腸胃知識知多少? | | 強健胃部 |  | | 問 胃部由蛋白質組成,但同時亦儲存了強力的蛋白消化酵素。那麼胃部如何在製造及儲存這些酵素的同時,卻不會破壞胃內的組織? | | 答 蛋白質和水混和後會形成一層保護黏膜,而胃部會大量製造這些黏膜,從而跟胃內的食物分隔開。蛋白質會定時修補胃壁的黏膜,防止胃酸破壞胃部組織而引致胃潰瘍或腸胃道出血,而胃壁細胞亦會每週更新,保持胃部強健。 | | | | | 消化食物 | | | 問 蛋白質與消化過程有何關係? | | 答 由蛋白質構成的酵素,可以幫助消化食物 (除了纖維)。而酵素跟食物的關係就有如“鎖及鎖匙”,兩者必須互相配合才能完成整個消化過程。以下是一些例子: | | | | | 食物 | 所需消化酵素 | | 碳水化合物/糖類 | 澱粉酵素 (Amylase) | | 蛋白質 | 蛋白酵素 (Protease) | | 脂肪 | 脂肪酵素 (Lipase) | | | | 幫助吸收 | | 問 為何大部分藥物及營養補充劑都需要在餐後食用? | | 答 進食時,胃部會開始分泌消化酵素,為消化過程作好準備,而食物中的養份有助藥物及營養補充劑的消化和吸收。蛋白質是腸內腔的把關者,某些營養素需藉著蛋白質才能被人體吸收。 | | | |  | 保胃救兵 | | 問 為何有些人在胃痛或嘔吐時飲用蛋白質飲料會得到紓緩? | | 答 不規律的飲食習慣會容易引起胃痛,這是由於消化酵素和胃液分泌失調,令胃部在沒有食物時仍然運作。蛋白質可以強化胃壁,而適量飲食亦可中和胃部酸性,因此飲用蛋白質飲料可以紓緩胃痛。 | | Some more of your protein questions answered… | | Q Our stomach is made of protein, yet the organ contains powerful protein-digesting enzymes. How can it manufacture and house such enzymes without seriously damaging its own tissue? | | A Protein and water form a viscous and slippery protective layer called mucus. The stomach produces so much mucus that it insulates itself from the contents of the stomach. Protein alters the lining of the stomach regularly to avoid damage from stomach acid and prevent ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. The cells of the stomach lining are actually renewed every week to keep the organ healthy and strong. | | | | | Q What is the role of protein in food digestion? | | A Enzymes – which are made up from protein - aid the digestion of all types of food except fibre. Enzymes and food are the “lock and key” - they need to match perfectly for a complete digestion process to take place. For example: | | | | | Food | Digestive Enzymes | | Carbohydrates/Sugar | Amylase | | Protein | Protease | | Fats | Lipase | | | | Q Why is it recommended that most drugs or health supplements be taken after a meal? | | A When you eat, the stomach will start secreting digestive enzymes to prepare for the digestion process. The nutrients in the food will aid the digestion and absorption of health supplements or drugs. Protein acts as a gatekeeper in the intestinal lumen, and some nutrients cannot be absorbed into the body without protein. | | | | Q Why do some people get relief from having a protein drink when they have a stomachache or nausea? | | A Irregular eating habits can easily cause stomachaches because digestive enzymes and gastric juices are not secreted regularly. This causes the stomach to start working even when there is no food to digest! Protein is beneficial because it helps strengthen the lining of the stomach, while an adequate intake of food will help neutralise stomach acidity. That’s why people with a stomachache feel better after taking a protein drink. | |