Constipation indigestion heartburn irregularity bloating gas intestinal and gastric discomfort. These maladies are prevalent in our present society and could be the symptoms of a fundamental deficiency thats easily and often overlooked.
At our bodys most basic level of function, enzymes play an essential and critical role. Because enzymes must be present before any chemical reaction can take place, our bodies cannot exist without enzymes. We can eat a healthy diet and take all the vitamins, minerals, and hormones we want, but without the proper amount of enzymes, our bodies are incapable of breaking down, absorbing, and using the important nutrients. In many cases the excellent ( and costly) supplements we take simply pass through our systems whole and intact, without being used.* Dr. DicQie Fuller, author of The Healing Power of Enzymes, states, The importance of proper digestion is mind boggling. Every function must be perfectly synchronized with every other function. When we lack a particular enzyme, vitamin, or mineral, the resulting imbalance causes disease. If you have digestive problems, you will have trouble rebuilding cells, which leads to an array of health disorders. You may think it is too simplistic to conclude that illness is caused by inadequate digestion, but I am convinced this is true.1 What role do enzymes play in my digestive system?
Digestive enzymes function as catalyst agents in our bodys digestive process that enable us to experience good health. Proper digestion requires four major and three minor enzymes:* Amylase for the digestion of carbohydrates and starches. Improper digestion creates gas and discomfort.
Protease for the digestion of proteins. Improper digestion causes indigestion and toxicity.
Lipase for the digestion of fats; also assists in balancing fatty acids.
Improper digestion creates pungent odors and poor cholesterol balance.
Cellulase for the digestion of cellulose (fiber found in vegetables and other plant materials). Improper digestion leaves wax like residue in the small intestines, contributing to absorption problems.
Lactase for the digestion of milk sugar lactose. Improper digestion prevents the breakdown of lactose resulting in digestive problems and lactose- related allergies.
Sucrase and Maltese lesser known enzymes that break down food sugars.
How does my body obtain enzymes?
Enzymes are energized protein molecules that, in a perfect world, can be obtained in two ways: Our bodies make them (metabolic enzymes) or we get them through the food we eat (food enzymes). When these two natural sources are compromised, we can obtain the enzymes we need through supplementation.
What could cause enzyme deficiencies in my body?
Age and high stress negatively impact our bodys ability to produce metabolic or endogenous enzymes. The older we get, the less efficient our bodies become in producing enzymes. An older adult simply does not manufacture as many enzymes as a young person. When were under a lot of stress and run down, our bodies require a substantially larger amount of enzymes.
Food or exogenous enzymes exists in food thats in its raw state. However the cooking, freezing, and food manufacturing and altering processes destroy these enzymes. So while your taste buds are satisfied, the rest of your body, particularly your digestive system, is not getting what it needs. Unless you are a child who eats only raw foods, you are at risk of being enzyme deficient.* What are supplemental digestive enzymes?
Supplemental digestive enzymes can be either plant- or animal-derived.
Generally, plant enzymes are most useful because of they aid digestion throughout the entire digestive process. These enzymes cannot be made like synthetic vitamins and minerals, and must be grown in plant form and extracted through a laboratory process.
Dr. Peter Rothchild, M.D. a world-renowned researcher and Nobel Prize nominee in physics writes, Evidence of the effectiveness of enzymes taken orally is beginning to overcome skeptism. Many of these studies show enzymes, when taken orally, demonstrate benefits against circulating immune complexes, rheumatic disorders, and acute immune disease.2 Why hasnt there been more publicized information about enzymes?
Dr. DicQie Fuller explains, Although enzyme biochemistry has been the subject of intensive study, the role of enzymes in supplementation and therapy is not widespread knowledge. There are not yet enough knowledgeable people around to supply the necessary information. Yet the healing power of enzymes has been documented for decades.3 How do I know if I am enzyme-deficient?
Symptoms of poor digestion are good indicators: burps and belches, excessive gas, heartburn, nausea, constipation, feeling tired after eating, or an allergic reaction to particular foods. Also, certain food cravings or foods you eat the mostcaffeine, chocolate, refined sugars, and cooked and processed foodscould be clues to an enzyme-related problem.* Are there products available that contain essential enzymes?
In addition to digestive enzymes in supplement forms (pills and capsules), a small number of nutritional supplement companies offer products that are formulated to contain and provide essential enzymes.
One such company, Vitacorp International, has collaborated with Dr. Fuller in the development of their line of Tim Browns Blitz Nutritional Products Cookie Bars, Energy Drink, and Chewable Supplements.
Other Vitacorp products that contain enzymes include Vi-Gest, Coral Calcium+, Naturflex Joint Support, Vita-Che, VitaOne, Vitamarin, VitaMen, VitaWoman, and Co-Enzyme Q10. CellRich contains bromelaine, a potent enzyme in the Protease family and VitaGreens and Limu Plus contain naturally occurring plant enzymes. For more information on these products, go to the Vitacorp Product Index. Remember, using Vi-Gest on a regular basis (with meals and between) can help maintain vital enzyme levels.
How can I find out more about enzymes and related topics?
A good starting point is Dr. Fullers book: The Healing Power of Enzymes. Dr.
Fuller believes that no matter which way you [come] to read about enzymes, you are entitled to a clear explanation of how they work and why they are important.4 Adapted from The Healing Power of Enzymes, copyright 1998 by Dr. DicQie Fuller. Published by Forbes Custom Publishing, New York, NY. Dr. Fuller, the Founder and President of Transformation Enzyme Corporation, holds a Ph.D in Nutrition and Health Sciences. With over 20 years of clinical experience specializing in enzyme therapy and nutrition, she is actively involved in researching the health benefits of enzyme supplementation. Dr. Fuller has published extensively, including articles on the use of enzymes in nutrition, body typing, glandular therapy, and appetite and weight control.
For more information about the Vitamark Products, please go to:
# These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Monday, September 17, 2007 View other articles written by Ketil Kristiansen(16)
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