Enzymes are specialized proteins in the body that cause biological reactions to occur. Enzymes are the workers in the body. Without enzymes, nothing happens, even though your body has all the raw ingredients. Enzymes are required, to get the job done! There are many types of enzymes. Each one has a specific function. Digestive enzymes help break down food. Different types of digestive enzymes break down different types of foods.
Where do enzymes come from and where do they go?
Enzymes exist in all raw foods. We can also produce enzymes from amino acids. The more raw foods we eat, the less digestive enzymes our bodies need to produce. We can also take digestive enzyme supplements, which come from plants, animals or microorganisms.
Cooking and other types of food processing destroy enzyme activity. Our bodies recycle digestive enzymes until they wear out. When they eventually wear out, other enzymes break them down.
Why would we supplement with digestive enzymes?
Good digestion is required for good health. Enzyme supplements are a concentrated form of food enzymes. Digestive enzymes can benefit almost everyone, especially those who eat a lot of cooked or processed foods.
Enzymes may reduce or eliminate symptoms of poor digestion, such as bloating, excess gas and heaviness.
If you have general digestion problems, leaky gut, inflammation in the gut, yeast overgrowth, gluten sensitivity or other conditions that cause incompletely digested food or poor absorption, digestive enzymes could be of great benefit to you.
How much do we need to take to benefit from digestive enzymes?
The dose of enzymes will depend on the amount and type of food eaten. It also depends on the specific formulation and on the individual's need. Generally speaking, the larger the meal, the greater number of digestive enzymes should be taken.
When is the best time to take digestive enzymes?
They are best taken with the first few bites of food, or just before you eat. If you forget, you may still take them during the meal or even at the end of the meal. Food stays in the stomach for up to 90 minutes. Enzymes work on contact with food.
Can digestive enzymes replace a restrictive diet?
Many (but not all) people find that they can reintroduce most foods by taking the appropriate enzymes for the food type. If you have a true allergy to a specific food, you should still avoid it. Many people find that they no longer need to follow a restrictive diet, when they take the right type and amount of enzymes for their diet.
In closing, keep in mind that the goal of taking a digestive enzyme supplement is to support digestion. We want to ensure the complete breakdown of the food we are eating, so that undigested food particles do not cause problems in the body. At the same time, we can increase the availability of our nutrients by regularly taking digestive enzymes or whole food supplements that contain concentrated sources of enzymes.
In order to celebrate my PhD graduation, I am offering Iridology Assessments for 79.00 (20 per cent off the regular price of 99.00), for the month of October. Call 306-783-1261 weekdays, 9-5 p.m., to make an appointment with Dr. Gail for your personal health needs.
SPECIAL INVITA-TION: I invite you to visit me at my booth in the Yorkton Harvest Showdown, until November 2. This will be your opportunity to purchase digestive enzymes. I will also be bringing the exciting Whole Body Vibration machines to the show!
This is a must see!
Dr. Gail Smolinski has completed her PhD in Natural Medicine. She is also a Registered Doctor of Natural Medicine, has her Doctor of Naturopathy degree and is Board Certified in both Traditional Naturopathy and Nutritional Wellness.
She is a Certified Low Intensity Laser Therapist, Master Herbalist, Registered Nutritional Consultant, Professional Homeopath and Holistic Iridologist.
Dr. Gail offers Low Intensity Laser Therapy, health consultations, Iridology, bio-energetic therapies, detoxification footbaths and a wide variety of professional health products at her natural health clinic.
You may contact her at 306-783-1261 on weekdays from 9 to 5 or visit her website at www.drgail.ca
This column is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. It provides general information about health and nutrition. It runs bi-weekly, space permitting.
