Enzymes are a type of protein in cells that function to speed up chemical reactions in the body. The role of enzymes in the digestive process is very important, which is to help break down food molecules into smaller particles so that they are easily absorbed by the body.
Enzymes are produced naturally by the body, namely in the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. In addition, enzymes can also be produced by the salivary glands when chewing food. However, certain health conditions and eating patterns can cause a lack of levels and quality of digestive enzymes in the body, causing complaints of flatulence.
How Enzymes Work in Digestion
Enzymes are needed by various body functions, including in the digestive process, from the mouth (saliva), stomach, to intestines. In general, there are three main types of digestive enzymes, including:
- amylase enzymeThe enzyme amylase is produced in the salivary glands, pancreas, and small intestine. This enzyme has a function in breaking down carbohydrates into sugar, which is then absorbed into the body through the walls of the small intestine.
- Protease enzymesProtease enzymes function to break down proteins into amino acids. This enzyme is produced in the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. Most of the chemical reactions of this enzyme occur in the stomach and small intestine.
- lipase enzymeLipase enzymes function in breaking down fats and oils, then converting them into glycerol and fatty acids. Although lipase is produced in the pancreas and small intestine, it is also found in breast milk to help babies digest fat molecules more easily while breastfeeding.
There are certain conditions that prevent enzymes from functioning properly, usually when your body temperature rises or when you have a fever. In addition, it can also be due to health problems that inhibit the production and effectiveness of digestive enzymes, such as pancreatic disorders (eg pancrearitis, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and pancreatic cancer), cystic fibrosis, or intolerance to certain foods or drinks (eg lactose intolerance).
In these conditions, the body does not have enough digestive enzymes to be able to process food or drink intake, thus triggering indigestion, and often causes flatulence.
Overcome Bloating with Natural Digestive Enzymes
In addition to being naturally produced by the body, digestive enzymes can also be obtained from foods such as fruits and vegetables. For example, bananas contain the digestive enzyme amylase, which helps the body's natural enzymes work. Therefore, choose foods that are rich in digestive enzymes to help digestive tract health, as well as to treat flatulence.
In addition to bananas, there are also several types of natural ingredients that are considered to have benefits for the health of digestive enzymes, and can help overcome the problem of flatulence, including:
- PineapplePineapple is one of the fruits known to be rich in bromelain, an enzyme that helps digest protein and is often used as a drug to reduce flatulence.
- GingerGinger is often used to help relieve colds and cramps. However, ginger is also believed to contain enzymes that help the absorption of protein, thereby reducing bloating due to gas that occurs after consuming protein.
- TurmericTurmeric, which is known to have many health benefits, is also often used to treat digestive complaints, including overcoming flatulence.
In addition, the content peppermint and liquorice (licorice), is also believed to have benefits to help overcome digestive disorders, such as heartburn, which often causes a decrease in the quality of digestive enzymes and causes flatulence. These ingredients are still being studied for their benefits for gastrointestinal health, but are generally safe for consumption. There are even medicines or supplements that contain these natural ingredients, to take their benefits for digestive health.
Enzymes have an important role in the digestive process. Therefore, digestive enzyme disorders will trigger complaints of flatulence, due to food that is not digested properly. It is recommended to adjust the diet to prevent flatulence, and eat foods that contain lots of enzymes when the body is experiencing a deficiency of enzymes. Consumption of enzyme supplements should be done in consultation with a doctor, including the type of product and dosage.
