Enzymes have always amazed me
even before I knew what they were. As a child my mother would rinse my hair
with vinegar—I had the shiniest hair in the third grade. As a teenager I
happened upon a skin cleanser made with pineapple enzymes—it was fantastic for
my teenage acne. In my herbal course I read a discussion of enzymes and that
yogurt was excellent for getting rid of dandruff—yes, it does work. I began a
whole food experimentation phase. I used apple cider vinegar for poison ivy,
yogurt facial masks, and discovered papaya is great for gastritis. Of course in
whole food there are other constituents at work beside the enzymes.
Enzymes have multiple
functions in the body. They are key to the proper digestion of food so the body
can assimilate nutrients from plants and meats. Recent research has
investigated the use of systemic proteolytic enzymes to support the immune
system and help the body normalize the inflammatory process.
As
we age, our enzymes become depleted. Bad diet, environmental toxins and general
stress contribute to the destruction and depletion of enzymes. Chronic illness
also tends to deplete the body’s enzymes. When foods are cooked the enzyme
contents are greatly reduced, or destroyed. When foods are commercially
processed, for example in canning, they lose their enzymes.
Meats, dairy, fruits and
vegetables are perfect synergistic packages—complete with the enzymes needed to
digest them. Also the body is capable of producing some enzymes in our
intestines. The heat of cooking processes destroys enzymes. The
pasteurization process where milk is heated to approximately 145 degrees destroys bacteria and microbes, however this heating process also destroys the needed digestive enzymes. The cooking, barbecuing, frying and drying of meat destroys enzymes
and makes meat harder to digest putting extra stress on the stomach and
intestines. To counter this enzyme depletion we need to eat more raw foods and
be careful in our choice of cooking methods. Or we may choose enzyme
supplements.
Enzymes
are essential for all metabolic processes. Enzymes are proteins composed of
amino acids however their function is to facilitate biochemical reactions in
our cells. There are an estimated
75,000 different enzymes in the body.
Digestive enzymes have
benefits for these health issues
Gas and Bloating
Heartburn/Indigestion
Constipation
Lactose Intolerance
Acid Reflux
Food Allergies/Food
Intolerance
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Pancreatic Disorders
Crohn’s Disease
Cardiovascular problems
Hypertension/high blood
pressure
Weight Gain
Slow Healing
Inflammation
Fibromyalgia
Fatigue/Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome/CFS
Arthritis
Asthma/Allergies
& Hay Fever
Sinusitis
Tendonitis
Thrombophlebitis
Digestive Enzymes
If you have ever wondered
why you feel bloated and constipated after eating the same food several days—it
is because you have depleted the enzymes for digesting that type of food. If
you have a tendency to over eat during family holidays, enzyme supplements can
make up for over eating.
Although the body produces digestive enzymes, there may not be enough to completely break down cooked or processed foods. The role of digestive enzymes is to break down food-derived fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into smaller substances that our bodies can use. More complete digestion results in fewer digestive problems.
Digestion initiates when the enzyme amylase is in our saliva begins the break down of carbohydrates through chewing. Chewing food slowly and thoroughly improves digestion.The pancreas produces and secrets the enzymes ptyalin, pepsin, trypsin, lipase, and protease into the gastrointestinal tract. The small intestine itself also creates enzymes.
Although the body produces digestive enzymes, there may not be enough to completely break down cooked or processed foods. The role of digestive enzymes is to break down food-derived fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into smaller substances that our bodies can use. More complete digestion results in fewer digestive problems.
Digestion initiates when the enzyme amylase is in our saliva begins the break down of carbohydrates through chewing. Chewing food slowly and thoroughly improves digestion.The pancreas produces and secrets the enzymes ptyalin, pepsin, trypsin, lipase, and protease into the gastrointestinal tract. The small intestine itself also creates enzymes.
Systemic Enzymes
Why should we take
systemic enzymes? Systemic enzymes have these functions:
·
Break down plaque in the
blood veins
·
Break down fibrin that has
spider webbed its way inside internal organs reducing their size and function
over time
·
Moderates immune function
·
Cleans excess fibrin from
the blood and reduces blood cells stickiness (fibrin and sticky blood cells are
leading causes of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack)
·
Break down dead materials
small enough to immediately pass into the bowel
Clean
the receptors on white blood cells to improve their ability to fight off
infection
Fibrin is a blood protein that
aids in tissue formation. However, fibrin and fibrinogen can become
problematic. Fibrins and sticky blood platelets can end up as blood clots and
debris in the circulatory system. Systemic enzymes dissolve excess fibrin;
remove metabolic waste produced by inflammation, while delivering nutrients and
oxygen-rich blood. Therapeutic enzymes have been found to be beneficial in the
treatment of various types of inflammation and cleaning the bloodstream of
debris.
Enzymes have been used to
treat issues caused by excessive or insufficient bacterial growth in the gut
and breaking down fats. Lipase is known to enhance mental capacity. Nattokinase is used for the
prevention of inappropriate blood clotting. Serrapeptase has been used for the
treatment of conditions like chronic sinusitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. To
have a systemic effect, proteolytic enzymes need be taken on an empty taken on
an empty stomach. They pass through the stomach or intestine lining and enter
the circulatory system where they circulate throughout the body.
Enhance Your Digestion
Sprouted seeds and vegetables
are exceptionally high in enzymes.
Pineapple and papayas contain large amounts of the enzymes papain and
bromelain. Apples, pears, and citrus fruits are also high in enzymes. Nuts and
grains such as barley, wheat and corn contain enzymes, which support metabolic
functions. Raw meats contain several kinds of enzymes, including catalase and
lipase. Stomach acid is important for digestive enzymes to function properly.
Too little stomach acid can impair the action of digestive enzymes.
Raw foods are healthful.
However, some individuals may have a weaker digestive function and have trouble
assimilating raw or high fiber foods. These individuals would benefit by enzyme
supplements. Grains, beans, nuts and seeds are foods that contain enzyme
inhibitors. These enzyme
inhibitors can be deactivated by germinating or sprouting, which enlivens the
enzymes allowing the food’s nutrients to be more available.
Fibrous foods high in cellulose
are difficult to digest when eaten raw. Cooking and fermentation soften and
pre-digest cellulose for easier digestion.
Drinking too much liquid
with meals dilutes the concentration of hydrochloric acid and enzymes needed for proper digestion. For symptoms of indigestion
drinking one teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar, which is loaded with enzymes,
in 2-4 ounces of water with your meals. To get the most out of the foods you
eat avoid drinking lots of liquids 20-30 minutes before and after your meals.
If you take supplements or any other pills with food, try to use no more than
4-6 ounces of water to swallow them.
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