These bacteria ferment the leftovers, producing hydrogen and carbon dioxide gas as byproducts. Excess gas is the main cause of the discomfort we feel after eating these foods. One enzyme that can stop this process is alpha galactosidase.
The extent to which we can break down starchy, hard-to-digest foods largely depends on the amount of alpha-galactosidase in our bodies. The human body produces these enzymes in the mouth through saliva and in the pancreas, from where it moves into the small intestine and the rest of the digestive tract. As we age, the body produces less of this enzyme.
If we do not produce enough of this enzyme due to age, genetics, or other reasons, we are more likely to have undigested or partially digested food particles in our digestive tracts. This can stimulate bacterial growth, lead to indigestion, cause abdominal cramps, create gas, and foster an environment conducive to the overgrowth of Candida and yeast infections.
What Does Alpha Galactosidase Do?
Alpha Galactosidase is a glycoprotein that hydrolyzes molecules from glycolipids and glycoproteins found in complex sugars. On a cellular level, alpha-galactosidase causes a crucial reaction in the lysosome, an organelle inside our cells that breaks down various biomolecules. It helps us digest polysaccharides and oligosaccharides found in foods that are typically harder to digest, such as peanuts, beans, lentils, and cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
The Health Benefits of Alpha Galactosidase
Aids in digestion.
Alpha Galactosidase aids in the digestion of complex sugars and fats. Without this enzyme, sugar-fat complexes can accumulate in the gut and, later, in the rest of the body. A deficiency in alpha-galactosidase can lead to the buildup of poorly digested sugar-fat in the muscles, heart chambers, blood vessels, kidneys, and nervous system tissues. Additionally, alpha-galactosidase helps break down carbohydrates, depriving bacteria of toxic, gas-producing fuel.
Reduces intestinal gas.
A double-blind study conducted by the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of California found that an over-the-counter oral solution of alpha-galactosidase could prevent gas and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Similarly, a preliminary double-blind controlled trial showed that individuals using alpha-galactosidase supplements could better digest a meal of beans compared to when they did not take the supplement.
Complex carbohydrate intolerance.
Rather than completely avoiding carbohydrates, using an alpha-galactosidase enzyme can help treat complex carbohydrate intolerance and regular gassiness. This may benefit people suffering from gluten intolerance and other food sensitivities, as alpha-galactosidase aids in the digestion of potato, wheat, corn, and rice starch.
May help with Fabry’s disease.
Studies indicate that a lack of alpha-galactosidase can lead to Fabry’s disease, a serious condition that can cause kidney malfunction and increase the risk of heart disease. Fabry disease is a genetic condition that results in abnormal deposits of fatty substances in blood vessel walls due to the inherited lack of alpha-galactosidase. Currently, the U.S. government is sponsoring clinical trials to study how alpha-galactosidase can prevent or treat this condition.
How to Read the Units of Measurement for Alpha Galactosidase
GalU (Galactosidase Unit) is an FCC assay for measuring enzymatic activity. One Galactosidase Unit is defined as the quantity of enzyme that will liberate 1 μmol/min of p-nitrophenol under the assay conditions. The “FCC” stands for Foods Chemical Codex, a division of USP (United States Pharmacopeia), which sets standards for ingredients. For enzymes, FCC is a standard assay used to accurately determine enzyme activity.
Where Can I Find the Best Source of Alpha Galactosidase?
The product VeganZyme contains a 100% vegan form of alpha-galactosidase produced by the natural fermentation process of Aspergillus Niger. It is derived from all vegetarian, non-GMO sources, is kosher certified, gluten-free, made in the USA from globally sourced ingredients, contains no animal products, and is completely suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
VeganZyme is the most advanced full-spectrum systemic and digestive enzyme formula in the world, free from fillers and toxic compounds. This formula contains digestive enzymes that help digest fats (lipids), sugars, proteins, carbohydrates, gluten, fruits and vegetables, cereals, legumes, bran, nuts and seeds, soy, dairy, and all other food sources.
VeganZyme can also be used as a systemic enzyme blend to break down excess mucus, fibrin, various toxins, allergens, and excess clotting factors throughout your body.
