Proteolytic Enzymes and Their Function

Proteolytic enzyme supplements are becoming all the rage right now because of their tremendous benefits. If you are curious about what proteolytic enzymes are, what do proteolytic enzymes do, and their use, here are some of the things you should know.

What are Proteolytic Enzymes?

Enzymes drive many essential processes in the human body. They take part in reactions that break down or synthesize different substances and are very important for your body to thrive and survive.

One of these special enzymes is the proteolytic enzyme group. These specific enzymes help break down and digest different proteins. These enzymes are also referred to as proteases, proteinases, and peptidases.

Naturally, they are produced in the stomach and the pancreas, but they can also be found in certain foods and many dietary supplements. Recently, proteolytic enzymes have grown in popularity because of the various health benefits they can provide.

Though most know of these enzymes as protein digesters, they have many other important critical jobs in the body. They have a significant role in blood clotting, immune function, cell division, and protein recycling.

Not only animal-based, but plant-derived proteolytic enzymes can provide many benefits to humans. Most of the proteolytic enzyme supplements present in the market today are sourced from both plants and animals.

What Do Proteolytic Enzymes Do?

The list of significant health benefits of these proteolytic enzymes is quite long, but these are a few that are quite prominent.

1. Reduction in Inflammation

Previous studies have shown that these proteolytic enzymes are effective in reducing inflammation and other diseases that might arise due to inflammation such as osteoarthritis.

Animal studies have shown that enzymes such as trypsin, serratiopeptidase, and chymotrypsin can actually reduce inflammation more effectively than aspirin. In a review of literature, it was found that the enzyme bromelain is effective at reducing symptoms of arthritis-like swelling, pain, and joint stiffness.

Bromelain and trypsin are proteolytic enzymes, and osteoarthritis symptoms can be alleviated by both of these enzymes. In fact, osteoarthritis-related pain can be reduced greatly by using these enzymes rather than traditional anti-inflammatory drugs.

Bromelain specifically can also help relieve symptoms of sinusitis, in which nasal passages of a person can become inflamed.

2. Improvement in Digestion

One of the best functions of these proteolytic enzymes is how they can help in the digestion and absorption of protein in the body. NOTE: Be sure to take them according to directions since proteolytic enzymes are to be taken on an empty stomach; best before bed.

In many diseases such as cystic fibrosis, pancreatic insufficiency, and many types of cancers (pancreatic, colorectal, gastric), pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is often used as adjunct therapy.

These proteolytic enzymes can also help people who lack them and thus have difficulty in the breakdown of protein in their body. You can get these enzymes from both food and supplements but it is difficult to incorporate them as effectively as food.

Foods like milk, cheese, fish, eggs, and meats can be better digested if they are taken with kiwifruit extract that contains these enzymes.

People who might suffer from indigestion may also benefit from taking supplements containing proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes have been shown to relieve heartburn, abdominal pain, bloating, belching, and loss of appetite.

3. Better Tissue Repair and Recovery

Proteolytic enzymes can also help in wound healing. These enzymes in several studies demonstrated properties such as wound healing and the acceleration of new tissue growth. Other studies have shown them to reduce the recovery periods after surgery.

In a study in which people underwent dental surgery, it was found that taking a proteolytic enzyme supplement can reduce swelling and pain severity. Bromelain can also reduce swelling and bruising that may occur post-cosmetic surgery.

4. Relief for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Disease

Data shows that proteolytic enzymes may also help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. These may include gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation.

Others have reported that bromelain can help reduce inflammation associated with IBS along with that of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

5. Cancer-Fighting Properties

According to documented studies in test-tube and animals, these enzymes have shown some anti-cancer properties. It is well understood by now that inflammation can be a precursor to cancer in many cases. So, it is possible that these enzymes may help in some ways.

Studies done with proteolytic enzymes and colon cancer:
Study 1 | Study 2

6. Help With Muscle Soreness

People who work out or have physically demanding occupations often complain about muscle soreness. Many believe that proteolytic enzymes can reduce muscle soreness and can help the muscle recover faster.

Studies have shown that people using supplements containing these enzymes can reduce tenderness, pain, and soreness after a workout.

Which Foods Have Proteolytic Enzymes?

With so many benefits, it is natural to ask where to get these enzymes and what foods have proteolytic enzymes. The answer is that pineapple and papaya are the best sources of these enzymes.

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that has been historically used for many ailments in Central and South America. On the other hand, papayas have a proteolytic enzyme called papain, which is also used as a meat tenderizer. You can get an abundance of these enzymes by consuming these foods in raw form.

Other foods that have these and other proteolytic enzymes include ginger, kimchi, kefir, yogurt, asparagus, sauerkraut, and kiwifruit.

Proteolytic Enzyme Supplements

If you are looking for a faster way to get enzymes into your system, there are many supplements available on the market which contain these special enzymes in concentrated forms.

The best proteolytic enzyme available is called SerraZyme – the miracle enzyme and a combination of SerraZyme and other helpful ingredients in a supplement called SerraZyme Ultra including bromelain and papain.

Serrapeptase added to a combination of many essential enzymes makes SerraZyme Ultra the number one choice; covering all angles. For an extra pow consider Digestion Specialist for use during meals, as well.

While selecting the best proteolytic enzyme supplements for yourself, look for names such as trypsin, bromelain, papain, pancreatin, and chymotrypsin. Their efficacy remains the same both in the case of animal or plant-derived enzymes.

More reading: How miracle enzyme serrapeptase works.

Proteolytic Enzymes Side Effects

Proteolytic enzyme side effects are few, with nothing serious to concern the consumer. For most people, they do not cause any side effects; however, some people can suffer from issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if they consume these enzymes in large quantities.

Some people might also experience an allergic reaction. In some cases, it has been seen that people who consumed pineapple with bromelain in it developed a skin rash.

Bromelain and papain can also interfere with drugs such as warfarin that are used to thin the blood. In some cases, it has been found that bromelain can increase blood serum concentrations of antibiotics.

More reading: Proteolytic Enzyme and the Benefits