The first step in lipid digestion is emulsification, which is the transformation of large lipid droplets into much smaller droplets.Lipids include triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol, steroids, and fat-soluble vitamins.They do not mix with the stomach or intestinal contents. Fats not being soluble in water by their nature are both difficult to digest and absorb.Trypsin then converts chymotrypsinogen, proelastase, and procarboxypeptidase A and B to their active forms.Trypsinogen is activated to trypsin by a brush border enzyme, enterokinase.They are secreted in inactive forms that are activated in the small intestine as follows:.

The proteases include trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase, carboxypeptidase A, and carboxypeptidase B.

The digestion is completed in the small intestine by the action of pancreatic and intestinal juice.

Thus, in the intestine, as HCO 3 − is secreted in pancreatic fluids, duodenal pH increases, and pepsin is inactivated.

When the pH is >5, pepsin is denatured.

Pepsin hydrolyzes proteins into peptones and proteoses.

The optimum pH for pepsin is between 1 and 3.

Pepsinogen is activated to pepsin by gastric H+.

Pepsin is secreted in its zymogen form as pepsinogen by the chief cells of the stomach.

Digestion takes place in the stomach and the small intestine.

Both endopeptidases enzymes which degrade proteins by hydrolyzing interior peptide bonds and exopeptidases enzyme that hydrolyzes one amino acid at a time from the C-terminus of proteins and peptides are involved in the digestion of proteins.

Digestive products of protein can be absorbed as amino acids, dipeptides, and tripeptides

Mostly, proteins must be broken down into amino acids for absorption.

Dietary proteins are a source of amino acids that are utilized for the formation of various cellular substances.

Rather than steak and potatoes or a turkey sandwich, try pairing proteins with low-starch, high fiber vegetables and healthy fats instead. Pairing protein + complex carbohydrates requires your stomach acid to work harder as the two macronutrients are digested in different ways. Avoid pairing protein with starchy carbs. The key is letting it sit on your tongue for a few seconds before swallowing. Try taking a dose of bitters 10-15 minutes before a meal for increased nutrient absorption and more efficient digestion. When our tastebuds register bitter, they activate digestive secretions in our mouth, stomach, and intestines. Try digestive bitters.īitter is one of our basic tastes along with spicy, salty, sour, sweet, and umami. Our bodies can only digest and absorb 20-40 grams of protein per meal, which means keeping protein portions in check. This is especially true when consuming animal-based proteins as they tend to be harder to digest and require a more acidic environment vs. Generally, stomach acid levels are higher earlier in the day, which is why I always recommend clients have their main protein source at lunch. When stomach acid is low, the process can’t be completed efficiently. We need high HCL levels to activate the enzyme pepsin which cleaves large protein molecules into smaller peptides. Eat animal proteins earlier in the day.ĭigesting proteins well requires with an acidic stomach environment. Try adding a leafy green salad to your meal with dressing made from raw apple cider vinegar or pair your dinner protein + roasted veggies with a few tablespoons of sauerkraut or other ferment.

Live enzymes are present in raw and fermented foods - they help denature and breakdown proteins, supplementing enzymes the body produces naturally.

Digested proteins