Enzymes for Health

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Enzymes for Health

Your body needs enzymes for health. Enzymes are necessary catalysts to many of our body's functions. Without these amazing catalysts, life could not exist.

Some symptoms of enzyme deficiency include:

Excess body weight
Wasting or under weight
Allergies
Ear infections
Inflammatory diseases
Heart burn
Irritable bowel and Crohn's Disease
Diarrhea
Constipation
Skin problems
Stiff joints
Gastritis
Thick blood--High blood pressure
Gallbladder problems
Hyphochlorhydria (low chloride in the blood)
Nutrient deficiency
Fibromyalgia
Arthritis
Learning disorders
Vertigo (dizziness)
Excess gas
Bloating
Diabetes
Heart disease
Lactose and gluten intolerance
Colds

Many illnesses are related to enzyme deficiency, and these are just a few. Learning about enzymes for health is important.

The following article addresses some of these important functions and highlights enzyme supplements that are often needed to support our bodies because of our modern lifestyles and processed, overcooked diets.

Information sourced from: Enzymes-The Key to Healthy Digestion,
Nature's Sunshine Horizons Magazine (7/1/2000)

Get the Most from Your Diet

Enzymes are some of the most remarkable organic compounds known to man. Complex proteins by nature, they have the ability to initiate necessary chemical reactions in the body. Digestive enzymes break down food without being destroyed. But each type of food molecule requires a particular type of enzyme in order to be broken down. That’s why some people can eat certain foods easily while others cannot. Those who “cannot” probably lack sufficient enzymes. Older people and those who practice poor dietary habits are often low in essential digestive enzymes.

Types of Enzymes

Bromelain is found naturally in pineapple that breaks down protein.

Lipase splits fats into fatty acids and glycerin.

Alpha amylase breaks down starch.

Pancreatin is produced by the pancreas to digest proteins.

Papain breaks down proteins.

Pepsin aids protein digestion in an acid environment.

Protease breaks down proteins after hydrochloric acid has begun the process in the stomach. It supports the immune and respiratory systems, increases the absorption of nutrients, helps promote joint health and function and supports arterial health.

Amylase changes carbohydrates (starch) to maltose.

Glucoamylase changes various starches into glucose for energy.

Lipase breaks down fats. Fats can be very difficult to digest, especially when the liver or gallbladder is weak. The improper digestion of fats may affect circulatory and eliminative systems.

Cellulase is an enzyme not produced by the human body that breaks down plant cellulose to release more plant nutrients from a meal than would otherwise be derived.

Invertase digests sugar.

Malt diastase breaks down starch.

Alpha galactosidase breaks down sugar.

Peptidase breaks down protein.

As the human body ages, its ability to produce hydrochloric acid decreases. The level of this agent also drops when the nutrients needed to produce it are in short supply.

Low levels of stomach acid may allow unwanted bacterial growth and lead to diminished protein digestion. Improperly digested proteins are believed to trigger an allergy-like response, fatiguing the immune system as it tries to clear the blood.

Without sufficient protein derived from the diet, the body’s ability to build muscle and other tissue also decreases. Many people are not aware that even bone tissue requires sufficient well-digested proteins.

Not sure if your body needs additional enzymes for health

Consider an enzyme supplement if....

You are not eating 40% or more of your diet as raw foods.

You catch colds and other bugs like the flu.

You have other minor or chronic health issues.

You want to optimize and support your body for good health.

Support all your body's functions by getting enough enzymes for health!