Digestive Enzyme Therapy

A great many people today suffer with digestive problems. Much of the blame lies on the processed foods in so many diets. Additives, preservatives, and genetically modified foods are consumed daily and have turned stomachs into hazardous hallows. Utilizing digestive enzyme therapy may help.

Significance

• Consuming a diet that contains many natural, raw, and unprocessed foods is one way to treat a sensitive and disruptive digestive system. Chemicals deplete enzymes in many foods. Enzyme supplements help fill the void. The primary digestive enzymes are proteases, amylases and lipases. All three help break down protein, carbohydrates and fats in food.

Function

• Enzymes allow the body to absorb nutrients from the foods eaten. They transport oxygen to cells and tissues in the body, and help cleanse the liver and stomach of waste and byproducts.

Effects

• Rushed eating, incomplete chewing and bad eating habits all contribute to inadequate absorption of foods eaten. Enzyme activity begins in the mouth with chewing, and then the stomach and pancreas take over. Without proper enzyme activity, digestion cannot be complete and many chronic conditions result.

Uses

• Digestive enzyme supplements help with digestion, indigestion, heartburn, gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. Enzyme therapy is used to treat Crohn's disease, colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Benefits

• Taking digestive enzymes helps control acids in the stomachs and wards off harmful bacteria from damaging the digestive tract. Enzyme supplements vary in strength and dosage. Many are gluten, soy and dairy free with no fillers. Papaya enzymes are chewable.

Potential

• Digestive enzyme supplements not only help with digestion, but they also help with circulatory problems, arthritis, skin conditions and weight control.