All things living require enzymes. The human body contains 1,300 different enzymes, which carry out a wide variety of functions such as breaking down food and fats, rebuilding cells, blood purification, colon cleansing, cholesterol management and protecting the body from disease. Enzymes are often the unsung heroes in protecting the body from disease and poor health. Many health problems which are attributed to other causes can be traced back to digestive problems and food which is improperly digested.
Blame it on Enzymes
Heartburn, gas, constipation, bloating, allergies, ulcers or a lack of energy are common conditions that are often attributed to aging. These symptoms may all have a root cause that is often missed, which is insufficient enzyme levels. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze (cause or increase) reactions. They serve many different functions in the body, all of which are vital. They break down nutrients so the body can use them. They also strengthen the immune system and rebuild damaged cells and tissues to facilitate healing. Researchers who conducted a study from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that plastic surgery patients who took enzymes healed 20% faster than patients who took a placebo.
The Variety of Enzymes
There are different types of enzymes. Food enzymes come naturally in raw, living foods—uncooked fruits and veggies. Cooking these foods destroys the enzymes, which is why a baked apple just isn’t as healthy as a raw apple. Many people notice better energy and and overall well being after an increase of raw fruits and veggies in their diets. Adding more salads, fruits and fresh juices into the diet is an excellent strategy for increasing raw food intake.
Digestive enzymes are produced by living organisms, not including plants. They are produced by the stomach, pancreas, saliva, and intestinal cells. These enzymes break down food into their essential nutrients. They also play a big role in reducing inflammation, breaking down yeast, and fighting off bacteria and viruses. The human body makes approximately 22 different digestive enzymes.
Another type of enzyme is the metabolic enzyme. The body produces metabolic enzymes as they are needed. Metabolic enzymes work to build tissues, oxidize free radicals, and transfer compounds from one molecule to the next. Health can be affected at the molecular level, down to the individual atoms and electrons in the body.
A Possible Weapon for Weight Loss
For people who are overweight, taking digestive enzyme supplements may help with weight loss. These supplements can give the metabolism a needed boost. The benefits of enzyme supplementation might include more energy for exercise, as well as giving the metabolism more energy. Betain, HCI, Papain, Pepsin, Diatase and Ox Bile are digestive enzymes which can be effective for giving a kick start to a stalled weight loss program and improved digestive health. Taking enzymes isn’t a substitute for healthy eating and exercise, but they can make a significant difference for those already making healthy living choices.
There are, however, far greater health concerns than weight that are affected by enzymes. The enzyme protease, for example, can help slow the growth of cancer. Bromelain can decrease bodily inflammation associated with injury, arthritis, or rheumatism. The immune system can deteriorate when the body is enzyme deficient, which is why older people heal more slowly. Just as many other things in the body slow as the body gets older, aging also reduces the ability to produce vital enzymes.
The modern diet, in most cases, does not enable the body to replenish the needed supply of enzymes fast enough to keep up with the stress of everyday living. Enzyme supplementation can also help with acne, indigestion, candidiasis, Crohn’s disease, food allergies, lower back pain, and sinusitis.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Each type of enzyme has a specific job, therefore be cautious of supplements which promise to treat a variety of conditions with one capsule.
• Amylaise breaks down carbs, starches, and sugar.
• Bromelain breaks down proteins.
• HCL stimulates pancreatic secretions, which can help sterilize the stomach from bacteria and parasites.
• Lactase breaks down milk products.
• Lipase breaks down fats.
• Ox Bile improves fat digestion and aids the function of the gallbladder.
• Papain aids protein digestion.
• Pepsin breaks down proteins.
• Protease breaks proteins down into amino acids.
• Malt diastase helps with sugars.
• Invertase also helps with sugars.
Many enzymes supplements are readily available on the market. Look for a reputable and high quality pharmaceutical grade company which have USP and GMP certifications. Finding the correct dosage and type of enzymes needed is essential to maximize benefits of enzyme supplementation. Start with adding more living foods into the diet to determine if supplementation is necessary. Consider contacting a nutritionist or health professional who offers simple digestion testing to evaluate whether digestive enzymes would be helpful.