Our Digestive Systems
Our digestive system is more complex than you may believe, and it can be easily harmed. The digestive system includes the mouth, pharynx (throat), oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. It also includes other areas like the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas which all produce the enzymes that help your body to digest food and liquids.
3 Important Enzymes
An enzyme is a protein within a cell, that creates a chemical reaction inside of your body. There are three main groups of digestive enzymes.
- Amylase – is produced in the salivary glands, pancreas, and small intestine. They break down carbohydrates and starches into sugars.
- Protease – is produced in the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. They break down proteins into amino acids.
- Lipase – is produced in the pancreas and small intestine. They break down lipids (fats and oils), into glycerol and fatty acids.
Damage To Your Digestive System
Although there are many ways in which you may harm your digestive system. Eating may be your biggest cause of digestive issues:
- Eating close to bedtime.
- Eating too much.
- Eating too little fibre.
- Eating too quickly.
Here is a great article if you’re interested in more - https://www.healthline.com/health/why-are-enzymes-important
