Nutrition Articles

Every single process that occurs in our bodies requires energy. Enzymes make this possible. Enzymes act as catalysts in the body to release this energy and ignite metabolic processes. In fact, enzymes are so incredibly important that they are said to hold the key to the mystery of life!

Enzymes are consumed and must be supplied through other means than production by the body, hence the focus of this article- digestive enzyme supplements. Digestive enzymes and life are essentially one and the same. Enzyme levels can be measured, and unlike vitamin and minerals that are fairly constant throughout life, enzyme levels decline with age. Dr. Edward Howell in his book, Food Enzymes for Health & Longevity, states ?When the enzyme content becomes so low that metabolism cannot proceed at a proper level, death overtakes the organism.?

Enzymes and Heat

Heat is to enzymes what kryptonite is to Superman. The body?s enzymes become impaired at temperatures above 107 degrees Fahrenheit (fever). and digestive enzymes in raw food are destroyed at temperatures about 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Just as digestive enzymes can be destroyed by heat, they can be inhibited by cold. Refrigerated and frozen food can be kept indefinitely just like dehydrated foods because the digestive enzymes cannot function without water- a moist environment. Preservatives are added to foods to prolong their shelf life and extend profits for food manufacturers. They work by inhibiting enzymes which is why preserved foods are difficult to digest.

Digestive Enzyme Supplements At Work

Our food must be broken down into constituents that can be easily absorbed by our bodies? for example, protein must be broken down into amino acids, starches into sugars, and fats into small components. Vitamin and minerals must be extracted and used or stored if necessary. These processes are performed by a number of different digestive enzymes. Although some enzymes are destroyed by stomach acids, digestive enzyme supplements play an important role in assisting in the digestive process. This takes some of the load off of the pancreas and supplements enzyme production within the body, through the blood and lymphatic system.

Dr. Howell also notes that it is possible for complex substances such as bacteria, yeast, and large proteins to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This ultimately produces allergic reactions and autoimmune responses. Candida treatments, rheumatoid arthritis, allergy treatments, etc. could be improved or remedied with digestive enzyme supplements. Dr. Howell shows that when digestive enzyme levels were low, digestive enzyme supplements were administered as an allergy treatment and proved to be effective. This shows the importance of digestive enzymes to health and longevity.

So what have we learned today about the role and necessity of digestive enzymes and digestive enzyme supplements? When there are no available enzymes in the cooked and processed foods that we consume, it places a strain on the body (the pancreas)? in short, low enzyme levels are directly related to aging and degeneration. Digestive enzyme supplements are the answer to maintaining vitality and keeping our body?s enzyme levels high. You now have the secret key in the digestive enzyme game. Play to win!

Resources: Food Enzymes for Health & Longevity by Dr. Edward Howell