What is Hemicellulase?

Your Candida-combating enzyme.

Hemicellulase is an enzyme that breaks down a specific form of cellulose called hemicellulose, which is a major component of plant cell walls. There are many types of hemicelluloses – pentosans, xylans, galactans, mannans, and glucans – and hemicellulase targets them all, offering an array of health benefits.

In this article, we’ll discuss how hemicellulase aids in the digestion of plant-based fiber, targets Candida (yeast) growth, and supports the body’s natural intestinal enzymes.

Fiber Free-load

We’re all supposed to eat a healthy diet full of fiber, right? But that plant-based fiber is only beneficial if it’s broken down into usable components for the body. Grains, fruits, vegetables, and breakfast cereals top the list of fiber-rich foods but also include high concentrations of hemicellulose (that component of plant cell walls mentioned above).

The hemicellulase required to break down fiber-rich (i.e. hemicellulose-rich) foods is actually not produced by the human body. Instead, microorganisms in the intestinal tract produce the enzyme to facilitate the digestion of plant-based fibers.

Consequently, if hemicellulase levels become too low, due to an imbalanced gut, your body’s digestive processes may slow down, hindering the proper absorption of nutrients.

But adding hemicellulase to your supplement regimen can assist with the proper digestion of plant-based fiber from all those nutritious, fiber-rich foods that complete a healthy diet.

Happy Gut, No Matter Your Age!

Hemicellulase also counteracts the natural loss of intestinal enzymes as we age. The concentration of digestive enzymes predictably decreases with age due to an imbalance of healthy intestinal (gut) microflora, a reduction in the pancreatic production of enzymes, and gender. In fact, research has shown that women 65 years and older often experience the most significant drop in digestive enzymes.

Because of the vast array of hemicellulases that target different forms of hemicelluloses found in a variety of foods, supplementation of these enzymes supports an aging digestive system by minimizing the negative effects caused by inadequate levels of natural enzymes in the body.

Candida Conqueror

Perhaps the greatest benefit of hemicellulase is its ability to target Candida yeast growth. This alone makes it a stand-out enzyme! Remember how we mentioned above that there are different types of hemicelluloses? Well, the cell wall of Candida is comprised of one of them: glucans.

According to research published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, research has shown that glucanase (a type of hemicellulase) breaks down glucans as well as biofilm, a slimy, protective layer where Candida can safely multiply. Glucanase (i.e. hemicellulase) not only penetrates the biofilm, but actually targets the cell wall of Candida. This disrupts the its resistance to antimicrobial therapy and thwarts its ability to replicate, potentially reducing the occurrence of yeast overgrowth.

Immune System Supporter

Furthermore, hemicellulase has been shown to support a healthy immune system, due to its glucan-degrading ability. It goes something like this: Glucanase activity prompts the release of glucans from the cell wall of Candida. This then triggers an immune system response that sends specific substances like cytokines and interleukins to the area of concern where they begin to destroy the Candida.

That’s all fine and dandy until those cytokines and interleukins remain at elevated levels for too long; this can actually worsen inflammation. However, with hemicellulase supplementation, there is a reduced need for these potential inflammatory molecules to be recruited to the site of Candida growth.

So by targeting the cell wall of yeast as well as the biofilm where it flourishes with extreme resistance, hemicellulase conquers the Candida and promotes a normal response to inflammation in the body. Now that’s a one-two punch!

In Summary

There are many different types of hemicellulases, which work to break down a variety of hemicelluloses. This provides umpteen benefits when it comes to optimal digestion, including fiber-rich plant foods like grains, fruits, vegetables, and cereals.

But hemicellulase doesn’t stop there! This enzyme also supports an aging digestive system by supplementing the body’s natural digestive enzymes at a time when there may be an insufficient supply.

Finally, hemicellulase has a profound ability to target Candida, breaking down its cell walls and slimy antimicrobial-resistant layer called biofilm. This supports a healthy immune system by reducing the likelihood of prolonged inflammation caused by the body’s reaction to yeast overgrowth.