Your body digests the food you eat. It creates hydrochloric acid along with various enzymes for just that purpose. So why might you consider taking them as a supplement? Because it can heal digestion problems.
Well, if you seem to get gas no matter what you eat, you often suffer from heartburn or indigestion, or if constipation is an issue for you, it may mean that there is something not quite right with your enzyme production.
Food has to be broken down into microscopic particles for your body to absorb nutrients. Anything that’s not broken down starts composting somewhere in your intestinal tract, leading to many problems. Our functional nutritionists in Tulsa, OK, can help you find the right supplements for your digestive needs.
How Does Your Digestive System Work?
But before you start taking pills, let’s look at how the digestive process works, or at least how it’s supposed to.
Digestion starts before you ever pick up your fork. Have you ever noticed that smelling something delicious can make your stomach growl? Your body realizes that food is on the way and is starting to pump out digestive juices to get ready for it.
As woo woo as it may sound, it’s essential to look at your food and appreciate it before you begin eating. You are slowing down, and feeling thankful before eating allows your digestion to work better.
Chew Your Food Thoroughly
Next, chew your food thoroughly. Yes, just like your grandma probably told you when you were little. This obvious mechanical step also stimulates the production of saliva, which contains the first round of digestive enzymes.
Your stomach produces acid that begins breaking down proteins. This acid also signals your gallbladder to release bile, which begins breaking down fats into fatty acids your body can use.
After this mixture churns for a while, your pancreas takes over. It neutralizes the stomach acid and releases enzymes that further break down the food.
Your body has broken down your food into tiny particles and will absorb the food into your bloodstream.
If not, well, that’s how you get those symptoms we talked about earlier.
All different digestive actions are necessary for the whole thing to work. Remove or inhibit one piece, and the rest of the process suffers.
A few conditions affect digestive enzyme production, but one of the biggest causes of enzyme deficiency is Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS). Appropriate digestive enzyme support is a crucial part of healing a leaky gut.
Depending on your situation, our functional nutritionists in Tulsa, OK, may suggest the use of hydrochloric acid therapy or other enzyme combinations. Proper use of supplemental enzymes can help your body heal and create the enzymes it needs.
