Enzymes Used for Treatment in Digestive Disorders

Enzymes show benefits in more areas than just food production; enzymes commonly act as a treatment for many digestive disorders. Many digestive orders occur because the human body lacks the ability to digest or breakdown certain things found in many common foods. Enzymes are a popular treatment for these conditions because enzymes act on the intolerable food to change it into something more digestible. This makes enzymes a possible treatment for common digestive ailments such as celiac disease and lactose intolerance.

Celiac disease, a digestive disorder, causes an allergic reaction to gluten. This prohibits people with the disease to consume foods with the gluten protein in them. Papain, a proteolytic enzyme, helps those who suffer from celiac disease by breaking down gluten (Roxas 312). This allows the celiac to consume foods with gluten without suffering from bowel trouble. Proteolytic enzymes prove to be beneficial supplements for those who have trouble processing gluten, and they are becoming a common dietary recommendation for people with this condition.

Lactose intolerance causes many people to refrain from eating all types of dairy products, but an enzyme known as lactase shows proof that it helps rectify the problems caused by this disorder. Lactose intolerance primarily occurs when a person produces less lactase than needed to breakdown lactose. Taking the enzyme lactase orally results in increased tolerance of lactose and lactose containing foods (Roxas 311). This dietary supplement improves digestive problems associated with lactose intolerance such as cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. This enzyme helps those with lactose intolerance to maintain health while ingesting lactose.

Enzymes play a large role in many areas of our lives. Enzymes are found in plants, animals, the food we eat, and ourselves. Enzymes change the simplest things such as the flavor of cheese, freshness of bread, and clarity of fruit juice. Enzymes also aid in digestive problems that many people suffer from all their lives. The benefit of enzymes to the world is reflected in our everyday lives, but it is commonly overlook.

Reference:

Roxas, Mario. "The Role of Enzyme Supplementation in Digestive Disorders."Alternative Medicine Review13.4 (2008): 311-312. Thorne Review. Web. 1 Apr. 2011.