Posts Tagged ‘enzymes’

Digestion – Asborption – Elimination

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

DIGESTION…ABSORPTION…ELIMINATION

by Charles Hallquist PhD, DN

When digestion, absorption, and elimination are maximized, you will notice a lot of other symptoms will be eliminated. Indigestion can be attributed to a great many causes. Its discomfort, not only in the stomach, but in the areas of absorption and elimination, creates a general “not feeling very well” condition to the client. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of the people working and walking around have a digestive problem, which could easily be eliminated. We will see how enzymes can return the digestive system to normal. Common symptoms of enzyme insufficiency include abdominal bloating, gas, indigestion, and passing of undigested foods into the stool. In order to gain nutritional benefits from the food we eat, it is critical that we properly digest, absorb, and eliminate our food. The best nutrition in the world would go to waste if the body were unable to process that food. Fortunately, the human digestive system is quite efficient in extracting the needed nutrients from “good” food under normal conditions. The major function of the digestive system is to grind down foods and absorb nutrients. The digestive system extends from the mouth to the anus and includes: mouth, throat, esophagus, intestines and all related organs, the salivary glands, the liver and gallbladder, and of course, the pancreas. Digestion occurs as a result of mechanical and chemical processes. The mechanical process includes grinding, crushing, and mixing of the food mass together with digestive juices/enzymes. These are responsible for the chemical breakdown of large molecules into smaller molecules by breaking up chemical bonds (when three or more molecules bond together). The active compounds in the digestive juices are primarily enzymes. Protease breaks down proteins, amylase breaks down starchy carbohydrates and lipase breaks down fat. The digestive process starts in the mouth. Food is mixed with saliva, which contains the enzyme amylase, which breaks down starch molecules into smaller segments. Food is broken down in the stomach by mechanical as well as chemical means. The mixing of food with digestive secretions, including hydrochloric acid and enzymes, is critical to proper protein digestion and nutrient absorption. If hydrochloric acid secretion is insufficient or inhibited, proper protein digestion will not occur. In this process, the food is in the stomach from 45 minutes to 4 hours. When the food leaves the stomach, it is referred to as chyme. It takes the chyme approximately two to four hours to make its way through the 21-foot small intestine. The small intestine is divided into three segments:

  • Duodenum – the first portion, is 10 to 12 inches long
  • Jejunum – the middle portion, is about 8 feet long
  • Ileum – the last portion, is about 12 feet long

The small intestine participates in all aspects of digestion, absorption, and transport of ingested material. The small intestine secretes a variety of digestive and protective enzymes from the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Absorption of nutrients occurs predominately in the duodenum. Absorption of water -soluble vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins occurs primarily in the jejunum. Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, fat, cholesterol, and bile salt compounds secreted by the gallbladder occurs in the ileum during digestion. Disease in the small intestine often results in mal-absorption syndromes characterized by multiple nutrient deficiencies. Examples of common mal-absorption would include, but are not limited to, Celiac disease (gluten intolerance), food allergy (enzyme deficiency), intestinal infection, and Crohn’s disease, which would indicate an amylase deficiency.

PANCREAS

The pancreas produces enzymes that are required for digestion and absorption of nutrients. Each day the pancreas secretes about 1-1/2 quarts of pancreatic juices into the small intestine. The enzymes secreted include lipase, protease, and amylase. Lipase along with bile from the gallbladder breaks down fats. Deficiency of lipase would result in mal-absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Amylase breaks down the starch (carbohydrate) molecules into smaller segments. The saliva gland as well as the pancreas secretes the enzyme amylase. Protease is secreted by the pancreas and breaks down protein into single amino acids, Incomplete digestion of protein creates a number of problems, including the development of allergies and formation of toxic substances, which are produced during putrefaction. Protease is responsible for keeping the small intestine free of parasites including bacteria, yeast, protozoa, and parasitic worms. Lack of the enzyme protease increases the risk of intestinal infection and chronic candida. Protease is very important in preventing the formation of fibrous clots, tissue damage during inflammation, and depositing immune complexes in the body tissue. Incomplete digestion and yeast can be the main contributors to the development of many diseases. Ingestion of healthy foods and many nutritional supplements are of little benefit when breakdown and assimilation are inadequate. Enzymes assist in this necessary assimilation. Proper function of the small intestine requires effective digestive enzymes coupled with a fully functional absorptive surface. Improving small intestine function requires addressing the underlying issues, i.e., food intolerance, allergies, lack of enzymes, low immune status, and too much sugar in the diet. The digestive system is a truly integrated system, in which the function of one aspect usually affects the others. Due to the interrelationship among the components of the digestive system, it makes it difficult to determine the exact cause of a digestive disturbance. Using the proper digestive enzymes will eliminate most of the problems.

Copyright © 2010, Enzyme Research Products, Inc

Why Do You Need Digestive Enzymes?

Monday, September 6th, 2010

 

Why do I need Digestive enzymes?

 
All of us are all born with a certain potential for enzyme production.  Raw food contains its own enzymes for digestion, but through cooking and processing destroys them.  The body then needs to make its own enzymes to metabolize food.  Over time all of our bodies runs low on enzymes, therefore the various digestive and cellular processes begin to slow down.  Because of this, many chronic conditions can result.  By taking enzymes, you are allowing your body to put energy into maintaining and repairing vital organs and tissues rather than siphoning it off to create enzymes to digest your food.

How do I know if I am deficient?

 
Anyone who eats a primarily cooked and processed food diet will benefit from the addition of supplemental enzymes.  In addition, you may be bothered by digestive issues such as gas, bloating, fatigue after a meal, constipation or diarrhea.  Other symptoms that pertain to enzyme deficiency are as follows:

PMS
Cold hands & feet
Inflammation
Fungal forms
Insomnia
Gum disorders
Aching feet
Cystitis
Gallstones
Psoriasis
Constipation
Hearing problems Gingivitis
Arthritis
Acne
Hay fever
Urinary weakness
Irritable bowl syndrome
Sinus infection Parasites
Heart problems
Hot flashes
Neck aches Shoulder aches Rashes
Mood swings
Fatigue
Sprue
Back weakness
High blood pressure Hypoglycemia

Chronic colds
Chronic fatigue
DepressionBladder problems
Gallbladder stress
Prostate problems
Diarrhea
Chronic allergies
Diverticulitis

What should I expect when I start taking enzymes?


Everyone does not experience the same reactions.  Most people start feeling better within a few days, especially in terms of digestion and elimination.  By improving absorption of nutrients, the body is better able to detoxify itself. In addition, yeasts, bacteria and parasites may start to die off and initially it may be hard for the body to dispose of them quickly. For some people, that means that they may feel a little worse before they feel better.  Symptoms could include headache, “flu-like” feelings, and fatigue or skin rashes.  This is actually a good sign!  Your body is starting to clean house!  You can lower your dosage to control the symptoms, keeping in mind that improvements will also come at a slower pace.  Make sure to drink plenty of water!

Yours In Health!

G.E. Moon II

The 4 Types Of Enzymes

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Essentially there are four different kinds of enzymes, they are:

  • Food enzymes: These are found in raw foods.  There are sufficient enzymes in each raw food to digest it.  The level of active enzymes in a food is affected by many things – including:  food additives, radiation, long term storage, and any kind of food processing, especially heat.  Enzymes in foods are destroyed when they reach a heat over 116°F.

 

  • Digestive enzymes:  These help break food down into basic components so you can absorb the nutrients that are required to build cells, maintain organs and repair tissue.  These types of enzymes are present in the digestive juices your body produces, starting with the saliva in the mouth continuing down to and including the intestines.  These enzymes include protease, amylase, lipase, malt diastase, invertase, lactase, pectinase and alpha galactosidase.  Digestive enzymes break down different food groups.

 

  • Metabolic enzymes: These enzymes enhance and support metabolic processes. They are made by the body and drive chemical reactions within the cells.  On a cellular level,  metabolic enzymes direct body systems and are interconnected with every functional organ and biological system in the body.

 

  • Supplemental enzymes: These are cultured from plant enzymes. Plant enzymes are grown from food such as mushrooms, soy and wheat in a laboratory setting with specific actions rendered in units.  They are nonpathogenic Aspergillus Niger species and are free of mycelium contamination.  Removal of all aspergilli and fungi leave only the enzymatic action.  Supplemental enzymes are a concentrated form of enzymatic action.

 

Yours In Health!

G.E. Moon II

What Are Plant Based Enzymes?

Saturday, September 4th, 2010

At Abundant Health Center, LLC, we choose to use only the highest pharmaceutical-grade enzymes, vitamins and minerals, from natural sources.  In our search for the highest quality product and the most congruent company we found Enzyme Research Products.  Their products are scientifically formulated in highly concentrated, precisely balanced combinations.

All of the products from Enzyme Research are laboratory-grown using the strictest quality controls. The great thing about this company is that they require a certificate of analysis for every ingredient in all of their blends from a reputable testing laboratory.

We have found Enzyme Research Products to be the ideal choice for the widest spectrum of clients including vegetarians, children and patients with ulcers, allergies and sensitivities.  We have even had customers with poorly functioning digestive systems, nutritional deficiencies or chronic health problems that have shared with us the benefits they have experienced from using the plant based enzyme products developed by Enzyme Research.

One of the great things about plant based enzymes is how effective they are in a wide pH range levels, unlike enzymes from animal sources.  The Enzyme Research products are free of fillers, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

Lastly, enzymes are needed for every chemical reaction that takes place in your body.  Enzymes are connected with every working organ and facilitate all metabolism. Currently science has identified over 5,000 enzymes and there are thousands more yet undiscovered. Enzymes are biocatalysts, making internal chemical reactions work faster and more efficiently.

Yours In Health!

G.E. Moon II