TOP 7 REASONS TO USE DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
Have you ever heard the phrase, “You are what you eat”? The truth is you are what you digest, and digestive enzymes are key to both better digestion and nutrient absorption.
Today, more and more diseases are being traced back to nutrient malabsorption. A lack of digestive enzymes is huge factor driving those deficiencies. It’s easy to see why; more than 80 percent of the population eats a diet of mostly cooked and highly-processed foods. That’s a big problem because these foods are stripped of natural enzymes and are much harder for your body to process. When you pair a poor diet with high stress levels and a busy lifestyle, your body may not be able to make enough digestive enzymes to extract what it needs from the foods you eat. The result is that your digestive system has to work harder and harder to digest the same foods, and things only get worse when we don’t replenish our body with key digestive enzymes.
In fact, if we continue to introduce enzyme-stripped foods into our already taxed bodies, foods can take up to two or three times longer to pass through your digestive system. This sometimes causes things to “bind up” and sets the stage for poor digestive function and other health issues such as flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, IBS, food intolerances and weight problems.
TOP 7 REASONS TO USE DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
1. Gut Health is the foundation for our overall health. From Hippocrates’ famous, “All disease begins in the gut” to modern doctors’ statements that “Over 70% percent of the immune system activity occurs within the gut” a healthy digestive system is CRITICAL to all other body systems. Without a healthy gastro-intestinal system, overall health and wellness is virtually impossible. Enzymes, Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and probiotics all play significant roles in gut health. (Note: ATP transports chemical energy within cells for metabolism.)
2. Nutrient Absorption is needed for cellular health. Even if you have a very healthy diet, you might not be absorbing the nutrients from the fabulous foods you are eating. Our cells need nutrients to function properly. Happy cells mean a happy body. Supplemental enzymes promote complete digestion of foods, into absorbable nutrients.
3. Enzyme Deficiency occurs as part of aging. As we age, there is a decline in the amount of enzymes our bodies produce. This can have an effect on our digestive system, ranging from uncomfortable wind and bloating to nutrient loss. Supplementing with digestive enzymes gives the body back what may be missing. Enzymes breakdown the food we eat so that the body may utilize the nutrients found in foods.
4. Food Intolerances. Awareness and incidences of food intolerances (lack of enzyme(s) needed to properly digest a food component) are increasing. Lactose and Gluten intolerance are most common yet casein, phenol and specific carbohydrate intolerances also exist. Avoiding foods due to intolerances may contribute to nutrient deficiencies, while bombarding the body with foods to which we respond poorly has alternative consequences. Food Intolerance formulas may help support proper digestion and expand dietary options as well as ease symptoms commonly associated with improper digestion of foods.
5. Stress. Let’s face it, no matter how Zen we aim to be, life is a master of curve balls and modern living is not always conducive to helping us keep our cool. Stress raises blood sugar, providing energy to fight against physical threats or for flight from danger. Stress also limits our ability to digest and absorb foods/nutrients (digestion isn’t top priority during emergencies). While helpful in specific instances, ongoing stress may result in blood sugar imbalances, carbohydrate cravings, weight issues and poor digestive function. Ongoing, unresolved stress may even prompt the body to use proteins and fats for fuel, shortchanging them from use in building new enzymes, hormones, tissues and other substances vital to health.
6. Increased Energy. Dr. Edward Howell (early pioneer of enzyme research) emphasized the importance of conserving enzyme energy and resting overworked digestive organs through use of food enzymes. Rather than taxing organs to the maximum, being mindful of enzyme content in foods/supplements and of reducing the energy dedicated to digestion (“saving” it for other metabolic functions) was Howell’s meaningful message. Today, we further understand the importance of enzymes as well as the vital role that the energy molecule, ATP, plays in bowel movements, nutrient transport, and enzyme/HCl production. We are fortunate to have access to foods and supplements that provide both ATP and enzymes. (www.enzymedica.co.uk)
7. Modern diet is often insufficient in providing our bodies with nutrients and enzymes useful in coping with the ravages of life’s overly full plates (figuratively and literally!). Nutrient levels in crops being farmed today are much lower than they were 50 years ago. Cooking, processing, and preserving foods further depletes nutrients (and destroy enzymes, probiotics and ATP). Nutrient dense choices are critical but best intentions don’t guarantee optimal nutrient, enzyme, probiotic, and ATP intake. Enzyme supplements aid healthy digestion without causing the body to halt its own enzyme production. You can forget to take your enzymes and your body will still perform digestive function, however, considering modern diets, a little enzyme assistance can go a long way in supporting gut health.
How do I choose the correct enzyme supplement for my needs?
Be sure to look for a full-spectrum enzyme blend for general digestive improvement. Dr. Maday Labrador, VP of Education at Enzymedica says “We consider a twofold approach. First begin with a digestive enzyme, as digestion is the foundation of good health. The better we digest our foods, the more nutrients we have the possibility of assimilating safely and easily while improving the removal of waste. Second consider a therapeutic enzyme (an enzyme supplement taken on an empty stomach, usually between meals)”. To determine which formulas may be right for you, take the Enzymedica Enzyme Deficiency Test. (www.enzymedica.co.uk)
What should I look for when reading labels?
Avoid fillers such as magnesium stearate, apple pectin and rice starch. Looking at the label of a high quality enzyme product, you will find measurement units you may not be familiar with. With most supplements, we are used to comparing products based on weight. However, with enzymes we are interested in the activity and potency available. It is important to recognize that there is no direct relationship between weight and enzyme activity.
Typical units of measurement include testing methods established by the Food Chemical Codex (FCC). The FCC is published by the National Academy Press and is the accepted standard of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For example, the enzyme Protease which helps to digest proteins is measured only in HUT’s (Hemoglobin Unit on a L-Tyrosine basis), the enzyme Amylase which helps to break down carbohydrates is measured in DU’s (Dextrinizing Units) and the enzyme Lactase which breaks down lactose, (the sugar which gives milk its sweetness) is measured only in ALU’s (Acid Lactase Unit). If the supplement you are looking at has anything else but these units of measurements shown in the ingredients list, leave it on the shelf and choose another more reputable brand.
For further information about digestive enzymes, benefits and quality go to: www.enzymedica.co.uk/pages/enzyme-faq
For Press Details:
Carole Petch carole@enzymedica.co.uk
Susan Warris-Liepa susan@tmcventures.com
High Res Images – upon request