The Effects of Enzymes in Treating Digestive System Disorders

Enzymes are biological molecules that are responsible for several metabolic processes that break down certain chemicals in the body. They help to convert the reactant into the product by speeding up the reaction. After the breakdown of food, the enzymes in the body will convert food into nutrients and waste products. There are individuals that struggle with eating certain foods, because they lack a certain enzyme that allows for proper digestion. Thus, researchers have found that certain enzymes such as lactase and papain are capable of treating digestive system disorders.

Celiac disease is a disorder that prevents the digestive tract from breaking down gluten. Proteins in foods such as bread, crackers, and pasta, affect the absorption of these nutrients. When someone with celiac disease eats something with gluten, their body overreacts to the protein and it damages their villi which are very small finger-like projections found along the wall of the small intestine. The damage to the intestine is very slow, and symptoms are so varied, that it can be years before someone gets a diagnosis. There is no medication that treats celiac disease. However, a dietary supplement can loosen the symptoms of celiac disease. A gluten-free diet is capable of preventing its symptoms allowing for optimal health in the small intestine. After several weeks of having a gluten-free diet, symptoms should improve within a few weeks. The intestines most likely will not to normal health for several months as it may take a few years for them to completely heal.

Lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose. Normally, lactase converts dairy products such as milk or cheese into two simple sugars called glucose and galactose which are absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal lining. Even through most people have had lactase in their digestive tract as a baby. Some people may lack this enzyme as they become older. As a result of eating dairy products, one can feel a sense of discomfort after consumption. This could be due to being lactose intolerant. Lactase enzymes found in pharmaceutical supplements can aid with the conditions associated with lactose intolerance. It is important to treat lactose intolerance so that people can consume dairy products as they contain major sources of calcium which is essential for strong bones. Individuals who do not absorb an adequate amount of calcium in their diet have a higher risk of developing diseases such as osteoporosis.

Enzymes such as papain are derived from the papaya fruit. It is used create medicine. Some people take papain to improve the digestion of proteins and fats. The main function of papain is to break down larger proteins, known as polypeptides into individual amino acid subunits. Papain enhances the digestive process and increases nutrient absorption of protein-based foods because of its ability to hydrolyze proteins. Papain is safe to consume when ingested in amounts that are commonly found in foods. One case study found that when a male patient with gluten tolerance followed a gluten-free diet, he still experienced stomach pain and diarrhea. When he began consuming 1800 mg of papain for one month, he had significantly fewer loose stools and less malabsorption.

Although papain is beneficial for relieving digestive disorders, it is a power enzyme that could be harmful if heavy doses of it are consumed. Taking significant amounts could be potentially unsafe because taking excessive amounts of papain could cause severe throat and stomach damage in some individuals.