Did you know that amylase is a powerful enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars?
This incredible enzyme is secreted by our salivary glands and pancreas, helping kickstart the digestive process. And here's a fun fact: when you chew starchy foods like potatoes and rice, amylase actually makes them taste slightly sweet!
The History of Amylase
The story of amylase goes way back to the 19th century when scientists first began uncovering its fascinating properties. Fast forward to today, and we now understand just how important amylase is for our bodies.
During the Agricultural Revolution, humans started relying more on agriculture for food, which meant consuming more carbohydrates. That's where amylase comes in. The AMY1 gene is responsible for producing salivary amylase, and having more copies of this gene means more amylase production. Most people today rely heavily on starches for calories, which is why they may have up to six copies of the AMY1 gene.
Health Benefits of Amylase
What exactly can amylase do for you? It has numerous benefits beyond helping with digestion. Studies suggest that amylase supports the immune system, helps manage inflammatory conditions, and even supports healthy ageing.
But how does amylase work its magic? Well, it all starts in your mouth. As food mixes with saliva and you chew, amylase gets to work breaking down starches and carbohydrates into smaller molecules. This process continues as the food moves through your digestive system, with pancreatic amylase taking over in the small intestine.
Unfortunately, as we age or follow low-carb diets, our amylase production can decrease. That's where supplements come in. If you experience constipation, gas, stomach upset, or even skin rashes and mood swings, you may benefit from amylase supplements.
Boost Your Immune System
Did you know that amylase may have the potential to support normal immune responses in the body? Recent research suggests that these enzymes could help slow down the harmful effects of antigens and antibodies that can damage tissues and trigger autoimmune diseases. Scientists are even exploring the idea that amylase may have a role in boosting the immune system's ability to regulate itself and prevent these strong immune reactions. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Say Goodbye to Swelling and Redness
Enzymes like amylase are currently being studied by European research groups and they have found that amylase can effectively minimise swelling. In fact, some European countries already utilise these oral enzymes to combat inflammation.
Fascinatingly, placebo-controlled studies have shown that patients with rheumatic conditions who took enzymes experienced noticeable reductions in swelling. This suggests that enzyme preparations may offer comparable benefits to strong medications but with significantly fewer harmful side effects. [5, 6, 7, 8]
A Promising Approach to Inhibiting Tumour Cell Growth
Enzyme therapy is making waves in Switzerland as a supportive treatment for inhibiting the growth of tumour cells. This groundbreaking research shows promising results: "Enzyme therapy can reduce the adverse effects caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. There is also evidence that, in some types of tumours, survival may be prolonged. The beneficial effect of systemic enzyme therapy seems to be based on its potential to reduce redness." [9, 10]
Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Research now suggests that low levels of amylase in the body could contribute to metabolic health issues. Recent studies have revealed a fascinating connection between amylase and blood sugar: when blood sugar levels are high, amylase levels tend to be low. These findings suggest that a decrease in amylase production may be linked to a compromised pancreas.
While there is currently no direct evidence linking amylase supplementation to improved metabolic conditions, research does suggest that taking amylase supplements, especially as we age, could potentially have positive effects on blood sugar levels. [12]
Where Can I Find the Best Source of Amylase?
Amylase is a vital enzyme that plays a crucial role in our digestive system. It helps our bodies efficiently break down starches and carbohydrates, supports our immune system, and promotes overall health.
Give your body a boost with JUVIA - our unique ingredient ERME is 100% natural and contains 15+ enzymes, including amylase, that support many biochemical processes in your body.
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- Stauder G, Ransberger K, Streichhan P, Van Schaik W, Pollinger W. "The use of hydrolytic enzymes as adjuvant therapy in AIDS/ARC/LAS patients." Biomed Pharmacother. 1988;42(1),31-4.
- Stauder G. "Pharmacological effects of oral enzyme combinations." Cas Lek Cesk. 1995;134(19),620-4.
- Nouza K. "Systemic enzyme therapy in diseases of the vascular system." Bratisl Lek Listy. 1995;96(10),566-9. Czech.
- Heyll U, et al. "[Proteolytic enzymes as an alternative in comparison with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) in the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory rheumatic disease: systematic review]." Med Klin (Munich). 2003;98(11),609-15. Review. German.
- Klein G, et al. "Efficacy and tolerance of an oral enzyme combination in painful osteoarthritis of the hip. A double-blind, randomised study comparing oral enzymes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs." Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2006;24(1),25-30.
- Akhtar NM, et al. "Oral enzyme combination versus diclofenac in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee--a double-blind prospective randomized study." Clin Rheumatol. 2004;23(5),410-5.
- "Oral enzyme therapy in osteoarthritis of the knee." Proteolytic enzyme are effective with few risks. MMW Fortschr Med. 2001 Jun 7;143(23):44-6. German.
- Leipner J, et al. Therapy with proteolytic enzymes in rheumatic disorders." BioDrugs. 2001;15(12):779-89. Review.
- Novak JF, Trnka F. "Proenzyme therapy of cancer ." 2005 Mar-Apr;25(2A):1157-77. Erratum in: Anticancer Res. 2005 May-Jun;25(3c):2599.
- Leipner J, Saller R. "Systemic enzyme therapy in oncology: effect and mode of action. Drugs. 2000 Apr;59(4):769-80. Review.
- Yadav R, et al. The evaluation of serum amylase in the patients of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a possible correlation with the pancreatic functions. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013 Jul;7(7):1291–1294.