Enzymes

Every biochemical action in the body depends on enzymes, yet their usage and importance are virtually unknown to modern healthcare. There are over 3,000 kinds of enzymes in the body.  Each of these enzymes perform a specialized function such as breathing, growth, blood coagulation, reproduction, digestion, etc.

Enzymes are complex proteins that are produced by living cells.  If you think of your body or health as a house or a temple under construction, think of enzymes in this way:

In the living body, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals are the materials to work with. The enzymes are the workers and the hormones are the foremen. – Dr. Edward Howell 

There are two basic types of enzymes: Digestive and Metabolic (or systemic).

Digestive enzymes enable us to digest our food.  Food enzymes are present in raw foods and will help you to digest them.  Cooking foods above 118 degrees destroys enzymes so your body has to make enzymes to digest the food – it has no choice.

As we age we produce less enzymes.  If we eat cooked food without enzymes, our pancreas has to produce enzymes to digest the food, which takes away from our ability to use those enzymes for other important uses.  This gives you an idea of how beneficial it is to eat more raw foods.

Sometimes due to aging or genetics, we do not make enough enzymes to properly digest all foods.  Each type of food needs a specific enzyme – protein needs protease enzymes, fats need lipase enzymes, carbs need amylase enzymes.  If we are not breaking down foods with enzymes properly, we are not only not getting our nutrition, but we are creating a toxic nightmare for our digestive system to deal with in the form of undigested proteins.  If this continues to occur, it can lead to impaired digestion dysfunction, leaky gut syndrome, and trigger autoimmune disorders.

Metabolic enzymes of various types are responsible in some way for most every other function.  They are critical to reducing inflammation and repairing and recovering from injuries.  Reducing excessive inflammation is a key factor in preventing disease and mitigating pain conditions in the body.

Everyone over 30 years of age can benefit from enzyme therapy and it can be crucial to resolving some of the most critical health conditions.  I can help you determine which enzymes you are lacking and need to supplement through simple testing.  I have received certification as a Digestive Health Professional in enzyme therapy from the Food Enzyme Institute, created by Howard S. Loomis, Jr. DC, who studied under Edward Howell, MD, widely considered to be the father of enzyme therapy.