What Happens When Protein Isn’t Properly Digested?
In order to understand what happens when protein isn’t properly digested it is first necessary to have a basic understanding of how it is digested. All protein is comprised of something called amino acids. When we eat protein, the body breaks it up (digests it) into the smaller amino acid substances, which are then put back together by the body into the proteins which can be utilized by humans. If protein isn’t digested completely, or it is improperly digested it can have an adverse, if not dangerous, effect on the body.
Look at it this way. The body is looking for amino acids, not whole proteins. If whole proteins pass through the digestive tract and end up getting absorbed into the blood the body views them as intruders, or enemies. This is where the phrase “foreign protein” comes from. At any rate, because the body sees these whole proteins as enemies it begins attacking them. This may cause food allergies which in turn may also lead to anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic shock may be life threatening, and all because of a reaction to undigested proteins. It doesn’t have to be a lot of protein either; the amount can be very small indeed.
Sometimes unabsorbed protein or amino acids reach the colon, or large intestine, where it attacked by bacteria. Diarrhea may result as a consequence.
Digestive enzymes can aid the digestive process in breaking down proteins into amino acids so they can be utilized by the body. Before taking an enzyme supplement, consult with your doctor.
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