To carry out its role in the digestive process, the stomach produces various enzymes. Enzymes in the stomach function to break down substances in food, so food can be digested and absorbed properly by the intestine.
Actually, digestive enzymes are not only found in the stomach, but also in other digestive organs, such as the mouth, pancreas, and small intestine. Each of these organs produces different enzymes to help expedite the process of digestion of food.
Enzyme Function in Stomach
Basically, digestive enzymes function to break down nutrients in food into smaller so that it is easily absorbed by the body. There are several types of enzymes that play an important role in the process of digestion of food, namely the enzymes lipase, amylase, as well as protease and peptidase.
In addition, the stomach also produces several enzymes that play an important role in the digestive process, namely:
1. Pepsin
Pepsin is a gastrointestinal digestive enzyme which is an active form of pepsinogen. The pepsin enzyme breaks down proteins in food into smaller particles, such as peptides and amino acids, which are readily absorbed by the body.
2. Hydrochloric acid (HCI)
The main function of hydrochloric acid is to break down proteins in food and fight viruses or bacteria that enter together with food. Not only that, hydrochloric acid also functions to convert pepsinogen into pepsin.
3. Mucin
Mucin enzymes are produced from mucous cells or membranes on the surface in the stomach. This enzyme acts to protect the stomach wall from gastric acid exposure.
4. Gastrin
Gastrin is an important hormone produced by G cells in the stomach. G cells release gastrin in response to gastric stretching that occurs after food has entered. It aims to stimulate stomach acid production and help the movement of the stomach when digesting food.
How to Maintain the Production of Enzymes in the Stomach
Under certain conditions, the production of gastric enzymes can decrease so that it is not enough to help the digestive process. So that this does not happen, you need to maintain gastric health by:
1. Adjust your diet
Dense activity often makes you late to eat. In fact, one of the causes of high stomach acid is irregular eating patterns. Therefore, it is important for you to pay attention to your daily diet.
In addition to eating regularly, you are also advised to reduce consumption of spicy, sour, and fatty foods, because it can cause stomach acid to rise.
2. Enough fiber intake
Fiber can facilitate digestion, but is also good for gastric health. So, make sure you get enough fiber intake in food, both soluble and insoluble fiber. Foods that are a source of fiber include whole grains, vegetables, beans, and fruits.
3. Increase the consumption of water
Not only to prevent dehydration, consuming water is also good for maintaining gastric health. Therefore, enough body fluid intake by consuming water at least 8 glasses a day.
4. Stop smoking and avoid consumption of alcoholic drinks
To maintain gastric health, you should not smoke and don't consume alcohol often. Both of these habits can hurt the stomach wall. In addition, you are also advised to limit consumption of caffeine, because it can increase stomach acid production.
Lack of production of enzymes in the stomach can cause various digestive disorders, and the causes can vary. Therefore, check with your doctor if you experience problems with digestion, so that it can be given the right treatment, including administration of enzyme supplements.
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