The human digestive tract breaks food into smaller molecules for absorption in two separate ways. Mechanical digestive processes break larger chunks of food into smaller chunks, while chemical processes break larger molecules into smaller ones. Digestive enzymes speed up the reactions that break larger molecules into smaller ones, helping to improve the efficiency of digestion.
There are many types of digestive enzymes, explained by leading doctors in the field. In the book "Biochemistry" by Dr. Reginald Garrett he talks about the different types of digestive enzymes and their chemical terminology. The different forms of enzymes work together with the bile salts produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder, after which they move into the small intestine. Working together, digestive enzymes can break down all the large digestible molecules in food.
Because of enzyme specificity, some individuals who lack certain digestive enzymes can't digest some components of diet i.e. gluten tolerance etc. It's relatively common for individuals to lack the lactase enzyme, which results in lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerant individuals can't consume dairy, because they can't digest the sugar in milk. If they do consume lactose, it will pass into the large intestine, where bacteria will digest it, which results in gas and cramping.
The human body will lose very important enzymes as you age over time which is why it's important to consume foods that can replenish enzymes. Eating a diet full of natural, raw, foods that can replenish many enzymes lost will give your system the opportunity for better digestion and absorption. The body can always heal itself as long as you fuel it with proper nutrition.
The next time you enjoy a good meal make sure its one that can give your body what it needs to stay healthy. Learn more about proper eating for health at http://www.nutritionyoudesign.com
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