Amylase

Amylase

What's

Amylase

Amylase is an essential enzyme mainly created by your pancreas and saliva-producing glands. It has a significant role in your digestion, particularly in breaking down starchy foods into sugars. When you eat a meal, especially one with lots of carbs, amylase gets to work. It starts in your mouth, where it begins changing complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars. This process carries on in your small intestine, helping your body absorb nutrients. In short, amylase is a critical component in turning the food you eat into the energy your body needs to function well.

If Your Levels Are High

Having higher than normal amylase levels might mean your body is making more of this enzyme than it usually does. This can happen for different reasons, like eating a lot of carbs, taking certain medications that boost enzyme production, or having some stress on your pancreas or salivary glands, which are the main places where amylase is made. Some possible conditions that could lead to increased amylase levels include pancreatitis, gallstones, or inflammation in the salivary glands. Keep in mind that there could be other reasons for high amylase levels, and not everyone with high levels has these conditions.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Amylase could include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fever, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms at all.

If Your Levels are Low

Low amylase levels might mean that your body isn't making enough of this important enzyme. This can happen for various reasons, such as not getting enough nutrients, being stressed out, or taking certain medications that affect enzyme production. Sometimes, it could also point to a problem with your pancreas or salivary glands, which are responsible for making amylase. When you don't have enough amylase, it can be harder for your body to break down starchy foods into sugars and absorb nutrients from what you eat.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of Amylase could include poor digestion, especially after meals rich in carbohydrates, bloating, gas, and unexplained weight loss.

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