Enzymes: Vital for Human Health

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Super Enzymes Caps, 180 Capsules, NOW Foods

Dairy Digest Complete, Maximum Dairy Digestion, 90 Vcaps, NOW Foods

Serrazimes 20,000 Units, 90 Vcaps, NOW Foods

Gluten Digest Enzymes, 60 Vcaps, NOW Foods

Optimal Digestive System, Clinically Tested Enzymes, 90 Vcaps, NOW Foods

Enzymes are specialized proteins that carry out billions of reactions each second throughout the body. As the body’s biochemical workforce, they function as messengers, supply the raw materials needed for growth and recovery, deliver vital nutrients, remove waste, communicate messages, and facilitate energy transfer. Without enzymes, chemical reactions that take split seconds would cease instantly, reducing the human body to an inoperable arrangement of cellular clutter.

Enzymes come from two sources: those made by the body, and those obtained from food. This ability to manufacture our own enzymes might lead some to believe that our supply is unlimited, however, that is not the case. Human beings have what is known as enzyme potential, and each person’s DNA is programmed to produce a specific amount of enzymes throughout their lifetime. Fortunately, they can also be obtained from food sources. Increasing the amount of enzymes obtained from food sources and dietary supplementation is a smart way to prevent the body’s self-manufactured reserve from becoming exhausted. The body produces specific enzymes to carry out specific actions, and each one is important in its own, unique way. Metabolic enzymes support the day-to-day biochemical reactions that allow the body to function properly. Food enzymes stimulate the digestive process, while digestive enzymes break down solid foods used to nourish the body. Proteolytic enzymes break down proteins into smaller units, including those that form during or after an injury. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most fundamental enzymatic functions.

Enzymes and Digestion

One of the most important functions of enzymes is digestion, where they assist in the breakdown of food and nutrient absorption. Raw foods are especially rich in digestive enzymes, and regular consumption can help support the digestive process. Some of the most enzyme-rich foods include avocados, bananas, carrots, dates, extra virgin olive oil kiwi, mangos, papaya, pineapple, raw honey, and sprouts. Individuals who regularly consume fast food and processed food should strongly consider taking an enzyme supplement to ensure that they are getting the amount they need every day.

Dairy Intolerance

It has been estimated that approximately 30 to 50 million Americans suffer from dairy intolerance. Until now, the vast majority of these individuals have been limited to enzyme formulas that address only one part of the problem—lactose. Lactose intolerance stems from a person’s inability to digest milk sugar, or lactose. This alone does not cause “dairy” intolerance. The high protein and fat content associated with many dairy products can also make digestion difficult. In order to properly digest these foods, the body must have an ample supply of the enzymes needed to break down lactose, protein, and fat. NOW® Foods Dairy Digest (opposite page) is an innovative enzyme formula that was designed to address this concern.

Proteolytic Enzymes

Proteolytic (protein digesting) enzymes are actively involved in many cardiovascular, immune system, and inflammatory processes. Once utilized, they scour the body in search of large, abandoned protein molecules. Along the way, they eliminate fibrin—insoluble proteins that collect near damaged tissues. Excess fibrin can interfere with normal clotting processes, cause inflammation, and compromise the normal function of other major systems throughout the body. Proteolytic enzymes play an important role in the process of recovery and healing, and are equally important for all around good health.

Gluten Sensitivity

As many as 20 million Americans reportedly have difficulty digesting gluten, a proline-containing peptide found in wheat, rye, barley, oats, and dairy. Even more concerning, an estimated 3 million gluten-sensitive individuals have been clinically diagnosed with chronic glutenrelated conditions. NOW Foods recently introduced Gluten Digest, an innovative enzyme supplement that helps break down certain grains and gluten. On your road to good health, it is important to make sure that you are getting the enzymes you need. This is especially true if your diet is less-than-perfect. NOW Foods offers a broad selection of enzyme supplements.

 

References
NOW Foods. (n.d.). Enzymes. Retrieved from http://www.nowfoods.com/idc/groups/public/documents/digital_asset/078572.pdf

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NOW Foods NAC

With Selenium & Molybdenum
Maintains Cellular Health
A Dietary Supplement

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a stable form of the non-essential amino acid L-Cysteine. It is a sulfur-containing amino acid that acts as a stabilizer for the formation of protein structures, and is also necessary for the formation of glutathione. Molybdenum and Selenium are essential trace minerals that facilitate the production of several important enzymes.
See more: http://www.vitasprings.com/cysteine.html

References
NOW Foods (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nowfoods.com/

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1

Nature's Way DIM-plus Improves Estrogen Metabolism

Nature’s Way DIM-plus™ contains diindolylmethane, a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale.

