Digestive enzymes facilitate our digestion. Incomplete digestion may be a contributing factor in the development of many ailments including flatulence, bloating, belching, food allergies, nausea, bad breath, bowel problems and stomach disorders.
Hydrochloric acid HCL
The role of hydrochloric acid (HCL) is to prohibit unfriendly bacteria from colonising and multiplying. Hydrochloric acid stimulates pancreatic secretion, activates pepsin and sterilizes the stomach from bacteria and parasites.
Here are a few early warning signs of protein deficiency:
- hair, skin, nail deficiency
- low blood pressure
- poor immune function (goes with iron deficiency)
- poor digestion
- poor muscle tone
- fluid retention
| ENZYME | ROLE OF SELECTED ENZYMES AND HCL IN THE BODY |
| AMYLASE (pancreas) | Breaks down carbohydrates Sucrose, Maltose. Found in saliva |
| PROTEASE (pancreas) | Breaks down protein into amino acids Responsible parasite control in the small intestine Intestinal worms Yeast overgrowth Bacteria |
| LIPASE (pancreas) | Breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol |
| PANCREATIN (pancreas) | Contains protease, amylase and lipase Functions in the intestine and in the blood |
| BROMELAIN (pineapple) | Extracted from pineapple plant Helps break down proteins |
| PAPAIN (papaya) | Extracted from papaya fruit Aids in protein digestion |
| LACTASE (milk) | Breaks down lactose found in milk products |
| PEPSIN (stomach lining) | An endopeptidase that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. Function depends on availability of HCL |
| HCL (stomach) | Hydrochloric acid stimulates pancreatic secretion Activates pepsin and sterilizes the stomach from bacteria and parasites |
Deficient secretion of HCL signs may include:
| Bloating | Food allergies |
| Belching | Chronic intestinal parasites |
| Flatulence | Abnormal flora |
| Nausea | Peeling and cracked fingernails |
| Indigestion | A sense of fullness immediately after meals |
| Constipation | Undigested food in stool |
| Diarrhoea | Anaemia Folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron will not be absorbed if there is low HCL |
