Are Digestive Enzymes Important? Can I Become Addicted To Them?
Since the global market for digestive enzyme supplements is on track to hit $1 billion by 2025, it means enzymes are all the new rage! You might be wondering, “How do enzymes work?” Or “What can enzymes do for me?” Given your possible problems with gas, bloating, or diarrhea, you might be thinking about taking enzymes every day. You may have a friend who suggested that you only take them in spurts, so that your body can adapt and rebuild itself, without becoming dependent.Â
You may have heard about beets, cinnamon, fenugreek tea, celery, and other fresh ideas that could help you improve your digestive tract. You might not know that your digestive tract (also called your gastrointestinal tract) is the pathway through which food enters and solid waste expels.Â
What Is An Enzyme?Â
To answer this question, we’ll first want to ask, “what is a chemical reaction?” A chemical reaction is a process that converts substances (reagents, reactants, and substrates) to other types of substances (the products of chemical reactions) through processes of interaction and engagement.Â
Now, let’s get back to enzymes. In general, our bodies form enzymes by stringing together 100 to 1000 amino acids. These chains are proteins that are born from and live within living cells.
How Do Enzymes Work?
As complex living-beings, we need biochemical reactions to keep our systems functional, clean, infused with energy, and in movement. For each specific chemical reaction within our bodies, we require energy to activate it.
Enzymes help initiate repeated, identical, chemical reactions by making it easier for chemical reactions to occur. They reduce the amount of energy required for each reaction, and thereby kickstart them.Â
Because all change requires work, enzymes are the power-plants for activated changes within our bodies. They increase the rate at which specific chemical reactions occur, without deteriorating, and without being consumed, or permanently altered.
Big Facts About Enzymes And Enzyme Activity
Enzymes help cells communicate with each other. They keep your cells healthy, happy, and whole. They can also assist in life-or-death situations. Without enzymes, our body might not process food very well. Also, the necessary biochemical reactions within your body might be occurring too slowly to keep you healthy and alive. enzymes help with all this.
What Is Amylase? Where is Amylase Produced?
The pancreas and salivary glands make Amylase, the enzymes that act as catalysts (accelerator of reactions), which break-down (hydrolyze) starch. Hydrolyzing refers to the process of adding water molecules to produce reactions. This fractures and fragments the starch into smaller carbohydrate molecules.Â
Other enzymes are activated to turn disaccharides and trisaccharides into glucose. Glucose gives our bodies energy. Plants and some bacteria also produce Amylase.
Where Is Lipase Produced?
Small amounts of Lipase are created in the stomach and digestive tract, mostly by the pancreas. Your “gastric Lipase” digests the butter-fat in your food.
Where Is Protease Produced?
Our bodies produce Proteases (proteolytic enzymes or proteinases) in the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine. The function of these enzymes is to hydrolyze (break-down) peptide bonds of proteins, or linear chains of proteins, part of the process of digestion.
Enzymes: The Power-Players Behind Digestion!
Digestive enzymes have specific tasks and targets. Lipase distills fatty acids from fats and oils. Proteases break-down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. Amylases split carbohydrates (starch and sugars) into shorter chains and simple sugars, such as glucose.Â
This system allows our bodies to digest (process) food and convert the necessary elements into energy. Digestion is a core function that creates healthy environments that can support and sustain life.
Are Enzymes Good For Everybody?
The short answer is YES, although our digestive problems are not always a result of enzyme deficiency. Due to a variety of reasons, our bodies can lose their abilities to absorb the nutrients we need. We’ve all had this experience.Â
Here are some of the things we might experience during enzyme deficiency, and when our bodies are not functioning correctly:
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Belching
- Sluggish elimination
- Gas
- Bloating
- Leaky gut
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Acid reflux
- Difficulty chewing food
- Mucus in the stool
- Undigested food in stool
These types of reactions are how our bodies respond to internal imbalances. While we might research methodologies that could bring our bodies back into balance, we might not know the implications of these methods.Â
Given all the thousands of new-age botanicals and supplements available to us today, it can be difficult to separate reality from marketing fiction. Be careful when taking supplements, including digestive enzymes. Consult a certified nutritionist, Ayurvedic health counselor, or a doctor, before flooding your system with new herbs and pills.
