Enzymes are the sparks of life. Nearly every action that takes place within the body, including digestion, immunity, and cellular repair requires the action of enzymes. Enzymes are made by our bodies and can be found in fresh wholesome foods and supplements.

When it’s time to go to the health food store to buy an enzyme product, it can be a bit confusing. There are a variety of options available on the shelf, so let’s take a closer look at these supplements to investigate the differences.

Exploring Enzyme Supplement Varieties

The key to choosing the appropriate enzyme for your needs is to know what you are looking for. In general, protease enzymes break down protein, amylase acts on starches and sugar, and lipase breaks down fats and lipids. Formulas include plant and animal sourced enzymes, as well as tropical enzymes like papain and bromelain.

Tropical enzymes, like papain from papaya, and bromelain from pineapple, are commonly selected for their ability to ease the discomfort of muscle aches and inflammation. While ideal for discomfort, tropical enzymes are specific for protein digestion and will have no effect on the carbohydrates, fats, and fiber in our meals.

Most animal sourced enzymes are pancreatin formulas, enzymes manufactured in animal pancreas. This variety has a long history of use and has been well studied for inflammation and muscle repair. Animal sourced enzymes are specific to certain pH environments, unlike plant based-enzymes which are blended to function throughout the pH of the entire body.

For digestive distress, consumers choose high potency plant-based enzyme formulas. These enzymes are grown on plants and are vegetarian/vegan. Plant-based enzymes can break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and fiber, making them an ideal digestive supplement. Plant-based enzymes function in wider pH ranges than both tropical and pancreatic enzymes.

Quick Tips: Choosing an Effective Enzyme[i]

1. Seek a Specialist: The best products come from companies not trying to be all things to all people. Look for a company that specializes in enzymes making reputable and efficacious products.

2. Read Labels: Look for high active units with multiple strains in each enzyme category. An active unit measurement is different from milligrams, which measure weight, not potency. Some companies will express enzyme ingredients as a blend. Blending allows enzymes to break down more over a longer period of time and in a varied pH range.

3. Seek a No-Filler Formula: Some manufacturers use fillers to fill out capsules or help bind tablets together. Fillers include magnesium stearate, cellulose, pectins,  maltodextrin, talc, or similar ingredients. The result: a product that is less potent per milligram and which runs a greater risk of containing an allergen.

4. Proven Potency: Often products are blended to meet the potency printed on the label, but their finished form fails label claim. Reputable companies will test their finished products to verify the label describes exactly what’s in the bottle.

5. Choose Capsules: Choose vegetarian capsules instead of tablets. Tableting is a harsh process for enzymes, which are more susceptible to heat and friction than ordinary vitamins. In addition, tableting generally requires binders or fillers which add no benefit to the end product.

An achy back, a sore knee—whether the result of injury, repetitive motion or just overdoing it at the gym, minor inflammation can be irritating and painful. Our first response might be to pop a few pain relievers and wait it out. While ideal for a short term fix, these over the counter medications only treat the symptoms. Too often we fail to look at the root cause of the problem: our inflammatory process.

Inflammation is not our enemy

The body protects itself from life threatening illness and injury through the often misunderstood inflammatory process. It is this healthy inflammatory process which allows our body to heal, repair, and effectively cleanse our tissues at a cellular level. White blood cells are sent to the area of injury, swelling occurs, and damaged tissues are removed and eliminated. Without beneficial inflammation our bodies would be left in disrepair and eventually fall apart. But too much of a good thing brings its own share of problems. Inflammation that becomes chronic can be disease bearing and life threatening.

Pain and swelling are common symptoms that our inflammation response may be out of balance. Customary solutions for occasional pain and inflammation include the over the counter (OTC) medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aka NSAID. However, NSAIDs may slow or even turn off the inflammatory process, leaving the body less able to repair the damage that caused the pain in the first place. Overused, these medications may also compound the matter by causing gastric irritation and liver concerns.

So what can be done to support this important process?

Protease Enzymes Provide Therapeutic Support to Healthy Inflammation

An alternative solution to occasional pain and discomfort are therapeutic enzymes which work synergistically with your body’s recovery mechanisms, easing stress on your metabolic systems and aiding your innate healing processes.

Proteolytic enzymes, often called proteases (enzymes that break down protein) are manufactured naturally by the body to support the immune system. These enzymes break down foreign particles and debris, as well as accelerate the elimination of unwanted pathogens and toxins by way of the lymphatic system. Supplemental oral proteases have been shown to provide significant support to aid healthy repair and recovery. Additionally, studies indicate that protease enzymes may reduce the negative effects of harmful inflammation.

