The Importance of Digestive Enzymes As we age, many women will start to notice a change in their digestive ability. Signs that your digestive system isn’t optimally functioning include heartburn, burping, nausea, food intolerances, bloating, cramping, flatulence, and constipation. Several foods naturally contain digestive enzymes that can aid in the digestion process. Including these foods in your diet may help improve digestion and nutrient absorption. Here are some examples of foods rich in digestive enzymes: APRICOTS - Apricots contain invertase, an enzyme that assists with carbohydrate digestion AVOCADOS - Avocados contain lipase, an enzyme that assists in the digestion of fats. BANANAS - Bananas contain amylase and maltase, adding in carbohydrate digestion GINGER - Ginger contains a protein-digesting enzyme called zingibain, but it also stimulates the body to increase its natural production of amylase and lipase helping to also break down carbohydrates and fats. HONEY - Raw unprocessed honey contains diastases, amylases, and invertase enzymes helpful in digesting carbohydrates plus a protease that aids in protein digestion. KIWI FRUIT - Kiwi Fruit contains a protease enzyme called actinidin, which breaks down protein. MANGOES - Mangos contain enzymes like amylase, which helps break down carbohydrates, and proteases that assist in protein digestion. PAPAYA - Papaya contains papain and this helps to digest protein. The riper the fruit the less papain is present. Best to eat green. PINEAPPLE - Pineapple contains bromelain, which is a protease enzyme meaning it aids in protein digestion. NUTS & SEEDS - Sprouting seeds and nuts activate enzymes that aid in the digestion of proteins and fats.   Article - Digestive Enzymes Webinar - Functional Food for the Menopausal Transition Chat with Jen - Discovery Call   If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like these ones: 124 - The Role of Digestive Health in Peri-menopause 85 - The Importance of Dietary Fibre during Menopause 76 - To soy or not to soy 52 - Hormonal Constipation 9 - Digestion and Menopause   ___________________________________________________________ About Jennifer Harrington Jen is a Naturopath, Nutritionist, and Medical Herbalist. She focuses on natural ways to assist women transitioning into Menopause. She has been a clinical practitioner for over 20 years. Click here to read her full bio. https://www.menopausenaturalsolutions.com/pages/about-us She is the Clinical Director of Menopause Natural Solutions. https://www.menopausenaturalsolutions.com/ The author of the book - From Invisible to Invincible, the natural menopause revolution. https://www.menopausenaturalsolutions.com/from-invisible-to-invincible She is available for consultation https://www.menopausenaturalsolutions.com/consultations   Menopause Natural Solutions on social media Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/menopausenaturalsolutions/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/menopausenaturalsolutions TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@menopausenaturalsolution YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_nm8vzh3zRNaUJeBy-USw