Beauty Tips:Do you have enough enzymes?
Article Summary:
Article Content:
As I mentioned on twitter, the first signs of enzyme deficiency are indigestion, gas and bloating after eating meals. Fatigue, premature aging and weight gain are also signs of low enzymes in the body. Most nutrient deficiency problems as we age result not from the lack of the nutrients themselves, but from our lack of enzymes to absorb them.
Nature has designed an interlocking digestive program for us. When our foods don’t have enough enzymes for us to digest them, enzymes reserved for metabolic processes get pulled from their normal work to digest food. The pancreas and liver have to use their enzyme stores, too. But even these substitute measures don’t make up for the missing food enzymes because we need those enzymes to break down and actually deliver the nutrients.
Low enzymes mean we end up with undigested food in our blood. So, white blood cell immune defenses are pulled from their jobs to take care of the undigested food, and the immune system takes a dive. It’s a perfect environment for disease.
Enzyme-rich foods take care of this unhealthy cascade of reactions before it ever starts. Fresh fruits and vegetables (especially bitter greens) have the most plant enzymes. As you increase these foods in your diet, your enzymatic activity also increases. If you don’t get enough fresh foods, or you need extra enzyme concentration for healing, plant-based enzyme supplements are the next best choice, especially from herbs and superfoods.
If you can’t make them, take them.
Can we maximize daily enzyme benefits?
Enzymes are extremely sensitive to heat. Heat above 120° F. destroys them. Even low degrees of heat can greatly reduce your digestive ability. Enzymes are also affected by excessive sunlight, tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, fluorides, chlorine in drinking water, air pollution, chemical additives and many drugs. Enzyme protection and enzyme therapy are also dramatically reduced by the use of a microwave oven and chronic stress.
High quality enzyme products are available through: Enzymedica, Transformation Enzyme Products, Herbal Products and Development, and Pure Essence Labs as well as my own Dr. Enzyme with protease and bromelain and blended herbs.