Hyperbilirubinemia Enzyme Therapy

Your red blood cells break down and are replenished as part of your body's normal function. One of the byproducts of this natural process is bilirubin. Normally bilirubin is excreted, but sometimes it builds up in the blood. The most characteristic symptom of a build up of bilirubin is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. This condition, known as hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice, is most common in infants, but it can affect adults, too. In adults, enzyme therapy can help correct hyperbilirubinemia.

Hyperbilirubinemia

• Hyperbilirubinemia is caused by increased bililrubin production, interference with the normal uptake of bilirubin or by conditions that disrupt the body's conjugation of bilirubin. Increased bilirubin production is usually triggered by an acceleration in the breakdown of red blood cells. Conditions that interfere with the removal of bilirubin from the blood include congestive heart failure, liver disease, pancreatitis, and Gilbert's syndrome.

  In each case, enzymes can play a role in helping your liver, gallbladder, and pancreas to properly eliminate excess bilirubin from the blood.

How Enzymes Work

• Enzymes help to correct hyperbilirubinemia. Enzymes work throughout your body and help along normal processes like the breakdown and excretion of bilirubin. When excess bilirubin is present in the blood, certain enzymes can help correct the imbalance.

  Digestive enzymes like bromelain, papain, protease, lipase, and amylase help to improve digestion, nutrient uptake, and liver function. By offering support to the liver and augmenting the normal function of the pancreas, digestive enzymes can help your body to better eliminate excess bilirubin.

Enzymes From Food

• Foods naturally contain digestive enzymes, but unfortunately cooking foods destroys enzymes before they get a chance to enter the body and do any good. To increase the amount of enzymes you get from food, begin by adding more raw foods to your diet. Aim to eat at least three servings of raw fruits and vegetables each day. Snack on raw almonds or walnuts.

  Some foods are naturally high in enzymes. Pineapple and papaya are both good sources of digestive enzymes. Remember to enjoy these foods fresh rather than canned or dried to get the full benefit of the enzymes they contain.

Enzyme Supplements

• Supplementing with digestive enzymes is also a good idea. The typical American diet is depleted of most enzymes, so a supplement can help restore balance to your system. When taking an enzyme supplement, look for one that contains a variety of enzymes, including protease, lipase, and amylase. Enzyme supplements come as tablets and are available at most health food stores. Take enzyme supplements before or at meals to get the best results.

  Naturally occurring digestive enzymes help the liver to do its job better. Because elevated levels of bilirubin are an indication that your liver is being overworked, it only makes sense to supplement with enzymes to help correct the problem.