Enzymedica has confirmed its activity for this year’s Natural Products Expo West Trade Show, held March 12th – 14th at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

Enzymedica will launch their new Premiere Research line of science-based formulas at an educational lecture featuring neurobiologist Cyndy D. Sanberg, PH.D and author Jason E. Barker, N.D. Also planned is a book signing by pharmacist and syndicated columnist, Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.

Suzy Cohen, R.Ph.

Visitors to Enzymedica’s booth #1558 will be the first to preview the Premiere Research product line, which includes science-based formulas for cognition, antioxidant, and blood sugar health.

The company will sponsor an educational seminar on Saturday, March 13th, from 3:00-4:00 pm in room 207C to present new research for healthy aging featuring enzyme-based nutraceutical blends. Speaking at the lecture are renowned researcher and neurobiologist Cyndy D. Sanberg, PH.D., along with author and lecturer Jason E. Barker, N.D. Lecture attendees will receive educational handouts and an opportunity to sample full size versions of the new Enzymedica products.

On Friday, March 12th at 2:00 pm Suzy Cohen, nationally syndicated author of the “Dear Pharmacist” column, will be signing her newest book, “Drug Muggers” in the Enzymedica booth. Considered America’s most trusted pharmacist, Cohen is a licensed pharmacist with over 20 years of clinical experience. A free copy of Cohen’s book will be available to the first 200 retailers and media who attend the signing.

Also available in the Enzymedica booth will be information and materials detailing the Autism Hope Alliance, a nonprofit foundation of which Enzymedica is a founding member.

Enzymedica manufactures the award winning formulas Digest and Digest Gold, the two top selling digestive enzymes on the US market according to SPINS, a market research and consulting firm for the Natural Products Industry.

Enzymedica has announced that they will unveil their new Premiere Research line of science-based enzyme formulas at the upcoming 2010 Natural Products Expo West Trade Show, held March 12th – 14th at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

The company will host an informational seminar and present new research for healthy aging featuring enzyme-based nutraceutical blends. Speaking at the lecture are renowned researcher and neurobiologist Cyndy D. Sanberg, PH.D., along with author and lecturer Jason E. Barker, N.D.

Cyndy D. Sanberg, PH.D

Jason E. Barker, N.D.

The lecture is entitled, “Premiere research unveiled: Enhancing memory and balancing blood sugar,” and examines research conducted on whole formulas that focus on enhancing memory, balancing blood sugar and reducing free radical damage.

The Premiere Research product line will debut in Enzymedica’s booth #1558, and includes science-based formulas for cognition, antioxidant, and blood sugar health. The innovative line features bottles in box packaging and metallic accents on the label. Premiere Research is a natural extension of Enzymedica’s award winning, best in class product line up.

The seminar will be held on Saturday, March 13th, from 3:00-4:00 pm in room 207C of the Convention Center. Attendees will receive educational handouts and an opportunity to sample full size versions of the new Enzymedica products.

Maday Labrador, Enzymedica’s Director of Scientific Affairs explains, “Enzymedica’s current efforts employ enzymes in a new approach, to address the common contributing factors of the aging process. With this new research on healthy aging, Enzymedica intends to transform the enzyme category, expanding beyond just digestion and healthy inflammation, into new territory, reaching new customers.”

Amidst growing concerns surrounding short and long term memory loss, as well as the recent increase in sugar imbalances such as pre-diabetes, universities and research scientists are finding success with enzymes in combination with unique blends of nutraceuticals.

“Some of the most common issues we typically associate with aging may be prevented or even reversed with these newly studied formulas,” continues Labrador.

Dr. Sanberg and Dr. Barker will be available for interviews in the Enzymedica booth throughout the weekend of the show.

Enzymedica manufactures the award winning formulas Digest and Digest Gold, the two top selling digestive enzymes on the US market according to SPINS, a market research and consulting firm for the Natural Products Industry.

In addition to the launch of Premiere Research, on Friday, March 12th at 2:00 pm Suzy Cohen, nationally syndicated author of the “Dear Pharmacist” column, will be signing her newest book, “Drug Muggers” in the Enzymedica booth. Considered America’s most trusted pharmacist, Cohen is a licensed pharmacist with over 20 years of clinical experience. A free copy of Cohen’s book will be available to the first 200 retailers and media who attend the signing.

Enzymedica is pleased to announce that they will host a book signing by Suzy Cohen, R. Ph., at the upcoming 2010 Natural Products Expo West Trade Show, in Anaheim, California.

