Optimum health requires proper digestion of the food we eat. Food must be broken down and absorbed properly in order to nourish our body. Digestive enzymes are the substances that are responsible for breaking down our food into a form that our cells can absorb and utilize.
Digestive enzymes are proteins secreted by the pancreas that act as catalysts to induce chemical changes over the food we eat. They are the manual workers that break down our food into a usable form. Their job is to break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats. When they are lacking or in short supply many metabolic disorders can result due to malabsorption of food into a usable form. Their job is to break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats. When they are lacking or in short supply many metabolic disorders can result due to malabsorption of food nutrients.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF LOW GASTRIC ENZYME ACTIVITY
- Belching, bloating, burning, and gas immediately after meals
- A sense of fullness after meals
- Indigestion, constipation or diarrhea
- Multiple food allergies
- Nausea after eating
- Rectal itching
COMMON SIGNS OF LOW GASTRIC ENZYME ACTIVITY
- Gassiness in the upper digestive tract
- Undigested food found in stool
- Chronic intestinal parasites or abnormal flora such as Candida
- Acne
- Weak, peeling and cracked fingernails
- Dilated blood vessels in the cheeks and nose
- Iron deficiency
DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH LOW GASTRIC ENZYME ACTIVITY
Addison's disease Graves disease Psoriasis Asthma Chronic auto-immune disorders Rheumatoid arthritis Celiac Disease Lupus Rosacea Dermatitis herpetiformis Myasthenia gravis Sjogren's syndrome Diabetes mellitus Osteoporosis Thyrotoxicosis Eczema Pernicious anemia Hyper and Hypothyroidism Gallbladder disease Vitiligo The enzyme potential of a healthy person is approximately 1.5 quarts secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine each day. Several studies have shown that as we age our enzyme potential diminishes to such a point that by the age of 60 and older it is half. This is in part due to the denatured foods that are commonly consumed: sugar, fried food, milk, including caffeine and alcohol. The over-consumption of these foods depletes or robs our enzyme potential leaving our pancreas exhausted. Heat used in cooking destroys all natural enzymes found in raw foods forcing our bodies to produce more enzymes. To manage this the pancreas must derive its raw materials from other enzymes sources such as the metabolic enzymes that run other functions in our body, seriously depleting our reserves. This can seriously jeopardize our health since good health depends on all of these metabolic enzymes being present in adequate supply.
Decreased secretion of digestive juices and enzymes can initiate a wide array of illnesses as shown on the chart. We can increase our digestive enzyme potential by eating more foods in their natural state, uncooked, since heating above 120 degrees destroys enzymes. However, due to the high cellulose fiber content of raw fruits and vegetables copious quantities of undesirable intestinal gas are formed making it, at best, socially inconvenient to subsist on raw foods. Another point being that while the idea of eating raw animal protein may appeal to some individuals it is not popular among the masses for obvious reasons. Therefore, it serves us well that we cook much of our food before consuming it and supplant with natural digestive enzymes supplements to protect our enzyme potential and reserve.
PANCREATIN is a preparation of proteolytic enzymes, that is, enzymes responsible for breaking down proteins. Incomplete digestion of proteins may lead to allergies and inflammation of tissue. Proteolytic enzymes prevent the deposit of oxidative metabolites into body tissues by fully breaking them down into harmless metabolites.
PAPAIN is a digestive enzyme found in papaya used commercially as a meat tenderizer. Papain is very effective in digesting wheat gluten as well as other glutens. It is also active in the breakdown of fibrin which promotes inflammation in the body and can lead to autoimmune diseases.
BROMELAIN is a proteolytic enzyme found in pineapple. It has a synergistic effect when used with pancreatin and papain.
GLUTAMIC ACID is important in the breakdown of ammonia urea found in protein and excreted by the kidneys.
BETAINE HCL is a mild hydrochloric acid that adds to the gastric acids secreted by the stomach.
CHROMIUM is an essential mineral and an integral part of many enzymes and hormones, a co-factor with insulin in the metabolism of sugar in the blood.
METHIONINE an essential amino acid whose primary function is to prevent excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, helps prevent cholesterol build up. Methionine also functions as an antioxidant, free radical deactivator, and aids in protein synthesis.
CHLOROPHYLL a plant phytogen which helps to increase peristaltic action in the colon, relieving constipation. Cholorophyll also helps regenerate damaged liver cells.
MILK THISTLE (SILYMARIN) is a powerful flavonoid able to regenerate damaged liver cells and protect if from harmful toxins. Silymarin and chlorophyll have a strong synergetic activity.
NIACIN/NICINAMIDE an essential B vitamin is effective in breaking down fats and metabolizing sugar.
Weakened enzyme activity and incomplete digestion can contribute to the development of deseases. It is enzymes that make life possible, for foods and nutritional substances are of little benefit when assimilation is inadequate. Digestive enzyme supplements help stimulate, repair and restore the body's enzyme potential helping our bodies maintain a high state of health.
NOTE: This formula does not contain ox bile salts due to studies indicating that ox bile salts promote parasite activity, in particular lambia giardia. It can safely and effectively be used as an adjunct in any anti-parasitic treatment.