Enzymes are very important ingredients for good health. They are found in many fruits and vegetables. Therefore, you should maintain a healthy diet, especially trying to supplement foods of plant origin to supplement the amount of enzymes needed by the body.
- Role of enzymes
Enzyme is a protein found in cells. It creates chemical reactions and increases the speed of reactions that help the body build muscle, detoxify and Digest food. Enzymes often combine with other chemicals such as stomach acid and bile to perform the function Digest food.
Structure of enzymes are closely related to their functions in the body. However, this structure can be easily broken down by heat, disease, and toxic chemical conditions. When the structure is broken, the enzyme can no longer perform its function.
Enzyme produced naturally in the body. For example, human digestive enzymes created to aid in the digestion of food. The digestive enzymes produced mainly in tpancreas, stomach and small intestine, small amount in salivary glands. In addition, enzyme pills can also be used in people with digestive problems.
- Classification of digestive enzymes
There are three types digestive enzymes main, classified based on the reactions they catalyze:
- Amylase enzyme breaks down starch and carbohydrates into sugar.
- Proteases breaks down proteins into amino acids.
- Lipase enzyme breaks down lipids, which are fats and oils, into glycerol and fatty acids.
- How do enzymes work in the digestive system?
Amylase is secreted in the salivary glands, pancreas and small intestine. Among the forms of amylase, ptyalin is produced in the salivary glands and catalyzes the breakdown of starch from chewing to swallowing.
Pancreatic amylase produced by the pancreas and carried to the small intestine. Here, it continues to break down starch molecules into sugars, which are eventually broken down into glucose by other enzymes. Afterward, glucose is absorbed into the body's blood circulation system through the wall of the small intestine.
Proteases Produced in the stomach, pancreas and small intestine. In the stomach, pepsin is the main digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins. Several other pancreatic enzymes become active upon the molecules the protein to the small intestine.
Lipase Produced in the pancreas and small intestine. There is a type of lipase found in breast milk that helps babies easily digest fat molecules. Lipids also play many other important roles such as long-term energy storage and supporting cellular health.
- When do enzymes degrade?
Enzymes degrade in the following cases:
- Temperature: Enzymes work best at body temperatures ranging from 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C). If you have a fever and the temperature is too high, the structure of the enzymes will be broken and no longer function normally. In this case, you should try to restore the temperature to normal levels.
- Diseases: Pancreatitis and a number of other diseases that damage the pancreas and reduce the amount and effectiveness of some digestive enzymes.
- pH of the stomach and intestines: If the pH is too low (too acidic) or too high (too basic), the structure and function of the enzyme can be affected.
- Inhibitors: Inhibitors hinder the formation of chemical reactions of enzymes. Inhibitors can be produced naturally in the body or in the form of drugs such as antibiotics. The drug has the ability to block the activity of certain enzymes, causing infection bacterial infection.
Diet: Many foods contain digestive enzymes that support the body's naturally occurring enzymes in their function. For example, bananas contain amylase So even though bananas contain a lot of carbs, they are still easily digested.
Stomach irritation or other unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects may occur while taking enzyme supplements. Therefore, if any side effects appear, you need to notify your doctor for timely adjustment.
