Archive for September, 2010

Enzymes and Longevity

Friday, September 17th, 2010

We are all going to arrive at our Golden Years. How can we best insure our longevity and be in good physical and mental condition at the same time? The answer may be that there is a definite correlation between the amounts of enzymes an individual possesses and the amount of energy he has.  With increasing age, we show a decreased energy reserve. A quote from the work of Dr. Edward Howell is, “If you take in enzyme reinforcements during the younger years, your enzymes at eighty years will be more like those at forty years.”

How does a lack of enzymes speed the aging process?   When our enzyme levels become so low that our metabolism suffers, death may result.  When our metabolism is falsely stimulated by coffee, a high protein diet, and/or other stimulants, our metabolism increases and enzymes are used up. This is a false energy and we feel a sense of well being, however, the end result will be a rapid burnout of energy causing premature aging. The greater the amount of enzyme reserves, the stronger our immune system and the more healthy we are.

Invariably any discussion about enzymes results in the question: Do we lose our ability to produce enzymes    because we age or do we age because our ability to sustain production of enzymes decreases? We are all born with an enzyme potential that is predicated upon our DNA, referred to as enzyme reserves. Following are some  examples of why life cannot exist without enzymes:

  • Enzymes are needed for every chemical reaction that takes place in the body.
  • Enzymes are catalysts. They make things work.
  • Enzymes are connected to every working organ in our body and run our life’s processes.
  • Enzymes are needed by vitamins and minerals to accomplish their delivery within the body.
  • Enzymes are required for any food digestion to occur.
  • Enzymes are made inactive by processing or cooking food over 116º.
  • Enzymes can prevent partially digested proteins from putrefying, carbohydrates from fermenting, and fats from turning rancid within the system.
  • Enzymes from plant sources become active as soon as they enter the body.  It only takes moisture and heat to activate them.
  • Enzymes from animal sources only work or are activated within the small intestine, and in an alkaline  setting of 8.0

Nature has endowed all raw food with the required enzymes for digestion. Chewing and breaking down the fiber of the food releases the necessary enzymes for digestion to begin.

Raw foods do not contain as many enzymes as in the past, due to environmental factors, i.e., depleted soil conditions and modern preserving techniques. Our body needs to compensate by secreting more and more enzymes to make up for the lack.

In addition to cooked foods, coffee, illness, stress, and even exercise, are some other factors that take their toll on our enzyme reserves.

Enzyme deficient food puts a burden on our digestive system, which wasn’t designed to handle incompletely digested foods. This, in turn, may lead to poor nutrient absorption, fatigue, digestive upset, food allergies, and many other conditions.  When partially digested food molecules escape into the bloodstream, this causes an immune response, such as LeakyGut syndrome which over-burdens the immune system. The body then steals enzymes from the white blood cells, thereby compromising our immune system even further.

Dr. Edward Howell, father of enzyme research in the United States, and Dr. Wolf of Germany have done extensive research on enzymes. They have shown in numerous studies that enzyme output gradually decreases with age and may be reduced by more than 60% by the time we reach age 55.

At some point in time, we must supplement our enzyme reserves in order to fight the degenerative conditions associated with aging.

We know that the major cause of aging is cellular deterioration due to excess toxins in the body.  Enzymes help the body to resist free radical damage. This destructive damage has to be stopped, as it weakens the whole body and causes premature aging.

As we age, free radicals cause cross-linkage that reduces connective tissue and causes the skin to lose its elasticity, resulting in wrinkles.  Enzymes fight the aging process by increasing blood supply to the skin, bringing with it life-giving nutrients and carrying away waste products that can make your skin look dull and wrinkled.  Circulation slows down as we get older. A diet which includes an abundance of raw fruits and vegetables (which are high in enzymes) along with taking a complete enzyme supplement becomes more important with age, because eating a cooked or processed diet has depleted our body’s natural enzyme reserves. Other challenges of aging that can be addressed with enzymes are:

  • Purifying blood – Is it possible that an enzyme can clean up or purify the blood?  When you look at it from the simplest perspective, it makes sense. It is a known fact that fungal forms, parasites, and bacteria are made up of protein. Also, take into consideration that the shell that protects a virus in our bodies is also a protein coating. Protease is suggested to take on an empty stomach to break down protein invaders, i.e., fungus, yeast, toxicity, bacteria, and parasites.