Ways To Naturally Assist Digestion
While taking enzymes can be helpful for periods, there are many ways to improve our digestive tracts and produce enzymes naturally. Before diving head-first into a heavy regiment of enzymes, try a few of these suggestions:
- Beets (bio-movers)
- Apples
- Celery
- Artichokes
- Fenugreek tea
- Cinnamon (a little sprinkle goes a long way as a decongestant)Â
- Pineapple, Papaya, Mango, Kiwifruit
- Miso, Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Kefir
- Ginger
- Honey
- Leafy Greens (2/3 of every meal, chewed not juiced)
- 1-2 tsp of Olive Oil and 1-2 tsp of Lemon Juice before bed or upon waking
- Drink water 15 minutes before your meal
- Relax when you eat
- Relax after you eat
- Soak and lubricate your gut in herbal oils
- Detox your liver
How Do We Know When We Need Digestive Enzymes As Supplements?
As we age, some doctors will tell us to take digestive enzymes regularly. This routine isn’t always the best option. In many cases, we can stimulate our bodies to function like they did when we were 25 years old, and without getting into an endless, regular consumption of supplements and enzymes. Cooked food, however, destroys natural enzymes, so it is good to take enzymes then.Â
When we become dependent on enzymes, we might be telling our bodies that they’re broken, and they might believe us! If we’re too aggressive with our bodies and regiments, we could also add unnecessary pressure to the liver. This is not only unhealthy; it’s insane. In most cases, our bodies are not broken. They just need a little encouragement.Â
Encouragement becomes ineffective when we hammer somebody with our projections of truth. Assistance works best when we give someone a few suggestions and allow the person to take it from there.Â
Our bodies work the same way. A little encouragement can produce miraculous results. If you’re taking digestive enzymes to help you with some of the challenges listed in this article, consider only taking them for short periods.
You might also consider the idea that you may already have given your system what it needs to return itself to its former glory. Your body might already be on the mend.Â
While some extreme situations require a continuous regiment of enzymes, these cases are rare. As with all remedies and regiments, be careful not to flood your system to the point of conflict or collapse.Â
Always be gentle and careful with your body. It’s more sensitive, conscious, and intelligent than you might think. Your body is always in a state of restoration and readily available for reparative growth.
About the Author
Tapping Or EFT: What It Is And How It Can Help You Emotionally
Tapping, also known as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), is a therapeutic tool that seeks to release emotional blocks through the stimulation of energy points on the body. This technique combines elements of psychology and acupressure to address stress, anxiety, pain, and other difficult emotions. In this article, we explore what tapping is, how it works, and how it can help you regain your emotional well-being.
Table of Contents
- What Is Tapping And How Does It Work On Your Emotions?
- How Does Tapping Work On The Body And Mind?
- Benefits Of Tapping: What This Tool Is Good For
- How To Practice A Tapping Round Step By Step
- What Does Science Say About Tapping?
- What Is The Origin Of Tapping And Who Developed It?
- How To Begin Incorporating Tapping Into Your Daily Life
What Is Tapping And How Does It Work On Your Emotions?
Tapping is an emotional self-regulation technique that consists of gently tapping with the fingers on certain points of the body linked to the meridians of traditional Chinese medicine. While stimulating these points, phrases are spoken aloud that acknowledge the emotional issue being addressed. This combination allows the release of energetic blocks associated with memories, thoughts, or sensations that cause distress.
On an emotional level, tapping helps to process difficult experiences without repressing them or becoming trapped in them. By validating what we feel while simultaneously activating specific points on the body, a sense of relief and inner safety is created. That’s why it is considered an effective tool for calming states of anxiety, stress, fear, guilt, or sadness.
How Does Tapping Work On The Body And Mind?
From a physiological perspective, tapping reduces the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight-or-flight response to stress. By stimulating certain acupuncture points, calming signals are sent to the brain, which can lower cortisol levels and promote a state of relaxation. This allows the body to feel safer, even when facing difficult emotions or memories.
On a mental level, tapping supports the reorganization of beliefs associated with negative emotions. By repeating conscious phrases during the process, patterns of thought that often operate automatically are reprogrammed. The result is a deeper connection with what we feel, accompanied by an internal sense of relief, stability, and perspective.
Benefits Of Tapping: What This Tool Is Good For
Tapping is a versatile technique that can be used to relieve emotional, physical, and energetic discomfort. By focusing on the connection between body and emotion, it allows the release of internal blocks and the restoration of balance.
