The enzymes naturally present in food
play an important role in digestion by helping to
predigest the ingested food in the upper stomach before
hydrochloric acid (stomach acid) has even been secreted.
This predigestion is hindered when food is cooked or
processed because the enzymes are destroyed by the
processing procedures. Placing the full digestive burden
on the body, the body's digestive process can become
over-stressed and incomplete. As a result, vital nutrients
may not be released from the food for assimilation by the
body, and gastrointestinal problems may result.
The primary purpose of enzymes in
supplement form is to enhance the enzymes available in raw
food, and replace those enzymes lost when food is cooked
or processed. In addition, supplementation enables more
digestion to begin in the gastric region, easing the
burden on the digestive system as a whole. The earlier
that digestion can begin, the greater the likelihood that
no undigested food will enter the colon where bacteria can
feed upon it, causing such problems as gas and bloating.
Nearly every person can benefit from
supplementation with enzymes. Even healthy people may
improve their absorption and utilization of nutrients
through the use of digestive enzymes. Of course the
benefits will vary, depending upon the individual's diet
and general health. Individuals in good health can expect
to notice less fullness after meals, increased energy,
faster emptying of the stomach contents, decreased gas,
and more regular bowel habits.
Supplemental enzymes replace the
enzymes once present in raw food. Most enzymes are lost in
cooking and processing. Only raw or uncooked food contains
enzymes. Nature put these enzymes in food to aid in
digesting the food you eat so your body's enzymes would
not have to handle all the work. By taking a supplemental
enzyme you free up your body's enzymes. When enzymes are
missing from your food, the full burden of digestion falls
on your own digestive system. Food sits in your stomach
for nearly an hour before your body's digestive enzymes
are secreted. It is during this time that food and
supplemental enzymes do their best work breaking down
complex food molecules. During the first 30 to 60 minutes
after eating, enzymes are hard at work, predigesting food
long before the stomach acids render some of them
inactive. Enzymes not destroyed in the stomach are
re-activated in the small intestine and continue working
to fully digest the foods you eat.
Today's typical diet of cooked, canned,
and convenience foods make it very important to take
supplemental enzymes to relieve some of your body's
digestive stress. Since your body will put a higher
priority on digestion than on maintaining health, it will
steal enzymes from the immune system to finish digestion.
Taking a supplemental enzyme can help take stress off not
only your digestive organs, but also your immune system.
