As more attention and focus are being put on the importance of gut health and digestion to overall health, supplement manufacturers are looking to create products from compounds that fill this need. This
Why Amylase is a Key Factor in Gut
Health Supplements
This is what amylase looks like at an atomic level. Amylase is one of three major enzymes (along with protease and lipase) responsible for digesting food and extracting nutrients from the body. Amylase breaks down and processes carbohydrates into simple sugars.
Lipase breaks down fats, and protease metabolizes protein. Clearly, if any one of these enzymes is lacking, digestion, metabolism, and nutrition will be impaired. Amylase breaks starch down into isomaltose and maltose, two sugar units, as well as other key enzymes.
Foods high in starch like bread, corn, and grains, require optimal amylase levels for digestion and metabolism. Without it, the potential fuel from these foods goes to waste.
Dangers of Amylase Deficiency
Amylase deficiency can lead to inefficiencies in the chemical reactions involved in processing carbohydrates. Larger molecules cannot be effectively broken down, and blood sugar balance suffers. Amylase is interesting in that it is produced by both the pancreas and the saliva. Saliva amylase is known as ptyalin, and it starts the digestion process before the food even reaches the stomach. Pancreatic amylase is activated when partially digested food reaches the small intestine and pH is around neutral. Starches are broken down to disaccharides, trisaccharides, and glucose for energy. An amylase deficiency arrests and hinders all of these processes, making the digestive process far less efficient .
Supplement manufacturers can promote the numerous digestive benefits of amylase to adults of all ages. With age not restricting who is prone to gut health problems that
8 Reasons Amylase Belongs in Your Gut Health Supplement
Fortunately, amylase deficiency can be addressed and remedied with amylase supplementation. Supplement manufacturers offering amylase are providing a valuable health service to those who require it. This an overview of the reasons adding amylase to your gut health supplement is a must!
1. Improved Digestion
This first reason is quite obvious. Better digestion is one of the primary amylase supplement benefits. Since amylase is so crucial to carbohydrate metabolism in both the early and later stages of digestion, getting enough amylase is key to optimizing this process. With more effective digestion, nutrition and the body’s metabolism are optimized.
2. Increased Energy Levels
With better metabolism and nutrition, the body naturally functions more efficiently. This boosts energy levels. Blood glucose is the primary sugar molecule used in energy creation and usage. While glucose levels that are too high are problematic (diabetes), sufficient levels are key to staying alert and energized throughout the day.
3. Reduced Autoimmune Responses
Research related to autoimmune diseases and digestive enzymes show that these enzymes slow down antigen aggregation, which is what triggers the immune response. This, in turn, causes tissue damage through heightened antibody conglomeration. Enzymes like amylase can help to slow down these processes, reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases like arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease,
Crohn
’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
4. Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation is a top symptom of autoimmune diseases. European researchers have found that taking enzymes like amylase can reduce the swelling and inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases. In many cases, doing so was just as effective as taking a prescription drug – and without side effects.
5. Reduces Diabetes Risk
Studies have shown a correlation between amylase deficiency and a higher risk of diabetes, high blood
6. Anti-Cancer Protection and Treatment
Just about everyone is looking for supplements that can help them avoid cancer. Research in Switzerland has found support for perhaps one of the most impressive and valuable amylase supplement benefits: protection against cancer. Pancreatic enzymes are known to have strong anticancer effects. Studies have shown amylase can inhibit tumor cell growth and protect against
7. Anti-Aging Effects
It is believed that amylase production decreases as we age. Because of this, amylase supplement benefits may include anti-aging benefits both in terms of biological age and overall appearance. This can provide yet another fertile marketing opportunity for supplement manufacturers.
8. Offsetting the Effects of Stress
Stress is considered one of the biggest factors in poor health. Amylase deficiency has been associated with elevated stress levels. Monitoring amylase levels along with cortisol in the saliva can assist with tracking stress levels in the body and knowing when an amylase supplement is required.
While amylase can be detected in the saliva, it more accurately measured by testing the urine or blood. An amylase deficiency can also be diagnosed by looking for the signs and symptoms of amylase deficiency as described earlier in this article. If an amylase deficiency is detected, it should be addressed immediately.
Natural sources of amylase include fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, sprouted seeds and whole grains. However, amylase supplement benefits include convenience and the ability to increase one’s levels in a direct and consistent manner. As a supplement manufacturer, you are in a position to provide this valuable product to customers requiring digestive support
If you’re not offering digestive enzymes like amylase in your suite of vitamin and supplement products, you aren’t providing all of these amylase supplement benefits to your customers. Optimal gut health, microbiome
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