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Q14-Would you trace how enzymes work in digestion?
When we eat raw food, enzyme activity begins at the very moment the plant cell walls are ruptured during mastication (chewing). After swallowing, digestion continues in the food enzyme section of the stomach (fundus) for one-half to one hour, or until the rising tide of acidity reaches a point where food enzyme-related digestion is inhibited. Then the stomach enzyme pepsin takes over. High levels of pepsin cause the food enzymes to become deactivated.
However, it should be pointed out that during this forty five minute or so that the food is in the upper part of the stomach, enzymes from raw food breaks down the carbohydrates, fats and protein. But if one eats cooked enzyme-free food, the food waits there for up to an hour, during which time minimal digestion occurs. The salivary enzyme works on the carbohydrate, but the protein and fat must wait. This is the appropriate time for digestive enzyme supplements. If supplemental plant enzymes are taken with a meal, these digestive enzymes begin immediate digestion of all nutrients. Plant enzymes will work on the protein, carbohydrate and fat during the hour or so that the food remains in the upper part of the stomach. The supplemental plant enzymes will break down the food, thus saving the stomach from having to release as many of its own enzymes. This desirable reaction results in a conservation of the enzyme potential and body energy. It allows the body to devote its attention to supplying more metabolic enzymes for use by the organs and tissues to carry on their daily function, repair damaged tissue, and bring about good health. |