 

  • Strengthening the immune system – Enzymes deliver nutrients, carry away toxic wastes, digest food, purify the blood, deliver hormones by feeding and fortifying the endocrine system, balance cholesterol and triglyceride levels, feed the brain and cause no harm to the body.

 

  • Breaking down fats – It is a proven fact the enzyme lipase breaks down (digests) fat. When added to your meal as a supplement, it is able to do this job in the digestive tract. This takes stress off the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.

 

  • Lowering cholesterol – Lipase helps lower cholesterol levels because of its ability to break down fat.

 

  • Taking off excess weight and fat – Many overweight people have metabolism imbalances or the potential of creating one. The endocrine system rules our metabolism. Once we are able to fortify the endocrine system, get the bowels working regularly, and digest our food rather than turning it into fat, we have a successful combination for losing weight. Rather than creating common “weight loss” which is often nothing more than water loss, we will instead burn fat and properly digest our food. This process is not instantaneous, because we have to lose fat instead of weight. It takes longer, but is healthier and lasts longer. Best of all, it does no harm.

 

  • Enhancing mental capacity – Your body uses glucose called from the liver to feed and fortify the hypothalamus. Your red blood cells do the work of carrying oxygen to your brain. Nutrients have to be delivered throughout your body by means of the enzyme delivery system. When this is not accomplished, you become fatigued and are less able to think clearly. Remember that the hypothalamus directs our endocrine system and is responsible for water balance, body temperature, appetite and even emotions.

 

  • Cleansing the colon – Undigested foods that are stored in the colon begin with a digestive problem. In the colon, undigested protein will putrefy; starch, sugars and carbohydrates will ferment; and fats will turn rancid. If we eat more than one meal per day, we should experience at least one and two bowel movements per day to rid our body of toxic waste. Enzymes aid in natural colon  functioning by properly breaking down the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The proper digestion of food is the first step in encouraging regularity.

 

  • Enhancing sleep – When nutrients are unable to get past the brain’s barrier, it can create insomnia and depression. The undernourished endocrine system may create a malfunction in our hormonal system, which can upset our nervous system and sleep patterns. If we are able to correctly digest our food, however, we get proper delivery of the nutrients to keep the endocrine and nervous system in sync. We can then rebuild our lifestyle and energy patterns.

Although there is no silver bullet or magic potion to stop aging, we do know it takes years for our health to decline, and it usually takes many more years to resolve our health problems. The simple fact is, we should always give our body the correct fuel to perform, and it will give us many years of service. Intervention with enzymes and other nutrients is the key in anti-aging.

We all are going to arrive at our Golden Years. Let’s be in the best physical and mental condition possible.

by: Charles Hallquist, PhD

References:

David Dressler and Huntington Potter, Discovering Enzymes, Harvard Medical School
Erik Emby, MD, Hidden Killers
DicQie Fuller, PhD, The Healing Power of Enzymes
D.A. Lopez, MD, Enzymes
Edward Howell, MD, Enzymes for Health and Longevity

Digestion – Asborption – Elimination

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

DIGESTION…ABSORPTION…ELIMINATION

by Charles Hallquist PhD, DN

When digestion, absorption, and elimination are maximized, you will notice a lot of other symptoms will be eliminated. Indigestion can be attributed to a great many causes. Its discomfort, not only in the stomach, but in the areas of absorption and elimination, creates a general “not feeling very well” condition to the client. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of the people working and walking around have a digestive problem, which could easily be eliminated. We will see how enzymes can return the digestive system to normal. Common symptoms of enzyme insufficiency include abdominal bloating, gas, indigestion, and passing of undigested foods into the stool. In order to gain nutritional benefits from the food we eat, it is critical that we properly digest, absorb, and eliminate our food. The best nutrition in the world would go to waste if the body were unable to process that food. Fortunately, the human digestive system is quite efficient in extracting the needed nutrients from “good” food under normal conditions. The major function of the digestive system is to grind down foods and absorb nutrients. The digestive system extends from the mouth to the anus and includes: mouth, throat, esophagus, intestines and all related organs, the salivary glands, the liver and gallbladder, and of course, the pancreas. Digestion occurs as a result of mechanical and chemical processes. The mechanical process includes grinding, crushing, and mixing of the food mass together with digestive juices/enzymes. These are responsible for the chemical breakdown of large molecules into smaller molecules by breaking up chemical bonds (when three or more molecules bond together). The active compounds in the digestive juices are primarily enzymes. Protease breaks down proteins, amylase breaks down starchy carbohydrates and lipase breaks down fat. The digestive process starts in the mouth. Food is mixed with saliva, which contains the enzyme amylase, which breaks down starch molecules into smaller segments. Food is broken down in the stomach by mechanical as well as chemical means. The mixing of food with digestive secretions, including hydrochloric acid and enzymes, is critical to proper protein digestion and nutrient absorption. If hydrochloric acid secretion is insufficient or inhibited, proper protein digestion will not occur. In this process, the food is in the stomach from 45 minutes to 4 hours. When the food leaves the stomach, it is referred to as chyme. It takes the chyme approximately two to four hours to make its way through the 21-foot small intestine. The small intestine is divided into three segments:

  • Duodenum – the first portion, is 10 to 12 inches long
  • Jejunum – the middle portion, is about 8 feet long
  • Ileum – the last portion, is about 12 feet long

The small intestine participates in all aspects of digestion, absorption, and transport of ingested material. The small intestine secretes a variety of digestive and protective enzymes from the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Absorption of nutrients occurs predominately in the duodenum. Absorption of water -soluble vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins occurs primarily in the jejunum. Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, fat, cholesterol, and bile salt compounds secreted by the gallbladder occurs in the ileum during digestion. Disease in the small intestine often results in mal-absorption syndromes characterized by multiple nutrient deficiencies. Examples of common mal-absorption would include, but are not limited to, Celiac disease (gluten intolerance), food allergy (enzyme deficiency), intestinal infection, and Crohn’s disease, which would indicate an amylase deficiency.

PANCREAS

The pancreas produces enzymes that are required for digestion and absorption of nutrients. Each day the pancreas secretes about 1-1/2 quarts of pancreatic juices into the small intestine. The enzymes secreted include lipase, protease, and amylase. Lipase along with bile from the gallbladder breaks down fats. Deficiency of lipase would result in mal-absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Amylase breaks down the starch (carbohydrate) molecules into smaller segments. The saliva gland as well as the pancreas secretes the enzyme amylase. Protease is secreted by the pancreas and breaks down protein into single amino acids, Incomplete digestion of protein creates a number of problems, including the development of allergies and formation of toxic substances, which are produced during putrefaction. Protease is responsible for keeping the small intestine free of parasites including bacteria, yeast, protozoa, and parasitic worms. Lack of the enzyme protease increases the risk of intestinal infection and chronic candida. Protease is very important in preventing the formation of fibrous clots, tissue damage during inflammation, and depositing immune complexes in the body tissue. Incomplete digestion and yeast can be the main contributors to the development of many diseases. Ingestion of healthy foods and many nutritional supplements are of little benefit when breakdown and assimilation are inadequate. Enzymes assist in this necessary assimilation. Proper function of the small intestine requires effective digestive enzymes coupled with a fully functional absorptive surface. Improving small intestine function requires addressing the underlying issues, i.e., food intolerance, allergies, lack of enzymes, low immune status, and too much sugar in the diet. The digestive system is a truly integrated system, in which the function of one aspect usually affects the others. Due to the interrelationship among the components of the digestive system, it makes it difficult to determine the exact cause of a digestive disturbance. Using the proper digestive enzymes will eliminate most of the problems.

Copyright © 2010, Enzyme Research Products, Inc

F.A.Q.’s Regading Enzymes

Sunday, September 12th, 2010

 

Will enzymes interfere with my medications?
It is unusual for there to be an interaction between a medication and enzymes. If you are taking a time release formula, be aware that some use cellulose to slow digestion and release of the product. In that case, you would want to be cautious with your use of cellulase.  If you are taking a blood thinning medication, you would want to be cautious with your use of nattokinase and protease.

Enzymes heal the gut and improve absorption, so you may be metabolizing more of your medications and supplements than in the past.  Be knowledgeable about the side effects of your medication and monitor any increase of them as you begin enzymes.  It may become possible to cut down or eliminate that medication.  As always, please consult with your health care professional.

Are enzymes safe for children?
Generally speaking…enzymes are safe for infants on up.  It is easy to break apart capsules to mix in water, juice or applesauce. Again, as with any supplement program please consult with your health care practioner ahead of time.

Will taking supplemental digestive enzymes keep me from making my own?
Hormones are the signals for turning enzyme secretion on and off.  Taking digestive enzyme supports digestive function, it does not inhibit it.  By taking supplemental enzymes, you are giving your body more energy to put into other important bodily functions besides digestion.