Nature’s Way Diindolylmethane (pronounced: dye-indo-leel-methane) has unique benefits that support the activity of enzymes that improve estrogen metabolism.

Diindolylmethane or DIM for short, as well as indole-3 carbinol (I3C) are plant nutrients found in broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and other related vegetables. Research has shown that DIM improves the way estrogen and other reproductive hormones are metabolized in the body. However, the research on I3C has been mixed, with some studies showing benefits and other studies having negative results.

As a dietary supplement, Nature’s Way DIM Plus provides the exact compounds that are found in vegetables. It’s fully active and ready to be absorbed, while IC3 must first be synthesized into DIM after it’s digested. When combined with vitamin E and phosphatidylcholine, DIM is highly absorbable. IC3, on the other hand, has an unpredictable absorption rate. The stability of IC3 is very low compared to DIM’s, too. Some research has shown IC3 may cause certain side effects, including stomach upset and dizziness; DIM has no known side effects. Therefore, DIM-plus™ features active DIM. There is no I3C in the product.

See more: http://www.vitasprings.com/nature-s-way.html

References
Nature’s Way (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.naturesway.com/

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Holiday Survival Guide: 8 Strategies to Avoid Overeating

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Lemon Ginger Tea (Digestive Aid) 16 tea bags from Yogi Tea

Stomach Ease Tea 16 tea bags from Yogi Tea

Purely Peppermint Tea (Stomach Soother) 16 tea bags from Yogi Tea

Organic Gas Relief Tea, 16 Tea Bags, Traditional Medicinals Teas

Eater’s Digest Tea 16 bags, Traditional Medicinals Teas

With the holiday season upon us, food is everywhere. From festive holiday parties to dinners with friends and family, let’s face it, this time of year tends to center around food. And, it is perfectly OK to indulge on occasion, sans the guilt, without gaining weight. The trick is to enjoy what you are eating, and to eat mindfully while avoiding overindulging and gaining weight in the process.

For the good news, according to research published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Americans, on average, gain just about one pound during the holiday season, with overweight individuals gaining a bit more. This is really not too bad, as long as we keep it to just one pound and get back on track come the New Year.

To help avoid gaining weight this holiday season while also enjoying your favorite foods, here are some strategies that I have used successfully with clients that I counsel in my nutrition practice.

1. Eat healthy MOST of the time.

Make healthy low-calorie choices when you can and do not waste calories nibbling at home while watching TV. Celebrate only at a holiday dinner party or during a holiday event. Plan your day and even plan for your occasional splurge.

2. Eat what you LOVE.

Do not waste calories overeating on cookies and junk food that you do not like just because they are sitting there or because someone else is eating them. Save your extra calories for special foods you enjoy during this time of year.

3. Mind your PORTIONS.

What I love about portion control is that you can still indulge in your favorite foods instead of banning them completely. And you do not have to eat tiny portions. The trick is to eat larger portions of healthy foods balanced with smaller portions of more indulgent and high-calorie choices.

4. Try eating off of RED plates.

Red is a festive color and red plates certainly go with the season. New research published in the journal Appetite found that we eat less when eating food on a red plate. Subjects who were given pretzels on a red plate ate significantly less than those given pretzels on a blue or white plate. Who knew? Certainly worth a try. The authors suggest that the color red may work as a subtle stop signal (like a red traffic light) which may guide us to reduce our intake.

5. Eat MORE fruits and veggies.

High in fiber, rich in nutrients, and low in calories, enjoying colorful fruits and vegetables is a win-win. Try filling half of your plate with fruits or vegetables at each meal.

6. Limit LIQUID calories.

When we drink our calories instead of eat them, we do not tend to register fullness and we often end up consuming extra unnecessary calories. For example, we often eat a bag of chips with the soda we are guzzling down. And liquid calories such as soda are pure empty calories. Many alcoholic drinks also tend to be high in calories and drinking tends to decrease our resistance to temptations. It is OK to enjoy an occasional glass of red wine, or white wine spritzer, but best to have the drink with dinner and not on an empty stomach. And, fill up on water or seltzer, both calorie free, before your meal.

7. Keep up your EXERCISE routine.

Choose an exercise routine you enjoy and pick a time that works for you so that you will stick to it.

8. DROP the guilt.

If you overate, do not feel guilty. And now there is now research to prove it.

New research found that people who feel guilty after eating large amounts of snack foods tend to gain more weight than those who don’t feel the guilt.

This year, enjoy the holiday season sans guilt!

References
Dr. Lisa Young (December 17, 2013). Holiday Survival Guide: 8 Strategies to Avoid Overeating. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-lisa-young/holiday-health_b_4441757.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living


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