Re: question about protease and amylase

Sandi,

I'm going to include your original statements and answer each 
individually, O.K.?  My answers will be in all-CAPS to distinguish them 
from your questions.  Here we go...


1) I am aware that proteases breakdown protein, and amylase breaks down 
starch. If a person consumes both proteins and starch together, then both 
will be in the small intestine at the same time with amylase and protease 
being produced correct?

YES, THAT'S CORRECT.

2) Based on above being correct, does amylase and protease counter act each
others effectiveness? In other words, is protease more effective without
amylase being produced at the same time? And the opposite of that, is 
amylase more effective when protease is produced?

IF THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH AMYLASE PRESENT, THEN PERHAPS THERE WOULD BE A 
PROBLEM.  I SAY THIS BECAUSE ENZYMES ARE PROTEINS, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE 
FOR PROTEASES TO DEGRADE SOME AMYLASE PROTEIN.  THE BODY PRODUCES A 
LOT MORE OF EACH ENZYME THAN IS NEEDED, HOWEVER, SO THAT THE DEGRADATION 
OF SOME OF THE AMYLASE, EVEN IF IT DID HAPPEN, WOULD HAVE NO EFFECT ON THE 
OVERALL DIGESTIVE PROCESS.
  

3) If they do counter act each others effectiveness, how much longer is the
actual digestive process as a result? As compared to a meal of protein and
vegetables only, or starch and vegetables only, and not combining the two?

AGAIN, THE ENZYMES ARE NOT THE LIMITING FACTOR.  THERE ARE A NUMBER OF 
THINGS WHICH CAN SLOW DOWN DIGESTION, HOWEVER.  THESE INCLUDE:

EATING A HIGH FAT MEAL

EATING POORLY COOKED OR OVERCOOKED FOOD

EATING A VERY LARGE MEAL (IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS COULD TEMPORARILY 
DILUTE DIGESTIVE ENZYMES AND THUS SLOW DIGESTION).


4) Does any of this process take longer in the stomach while combining 
proteins and starches? Does pepsin and HCI work equally as hard on both 
when they are combined verses eaten alone?

PEPSIN ONLY BREAKS DOWN PROTEINS.

5) Is eating a big meal the reason people feel miserable for hours, or does
food combining play a big role in it?  PLEASE SEE THE ANSWER TO QUESTION 3.



I HOPE THIS HELPS.

GABRIEL