Many people don’t understand how important enzymes are to our health. It’s perhaps one of the reasons why there are so many people with digestive problems in today’s society.
When you’re body isn’t digesting food properly, you may experience gas, bloating, food allergies, asthma, candidiasis, headaches, constipation or diarrhea and leaky gut syndrome.
Leaky gut syndrome occurs when undigested food particles are re-absorbed back into the body. These toxins circulate and make a person feel ill with symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, bad breath and the previously mentioned digestive problems.
So exactly what are enzymes? They are protein molecules that catalyze chemical reactions of other substances without being destroyed or altered, according to Ron Garner in his book Conscious Health.
Garner goes on to say that enzymes are so important that “Without suffient enzymes the body degenerates into disease.” Enzymes enhance digestion, prevent gas and bloating, enhance absorption and assimilation of nutrients and enhance the breakdown of foods.
Now that you know how important enzymes are, you need to know how to get them. One of the simplest ways is to eat raw food every day. That means eating something raw before or with every meal. Eat raw fruit or have a fruit smoothie in the morning. Eat raw veggies in your sandwich, have a salad with dinner.
Another way to get enzymes is to take an enzyme supplement. There are four main digestive enzymes so look for a broad spectrum enzyme supplement (one that contains all four types).
These four types are Amylase – breaks down carbohydrates, Lipase – breaks down fats, Protease – breaks down proteins and Cellulase – breaks down soluble parts of fibre.
Some enzyme supplements also contain HCI or hydrochloric acid. People lose stomach acid as they age so this may be an important consideration. Another way to increase HCI is by taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or by eating lots of dark green raw vegetables. These raw veggies can also be consumed in a smoothie. So be sure to take enzymes for better health.
To learn more about supplements, herbs and natural health, read the Herbal Collective magazine online.
