24. Enzyme deficiencies
If we don’t have the right digestive enzymes in the right quantities, we might develop a food intolerance. After we have chewed our food, digestive enzymes break down the larger food particles into smaller molecules. This process begins taking place in the mouth while we are chewing our food. It then continues in the stomach, where stomach acids and enzymes act upon the smaller pieces of food.
It continues in the small intestine, where tiny pieces of food pass through the gut lining and enter the bloodstream. The food we eat contains three macro-nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Milk contains all three. The enzyme lactase is not present in people who are lactose intolerant, so milk sugars (lactose) can’t be absorbed. This produces gas, cramping, diarrhea, constipation and bloating.
