Despite eating a balanced diet, if the digestive system is not able to transform and absorb nutrients properly, it will be difficult to enjoy good health. In this process, enzymes and probiotics are of great help.
Intestinal health is key, because what happens in the intestines directly affects general health. The digestive system has the function of transforming the molecules of food into simple substances that can be easily used as an energy source. The health and energy level depend on this digestion and subsequent assimilation, and it is in these processes that both the digestive enzymes and the intestinal microbiota intervene.
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Digestive enzymes
Enzymes are molecules made up of chains of amino acids that the body produces. Enzymes are essential for the organism , as they catalyze thousands of crucial chemical reactions, such as food digestion, tissue repair and regeneration, or energy supply to cells, among many others.
At the digestive level, enzymes help break down food into smaller particles so that the body can use them : amylase breaks down carbohydrate molecules; lactase breaks down lactose (milk sugar); protease breaks proteins; lipase contributes to the digestion of fats.
The body produces enzymes, but it is also very important to obtain them from food , since, with age, we produce less each time. Therefore, it is important to consume raw foods such as vegetables, fruits and sprouts. In addition, fermented products such as miso, tamari or pickles also provide enzymes.
In case of enzymatic deficit, the digestions become complicated and a fermentation and putrefaction of the food is generated. These half-digested foods imbalance the intestinal microbiota and favor the bad, toxins are generated that pass to blood, and undigested peptides also pass into the circulation and activate the immune system. To avoid this, supplements with enzymes such as papain (from papaya) or bromelain (extracted from the trunk of the tropical pineapple ) are very useful. Both are proteolytic enzymes that, in addition to promoting the digestion of proteins, are also natural anti-inflammatories. Bromelain is recommended after heavy, protein-rich meals.
Probiotics
The intestinal microbiota plays a very important role in digestion , metabolism and intestinal and immune health. In fact, thousands of functions related to digestion are attributed to it. Intestinal bacteria help us digest foods that we can not break down (like some types of carbohydrates) and produce, among other things, vitamins and minerals.
The interaction between type of food and type of intestinal microbiota is reciprocal. The microbiota acts on what we eat - that's what it feeds on - while what we eat affects its composition. Thus, a modification of the diet causes changes in the type and quantity of microorganisms present in the intestine.
There are certain fermented foods that have a probiotic effect , such as water kefir , kombucha tea , yogurt or sauerkraut. If there is any alteration, discomfort or digestive pathology it is interesting to incorporate probiotics through supplements to restore a balance of the intestinal microbiota.
A balanced intestinal microbiota is key to health, as it intervenes in processes such as the stimulation of the immune system, the synthesis of B vitamins and K, the digestion and absorption of nutrients, in addition to inhibiting pathogens and can help in the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Probiotics are a set of living microorganisms (bacteria and yeast) that, when administered in a sufficient dose, are beneficial for health. The most frequent genera are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Lactococcus, streptococci and enterococci. Due to the beneficial effect for the organism and its regenerative properties of the intestinal microbiota, the use of probiotics would be especially indicated after taking medications , especially antibiotics or corticosteroids; also in case of constipation or diarrhea; as a coadjuvant in the treatment of candids ; to prevent gastroenteritis, ulcers, gas, intestinal inflammatory diseases, dyspepsia, and to enhance defenses.
In summary, both an adequate production of digestive enzymes and a good balance of the intestinal microbiota have in common that they are key elements in the digestive process and subsequent assimilation of nutrients. Both are involved in the maintenance and balance of gastrointestinal health and help in disease recovery states.
Its balance interrelates and benefits the central nervous system, the endocrine system and, very importantly, the immune system. The stability of the defenses depends on an adequate decomposition of the food thanks to the enzymes and the balance of the intestinal microbiota, which can benefit from probiotics.
A complement that helps the digestive wellbeing is GI Natural of Nature's Plus , with L-glutamine, whole foods alkalizing and rich in enzymes, fibers that feed the friendly bacteria of the intestine and friendly bacterial strains. In addition, it provides calcium, which contributes to the normal functioning of digestive enzymes.