Suzy Cohen, considered America’s most trusted pharmacist is the nationally syndicated author of the “Dear Pharmacist” column which reaches nearly 24 million readers coast to coast. Cohen will sign her newest book, “Drug Muggers: How To Keep Your Medicine from Stealing the Life Out of You!” on Friday, March 12th at 2:00 pm in Enzymedica’s booth #1558.

A free copy of Cohen’s book will be available to the first 200 retailers and media who attend the signing.

“We are thrilled to have Suzy in the Enzymedica booth,” shares Scott Sensenbrenner, Enzymedica’s CEO. “A licensed pharmacist with over 20 years of clinical experience, she seamlessly integrates holistic health and traditional pharmacology. Suzy’s advice compels individuals to take charge of their own health, using practical and science driven natural solutions to achieve wellness.”

Enzymedica manufactures the award winning formulas Digest and Digest Gold, the two top selling digestive enzymes on the US market according to SPINS, a market research and consulting firm for the Natural Products Industry.

In addition to the book signing event, Enzymedica will host an educational seminar and present new research for healthy aging featuring enzyme-based nutraceutical blends. Speaking at the lecture are renowned researcher and neurobiologist Cyndy D. Sanberg, PH.D., along with author and lecturer Jason E. Barker, N.D. The seminar will be held on Saturday, March 13th, from 3:00-4:00 pm in room 207C.

Whether or not we are concerned with healthy cholesterol, balanced blood sugar, inflammation, or proper blood pressure, experts encourage us to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Doing so requires a healthy diet along with regular exercise. Beyond these good habits, we are also encouraged by the benefits of dietary supplements such as heart healthy essential fatty acids and therapeutic enzymes.

While there are many products on the market that aid and support a healthy heart, few are as unique as the nattokinase enzyme.

An Accidental Discovery Provides Health Benefits for Generations to Come

Nattokinase NSK-SD enzyme is a therapeutic enzyme isolated from a traditional Japanese food known as natto. Natto is a form of fermented soy, and nattokinase is the enzyme end product of the bacteria known as bacillus subtilis natto, which feeds on the soy during the fermentation process.

Fermented soybeans have been consumed for thousands of years as health tonic in Japan, and the story of natto is often attributed to an ancient Japanese warrior known as Minamoto no Yoshiie. While preparing for battle Minamoto and his clan were cooking soybeans. They were attacked suddenly and were forced to pack their beans in straw and leave their encampment with little notice. Days later they discovered that their beans had fermented, forming a sticky consistency with a strong smell. Fed to the horses and later to Minamoto’s soldiers, it was found to be tasty. As time went on people began to eat natto for its health benefits.

Unlike the familiar enzymes that target food in the digestive tract, nattokinase is a unique protein digesting enzyme that goes beyond digestion, entering the bloodstream providing a unique benefit to heart health. Nattokinase provides support to the body’s fibrinolytic systems, those systems which ensure the breakdown of fibrin in the bloodstream, and promote healthy circulation.*

Fibrin is a protein that forms in the blood after trauma or injury. When all systems are functioning properly, this process is essential to stop excess blood loss and encourage healthy clotting. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins present in the blood also trigger an inflammatory condition resulting in excess cross-linked fibrin. Excess cross-linked fibrin can circulate through the blood and stick to the walls of blood vessels.

Excess fibrin has been shown to contribute to cardiovascular issues, poor circulation and slow tissue repair. A nattokinase supplement can help enhance the proper function of the cardiovascular system, promoting the breakdown of fibrin, which in turn encourages healthy blood flow, proper clearance of waste from the body, and the optimal delivery of nutrients essential to good health.*

Studies Confirm the Cardiovascular Benefits of Nattokinase Enzymes

The nattokinase enzyme has proven beneficial time and time again in studies, including documented blood plasma tests. Nattokinase is the subject of 17 studies, including two small human trials.[i] [ii] [iii] [iv]

For the Western palate, natto is considered an acquired taste, and its sticky texture leaves a lot to be desired. However, due to the advent of encapsulation, you can receive the healthy fibrinolytic benefits of natto by taking a supplement without consuming fermented sticky soy beans. Ideally, a nattokinase supplement will include a variety of protease, lipase, and amylase enzymes known for their ability to promote a healthy inflammatory response.*

To learn more about nattokinase and cardiovascular health, visit www.Enzymedica.com.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Most of us have experienced the lull of the winter months. Many of us struggle with seasonal well-being, and it can affect our quality of life by causing us to miss out on work or social activities. Enzymes can be used preventatively and proactively, and the benefits of enzymes for healthy immunity are discussed by Dr. Gary Kracoff in a recent Fox news story.

