Common Questions About Our Enzyme Supplements
New patients who are not familiar with my methods of healing often have questions about our enzyme supplements. I hope that this article helps to satisfy some of the most common questions I receive.
What are enzymes? What do they do?
Enzymes run the biochemical reactions in all living things: humans, animals, and plants. If it grows or ripens, it has enzymes. According to Dr. Edward Howell (enzyme research pioneer), there are three different types of enzymes: those that occur in our food, those that are made in the body to digest food, and the metabolic enzymes that are produced by our bodies to run the biochemical reactions occurring inside our bodies.
Food enzymes are destroyed or removed anytime the food is cooked, processed, or genetically modified for a longer shelf-life. Your body needs these essential nutrients to aid in the digestive process, so the body does not have to produce all of it's own digestive enzymes.
Enzymes are very specific to what they will break down or digest. For example, protease -- the enzyme that breaks down protein -- will only work on protein and not carbohydrates.
How are food enzymes destroyed?
Food enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 118 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Canning, pasteurizing, and microwaving all destroy enzymes in food, thus increasing the body's demand for enzymes when digesting processed, cooked, or genetically modified foods.
Do I still need to take food enzyme supplements if I eat a meal of raw foods?
Yes. Although there are enzymes in raw foods, there is only enough to break down and digest that particular food. If the body is under stress, it may need more support than what the raw food alone can provide. Enzyme supplements are needed when eating cooked or processed enzyme-deficient food. Additional supplements can give the body the support it needs to make up for the lack of enzymes in an enzyme-deficient diet.
Why use whole herbs in digestive products?
There are always additional benefits when using the whole plant instead of chemical derivations, as you will find in highly concentrated vitamin and mineral supplements. The synergistic action that takes place with the whole herb energized with the action of enzymes is always remarkable. The herbs used are biologically stable and proven effective.
Are food enzymes destroyed in the stomach?
No. Contrary to popular medical opinion, enzymes are not destroyed in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid does not digest enzymes; its only function is to activate the enzymes requiring an acidic environment, such as pepsinogen (pepsin).
If I take enzymes, will my body stop producing them?
No. Your body will not stop producing enzymes if you supplement your diet with food enzymes. Enzymes occur naturally in raw food and only assist the body's digestive process. By supplementing with food enzymes, you are helping to replace enzymes that are lost by the cooking or processing of food. This relieves the body of its burden to create more digestive enzymes. The body is then able to focus on producing enzymes for other vital bodily functions.
How do I take enzyme supplements?
Some of our supplements are formulated to be taken at the beginning of the meal to aid the body in its digestive process. Others are meant to be taken after or between meals. Refer to the product's label or catalog description for more information.
If I forget to take them at the beginning of a meal, can I take them afterwards?
If you forget to take an enzyme at the beginning of a meal, they can be taken during or immediately after the meal, as soon as you remember. Taking an enzyme supplement at the beginning of the meal is the most effective use of the supplement, however, taking them during or after will still offer the body support.
What if I eat 5-6 meals a day?
By eating 5-6 times per day, you are probably eating small meals and only one capsule may be needed.
Should I take a digestive enzyme with a snack?
It may be a good idea, especially if you are snacking on processed foods. Processed foods have little to no enzyme content. Eating a snack high in carbs or white sugar may be just the time to take a supplement.
Can I take the enzymes with my antacid or if my stomach is upset? Can I take the enzymes if I have an ulcer?
If you have a history of gastritis or ulcers, you may be sensitive to the products containing protease. Consumption of protease may cause irritation in the stomach. if irritation occurs, drink lots of water and discontinue use of the product. STM is suggested as this does not contain any protease and includes ingredients that traditionally have been used to nourish the mucosal lining of the digestive tract.
I am taking a prescription drug. Can I take an enzyme supplement as well?
Yes, food enzymes can be taken with prescription medications, although consultation with your prescribing doctor or pharmacist is strongly recommended. If the prescription medication is taken at the same time as the enzyme supplement, the absorption of the medication may increase, thus requiring a change in dosage. We do not recommend taking enzymes at the same time as prescription drugs. Separate them by at least one hour.
How long will it take to notice results?
As you are a unique individual, results will vary from what others may experience. Most people notice a difference in digestive disturbances and symptoms within a few days, if not within a few meals.
How is potency measured or tested? How can I tell how concentrated your supplements are and compare them to other products?
Different manufacturers measure enzymes in different ways. Because enzyme supplementation is not yet regulated, enzymes do not have a standard unit of measurement. Our enzymes are measured in milligrams. Because of this, there is no way to compare one brand to another for strength, potency, or concentration, unless it is done by laboratory analysis.
Listing the "potency" of enzymes has become a marketing ploy used by many supplement companies. Potency, however, has nothing to do with the results you obtain. Potency must be matched to the body's requirements. You will find that our enzyme supplements have been formulated by healthcare practitioners with clinical experience to produce specific results.
How are your supplements any different from other plant enzymes? What is the source of your enzymes?
The plant enzymes used in these products are grown on microbes and fungus such as Aspergillus, a type of fungi that produces many industrially useful enzymes, chemicals, and foods. Grown in a controlled environment, Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus niger are two of the many varieties of fungi used commercially. The enzymes are vacuumed from one of the fungal varieties and purified, so that no remnants of the fungus remains. Moreover, there should be no allergic reactions to these enzymes.