Enzyme nutrition is the art and science of using nutrition to maintain homeostasis and health in the body. It works with the body's innate intelligence to bring the body to optimal health using whole foods that contain protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, rather than trying to manipulate it by using chemical compounds that produce side effects.
Food enzymes are a natural and important component in our food supply, yet they are systematically removed to extend shelf-life. While shelf-life is necessary in our modern society, enzymes must be replaced, just as vitamins and minerals are. For example, when milk is pasteurized it depletes the vitamin A and D content as well as enzymes. The vitamins are added back in, but the enzymes are not. Enzymes are the construction workers of the body. Protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals are simply the building materials.
We use proven and time-honored standards to nutritionally support the body. We recognize that the best sources of nutrients are not concentrated chemical compounds but whole foods with contents that act synergistically when properly digested and assimilated.
Enzymes are very large and complex protein molecules. They are very specific to what they will break down or digest. Besides moisture, they require three things to become active: the proper temperature, the proper pH (acid or alkaline), and the right substrate (or material) to break down. For example, protease -- the enzyme that breaks down protein -- will only work on protein, not carbohydrate.
Enzymes run the biochemical reactions in living things including humans, animals, and plants. This means that enzymes do the "work" in the body whereas vitamins and minerals, also known as coenzymes, are only building blocks. What isn't commonly understood is how important enzymes are to digestion and to the concept of staying healthy.
Enzymes are a natural part of vegetables, fruits, grains, and other raw food. Enzymes ripen then slowly "digest" raw food. For those of us who cannot live on a farm or close to an agricultural center, our food is generally purchased at grocery stores or supermarkets where food needs to stay fresh and look appealing. Moreover, our present-day society requires food to have extended shelf life as food is shipped from country to country, coast to coast. Food enzymes may be important, but they pose a very difficult problem for the food industry. Whether food is canned, pasteurized, genetically engineered, cooked, or packaged, enzymes must be systematically removed from our food supply for economic and practical reasons. Have you ever wondered how scientists are able to genetically engineer tomatoes to stay fresher longer? The enzyme content of the tomato is reduced or slowed so it does not digest itself as quickly. We are taught that a tomato rots; in reality, it is being digested or broken down by its own enzymes.
While it is regrettable that our food supply must be so radically altered, it is clearly necessary. But, if we fortify our foods with lost nutrients like vitamins and minerals, why not replace the enzymes? No other nutritional supplement can be substituted. You can swallow pounds of vitamins and minerals but without enzymes, nothing works and you are wasting your money. Supplemental enzymes are not destroyed in the stomach, as many skeptics claim who do not fully understand the digestive process.
Who Needs Enzymes?
Since whatever you do not digest becomes a poison, there are practically no conditions that are not associated with enzyme deficiencies and therefore will only benefit from their application. allergies, appendicitis, arthritis, asthma, cancer, candidiasis, cardiovascular disease, children's health problems, diabetes, fibroids, gallbladder disorders, gastric problems (ulcers, gastritis, hiatal hernia), intestinal disorders (diarrhea, constipation, etc.), headaches, herpes, injuries (bruises, sprains, broken bones, tendonitis, disc problems), insomnia, kidney stones, menopausal symptoms, mental disorders, osteoporosis, parasites, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), prostate enlargement, seizures, skin problems (acne, psoriasis) and weight problems.
Here are some examples:
* Infant colic, sometimes accompanied by projectile vomiting can be supported in one day with a multiple digestive enzymes.
* The morning sickness of menses or pregnancy can be supported by enzymes. In addition, enzymes are a primary allergy relief whether the allergen is dust, flowers, animals, air pollution or food.
* Chronic diarrhea can be supported, sometimes in days with an enzymes.
* Likewise, chronic constipation can be supported with an enzyme/herbal formulas.
* Ulcers can be aided with an enzyme/herbal formulas. The only exception is people who take certain drugs that cause ulcers or have a stomach bacteria called Helicobacter pylon. Both of these conditions must be re mediated for complete stomach healing.
* The pain, swelling and bruising of an injury or of soft tissue trauma following surgery or an injury can be greatly supported with enzyme/herbal/homeopathic formulas.
