Digestive Enzymes--Do we need them?

Summary

Dr. Jen Sung discusses the role of digestive enzymes in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. She explains that enzymes like amylase, lipase, and protease are produced by the pancreas and can be reabsorbed. The video covers the sources of these enzymes, including animal and plant options, and how they aid digestion. Dr. Sung also addresses clinical signs of enzyme deficiencies and the importance of a proper pH and temperature for enzyme activation. She suggests incorporating certain foods and possibly supplements to improve digestive health.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Digestive enzymes are crucial for breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in our body.
• 🌟 The pancreas produces and releases enzymes like amylase, lipase, and protease, which were once thought to be continuously produced but are now known to be reabsorbed and recycled.
• 👅 The mouth initiates the digestive process by producing amylase and lipase, while the stomach produces protease.
• 🍽️ Enzymes like lipase, protease, and others have specific roles in breaking down different types of food particles, such as sugars, starches, fats, proteins, and lactose.
• 🍽️ DPP4, an enzyme that breaks down gluten and dairy proteins, can be particularly helpful for those who are gluten-sensitive and want to avoid accidental gluten exposure.
• 🌿 Plant-based sources of digestive enzymes include pepin from papaya, bromelain from pineapples, and actinidin from kiwis, which aid in protein breakdown.
• 🥗 Foods like mangoes, avocados, bananas, and raw honey contain enzymes that can naturally support digestion.
• 🧘‍♀️ Clinical signs of digestive enzyme issues include gallstones, autoimmunity, pancreatitis, bloating, gas, bowel movement changes, and floating stools.
• 💊 Supplementing with digestive enzymes, along with HCL and pepsin, can be beneficial, especially when coupled with cofactors like B vitamins and minerals.
• ⚖️ Maintaining the correct pH and temperature in the stomach is essential for enzyme activation and proper digestion.

Q & A

What is the primary function of digestive enzymes?

Digestive enzymes help to break down foods into carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which are essential for absorption and utilization by the body.

Which organs produce digestive enzymes?

The pancreas produces and releases amylase, lipase, and protease. The mouth produces amylase and lipase, and the stomach produces protease.

What is the role of lipase in digestion?

Lipase breaks down fats, which is crucial for the absorption of fatty acids and other fat-soluble nutrients.

What does protease do in the digestive process?

Protease breaks down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, facilitating their absorption in the small intestine.

Why is DPP4 mentioned in the context of gluten sensitivity?

DPP4 is mentioned because it helps break down gluten and dairy proteins, which can be beneficial for individuals with gluten sensitivity who may experience accidental exposure to gluten.

How do thoughts and smells influence the production of digestive enzymes?

The thought and smell of food can stimulate the production of saliva and increase enzyme production in the mouth, preparing the body for digestion.

What are some clinical signs that might indicate a problem with digestive enzymes?

Clinical signs of digestive enzyme problems include gallstones, autoimmunity diseases like celiac or Crohn's, pancreatitis, bloating, gas, bowel movement changes, diarrhea, constipation, and floating stools.

Where can we obtain digestive enzymes from animal sources?

Digestive enzymes can be obtained from animal sources like porcine (pig) and bovine (cow).

What are some plant-based sources of digestive enzymes?

Plant-based sources of digestive enzymes include papain from papaya, bromelain from pineapples, actinidin from kiwis, and amylase from mangoes.

How can fermented foods benefit the digestive process?

Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, ginger, kefir, and others contain beneficial bacteria that can aid in digestion and support the production of digestive enzymes.

Why is the correct pH in the stomach important for enzyme activation?

The correct pH in the stomach, which is around 2 to 3, is necessary to activate certain enzymes like proteases, ensuring they function properly to break down proteins.

Outlines

00:00

🔬 Digestive Enzymes: Functions and Food Sources

Dr. Jen Sung discusses the role of digestive enzymes in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The pancreas is highlighted as a key producer of amylase, lipase, and protease, with recent findings suggesting these enzymes can be recycled. The mouth and stomach also contribute to enzyme production. Specific enzymes like lipase, protease, and DPP4 are detailed for their roles in breaking down various food components. The video also touches on how thoughts and smells can stimulate enzyme production and the importance of a balanced diet to support digestive health. Foods rich in natural enzymes, such as papaya, pineapple, kiwi, mango, and avocado, are recommended to aid digestion.

05:03

💊 Supplementing Digestive Enzymes and Dietary Considerations

The second paragraph delves into the clinical signs of digestive enzyme deficiencies, such as gallstones, autoimmune diseases, and pancreatitis. It also addresses symptoms like bloating, changes in bowel movements, and floating stools. Dr. Sung suggests that incorporating fermented foods and certain supplements can reduce the need for additional digestive enzymes. The importance of cofactor availability, stomach pH, and temperature for enzyme activation is emphasized. The video concludes with advice on how to identify if one needs digestive enzyme supplementation and the benefits of including plant-based foods in the diet to support enzyme function.

