ENZYMES
Updated: Jul 21
The proteins that hold the key to your metabolism.
Eating all the healthy food in the world won’t do you much good if your body doesn’t have the enzymes required to break it down into smaller nutrients.
Enzymes are proteins that your body produces to catalyze specific chemical reactions. Your pancreas, stomach, salivary glands and the brush border of your small intestine all release enzymes that help break down your food into nutrients that your body can absorb. Enzymes also protect your gut by breaking down inflammatory compounds such as lectins, (mostly found in night shade vegetables) which contribute to leaky gut.
Digestive Enzymes
These enzymes turn the food we eat into energy which may be utilized by the body for various biological processes.
Metabolic Enzymes
Metabolic enzymes catalyze and regulate every biochemical reaction that occurs within the human body, making them essential for cellular function and overall health.
Proteolytic Enzymes
Enzymes have many jobs. They work throughout our entire body to help fight inflammation, dissolve scar tissue, cleanse and thin the blood...they even boost cardiovascular, respiratory and immune function. Unfortunately, most people have dangerously low levels of these enzymes! Examples of proteolytic enzymes are Chymotrypsin, Bromelan, Trypsin, Papain, and Pepsin. Proteolytic enzymes are the final line of defense against disease, illnesses, pain and everything else that happens inside your body.
Proteolytic enzymes are completely safe - Compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. A 1982 study showed proteolytic enzymes “eat” fibrin and other scar tissue - this may explain why as you age your wounds heal with thicker, weaker, less pliable and more visible scars. It’s because you don’t have enough proteolytic enzymes to “eat up” that scar tissue!
They cleanse toxins from the blood. Cells and organs dispose of toxins through your blood and proteolytic enzymes soak up these toxins and get rid of them! Enzymes reduce scar tissue... allowing your blood to flow smoother and help your body cleanse toxins.
Enzymes fight viruses and improve your immune system - Proteolytic enzymes recognize viruses through their special lock-and-key mechanism just like they recognize the prostaglandins, so you get sick less often!
Proteolytic enzymes have even been used in Europe since 1974 to treat cold sores and other viral conditions.
Nearly one in three people in the U.S. experience some kind of digestive problem. The typical benefits of enzyme supplementation can reduce digestive distress, increase energy and improved regularity.
Industry Standards for Evaluation of Plant &
Vegetarian Enzymes
When comparing enzyme products make sure enzyme activities are measured using units such as these:
Alpha-Galactosidase - GALU (Galactosidase Units)
Amylase - DU (Dextrinizing Units)
Bromelain - GDU (Gelatin Digesting Units) or FCCPU
Catalase - Baker Units (Named after the Author)
Cellulase - CU (Cellulase Unit)
Glucoamylase - AGU (Amyloglucosidase Units)
Hemicellulase - HCU (Hemicellulase Units)
Invertase - INVU (Invertase Activity Unit) or SU (Sumner Units)
Lactase - ALU (Acid Lactase Unit)
Lipase - FCCFIP (Federation Internationale Pharmceutique)
Maltase - DP (Degrees of Diastatic Power)
Nattokinase - FU (Fibrinolytic Units)
Pectinase - Endo-PGU (Endo-Polygalacturonase units)
Phytase - FTU (Phytase Units)
Protease-HUT (Hemoglobin Unit on a L-Tyrosine basis)
Xylanase - XU (Xylanase Units)
Enzymes typically have positive effects such as increased energy and relief from digestive complaints. Few negative effects are reported. A very small percentage of people have reported upset stomach and soft stool (more frequent and softer bowel movements) when first beginning to take a high-potency digestive enzyme supplement. As with any adverse effect, discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner.