"Digest"ing Enzymes

Here's where I wish I would have paid more attention in my biology classes concerning enzymes.  The only thing specific I recall about digestion are "chymes"....which is basically a mixture of partially digested food along with other digestive secretions formed in the stomach and intestine.  

It's only been about the last 2 years where I've begun to understand the importance of incorporating digestive enzymes into your daily nutritional routine.  Even if you eat healthy every day, if you don't digest it properly, the undigested food can seep from the small intestine into the bloodstream creating a backlash with your immune system.

Generally, most people are able to create enough enzymes, however, after age 30 our digestive system actually stops making certain enzymes and slows down with aging, which in turn leads to "speeding up the aging process".  I remember I could drink milk without a problem until I hit my early 30's, then I became lactose intolerant.  Genetically, I never had the enzymes to break down alcohol.   Each type of food, such as proteins, sugars, starches and fats require a specific type of enzyme. 

So, in order for your body to create additional enzymes, you would have to eat predominantly a raw food diet (fruits and vegetables) and chew very, very, very well.  Although enzymes are found naturally in raw foods, once cooked, processed or pasteurized, its enzymes are completely destroyed by heat.  

Though you may not suffer directly with digestion problems... with heartburn, gas, indigestion or burping after meals and other digestive discomfort being among the first and most apparent symptoms, there are not so obvious health issues associated to having poor digestion such as:  craving certain foods to weight gain, lack of energy, thyroid problems, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, thinning or falling out, dull hair and skin, weak or cracked nails, depression, ADHD, rashes, hives, eczema, fertility problems, etc.

By taking digestive enzymes, it helps break down food completely, so that what you eat will ensure more nutrition from the foods you eat and gets absorbed sufficiently in your body.  In the end, "poor digestion leads to deficiency or malnutrition."  Additionally, undigested food, especially proteins, can produce inflammation, trigger an immune response, allergies, autoimmune conditions and decreased resistance to infections.

When choosing digestive enzymes, I look for a comprehensive blend, plant-based enzyme that covers all the bases to include most of the following essential enzymes:  

In ( ) what the enzyme breaks down *digest* and how utilized.

• Alpha-galactosidase:  (carbohydrates in legumes that cause flatulence)
  
• Amylase:  (starches)
  
• Cellulase:  (cellulose - fiber, in fruits, vegetables, grains, and seeds)
  
• Glucoamylase:  (maltose, the sugar in grains)
  
• Invertase:  (sucrose - sugar)
  
• Lactase:  (lactose - milk sugar)
  
• Lipase:  (fats)
  
• Malt diastase:  (carbohydrates)
  
• Protease:  (proteins - can be used as a separate supplement for automimmune and inflammatory conditions and pain)
  
• Peptidase:  (casein - in milk, and gluten - in grains)
  

(Note:  one of my preferred brand is from Enzymedica.  I purchase this product at a 20% discount from Vitacost).

Lastly, here's something my hubby has done for as long as I've known him.....in order to preserve your existing enzymes, drink most of your drink/fluids between meals and little during your meals or after, so that you do not dilute your existing digestive enzymes.  

Truly, if you start optimizing the way you digest your food your body will be getting nutrients it never got and you will feel a difference, and more in balance :o)