Assisting with Excess or Inappropriate Mucus

MucoStop™ is a blend of proteolytic enzymes to help reduce the effects of histamine-induced inflammation. The purpose of MucoStop is to support normal mucus function while helping to speed the breakdown and removal of inappropriate mucus. Mucolase, one of the enzymes in MucoStop , is a proteolytic enzyme (breaks down protein) that has mucolytic properties, meaning it targets and hydrolyzes inappropriate or excess mucus.

Assisting with Prevention

Whether your concern is seasonal well-being or general immune health, ViraStop 2X™ contains Enzymedica’s highest blend of therapeutic proteolytic enzymes.  Two times stronger than Enzymedica’s original ViraStop blend, you may use ViraStop 2X daily or at the onset of a condition. ViraStop 2X employs a unique ultra high potency blend of protease enzymes in place of the herbs and nutraceuticals found in many products in the wellness category. ViraStop 2X contains Enzymedica’s Thera-blend™ of eight different proteases chosen for their unique proteolytic abilities. Taken on an empty stomach, the protease enzymes found in ViraStop 2X can reduce the burden on the immune system, promoting the breakdown and elimination of proteins in the bloodstream, aiding optimal immune function.

For the remainder of the month of January, ViraStop2X has an exclusive special discount on the Enzymedica website. To receive $2.00 off, visit the ViraStop 2X product page.

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Many people begin the start of a new year with resolutions about healthier living. Exercise and making better food choices can help the body reach its full potential, but enzymes can enhance healthy living choices. Digestive enzymes enhance the body’s digestion and assimilation of food to help turn the food we eat into energy for the body. In addition to general digestive supplements, Enzymedica offers several products for special digestive needs.

Carbohydrate and Phenol Digestion

Phenol is an umbrella term for a sub-group of natural compounds that include, polyphenols, salycilates, flavanoids, catechins, anthocyanidins, and isoflavonoids, among thousands more. Some individuals have sensitivity to phenols, and experience difficulty digesting foods that contain them. While it may be possible to reduce one’s consumptions of the phenols found in food additives and such as colorants and flavorings, phenols are relatively omnipresent in all plant-based foods. For the general population these foods are important protective agents against degenerative diseases and should be consumed in abundance. But for some, normally healing foods can cause problems; a condition often referred to as phenol sensitivity.

CarbGest provides phenol-targeting enzymes such as xylanase to enhance the digestion of phenolic compounds in fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and food additives. CarbGest contains a phenol-targeting enzyme blend that can assist the body in the proper digestion of phenols. CarbGest is safe for children and can be opened and mixed with food when desired.

Bean, Grain and Vegetable Digestion

Amylase is needed to break down and assimilate carbohydrates, which support every cell of the body. Some dieticians and nutritionists recommend that 30% - 50% of our diet be made up of a combination of these essential ‘complex’ (vegetables) and ‘simple’ (sugars) carbohydrates. These essential nutrients are needed to support protein and fat metabolism, help fight infection, promote the growth of bones and assist in skin rejuvenation.

Gastro contains four different types of enzymes that break down carbohydrates such as starch, glycogen and related polysaccharides. These are found in grains, seeds, legumes, vegetables and other plants. It is very common to experience discomfort when digesting these types of foods. Symptoms range from gas and bloating to indigestion and other imbalances. When added to your meal as a supplement, Gastro can assist the body in breaking down and assimilating these types of foods. Taking Gastro takes stress off the gallbladder, liver and pancreas. Moreover, Gastro has a very high amount of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase that is imperative in digesting the sugars from legumes and other foods that create gas and bloating.*

Gluten and Casein Digestion

Gluten intolerance symptoms result when there is difficulty breaking down specific amino acid links (called peptides) in the gluten molecules found in our food. Implicated in various disorders including intestinal inflammation and leaky-gut syndrome, common treatment for gluten intolerance is fairly simple: remove the offending foods from your diet.

Enzymedica offers GlutenEase™ a dietary supplement containing a specially modified protein digesting enzyme blend (protease), with an enzyme activity called DPP-IV. Proteases high in DPP-IV activity assist in normalizing inflammatory response to the gluten peptide, thus better digesting and utilizing gluten containing foods. This proactively supports the intestinal tract, allowing proteins to be properly broken down and absorbed in their digested state.

Dairy Lactose Digestion

Millions of Americans are suffering from cramps, gas and diarrhea after ingesting dairy sugar, or lactose. Often times, an enjoyable experience eating a scoop of ice cream  is followed by the onset of uncomfortable and painful digestive issues. Lactose intolerance affects people who lack the ability to break down and digest the dairy sugar, lactose. One common choice to battle lactose intolerance is food elimination diets, which not only consume time, but also prevent enjoying certain foods. Prescription and over the counter drugs may improve distress for a time, but often have their own side effects. Another choice is to supply the body with the enzymes needed to digest dairy products.

