Proteolytic enzymes are a specific class of enzymes that play an important role in digestion and in other bodily processes as well. Following is a look at the importance of these unique enzymes, and summaries of the benefits you could gain from supplementing with natural proteolytic enzymes.
What Are Proteolytic Enzymes?
Proteolytic enzymes, also called proteases, are enzymes produced within the human body and are also found in specific plant foods. Humans are dependent on proteolytic enzymes (among many other nutritional substances) for the sustenance of life. Pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin are the three main proteases utilized by the body, and these are produced by the stomach and pancreas. These help break down proteins in foods into amino acids so that they can be useful to cells.
There are other beneficial proteolytic enzymes as well, including bromelain, papain, and pancreatin. These are primarily sourced not from within the body but from outside sources. They occur naturally in fruits such as pineapple, kiwi, and papaya. However, these are not a staple in the diet of many people, and therein lies the value of a supplement containing concentrated amounts of various proteolytic enzymes.
Benefits of Proteolytic Enzymes
It is common knowledge that plant-based foods tend to be healthy. The proteolytic enzymes derived from pineapple and other fruits have their own unique benefits to the human body. Here is a look at three of the most powerful benefits you could get from taking a proteolytic enzyme supplement containing bromelain, papain, and/or pancreatin.
Supporting digestion is the foremost benefit of a proteolytic enzyme supplement. As mentioned previously, their primary benefit is bolstering the digestion and absorption of proteins. A person who experiences the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, or anyone with a deficiency in proteolytic enzymes, is especially likely to benefit from taking proteolytic enzymes. This supplement is also helpful for those recovering from gastric or pancreatic surgery, or from certain types of medical treatments. Studies show that a proteolytic enzyme supplement can reduce bloating, abdominal pain, and heartburn.
Pain relief: A 2023 meta-analysis of 39 studies produced a confirmatory conclusion about the effective use of bromelain (the main protease in many proteolytic enzyme supplements) for pain relief, when compared to that of a control factor. This is a benefit that could apply to multiple types of pain. Other research shows that the proteases trypsin and chymotrypsin can reduce post-operative dental pain by reducing inflammation. Based on these studies, a supplement containing these and other proteases could help to generally reduce pain.
Reducing inflammation: Proteolytic enzymes provide the sweeping benefit of reducing inflammation, which could improve the quality of life in those experiencing particular diseases. Multiple studies show that proteolytic enzymes can reduce osteoarthritis inflammation and thwart the pain it causes. They could also reduce sinusitis inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effect of these enzymes is comparable to that of aspirin.
Proteolytic enzymes are natural and beneficial enzymes that aid protein digestion, reduce pain, and reduce inflammation and associated symptoms. Consider how a proteolytic enzyme supplement could benefit you. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for the first time.