Digestive Enzymes
What Are Enzymes and Why Do We Need Them?
You’ve probably heard the word enzymes before — maybe on a supplement bottle or in a health article — but what exactly are they, and why are they so important for your body?
Think of enzymes as tiny workers inside your body that keep everything running smoothly. They are special proteins made by your cells, and their job is to speed up chemical reactions that would otherwise happen far too slowly. Without enzymes, most of the processes in your body simply wouldn’t happen fast enough to keep you alive.
Enzymes Are the Body’s Spark Plugs
Every second, thousands of chemical reactions are taking place inside you — breaking down food, building new cells, repairing tissues, and removing waste. Enzymes act like spark plugs that get these reactions going. Each enzyme has a specific job, and they’re very particular about what they do. One enzyme might help break down fats, another works on carbohydrates, and another helps your body use oxygen.
Enzymes and Digestion
One of the most familiar roles of enzymes is in digestion. When you eat, your body releases digestive enzymes from the mouth, stomach, pancreas, and intestines to break down food into smaller parts your body can absorb.
Amylase helps break down carbohydrates (like bread and pasta) into sugars.
Protease breaks down proteins (like meat, eggs, and beans) into amino acids.
Lipase breaks down fats (like oils and butter) into fatty acids.
Once your food is fully broken down, your body can absorb the nutrients and use them for energy, growth, and repair.
Enzymes Do Much More Than Digestion
While digestive enzymes are well-known, there are thousands of other enzymes working quietly behind the scenes. Some help detoxify the liver, others repair DNA, build hormones, or support your immune system. For example, enzymes are needed for blood clotting when you get a cut, and others help reduce inflammation after healing begins. Every cell in your body relies on enzymes to function properly.
Why Enzymes Can Become Less Efficient
Enzyme activity can be affected by several factors — age, stress, illness, poor diet, and exposure to toxins can all reduce how well enzymes work. When this happens, you might notice sluggish digestion, bloating, fatigue, or slower healing. Supporting your body with fresh, whole foods, adequate hydration, and good sleep helps enzymes do their job effectively.
Supporting Your Enzymes Naturally
Raw fruits and vegetables, such as pineapple, papaya, kiwi, avocado, and sprouts, naturally contain enzymes that assist digestion. Eating a varied, nutrient-rich diet gives your body the building blocks it needs to make its own enzymes too. Some people also benefit from enzyme supplements, you can also chat with a naturopath to learn how to support your enzymes naturally.
