ENZYME

An enzyme is a protein molecule that makes a chemical reaction go faster that it would otherwise. Digestive enzymes cause the breakdown of food into its smaller components so that they can be absorbed into the body.

MOUTH
STOMACH

Digestion begins in the mouth as food is chewed and mixed with saliva that contains digestive enzymes. The stomach acids continue the process by breaking down large proteins. When the food leaves the stomach it enters the small intestine where more breakdown occurs.

GALLBLADDER
PANCREAS

The gallbladder secretes Bile into the small intestine to help digest fatty foods. The pancreas produces enzymes to digest protein, fats and carbohydrates. If there is not enough of these enzymes you will be unable to completely digest your food.

INCOMPLETE DIGESTION CAUSES PROBLEMS

As we age the production of these enzymes may fall, making digestion more difficult. Some diseases, Multiple Sclerosis for example, are associated with decreased production of these enzymes. Another effect of aging can be a decrease in the intestine's ability to absorb the nutrients even if they are completely digested.