Protein is one of the three major food groups needed for proper nutrition. Protease is the digestive enzyme needed to digest protein.

FOOD GROUP	% OF DAILY DIET	DIGESTED BY
Protein	20-25 %	Protease
Carbohydrates	50-60 %	Amylase
Fat	20-30 %	Lipase

Every animal, including humans, must have an adequate source of protein in order to grow or maintain itself. Proteins, which yield amino acids, are the fundamental structural element of every cell in the body. Specific proteins are now recognized as the functional elements in certain specialized cells, glandular secretions, enzymes and hormones. Thus, protein well deserves its name, which is of Greek derivation, meaning "of first importance."

Proteins, which are among the most complex organic compounds found in nature, are made up of nitrogen containing compounds known as amino acids. During the digestion of proteins, hydrochloric acid and proteolytic enzymes break down the intact protein molecule into amino acids which are then absorbed through the intestinal wall. If proteins are not properly broken down before they are absorbed, various health consequences may occur.

The Importance of Proteases

Proteases refers to a group of enzymes whose catalytic function is to hydrolyze (breakdown) proteins. They are also called proteolytic enzymes or proteinases.

Proteolytic enzymes are very important in digestion as they breakdown the the peptide bonds in the protein foods to liberate the amino acids needed by the body. Additionally, proteolytic enzymes have been used for a long time in various forms of therapy. Their use in medicine is notable based on several clinical studies indicating their benefits in oncology, inflammatory conditions, blood rheology control, and immune regulation. Read more about proteases in enzyme therapy.

Protease is able to hydrolyze almost all proteins as long as they are not components of living cells. Normal living cells are protected against lysis by the inhibitor mechanism.

Parasites, fungal forms, and bacteria are protein. Viruses are cell parasites consisting of nucleic acids covered by a protein film. Enzymes can break down undigested protein, cellular debris, and toxins in the blood, sparing the immune system this task. The immune system can then concentrate its full action on the bacterial or parasitic invasion.

How Protease Deficiency Can Affect Your Health:

Acidity is created through the digestion of protein. Therefore a protease deficiency results in an alkaline excess in the blood. This alkaline environment can cause anxiety and insomnia.
In addition, since protein is required to carry protein-bound calcium in the blood, a protease deficiency lays the foundation for arthritis, osteoporosis and other calcium-deficient diseases.
Because protein is converted to glucose upon demand, inadequate protein digestion leads to hypoglycemia, resulting in moodiness, mood swings and irritability.
Protease also has an ability to digest unwanted debris in the blood including certain bacteria and viruses. Therefore, protease deficient people are immune compromised, making them susceptible to bacterial, viral and yeast infections and a general decrease in immunity

For information on how fats (lipids) are digested, see Lipase.

For information on how carbohydrates are digested, see Amylase.

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Protease: The Importance of Protein

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