What is an enzyme?

• Enzymes are proteins that is important for your digestive systems. It is essential for digestion. Without them, it can lead to numerous health problems.
• Enzymes are used to help break down food and extract the necessary nutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fats) and energy for your body.
• When lack in digestive enzymes can lead to poor digestion and even malnutrition (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)). Your body is unable to break down food so nutrients can’t be absorbed, leading to malnutrition, even if you eat a nutritious meal.

Enzymes help with

• Breathing
• Building muscles
• Nerve function
• Ridding out body of harmful toxins

Types of digestive enzymes

• There are many individual types of digestive enzymes.
• The most common type
  – Amylase : Helps to break down carbohydrates or starches into sugar molecules. Insufficient amylase can lead to diarrhea.
  – Lipase : Works with liver bile to break down fats. Insufficient lipase will lead to lack in fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K.
  – Protease : Breaks down protein into amino acids. It can help to keep bacteria, yeast and protozoa out of the intestines. Shortage of protease can lead to allergies or toxicity in the intestines.

What causes you to lack enzymes?

• There are several reasons why your body can’t produce enough enzymes on its own which can lead to conditions like chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis and diabetes.

Lifestyle factors also come into play that causes enzyme deficiency:

• Poor diet, food that is high in sugar and processed food
• Smoking
• Aging
• Pregnancy
• Physical, psychological and emotional stress

Signs you might have enzyme deficiency

• Digestive issues
  The first few symptoms that will show up is gut problem. You’ll feel bloated, gassy, feel constipated, and undigested food in your stools. Without enough enzymes, your body will not be able to break down food properly which can even result to constipation.
• Weight gain and obesity
  If you’re trying to lose weight, after cutting down on sugar, and eating well but you still don’t see results, an enzyme deficiency might be the problem. Without enzymes, you’re storing more fat In your body instead of converting them into energy which will lead to weight gain.
• Weaker immune system
  Your gut wall houses about 70% of your immune system calls. Your gut act as an agent to fight of bad bacteria and viruses. Lack of enzymes will lead to gut problem, resulting to your ‘agents’ not being able to fight off bad bacteria causing you to fall sick.
• Fatigue
  Feeling fatigue could be a problem for many. Poor digestion may cause chronic fatigue. Digestive issues lead to feeling fatigue. Enzymes help your digestive system to run smoothly.
• Skin problems
  Your body needs to absorb skin-boosting nutrients. Things like vitamin C, E, A. but your body is unable to absorb those nutrients with lack of enzymes, causing skin issues such as eczema

 

https://www.healthline.com/health/exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency/the-role-of-digestive-enzymes-in-gi-disorders#takeaway

https://sunwarrior.com/blogs/health-hub/signs-you-have-an-enzyme-deficiency