This compilation of information is Copyright 2005 by http://www.organicgreens.us and Loring Windblad. The references for this series of articles is
author’s personal knowledge and experience, book “Enzymes for Autism and other Nurological Conditions. This article may be freely copied and used on other web sites only if it is copied complete with all links and text, including this header, intact and unchanged except for minor improvements such as misspellings and typos.This guide outlines steps and processes to take in reading product labels, matching enzymes to food types, and what to look for in a digestive enzyme product.
Enzymes work very well to supplement a diet and thus make diet more effective than it would be otherwise. Many diets are based on certain foods not being well-digested to begin with so enzymes are a natural solution. Enzymes work very well on food and natural food chemicals. The breakdown of artificially produced chemicals or added chemicals is somewhat limited at this time. These non-good ingredients usually do not provide nutrition anyway, may aggravate a sensitive system, and may hamper health in long run. Enzymes are not able to convert non-nutritious compounds into healthful nutrients. Providing nutritious raw materials is necessary. Too, enzymes may enhance absorption and utilization of any supplements or medications take, making them more effective.
In case of Bio88+ (Plus), all above is true. Feel free to contact author by email for additional information.
* Why are you considering enzymes? * What types of enzymes are in product? * Look closely at amount of activity of enzymes * Compare pricing – Calculating cost comparisons * What other stuff is in product besides enzymes? * Research product and manufacturer * Understanding enzyme names and activity
Part 1. Why are you considering enzymes?
Select an enzyme product based on results you want to achieve. Think about food groups you want enzymes to break down, and then pick a product that contains proper enzymes. Products are usually a mixture of enzymes, not just one type. You may need to choose more than one product to cover all foods you need to break down. Sometimes you may have another goal besides food breakdown. Examples are using a high protease enzyme product to take between meals for inflammation, gut healing, and blood cleansing, or one with a high level of cellulase to help with yeast overgrowth.
Skip right through all advertising and marketing fluff. Note what end results you want to see and use that to make your decision. You can get some helpful information from a company but be sure to compare this information with other sources as well.
Part 2. What types of enzymes are in product?
Source of enzymes All digestive enzymes come from two living sources: plants or animals. The plant group includes both those enzymes derived from plant sources (pineapple, papaya, kiwi) and microbial (fungal) sources. In general, plant enzymes are preferable when possible. They offer several advantages over enzymes from animal sources. Plant and microbial enzymes are much more effective in pH and temperature ranges of body.
Our pancreas, when working properly, secretes a number of enzymes to digest food as it enters small intestine. But as we age, or in some disease states, this enzyme secretion may not be adequate to completely digest food we eat. This can result in pain, cramping, excessive gas, certain food intolerances, and inflammation. Pancreatic enzymes are available by prescription (Creon, Viokase) or over counter. However, pancreatic enzymes are not stable to acid conditions found in stomach, so a good portion of them may be destroyed unless preparation is treated in such a way, like being enterically coated, so that enzymes will not be released until they arrive in small intestine.
Plant and microbial enzymes, however, are stable in acidic conditions. They help digest cooked and raw foods in higher pH of upper part of stomach, acidic lower part of stomach as well as in alkaline intestines. Digestion in upper stomach actually mimics natural process of eating raw foods, which contain some amount of enzymes needed to break down food itself. The additional ‘pre-digestion’ provided by plant and microbial enzymes leaves pancreas to provide ‘finishing touches’ to digestive process in a less stressful manner. The intestinal tract will be better able to absorb and assimilate nutrients and vitamins in meal.
Is an all in one enzyme product better or a speciality product with only a few different types of enzymes? Actually, “all-in-one” product is probably better if? If it meets quality and scope of Bio88+ (Plus). Read on and learn about this product here and on its web site, as well as all other competing products available. But your need may be of a narrower scope and so you would not need quality nor expense of such an all-in-one product!
There are advantages and disadvantages to each strategy and which is ‘best’ will depend on individual situation and particular product. Here are some considerations.
‘Everything’ product – A comprehensive product alleviates need to think about which enzymes go with which foods, so it may be easier to give just one thing. You can take it for overall digestion whenever you eat. However there are dozens of products claiming to be ‘the ultimate’ or ‘most comprehensive’ enzyme product, using very different amounts of different enzymes. Consider any blanket statements like this to be marketing jargon.
Product Toleration – Some people cannot tolerate certain enzymes for a variety of reasons. Having separate formulations allows many more people to enjoy benefits of enzymes because they can eliminate enzymes they do not tolerate. Having everything in one capsule makes it an ‘all or nothing’ deal. If someone reacts negatively to a formulation, and all enzymes are lumped together, there is no way for person to fine-tune it, or figure out what is problem.
