Digestive enzymes for gaining mass

Author: Mikhail Ziborov - author of the site makefitness.pro.
2020-11-19

Enzymes (enzymes) are protein structures, but they are not homogeneous. They are composed of both amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and vitamins and minerals (metals). In total, our body contains more than 1000 different enzymes, without which no reaction can take place.

What Are Digestive Enzymes and Why Are They Needed

Enzymes regulate everything in our body. Special attention is given to digestive enzymes (hydrolases). Food consists of molecules that are too large to be absorbed by our intestines. Human digestive system enzymes break down large molecules into smaller ones, breaking the bonds between them. Now they can be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. A clear example is the breakdown of protein into amino acids or their smaller compounds (peptides).

Digestive system enzymes are very important for gaining mass! Mass gain involves an increased volume of food that needs to be absorbed before the next meal. Not everyone has a gastrointestinal tract that can handle such a load. Enzymes come to the rescue by speeding up the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.

Want to eat more to gain weight faster without "damaging" your digestion? Then use enzyme supplements.

The following belong to digestive enzymes:
- those that break down carbohydrates – carbohydrases (amylase, glucosidase, lactase, etc.);
- those that break down proteins – proteases (pepsin, trypsin, etc.);
- those that break down fats or lipids – lipases (intestinal and pancreatic).

Digestive enzymes can be produced in various organs, starting from the mouth. The action of the enzyme amylase begins in the mouth: carbohydrates are broken down into simple components (for example, monosaccharides like glucose, etc.). Other sites of digestive enzyme production include:
- pancreas;
- stomach;
- intestines.

By the way, bile is also needed to activate digestive enzymes, particularly lipases!

Bile itself is a mixture of digestive enzymes, but it also activates and suppresses other enzymes. This is why, even when taking digestive enzymes, if there are problems with bile flow (cholecystitis), food may not be properly absorbed. Gaining muscle mass can be made difficult as well.

Additional information on enzymes: Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4. Additional information on gaining muscle mass.

How to Choose Digestive Enzymes

Enzymes can be of animal or plant origin.

Animal Enzymes. They are very similar to our human enzymes, so our body recognizes them well as its own.

Animal-derived enzymes (for example, pancreatin) should be taken in courses, as the body can become accustomed to their constant external supply over time, significantly reducing (or even stopping) its own production of enzymes in the pancreas. The mechanism is simple: why strain the pancreas to produce enzymes if they are constantly supplied with food?

Plant Enzymes. They have a milder effect and can be used over a longer period, helping to digest larger volumes of food. The activity of plant enzymes is 75 times lower than that of animal enzymes. Therefore, there is no need to worry about reducing your own enzyme production for digestion.

The following belong to plant enzymes:
- papain (from papaya);
- bromelain (a mixture of enzymes from pineapple). This is why fresh pineapple is served in restaurants when ordering a large amount of meat.

You should choose the category that most suits your goals.

For active weight gain in the first few months, it’s better to use animal-derived preparations (for more complete and quicker absorption). This method is suitable for thin people who are seeking quick results (mostly beginners).

For long-term muscle mass gain, it is better to use plant-based ones. Such products are more suitable for athletes who are in their best shape almost year-round (i.e., experienced, not beginners) and where mass gain continues (ups and downs occur, but overall muscle mass gain is maintained, without switching to cutting).

Just remember! Digestive enzymes are a tool for abundant nutrition. If you are falling short on calories, protein, and fats, and your diet isn’t balanced, no enzyme preparations will help you. The foundation is the nutrition plan for muscle mass growth.

The Best Enzymes for Digestion

Enzyme preparations can be:
- pure (either of plant or animal origin);
- mixed-type (plant and animal combined in one).

Animal-Derived Enzymes:
- pancreatin;
- Penzital;
- Mezim Forte;
- Kreon;
- Pancitrate.

Some stronger ones include:
- Festal;
- Digestal;
- Ensiztal;
- Panzinorm.

Plant-Derived Enzymes:
- Pepfiz;
- Orasa;
- Solizym.

Combined Enzymes:
- Wobenzym;
- Phlogenzym;
- Uni-enzyme;
- Merkenzym.

To produce your own enzymes for weight gain, you need vitamins, minerals, as well as amino acids (or quality protein). You can find the best manufacturers and additional information in our section on sports supplements.

However, this won’t be enough to build muscle rather than fat if your training program isn’t properly structured. You can find well-structured programs for home and gym workouts, along with detailed exercise techniques here!