To start off with we can say that some enzymes are naturally produced inside our bodies but that we need to supplement this reserve by digesting some foodstuffs containing this key nutrient. Unfortunately, it is not easy to find such food unless you eat something raw as cooking food at 118 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will destroy all enzymes, irrespective of how many enzymes they contained pre-cooking.
Without enzymes the majority of food would not be broken down as the nutrient is designed to facilitate digestion by releasing natural chemicals, such as amylase, to break down large and stubborn leftovers lurking in your gut. One way of improving your chances of doing this is by chewing all your food until it is liquid. Too many people swallow their food due to lack of patience or time but you need to savor and enjoy your meals and concentrate on every morsel. The role of amylase is to break down starch derived from carbs into tiny glucose molecules where it can then be digested and transported through your intestines.
There are 3 other enzymes apart from amylase and these are hydrochloric acid(HCI), which is essential for digesting animal protein, protease for digesting protein and lipase for digesting fats. Vegetarians would not need to supplement with HCI if they are looking for alternatives to natural foodstuffs since they do not consume animal protein.>