Digestive Enzyme Disorders and How to Overcome It

Disorders of digestive enzymes can cause the process of food processing and absorption of nutrients in the body also interrupted. To overcome this, sometimes additional digestive enzymes are needed from the outside. Food consumed by humans needs to be broken down into smaller substances so that it is more easily absorbed by the body. This is why digestive enzymes are needed. This enzyme helps digest important nutrients in food, such as protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Digestive enzymes are produced by the body, namely in the mouth, stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.

Kinds of Digestive Enzymes

There are several types of digestive enzymes with different functions, namely:
  • Lipase: breaks down fats into molecules of glycerol and fatty acids.
  • Protease and peptidase: break down proteins into smaller sized amino acid molecules.
  • Amylase: break down carbohydrates and starch into a simpler form, namely glucose.
  • Lactase: breaks down the type of sugar lactose found in milk.
  • Maltase: is produced in the small intestine and is responsible for destroying maltose (a sugar in wheat and grains).

Diseases That Cause Digestive Enzyme Disorders

The lack of digestive enzymes in the body can occur due to the following conditions:

  • Metabolic Disorders

    • Patients with metabolic diseases generally have abnormalities in genes that cause the body to lack digestive enzymes, so the digestive process and its metabolism do not run normally. This condition can cause a buildup of toxins and not absorb various nutrients that are important for the body, due to insufficient or absence of certain digestive enzymes.

  • Gaucher's Disease

    • This genetic disease, inherited from parents, is characterized by the body's inability to break down fat, resulting in a buildup of fat in the liver, spinal cord, and spleen. This disease can not be cured, but treatment can be given to help relieve symptoms and prevent further organ damage. The treatment can be in the form of enzyme replacement therapy, administration of medicines for osteoporosis, to surgery to repair damage in the body due to this disorder. If left untreated, this disease can cause complications in the form of bone damage, fertility problems, late puberty, or even death.

  • Chronic pancreatic disorders

    • This disease occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to break down and absorb food. As a result, nutrients such as fat, vitamins and minerals can not be absorbed by the body causing it
In addition to the above diseases, there are still other conditions that can cause digestive enzymes that are disrupted, namely inflammation of the pancreas, pancreatic cancer, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, and impaired recovery after pancreatic surgery.

Treatment for Digestive Enzyme Disorders

To help the digestive process in people who have digestive enzyme disorders, additional digestive enzyme drugs are available. This drug can be used when the pancreas cannot produce digestive enzymes properly. Additional digestive enzymes can be obtained by prescription from a doctor, or in the form of over-the-counter supplements. Side effects that can occur due to the use of drugs or supplements that replace digestive enzymes, namely:
  • Stomach ache or stomach feels uncomfortable
  • Nausea
  • Bloated
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn
  • Constipation
  • Allergy
To avoid side effects, patients are advised to consult a doctor before taking digestive enzyme supplements. Your doctor will do an examination to determine the cause of your complaint, and consider whether additional digestive enzymes are needed. Some things to consider in taking a digestive enzyme supplement are:
  • The drug in tablet form, should be swallowed with water and not diculum in the mouth because it can cause gum and mouth irritation.
  • Avoid taking drugs on an empty stomach, it is recommended to take an enzyme replacement drug after meals.
  • Do not inhale digestive enzymes in powder form, because they can cause irritation to the inner lining of the nose and trigger symptoms in asthmatics.
  • Avoid changing doses or stopping drug consumption without consulting a doctor first.
Make sure the digestive enzyme drug to be consumed has been registered with BPOM. Another important thing to remember, this drug cannot work optimally if it is not supported by a healthy diet and lifestyle.

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