Lacto by Enzymedica is a dietary supplement that is safe for all ages and designed to be taken with meals containing lactose. Lacto contains lactase to assist in the digestion and absorption of dairy sugars, reducing the negative side effects of lactose consumption. In addition to providing the enzymes needed for digestion of dairy sugar, Lacto also assists in digestion of dairy protein, fats, carbohydrates, meat protein and fiber.

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If we were to take votes on when to mark the start of ‘enzyme season’ on a calendar, there is little doubt that the months of November – January would score high.

Delicious desserts and savory seasoned meals lead many to overindulge, increasing our waistline sand often resulting in indigestion and occasional bloating and gas.  But there is hope! A quality digestive enzyme supplement will promote healthy digestion and potentially cut off such problems at the pass.

Digestive Enzymes

Enzymedica is known for making digestive enzyme supplements that are tailored to meet individual needs. In addition to supplements that address specific digestion issues such as phenol sensitivity, bean, grain and vegetable digestion, gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance, Enzymedica also offers several options to address general digestive needs for the entire family, including pets. Digestive enzymes enhance the body’s digestion and assimilation of food to help turn the food we eat into energy for the body.

Digest Gold

Digest Gold is the most potent digestive enzyme product on the market, and is approximately three times stronger than Digest in most categories. In addition to assisting in the digestion of the four major food groups, Digest Gold was also formulated to address the more serious issues some consumers face.

Digest Gold + PROBIOTICS

Digest Gold + Probiotics combines Enzymedica’s award winning digestive enzyme formula with 500 million cultures of specially coated (TherActive™) probiotics.  This delivery system is not an encapsulation process–it is a coating that allows for maximum performance and preservation of probiotics.  Superior to standard time release mechanisms, TherActive™ delivery ensures release in the alkaline pH of the lower intestine, guaranteeing potency, delivering healthy bacteria into the intestinal tract for optimal benefit.

Kids Digest

Children can develop digestive problems during their formative years from poor food choices, faulty digestion or an enzyme deficiency. More children than ever suffer the consequences of incomplete digestion. Kids Digest™ is a potent, easy to take, tasty product that assists children’s bodies in digesting and assimilating important nutrients. Kids Digest is a is a mild potency digestive enzyme designed specifically for children and aids in the digestion of all food groups. When mixed with juice, Kids Digest adds a fun fizz and a natural sweetness from Xylitol, a natural sugar based carbohydrate found in certain plants such as cauliflower.

Pet Digest

Pet Digest™ is a digestive enzyme supplement for all mammals. Pet digestion can be improved by enzymes such as protease to digest protein, lipase to digest fats, and amylase for carbohydrate digestion, which are imperative for proper health. Adding Pet Digest digestive enzyme formula, to your pet’s food not only promotes healthy absorption and digestion but may also strengthen their immune system. Enzymedica’s Pet Digest is an enzyme formula which will help pets digest their foods more efficiently; absorbing all of the nutrients, while helping to reduce digestive distress. Pet Digest is easy to use and comes in a convenient powder, which is simply sprinkled on your pet’s food.

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A key partner of the Autism Hope Alliance is the Autism Treatment Center of America™ (ATCA).  The ATCA offers five day workshops to teach parents coping skills and helpful techniques for dealing with their autistic children.  The educational home of the prestigious Son-Rise Program®, the Center has for the last thirty years helped families worldwide enable their children with autism to far outstrip their original prognoses, leading in some cases to full recovery.

Recently, Tom Bohager, Enzymedica’s founder and Operating Chairman, CEO Scott Sensenbrenner and Dave Barton Enzymedica’s Director of Education were invited to visit the Center in Sheffield, Massachusetts.  Over the course of a weekend they were given opportunity to sit in on group sessions and lectures that inspired hope and a sense of community among family members of autistic children.

Dave Barton

“The visit was a deeply moving experience,” shares Dave Barton, “but what really struck me was the enthusiasm presented by the instructors at the facility.”

Barton detailed his observation of an instructor working one-on-one with an eight year old who had no verbal or visual contact.   “The whole week for this particular boy focused on getting him to make eye contact with the teacher.  By the end of the week, the boy was not only making eye contact, but laughing as well!”

According to Dave, this experience embodies the intent of the Autism Treatment Center of America. A novel approach, the Center’s workshops enable parents to join their autistic children in their own world, rather than asking the child to enter the world of their parents.  The program places parents as key teachers, therapists and directors of their own programs, and utilizes the home as the most nurturing environment in which to help their children.

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