Theramedix takes enzyme supplements seriously. We consider ourselves enzyme specialists, and this is why we do not manufacture other lines of vitamin or herb supplements, as do most of our competitors. We view enzymes to be essential to successful wellness programs for health maintenance. In order to give you a deeper understanding of our philosophy and why we have specially formulated the enzyme products we carry, we would like to give you a deeper understanding of the types of enzymes on the market, and the enzymes which your body can use.
Enzymes are protein molecules that catalyze and regulate all biochemical reactions that occur within the human body. Enzymes turn the food we eat into energy and unlock this energy for use in the body. Research shows that the presence and strength of enzymes can be determined by improved blood and immune system functioning (2, 3, 4, 5). Our bodies naturally produce both digestive and metabolic enzymes as they are needed, however many of us produce low amounts of certain enzymes, especially as we age. We also intake enzymes in the form of raw foods, but those are generally only the amount that is used for digesting those foods. Surplus enzymes that are supplemented or made by the body can be stored by some organs for later use or used as fuel for the brain.
Following is summary of the three major types of enzymes:
Metabolic Enzymes have been called the spark of life, the energy of life, and the vitality of life. These descriptions are not without merit. Every biochemical reaction that takes place in the body is made possible by means of the reactions of metabolic enzymes. They either speed up or slow down the chemical reactions within the cells for detoxification and energy production. They enable us to see, hear, feel, move and think. Every organ, every tissue, and all 100 trillion cells in our body depend upon the reaction of metabolic enzymes. Although metabolic enzymes are produced by all living cells, the pancreas, liver and gallbladder play a vital role in determining the amount of metabolic enzymes the body is capable of producing.
Digestive Enzymes are secreted along the digestive tract to break food down into nutrients and waste. Most of the digestive enzymes are produced by the pancreas. The liver, gallbladder, small intestine, stomach and colon also play pivotal roles in the production of these enzymes. Digestive enzymes allow the nutrients found in the foods we consume to be absorbed into the blood stream and the waste to be discarded. Human digestive enzymes include ptyalin, pepsin, trypsin, lipase, protease, and amylase. The body does not make cellulase, an enzyme necessary for proper digestion of fiber, so it must be introduced through the raw foods we eat or the supplements we consume.
Food Enzymes are introduced to the body through the raw foods we eat and through consumption of supplemental enzyme products. Raw foods naturally contain enzymes providing a source of digestive enzymes when ingested. However, raw food manifests only enough enzymes to digest that particular food, not enough to be stored in the body for later use (the exceptions being pineapple and papaya, the sources of the enzymes, bromelain and papain). The cooking and processing of food destroys all of its enzymes. Since most of the foods we eat are cooked or processed in some way and since raw foods contain only enough enzymes to process that particular food, our bodies must produce the majority of the digestive enzymes we require, unless we use supplemental enzymes to aid in the digestive process.
Differentiating between Types of Supplemental Enzymes
As there is a variety of supplemental enzymes available on the market, it is important to understand the differences between the enzyme types and make sure you are recommending and using an enzyme that will meet the needs of your patient/client. The following is a list of several types of enzymes offered in today's marketplace.
Plant Enzymes
Bromelain is a proteolytic and milk clotting enzyme derived from the pineapple stem. A concentrate of this enzyme can be used for reducing inflammation in the body,* as a meat tenderizer, and in the chill-proofing of beer. Like pepsin and papain, bromelain is activated at a temperature higher than normal body temperature. Because of this it is good for areas of inflammation in the body,* as they are also accompanied by heat. Bromelain is used in RPR and NK.
Papain is an enzyme derived from the latex of papaya. This enzyme becomes active in an environment of 6.0 - 8.0 pH and requires temperatures above normal human body temperature. Like Bromelain, it too is good for reducing normal inflammation in the body.* For this reason it is in the product called RPR.
Glandular / Animal
Theramedix does not use any animal or glandular enzymes, however, some of the common enzymes in this group are chymotrypsin, pancreatin, pepsin and trypsin. Chymotrypsin is an enzyme from the pancreas of ox and pigs. This enzyme requires a pH level of 8.0 to become active. As with any other animal enzymes, Chymotrypsin is not used in Theramedix enzyme formulations. Pancreatin is an enzyme extracted from the pancreas of the hog or ox. Pancreatin contains proteolytic enzymes, amylase, and lipase. Dr. Roy Dittinan suggests that pancreatic enzymes should not be taken during pregnancy or when using blood thinners. Pancreatin is not used in Theramedix enzyme formulations. Pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme usually prepared from the stomach of pigs and is the principle digestive component of gastric juice. It is usually given to those whose digestion of protein is impaired. However pepsin is only activated at a temperature higher than normal body temperature. Pepsin is not used in Theramedix enzyme formulations. Trypsin is a proteolytic enzyme formed in the intestine and may be purified from the intestine or pancreas of an animal. Trypsin breaks down arginine or lysine and works only in an alkaline setting. Today, it is often coated so that it can make it to the 8.0 pH occurring in the small intestine. It is commonly used to fortify the pancreas and the small intestine. Trypsin is not used in Theramedix enzyme formulations.
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. |