Keywords

💡Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are proteins that play a crucial role in breaking down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body. In the video, Dr. Jen Sung explains that these enzymes are produced by the pancreas and are responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The script mentions that the pancreas produces amylase, lipase, and protease, which are specific types of digestive enzymes. The discussion of digestive enzymes is central to the video's theme of understanding how the body processes food and the importance of these enzymes for good digestion.

💡Amylase

Amylase is a type of digestive enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into simpler sugars. The video script specifies that the mouth and pancreas produce amylase, which is instrumental in the digestion of starches and sugars. The mention of amylase in the script illustrates the body's multi-step process for breaking down complex carbohydrates into absorbable nutrients.

💡Lipase

Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down dietary fats into fatty acids and glycerol, making them easier for the body to absorb. Dr. Sung highlights that lipase is produced by the pancreas and is essential for fat digestion. The script also mentions that avocados contain a small amount of lipase, which is significant because it shows that some foods naturally contain enzymes that aid in their own digestion.

💡Protease

Proteases are a group of enzymes that break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. In the video, it is mentioned that the stomach produces protease, which is vital for protein digestion. The script emphasizes the role of protease in breaking down proteins, linking it to the overall theme of how enzymes facilitate the body's ability to process and absorb nutrients.

💡Sucrase

Sucrase is an enzyme that specifically breaks down sucrose, a disaccharide found in many plants, into glucose and fructose. The video script briefly mentions sucrase as part of the broader discussion on how different enzymes target specific types of food molecules for digestion. Understanding sucrase's function helps to illustrate the specificity of digestive enzymes.

💡Lactase

Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products, into glucose and galactose. The video script touches on lactase in the context of lactose digestion, which is particularly relevant for individuals who are lactose intolerant. The mention of lactase underscores the video's focus on the enzymes that facilitate the digestion of various food components.

💡DPP4

DPP4, or dipeptidyl peptidase-4, is an enzyme that breaks down gluten and dairy proteins. The video suggests that DPP4 can be helpful for individuals with gluten sensitivity, especially in the context of accidental gluten exposure. The inclusion of DPP4 in the script highlights the video's aim to discuss enzymes that can assist with specific dietary sensitivities and restrictions.

💡Fermented Foods

Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir, are mentioned in the video as beneficial for digestion due to their naturally occurring probiotics and enzymes. These foods are emphasized as a way to support the body's own enzyme production and digestive health. The discussion of fermented foods ties into the video's broader message about the importance of a diverse range of enzymes for optimal digestion.

💡PH

PH refers to the measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution, and in the context of the video, it relates to the stomach's acidity level, which is crucial for enzyme activation. The script specifies that the stomach's PH needs to be around 2 to 3 for enzymes like protease to function effectively. This discussion of PH is integral to understanding how the body's internal environment impacts the digestive process.

💡Antacids

Antacids are medications that decrease the stomach's acidity, often used to treat heartburn and acid reflux. The video script cautions against excessive use of antacids because they can raise the stomach's PH, making it less acidic and potentially inhibiting the activation of certain digestive enzymes. The mention of antacids serves as a reminder of the video's theme of balance and the importance of maintaining the body's natural digestive processes.

💡Supplements

Supplements containing digestive enzymes, HCL, and pepsin are discussed as a potential solution for individuals who may have difficulty producing enough enzymes on their own. The video suggests that these supplements can aid in the digestion process, especially for those with certain health conditions or those who may not be getting enough enzymes from their diet. The concept of supplements is tied to the video's overall message of supporting digestive health through various means.

Highlights

Digestive enzymes are crucial for breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

The pancreas produces amylase, lipase, and protease, which were once thought to be continuously produced but are now known to be reabsorbed and recycled.

The mouth and stomach also contribute to enzyme production with amylase, lipase, and protease.

Lipase is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, sugars, and starches.

Another lipase function is the breakdown of fats.

Protease's role is in the breakdown of proteins.

Sucrase breaks down sucrose, and lactase is essential for lactose digestion.

DPP4 aids in the breakdown of gluten and dairy proteins, which is beneficial for those with gluten sensitivity.

Digestive enzymes are activated by the thought and smell of food, increasing saliva production and enzyme release.

Clinical signs of digestive enzyme issues include gallstones, autoimmunity, pancreatitis, bloating, and changes in bowel movements.

Floating stools can indicate inadequate fat breakdown due to a lack of lipase.

Digestive enzymes can be sourced from animal sources like porcine and bovine or plant-based sources like papaya and pineapple.

Kiwi contains actinidin, which aids in protein breakdown, and mangoes produce amylase.

Fermented foods and certain juices like lemon and celery can support digestive enzyme function.

