Fungal diastase or fungal alpha-amylase is an enzyme that is generally consumed as a supplement or medicine to get rid of indigestion or gastric distress. This acts as a digestion conditioner. It enhances the conversion of starch into its by-product, i.e., maltose and maltose to glucose. It causes the breakdown of carbohydrates as well as non-vital white blood cells. As it is extracted from Aspergillus oryzae (a fungus), it is named fungal diastase or fungal alpha-amylase.
It is actually a starch digesting enzyme that has both saccharifying and liquifying potential for starch. The prime use of this enzyme is as a digestant or digestive enzymatic supplement. Additionally, it helps in reducing acid reflux issues, gastric distress, indigestion (dyspepsia), feeling of fullness, abdominal discomfort and anorexia. Moreover, it relieves heartburn and flatulence issues. This enzyme’s intake also aids weight loss by increasing the digestion process. It is generally given in combination with pepsin, which is another enzyme that aids protein digestion.
It may not cause all the mentioned adverse effects but may require immediate medical care on worsening and prolonged persistence. The commonly occurring effects are:
Some people may suffer from serious allergic reactions upon consumption like:
In such cases, one must discontinue its use and immediately call for medical help to get the medical symptomatic relief as soon as possible.
1. Where is Diastase found in the human body?
Diastase is abundantly present in human saliva as ptyalin or salivary amylase. Therefore, this enzyme initiates digestion in the mouth itself by breaking down polysaccharides like starch, glycogen and dextrin into disaccharides like maltose and limit dextrin. It then converts maltose and limit dextrin to glucose (monosaccharide), which is the end product of polysaccharide/disaccharide digestion.
2. How to take Fungal Diastase?
Take the oral preparations of fungal alpha amylase or diastase orally after meals. Swallow the tablets with water. One must not start the consumption without consulting any healthcare provider. The dosage depends on a person's age, underlying disease, dietary style and response to treatment. One must follow the advised restrictions and guidelines while consuming this enzyme.
3. Can pregnant women consume Fungal Diastase?
No. Pregnant women should not consume this enzyme during pregnancy as it may cause birth defects. However, one must go for the expert professional consultation if he/she wants to continue such formulation even during pregnancy.
4. Can I take Fungal Diastase while breastfeeding?
Yes. It is safe to consume fungal alpha-amylase or diastase orally while you are breastfeeding your baby. Its high molecular weight makes its absorption in the intestines very difficult. Therefore, its passage into breast milk is very rare.
5. Can I consume alcohol with Fungal Diastase?
It is advised to not take alcohol with this enzyme because it may cause more acid release in the stomach. So, the enzyme treatment may turn futile as it may exaggerate the same problem for which the treatment is going on.
6. Can I drive if I have consumed Fungal Diastase?
No. One must not prefer driving while having this enzyme supplementation. This is because it may cause extreme dizziness as a side effect of its consumption. This may lead to lack of concentration while driving, enhancing the risk of rash driving.
7. Is Fungal Diastase good for UTI?
There is no correlation of urinary tract treatment and fungal diastase. UTI is a bacterial infection, whereas this enzyme is digestant. It has no effect on bacterial growth and multiplication.
8. Is Fungal Diastase a steroid?
No. It is not a steroid. Rather, it is an enzyme which is extracted from Aspergillus oryzae (a fungus).
9. Does Fungal Diastase make you drowsy?
No. It does not cause drowsiness but may cause extreme dizziness or feeling of body imbalance.
10. Is Fungal Diastase addictive?
No. It is not an addictive agent. But it is advised that one must consume these enzyme tablets or supplements intermittently, i.e., it should be discontinued for some time before beginning it for another time. Otherwise, your gut will become less responsive to its activity.
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