Digestive enzymes are essential proteins that power our digestive system, breaking down the food we eat so our bodies can absorb critical nutrients. Without them, even the healthiest diet won't deliver the nutritional benefits we need.

Our bodies naturally produce these enzymes at multiple stages of digestion. They are present in our saliva, secreted by organs like the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, and stored along the intestinal walls. However, when the body doesn't produce enough enzymes, digestion stalls, often leading to discomfort. This is where a quality digestive enzyme supplement can make a significant difference.

Different enzymes target specific components of our food to ensure optimal nutrient absorption:

• Protease: Breaks down proteins into amino acids. Includes enzymes like pepsin and trypsin, as well as plant-derived proteases like bromelain and papain.
• Amylase: Focuses on carbohydrates, starches, and sugars commonly found in grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Lipase: Helps break down dietary fats, supporting the digestion of oils, nuts, eggs, meat, and dairy.
• Lactase (and Tilactase): Specifically breaks down lactose, the sugar found in dairy products.
• Sucrase: Converts sucrose (table sugar) into fructose and glucose for absorption.
• Cellulase: Helps break down tough plant fibres.
• Maltase: Transforms maltose (malt sugar) into glucose for energy.

As we age, natural enzyme production slows down, making us more susceptible to bloating, gas, acid reflux, and lactose intolerance. A drop in stomach acid- which often becomes more alkaline with age- can also prevent the pancreas from releasing key enzymes, further triggering reflux and sluggish digestion.

Digestive issues aren't limited to older adults, though. People of all ages experience bloating, abdominal pain, fullness after meals, irregular bowel movements, or IBS. Supplementing with digestive enzymes can help alleviate these symptoms and restore digestive balance.

In addition to supplements, you can support your digestion with enzyme-rich whole foods:

• Fresh Fruits: Papaya, pineapple, kiwi, mango, and bananas naturally contain active enzymes that aid breakdown.
• Fermented Foods: Options like kefir, natural yoghurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi provide both beneficial bacteria and natural digestive support.

Good gut health is fundamental to overall well-being. Ensuring your body has the digestive enzymes it needs is one of the most effective ways to keep your digestive system running smoothly.

For more information about digestive enzymes, drop into Go Vita, Your Health Shop at 5 North Street, Batemans Bay. You can also call us on (02) 4472 9737 or visit us online at www.govitabatemansbay.com.au. Don’t miss our weekly segment on 2EC radio, where Marianne and Go Vita's Nutritionist Sofia chat about health and wellness with Kimmi Saker every Wednesday after 12.30pm.