- Stress reduction: Helps calm the nervous system and relieve accumulated tension. It’s useful during times of emotional or mental overload.
- Anxiety management: Allows the identification of thoughts that fuel anxiety and the release of the associated emotional burden. Improves the sense of internal control.
- Fear processing: Facilitates facing fears and phobias with greater stability. Reduces automatic reactions to stimuli that previously triggered alarm.
- Releasing repressed emotions: Offers a safe space to recognize and express what we feel. Encourages emotional flow without judgment.
- Improving insomnia: By reducing anxiety and mental noise, it supports deeper rest. It can also be used before bed as a relaxing routine.
- Support in physical pain: Relieves bodily tension related to unexpressed emotions. Complements physical treatments from a holistic perspective.
- Support during personal processes: It’s helpful during times of change, grief, or personal growth. Aids in integrating emotions and finding inner clarity.
How To Practice A Tapping Round Step By Step
Practicing a round of tapping is simple and does not require external tools. All you need is a quiet space, your hands, and the willingness to connect with what you’re feeling. Below we share the essential steps to perform a tapping round:
- Identify and name what you’re feeling: The first step is to connect with a specific emotion, recurring thought, or physical discomfort you want to address. The more specific the identification, the more effective the practice.
- Formulate a setup phrase: This phrase should include the problem you’re feeling and a statement of acceptance. An example could be: “Even though I feel afraid of change, I deeply and completely accept myself.” Repeat this phrase while stimulating the first point.
- Stimulate the karate point: With the fingers of one hand, gently tap the outer edge of the other hand (known as the karate point). While doing this, repeat the setup phrase out loud or mentally about three times.
- Tap through the body points: Then proceed with the traditional tapping sequence: eyebrow, side of the eye, under the eye, under the nose, chin, collarbone, and under the arm. At each point, apply light taps while naming what you’re feeling or repeating phrases related to the issue being worked on.
- Observe and close: At the end of the round, take a deep breath and assess whether the intensity of the emotion has changed. You can repeat the process if needed or close with a positive phrase that affirms the new emotional state, such as: “Now I feel calmer and more at peace.”
What Does Science Say About Tapping?
In recent years, tapping has attracted the interest of the scientific community, especially in the fields of clinical psychology and mind-body medicine. Various studies have indicated that the practice of EFT can significantly reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and improve symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and emotional trauma.
Although it is still considered a complementary therapy, institutions such as the APA (American Psychological Association) have begun to recognize its therapeutic potential, particularly when it is integrated with other approaches. Research continues to expand, but early results suggest that tapping is not only safe, but also effective in promoting emotional well-being and reducing nervous system activation.
What Is The Origin Of Tapping And Who Developed It?
Tapping was developed in the 1990s by Gary Craig, an American engineer with training in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). Craig was inspired by the work of psychologist Roger Callahan, who had created a technique called TFT (Thought Field Therapy) that combined acupressure and verbal therapy. By simplifying that method, Craig designed what we now know as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique).
The foundation of tapping is found in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly in the stimulation of the body’s energy meridians. Craig proposed that by applying gentle tapping on specific points while working on a concrete emotion, it is possible to unblock stagnant energy and restore internal balance.
Since its creation, tapping has spread widely as an emotional self-regulation technique that is accessible, practical, and adaptable to different contexts. Its popularity grew due to its ease of use and the testimonials of people who report significant relief with just a few minutes of daily practice.
How To Begin Incorporating Tapping Into Your Daily Life
Including tapping in your daily routine can be as simple as taking a few minutes a day to connect with yourself. Upon waking, a brief tapping round can help you set a clear intention and release any tension that arises with the first thoughts of the day. It’s also a useful tool for recognizing how you feel before starting your activities.
During the day, you can turn to tapping in specific moments of discomfort or emotional blockage. If you’re going through a stressful situation, a short pause to apply the technique can help release emotional charge and return to center. Emotions don’t need to be intense—even subtle states like worry or irritation can be addressed effectively.
At night, tapping can help you close the day with greater calm. It’s a good time to review how you felt, give thanks for what you experienced, and let go of what you don’t need to carry into rest. The more natural this space of emotional connection becomes, the easier it will be to return to it whenever you need it.
