Prebiotics and probiotics have been given noteworthy attention in scientific literature because of their importance in supporting gastrointestinal health. However, researchers all over the world are now studying the microbiome and indicate that it supports gastrointestinal health as well. 

LifePharm scientists were at the forefront of this research and when formulating the DIGESTIVE+++ supplement, as they included both ingredients plus a full array of digestive enzymes. Many probiotic and prebiotic products do not contain digestive enzymes, but they’re very important to the whole digestion process.

Why Are Digestive Enzymes Important?

The pancreas is a small glandular organ that is very close to the stomach and makes digestive enzymes that work  with the acid in the stomach. These digestive enzymes are secreted into the stomach from the pancreas. Here’s what happens from there:

• They break down food particles into the smallest molecules to be absorbed across the lining of the small intestines.
• The lining of the small intestine is very thin (made up of only one cell layer).
• Once the nutrients enter into the cell lining of the intestinal tract in their smallest molecular size, they cross over into the bloodstream.
• The small and large intestines have the most intricate system of blood vessels, so they can carry the nutrients throughout the body once they have crossed the intestinal tract.

5 Types of Enzymes

Enzymes that digest proteins are called “proteases.” They specifically break down larger proteins into smaller proteins called “peptides.” Peptides then turn into individual amino acids so they can be absorbed across the digestive lining. Proteins are necessary for muscle building and replicating new cells when it is time for them to be replaced. Millions of immune cells are recreated daily to keep pace with fighting foreign invaders.

Here are five other facts about enzymes and the types of food they break down.

1. Enzymes that digest carbohydrates are called “carbohydrases.” They break down large, sugar-containing molecules called polysaccharides into smaller sugars that will cross the lining of the GI tract. Sugars are important for cellular energy, brain energy, muscle energy and are also structural materials that help build other molecules.
2. Enzymes also digest or loosen indigestible fibers. Some fibers from plants contain vitamins and minerals that are released during this process.
3. Fats (lipids) are also digested by enzymes called “lipases.” Fats are large molecules and they need to be broken down into smaller units so that they can be assimilated to help build cell membranes, including the long membranes of nerve and brain cells.
4. Lactase is the enzyme that helps break down milk sugar. Some people do not produce this enzyme in their bodies or only make small amounts, which is referred to as “lactose intolerant.”
5. Enzymes are needed to support complete digestion. The pancreas is a very busy organ as it has to make an abundance of enzymes and insulin every time you eat so the body can digest the foods. Aging, stress, physical activity, and certain unhealthy or demanding situations of the body can put stress on the liver and pancreas. During these circumstances, fewer digestive enzymes may be produced.

Healthy Oatmeal Recipe With DIGESTIVE+++

LifePharm decided to add digestive enzymes to the DIGESTIVE+++ formula in order to help you optimally process the foods you eat. DIGESTIVE+++ aids the progression of the digestive tract and optimizes the assimilation and absorption of nutrients. Click below to watch a short video demonstrating how DIGESTIVE+++ supports digestion through the consummation of common foods such as oatmeal.

Materials Needed:

• About ½ cup quick cooking oatmeal (one-minute oats)
• About ½ cup of boiling water (cooled to very warm)
• 2 tablespoons for measuring
• 2 spoons for stirring
• 2 clear bowls or cups
• 1 capsule of DIGESTIVE+++ (new capsule)

Directions:

1. In a clear bowl/cup, add two tablespoons of oatmeal and two tablespoons of hot water.. The water can be boiled or heated in the microwave. 
2. Repeat these directions with the second bowl. The two bowls should be identical with food and liquid content. 
3. Stir until the oatmeal is nice and moist. Allow one to two minutes for the contents to cool down until warm, but not hot,before adding contents of the DIGESTIVE+++ capsule.
4. Open one capsule of the DIGESTIVE+++ encasement and sprinkle it into only one of the bowls containing mixed oatmeal. (Do not add any DIGESTIVE+++ to the second bowl). 
5. Wait about two minutes, stirring the oatmeal in each bowl occasionally with separate spoons to avoid contaminating one mixture with the other.
6. After an additional two minutes, you will notice the oatmeal mixture containing the DIGESTIVE+++ product will be creamier, while the oatmeal mixture without DIGESTIVE+++ will be much more dry and lumpy. What you are seeing is the oatmeal mixture with the DIGESTIVE+++ is beginning to break down the big particles of nutrients into smaller particles.