🧠 What Are Enzymes?

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts—which means they speed up chemical reactions in your body without being used up themselves.

They’re involved in everything from:

• Breaking down food

• Building muscle

• Copying DNA

• Healing injuries

• Regulating metabolism

Without enzymes, life as we know it wouldn’t exist. Every single process in your body relies on them.

🔄 What Do Enzymes Do in the Body?

🥣 1. Digestive Enzymes – Help break down food into absorbable nutrients

Enzyme Breaks Down Found In

Amylase Carbohydrates (e.g., starch → sugar) Saliva, pancreas

Protease Proteins (e.g., meat → amino acids) Stomach (pepsin), pancreas

Lipase Fats (e.g., oils → fatty acids) Pancreas, intestines

Lactase Lactose (milk sugar) Small intestine

Maltase, sucrase Simple sugars Small intestine

They turn food into molecules your body can actually absorb and use.

🔧 2. Metabolic Enzymes – Drive internal processes like:

• Energy production (ATP)

• Detoxification

• Hormone synthesis

• Muscle contraction

• Nerve signaling

• DNA repair

These enzymes are built inside your cells and keep all your systems working smoothly.

🛡️ 3. Repair Enzymes – Help your body recover from:

• Inflammation

• Injury

• Oxidative stress

• Cellular damage

They act like your body’s internal maintenance crew.

🧪 How Do Enzymes Work?

Enzymes work like a lock and key:

1. A molecule (called the substrate) fits into the enzyme’s active site

2. The enzyme changes the substrate in some way (breaks it down, builds it up)

3. A new molecule (product) is released

4. The enzyme is ready to go again

One enzyme can perform thousands of reactions per second—they’re incredibly efficient!

🥦 Where Do Enzymes Come From?

1. Your body makes them naturally

   • The pancreas, stomach, liver, and intestines produce most digestive enzymes

   • Every cell makes metabolic enzymes

2. You can also get enzymes from food, especially raw or fermented foods:

   • Pineapple (bromelain – digests protein)

   • Papaya (papain – digests protein)

   • Kiwi

   • Raw honey

   • Avocado

   • Fermented foods: yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir

   • Sprouted seeds and legumes

Heat destroys enzymes, so raw and fermented foods are the best sources.

⚠️ What Happens If You Don’t Have Enough Enzymes?

• Poor digestion

• Bloating, gas, constipation

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Food intolerances (like lactose intolerance, due to low lactase)

• Fatigue or poor recovery

• Slower healing

In some cases (like pancreatic insufficiency or celiac disease), people need enzyme supplements to digest food properly.

💊 Enzyme Supplements – Do You Need Them?

You might benefit if you have:

• Bloating or gas after meals

• Trouble digesting fats or protein

• Lactose intolerance

• Pancreatic issues

• Undiagnosed digestive issues

Supplements are usually safe short-term, but it’s best to get tested or speak with a professional before taking them long-term.

🧘‍♀️ How to Support Natural Enzyme Function

• Eat slowly and chew well – digestion starts in the mouth

• Include raw or fermented foods regularly

• Avoid constant snacking (let your gut reset between meals)

• Don’t eat in a stressed state—relax before meals

• Stay hydrated (enzymes work best in a fluid environment)

🏁 Final Thoughts

Enzymes are the unsung heroes of your health—working quietly but powerfully behind the scenes in every process your body performs.

They help you:

• Turn food into energy

• Heal and repair

• Stay nourished and balanced

By supporting your digestion, reducing stress, and eating a diverse, enzyme-rich diet, you help your enzymes do their job—and your whole body benefits.