Enzymes, Part III: Protease. Deficiency - To Blame For Constipation, Heartburn, Gas
Author: Alexander Bruni
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
What causes autointoxication? Bad mood can also be caused by an enzyme deficiency
A protease is any enzyme that performs proteolysis : the breakdown of proteins by breaking down the peptide bond between the amino acids that make them up. The breakdown of long protein molecules into their constituent amino acids is part of protein catabolism, which provides energy and reserve building material to the body. How do the levels of this digestive enzyme affect mood and immunity?
Proteases do not need to be obtained from food because they are synthesized by the human body. However, they may be insufficiently synthesized in some conditions, especially in diseases affecting the pancreas. In digestive problems, these enzymes can be obtained from almost any pharmacy, with the proteases trypsin and hemotrypsin derived from the pancreatic glands of animals, and bromelain and papain derived from the pineapple and papaya plants.
Extracorporeal proteases should only be taken with a doctor's recommendation when digestive problems are present. The most common protease deficiencies are: stomach discomfort, gas, constipation, heartburn and reduced absorption of nutrients from food. In more severe cases, the condition of autointoxication can develop - the ingested food remains undigested in the colon and begins to rot inside the body.
The process of putrefaction is associated with the release of small amounts of highly toxic gases, which are absorbed by the capillaries of the colon and can enter the circulatory system, spreading and causing damage throughout the body.
Constipation and autointoxication are not the only problems arising from a lack of proteolytic enzymes. By definition, they are responsible for breaking down proteins, which are converted into glucose for the body's energy when needed . But no matter how much protein you take in, if you can't break it down, your blood sugar levels drop quickly - hypoglycemia occurs. This can lead to fatigue , mood swings and severe irritability .
Proteases also have the ability to break down some bacteria and viruses that enter the body . Protease deficiency is more susceptible to bacterial, viral and fungal infections: a deficiency of the digestive enzyme affects not only the digestive but also the immune system.
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