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Remember all those times mom told you to chew your food? She was on to something. Beneficial enzymes released by your salivary glands jumpstart the digestive process, which in turn facilitates the breakdown of food and the subsequent transfer of nutrients, water and electrolytes from the digestive tract to the bloodstream.

The chemical processes of digestion begin with reducing food's larger constituents to smaller and smaller molecules. Within this procedure, enzymes catalyze the chemical reactions, making it possible for food to be digested and absorbed. Each type of food we eat contains different combinations of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, as well as vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. The end result of the digestive process is that those nutrients are broken down into forms usable by the body's cells. For example, when proteins from meat or vegetarian foods are digested, they are broken down into amino acids, which are subsequently used to build the proteins incorporated into organs and body tissues.

Further, because unhealthy eating habits can lead to a buildup of harmful toxins in the body (which can subsequently lead to weight gain and poor health), adding a daily enzyme supplement to your diet may also help rid the body of toxic chemicals. Many experts believe that taking supplementary enzymes to aid digestion enables the body to devote more time to producing the enzymes that help eliminate toxins.

When choosing a digestive enzyme supplement, look for a formula that combines several different enzymes such as lipase (to help digest fats), amylase (for carbohydrates), and protease (for proteins), as this combination more closely mimics natural enzyme activity. If you have a particular digestive problem, however, individual enzymes can provide targeted support. For example, those who are lactose intolerant may benefit from supplementing with lactase, the enzyme that helps break down milk sugar.

Proteolytic enzymes, which help break down protein, are now available from the kiwi fruit (kiwi protease), pineapple (bromelain) and papaya (papain). Research shows that these enzymes help the body break down protein, casein, and gluten. Digestive enzymes are also effective in the fight against inflammation.

Plant-based enzymes are gaining popularity as people discover their potential to help promote healthy digestion. The main advantage of these supplements is their versatility: although each person's digestive system varies in its acidity and alkalinity, plant enzymes are equally effective in both types of environments.

But the bottom line is simple: Supplementing with digestive enzymes relieves the body of some of the burden of creating these chemicals, giving it the opportunity to invest more energy in making other types of enzymes, such as those used for detoxification. Doing so can also release energy to repair damaged tissue and slow the aging process, offering our bodies a valuable defense against the many stresses of our modern lifestyle.