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Enzymes – Part 4 of the H.O.P.E. protocol
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In this interview Brenda Watson and I will discuss the importance of enzymes for health. This is the final installment of our series on H.O.P.E. program for digestive health. I think that this is such an important series. One cannot over estimate the critical importance of digestive health and the importance of the digestive system for health throughout the entire body.
Brenda’s H.O.P.E. program is simple to understand and implement. High Fiber, Omega Oils, Probiotics and Enzymes. These elements are all important. If you have any kind of digestive problem you will want to evaluate all of these areas of your digestive health. The path to digestive health will insure that all of these are considered. I suggest that if you listen to the series you will have a great foundation to better digestive health.
Enzyme
In this interview we are discussing mostly digestive enzymes as contrasted with what are called “metabolic” enzymes. Digestive enzymes are taken with food to help break down your food. There are many different digestive enzymes. Each type of food requires a particular class of enzymes. Proteases for protein. Amylase for carbohydrates. Lipase for fats. Cellulase for fiber. Lactase for milk sugar (lactose) and so on. These are just the most well known. If you have a general lack of enzymes you may have problems with many types of food. If you lack only one enzyme you may only be bothered by a certain type of food, such as dairy or fat. In most cases you will not go wrong with a general broad-based enzymes.
Facts about Enzymes (excerpt from RenewLife.com. CLICK HERE to read more)
It’s no coincidence the Standard America Diet is nicknamed SAD. Loaded with heavily processed, sugary and fried foods, it lacks the beneficial enzymes needed to support healthy digestion—often resulting in occasional heartburn, indigestion, and uncomfortable gas and bloating. Here are facts you may not know about enzymes:
- Enzymes play an important role in every function in the human body. The protein-based substances are involved in eating, digestion, breathing, kidney and liver function, reproduction, elimination and more.
- Several places in your digestive system secrete enzymes. They include the mouth, stomach, pancreas and cells of the small intestine—even your gut bacteria secrete digestive enzymes.
- Enzymes help with nutrient absorption. They help break down foods in the digestive tract by breaking apart the bonds that hold nutrients together—nutrients that will be absorbed so the body can use them for energy and other important functions.
- Different types of enzymes for different types of foods. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are the most basic foods the body breaks down and absorbs; the enzymes protease, lipase and amylase are made by the body for this purpose.
- Diet and lifestyle make a big difference. A healthy diet, exercise and proper detoxification will help promote healthy enzyme production in the body.
- Humans used to get a LOT more enzymes from their diet. In the past, humans consumed plenty of raw foods to help re-supply the digestive tract with beneficial enzymes, but today most of the foods we eat are cooked or heavily processed—both of which deplete natural enzymes. What’s more, because even the raw foods we eat are typically transported and refrigerated, their natural enzyme content is lowered even further.
- Enzyme production decreases with age. As we age, our bodies produce less protease, lipase and amylase, which means digestion of protein, fats, and carbohydrates can be impaired as we get older.
- There are several digestive enzymes the human body lacks. These include cellulase and phytase, the enzymes needed to break down cellulose (plant fiber) and the phytates/phytic acid found in beans and legumes. Because of this deficiency, many people have trouble breaking down starchy beans, legumes and nuts to absorb their beneficial nutrients.
- Plant-derived enzymes are effective over a broader pH range in the body. For this reason, a plant-based digestive enzyme supplement is often recommended to help break down a wide variety of foods—including proteins, fats, dairy, carbs and sugars.
- Kids benefit from enzymes too! Taken with meals, enzymes are great way to support digestive health and help little tummies break down a broad range of foods. (end excerpt)
About Brenda Watson
For over 20 years, Brenda Watson has dedicated her career to helping people achieve vibrant, lasting health through improved digestive function. A dynamic health advocate and celebrated PBS-TV health educator, she is among the foremost authorities in America on optimum nutrition and digestion, natural detoxification methods, and herbal internal cleansing.
Brenda has intensely studied many philosophies of health and natural healing with the premiere teachers of our time. She was inspired to establish natural healthcare clinics in Florida specializing in cleansing and detoxification and is still inspired today in sharing her knowledge with a wider audience on Public Television. Brenda’s hit PBS shows The Road to Perfect Health and Heart of Perfect Health have empowered millions in their quest for better health and revolutionized the way Americans view the vital link between digestion and total-body wellness.
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