There are lots of digestive enzymes to choose from. I take some at each meal that have several enzymes plus HCl (hydrochloric acid) which helps specifically with protein digestion. Many of us don’t have enough acid in our stomachs especially as we age. 

However, many are not aware of proteolytic enzymes which are my focus today. The nutraceutical company I use has been making a proteolytic enzyme product for 50 years. It’s a broad-spectrum proteolytic enzyme formulation built to support the body’s protein metabolism pathways. 

Examples of proteolytic enzymes include fungal proteases; bacterial proteases such as serrrapeptase and nattokinase; plant proteases such as bromelain (pineapple) and papain (papaya); and proteases from hog stomach (pepsin) and pancreas (trypsin and chymotrypsin). Proteolytic enzymes influence a wide range of physiological and biochemical processes, which makes this type of formula a versatile option for those looking to support recovery from everyday overexertion, support healthy digestion, support immune, hormones and circulatory function.

The interesting thing about proteolytic enzymes is that taken with food, they help with the digestive process but on an empty stomach, taking proteolytic enzymes (like bromelain, papain, or serrapeptase) allows them to pass through the digestive tract and enter the bloodstream. Instead of breaking down food, they work systemically to help reduce inflammation, ease sore muscles, and break down cellular debris. Cellular debris is the organic waste and leftover fragments that remain when a cell dies, breaks apart, or ruptures. 

This waste includes pieces of the cell membrane, broken-down organelles, and loose molecules. When you hear about pancreatic enzymes, they are typically made up of protease, amylase and lipase. Protease catalyzes the hydrolysis of proteins into smaller peptides and ultimately into individual amino acids, which can then be absorbed through the intestinal lining. Amylase facilitates the breakdown of complex carbohydrates such as starch into simpler sugars like maltose and glucose, aiding in rapid energy availability. Lipase breaks down dietary fats (triglycerides) into free fatty acids and glycerol, which are essential for numerous metabolic and structural functions within the body. Pancreatin is a biochemical compound composed of multiple digestive enzymes that are naturally secreted by the exocrine cells of the pancreas. These enzymes play a pivotal role in the breakdown of macronutrients within the gastrointestinal tract, thereby supporting efficient nutrient absorption and overall digestive health.  Commercially, pancreatin is mostly derived from the pancreatic tissue of pigs, though in some cases it may be sourced from cattle/bovine. The extracted material is carefully processed and standardized to ensure consistent enzymatic activity across batches.  Together, these enzymes work synergistically to promote the complete digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, ensuring optimal nutrient absorption in the small intestine. Pancreatin is widely used in clinical settings to manage conditions involving exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, such as chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and post-pancreatic surgery recovery. So, you might want to speak with a holistic practitioner like a naturopath to find out what enzymes would be best for you. Consider eating some foods like pineapple and papaya to help a little.  Please visit my website for more information - www.co-creativehealthsolutions.com.