Can you take too many enzymes?
Enzymes are proteins which will be broken down into amino acids and absorbed by the body if not used up.  There is no instance of anyone having been harmed by taking too many enzymes.  However, during initial use, large amounts of enzymes may provoke a cleansing reaction as the body releases toxins more rapidly than the body can process.

Can enzymes help with weight loss?
Research has shown that obese individuals are deficient in the enzyme lipase.  Lipase is the enzyme that breaks down fat. Lipase helps us burn fat for energy.  Without it, fat is stored or accumulates in arteries.  Additional lipase should be taken with meals along with a general digestive enzyme.  Many overweight people have metabolism imbalance or will soon create one.  The endocrine system is our metabolism. Hormones are the driving force of the endocrine system. Hormones are made from fat, so properly digested, healthy fats such as raw butter, nuts and seeds and fish oils are essential.  Healthy fats act like a log on the fire as opposed to kindling (carbohydrates).  They satisfy the appetite and help us keep going longer without snacking.  Don’t exclude fat from your diet, but make sure it is an uncooked, healthy source and you have sufficient lipase to digest it.

While enzymes are considered safe…we realize that every body is different and different people have different reactions.  We encourage you to do as much research as possible into the care of health and well-being.  We also encourage you to check with your health care provider before starting this or any other supplement program that you may be considering. 

Yours In Health!

G.E. Moon II

Information within this site is for educational purposes only. Statements about any of the products on this website and their efficacy have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration or any other government agency. Any product found on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with your physician or qualified alternative health care practitioner or therapist before starting any supplement or exercise program.

Plant VS Animal Enzymes

Friday, September 10th, 2010

 

What are the pros and cons of plant and animal enzymes?

Animal enzymes, or pancreatic enzymes, are from the pancreas of a slaughter house animal.  Ask yourself “What was the condition of this animal and its organs before it was slaughtered?”  How does anyone know?

Don’t forget the importance of pH balance.  Pancreatin only works at 8.0 pH to be of use in the system.  Plant enzymes have the capability to work between 4 and 9 pH.  They are blended as neutral, alkaline and acidic in our formulations to make sure enzyme activity can occur in a wide range of circumstances.  This means they work throughout the entire digestive tract and in the blood.

Yours In Health!

G.E. Moon II

How “Pure” Are Your Enzymes?

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

 

How pure are your products?  What about allergens?

Enzyme Research Products (the only enzyme product line that we carry at Abundant Health Center, LLC) uses only the highest quality pure pharmaceutical enzymes.  All of the  ingredients in the Enzyme Research formulas are rigorously tested by our encapsulator for heavy metals, pesticides and other contaminants.  This story will give you an idea of the integrity of the owner of Enzyme Research Products – Dr. Lori Halquist – Dr. Lori sent over a new formula to be made up by the encapsulator.  The encapsulator called her and said there was one ingredient for which he could not find a source pure enough that would satisfy him.  That ingredient was left out of the product.

Most of our products do not contain any allergens.  Here are the ones that do:

  • ProdophilusFOS has traces of milk products.  In this case, the probiotics are grown on a dairy-based culture and then centrifuged to separate the culture from the probitotics that go in the bottle.

 

  • Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM contains shellfish.  Glucosamine is made from shellfish, but there is no evidence that it contains shellfish proteins which are usually responsible for causing allergy symptoms. There is a vegetarian form of glucosamine which has less efficacy. Anyone with a shellfish allergy would want to check with their health care professional.

 

  • Vitazyme –according to FDA standards the following allergens must be listed, though they are not all an issue as we understand it: wheat, soy, dairy and shellfish. The wheat in the formula is from wheatgrass which does not contain gluten or gliadin and should not cause any problems.  The soy is from the Betatene (vitamin A), the Vitamin E, manganese, molybdenum and selenium.  The Betatene and Vitamin E are allergen exempted because the soy is there at the start of manufacturing, but becomes a non-issue by the end.  The three minerals are chelates which do contain soy. The dairy is used as a carrying agent in the Acerola Extract.  The shellfish is in the glucosamine (see above explanation).

 

  • NattokinasePlus contains soy. The soy is fermented to grow the enzyme.  The enzyme is separated from the growth medium at the end and should not be a problem.

Yours In Health!

G.E. Moon II