Digestive Problems? You Could Have a Deficiency in these 3 Crucial Enzymes

If you find you’re experiencing more heartburn, gas, constipation, and bloating than ever, or if you’re just feeling plain run down, you may be suffering from an enzyme deficiency.  Specifically, a digestive enzyme deficiency.

Let’s take a closer look at this.

You may not realize it but there are as many as 45 essential nutrients your body must have in order to function properly. When I say “essential” I’m referring to the fact that they have to come from outside sources because your body can’t make them on its own. In other words, you must depend on food for these nutrients, which include approximately 13 vitamins and 20 minerals, plus the carbohydrates, fats and water your body needs for optimal metabolic function.

When you eat food your body goes to work breaking it down so that it can be absorbed and the nutrients can be transported through the blood. Digestive enzymes are critical in breaking down and absorbing the food you eat. The problem is that the body slowly loses its ability to manufacture enzymes as you age. That’s why you may notice when you get older foods you used to enjoy don’t sit with you quite as well as they once did.

The importance of digestive enzymes.

The importance of digestive enzymes is discussed in my book, The Healing Power of Enzymes:

“80% of our body’s energy is expended by the digestive process. If you are run down, under stress, living in a very hot or very cold climate, pregnant or a frequent traveler, then enormous quantities of extra enzymes are required by your body. Because our entire system functions through enzymatic action, we must supplement our body with these enzymes. Aging deprives us of our ability to produce necessary enzymes. The medical profession tells us that all disease is due to a lack or imbalance of enzymes. Our very lives are dependent upon them!”


Protease, Amylase, and Lipase.

Protease, amylase, and lipase are digestive enzymes produced in the pancreas and small intestine.  Protease helps in the conversion of proteins to essential amino acids, amylase catalyzes starches to simple sugars, and lipase helps convert fats to glycerol and fatty acids.  

Without sufficient protease enzyme, proteins can’t be digested properly.  That means undigested protein makes its way into the intestinal tract, which can cause a chain reaction of inflammatory conditions and immune responses.  Natural gut bacteria feed on the protein and release ammonia and other toxins that bombard the liver.  The kidneys and lymphatic system suffers as well. 

People who consume excessive carbohydrates can develop an amylase deficiency.  Not only does this hinder the production of simple sugars, but it can also trigger inflammatory reactions like skin problems, allergies, and herpes.

If you’re deficient in lipase the result may be high cholesterol, triglycerides, diabetes, or problems with weight loss.  Also, body cells lose some of their permeability which means nutrients can’t get in and waste can’t get out.  A lipase deficiency is also thought to contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome, a spastic colon, and even vertigo.

What to do.

Since there is nothing we can do about getting older, and managing the stress in our lives can be a monumental task, it may be necessary to take digestive enzyme supplements.  The right supplement can help you with your digestive problems by improving colon health, boosting your immune system, and supporting your metabolism.