Supplementing with digestive enzymes, HCL, pepsin, and ox bile can be beneficial for those with enzyme deficiencies.

Proper pH and temperature in the stomach are necessary for enzyme activation.

The stomach's pH activates protease, while trypsin in the small intestine continues protein breakdown as the pH changes.

Understanding digestive enzymes is vital for proper nutrient absorption and utilization by the body's tissues.

Transcripts

welcome back this is dr jen sung where

clinical excellence meets excellent

results today we're going to talk about

digestive enzymes what does it do what

can you get it and what kind of foods

can you eat to help improve digestive

enzymes so let's get right into it

digestive enzymes help to break down

foods so your carbohydrates proteins and

fats

the pancreas produces and releases

amylase lipase and protease

the interesting fact is in the past they

used to think that the pancreas would

continuously produce these digestive

enzymes

however more recent literature will show

that

digestive enzymes can be reabsorbed and

recycled through the pancreas

the mouth produces amylase and lipase

stomach produces protease

so what does the enzymes do

lipase breaks down carbohydrates sugars

and starches

lipase breaks down fats

protease breaks down

protein sucralase breaks down sucrose

lactolase breaks down lactose

this is an interesting one dpp4

breaks down gluten and dairy proteins

so that's good to have when you go out

and eat at restaurants and you're gluten

sensitive

so you're trying to avoid gluten and on

a gluten-free diet but accidental

exposure is very common when you eat out

so when you eat out you might want to

add in

dpp4

to help prevent gluten reactions

now this is not meant to be

used so you could have more gluten it's

meant for accidental exposures

and certainly celiac patients should

absolutely avoid gluten

[Music]

so there are more enzymes than the ones

that are listed obviously there's a lot

more

in terms of different breaking down

different types of particles in our

system

now the digestive process starts with a

thought

and a smell

so if you think about food think about

it for a second

your saliva production will increase

if you smell something think about

smelling a lemon

automatically your saliva will start to

produce more right

so the thought and smell will start to

improve or increase the enzyme

production in the mouth

and then your stomach will go hmm we're

going to get ready for food it's going

to increase hcl

and pepsin and the pancreas will start

to kick out more amylase lipase and

protease

into our system

[Music]

now

digestive enzymes what are the clinical

signs

uh that you may have a problem with

digestive enzymes

gallstones autoimmunity like celiac

disease or crohn's disease

pancreatitis because pancreas produces

the amylase lipase and protease

bloating gas bowel movement changes

diarrhea constipation use of antacids

excessive stress

floating stools mean greasy stools that

you're not able to break down your fats

and your your stool will actually float

in the water

in digestion and i already mentioned gas

and bloating

so where do we get digestive enzymes so

you can get one from animal sources like

porcelain and bovine basically pig and

cow

you can also get plant-based

pepin from papaya

bromelain from pineapples

okay

and they both help to break down protein

so these plant-based

digestive

formulas will also help break down

protein

kiwis has something called actinidin

which is also helping breaking down

proteins you have mangoes that produce

amylase

raw honey is also advantageous

avocados

interesting they pic it produces light

paste or has lipase in it because

avocados are fat and lipase breaks down

fats

bananas amylase and glucosidase

so a lot of these plant-based

foods

can also help break down

proteins and fats and carbohydrates

other foods that can be beneficial

fermented foods like sauerkraut kimchi

miso

ginger

kefir which is a fermented milk lemon

juice celery juice dandelion root

so if you use or implement some of this

into your diet

you might need

less

of taking digestive enzyme hcl and so

forth so it's important to have some of

this in your diet

other considerations

i obviously you can supplement digestive

enzymes plus hcl

plus pepsin ox bile

cofactors like b vitamins and minerals

are also very important

cofactors that are needed for

enzyme production

also you will need the correct ph in our

stomach

so the ph stomach runs around two two

and a half three

so you need the correct ph in the

stomach

and proper temperature to activate these

enzymes

so what that means is that if you're if

you're taking a lot of ants at if you're

taking a lot of antacids the ph is not

going to be low enough to activate some

of these enzymes and the proper

temperature

also

when you look at things like proteases

in the stomach helps to break down

proteins in the stomach the stomach ph

activates the protease however when the

protein gets into the small intestine

the ph changes

right once the ph changes protease is

not as active so you need another enzyme

called

trypsin which will help break down

protein in the small intestine

so digestive enzymes can be pretty

complicated but if you just break it

down and very simply say do i have

issues or signs and symptoms

and then can we add in some of these

foods that can be advantageous

if not we can add in animal sources

plant sources of digestive enzymes and

more foods that have

quote unquote digestive enzymes in them

so it's very important to understand

because you need to break down your

foods

appropriately to the proper amino acids

so it can be absorbed and utilized by

your own healthy tissues all right my

name is dr jin sung where clinical

excellence meets excellent results and

we'll see you guys next week on the

healthy side have an awesome day