing food are not the same thing. In the latter case, the brain forces the pancreas to double the production of enzymes, although in fact there is nothing for them to break down, so the pancreas is working in vain.
3. Reducing the number of calories consumed. More “live”, unprocessed food and fewer calories means less energy spent on the digestive process and less need for enzyme production.
4. Avoid stress. Chronic stress negatively affects the functioning of the entire body, including its ability to effectively digest food and produce enzymes.

There are also special nutritional supplements, which replenish the deficiency of digestive enzymes. However, the site strongly recommends that you consult with your doctor before taking any supplements to ensure they are necessary. Help your body work natural ways: through dietary correction, physical activity, refusal bad habits and stress control.