Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Enzymes - A Key to Health

image from Taste For Life 

Enzymes are proteins that bring about change inside a cell. Some split cells apart, or break them down, while others join cells together. Without them our body could not absorb nutrients or break down food for assimilation during digestion.

Every living cell produces enzymes, so our body already has some. We can add more and different enzymes by eating foods with enzymes or taking enzyme supplements.

We all know that vitamins and minerals are absolutely necessary for good health, but did you also know that the body cannot assimilate them without the work of enzymes?

You may understand the importance of digestion. All the functions of the body are affected by the digestion and assimilation of our food. If it is not properly digested all sorts of health problems arise. IBS, colitis, crone's disease, and constipation are all directly associated with poor digestion. Many other illnesses come about as a result of poor digestion as well. Without enzymes to break down the food, there would be no digestion at all.

< SIDE NOTE: Can any scientist who studies the complexity of the body, and who understands mathematical probability, honestly deny intelligent design? >

Click here to see a short, simple video about how enzymes work.

Our body needs enzymes. Below is a chart listing several helpful enzymes for the body. These can be found in food and supplements.

Digestive Enzymes

WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR YOU
Have you noticed that your digestion isn’t what it used to be? There’s a simple reason for that. The body’s manufacturing of enzymes slows as we age. These protein molecules work throughout the digestive tract to give us energy.
The good news is that supplemental enzymes, taken when you eat a meal, can aid digestion. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common enzymes and their uses. 
Enzyme
What It 
Digests
Used For
Bromelain
Proteins
Pain and swelling, sinus infections, colitis
Cellulase
Fiber
Blood sugar and cholesterol regulation, intestinal tract detoxification
Invertase
Carbs
Sugar digestion, bacterial infections
Lactase
Lactose (milk sugar)
Lactose intolerance
Lipase
Fats
Celiac and Crohn’s diseases, indigestion, IBS
Pancreatin
Proteins, fats, carbs
Digestive problems, viral infections, sports injuries, food allergies, autoimmune disorders
Papain
Proteins, fats, carbs
Pain and swelling, diarrhea, psoriasis


SELECTED SOURCES
“Bromelain”; “Lactase Enzyme Oral”; “Papain;” www.webmd.com
“The Health Benefits of Cellulase,” 5/29/11; “The Health Benefits of Invertase,” 7/1/11; by Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, Global Healing Center, www.globalhealingcenter.com
 
 By: Jane Eklund


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