Enzymedica Blog

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.

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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Recent findings by a researcher at the National University of Ireland, Galway, have reconfirmed the efficacy and function of Enzymedica’s trademarked Thera-blend™ process.

Figure 1 illustrates how a blend of one type of enzyme (such as protease) enhance the range of activity for a Thera-Blend™. Notice that there are three proteases shown. All have a slightly different optimal pH at normal body temperature. By combining the three we are able to achieve greater activity over a broader pH range (this is not an exact graph it is simply meant to illustrate the benefit of Thera-Blend™).

Thera-blend is Enzymedica’s exclusive blending process used for the protease, lipase, amylase, and cellulase enzymes in the company’s formulas. The goal of the process is to blend several strains of each enzyme to achieve greater activity over a broader pH range. The end result of the Thera-blend method is increased potency, as enzymes are enabled to break down more bonds throughout the entire digestive system. The variety of strains also makes the formulas more effective systemically.

The positive correlation was validated by Dr. Maria Tuohy, while studying an unrelated enzymatic assay obtained from Enzymedica’s GlutenEase™ formula for its starch-modifying and proteolytic activities. [Its ability to break down starches and proteins.]

Scott Sensenbrenner, CEO of Enzymedica shares, “These recent findings corroborate previous tests by the manufacturer and Enzymedica is excited to share the news. As a science-based company we will continue to pursue research to further substantiate our product claims.”

In Figure 2 Notice how a multiple blend of one enzyme has the ability to break more protein, carbohydrates or fat bonds than a single enzyme.

To learn more about Thera-blend and Enzymedica enzyme products, please visit www.enzymedica.com

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What Are Enzymes?

Enzymes are energized protein molecules found in all living cells. They catalyze and regulate all biochemical reactions that occur within the human body. They are also instrumental in digestion. They break down proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber making it possible to benefit from the nutrients found in those foods while removing the toxins. Enzymes turn the food we eat into energy and unlock this energy for use in the body. Their presence and strength can be determined by improved blood and immune system functions.

Types of Enzymes

There are three types of enzymes. Our bodies naturally produce two types, digestive and metabolic enzymes as they are needed, while food enzymes can only be consumed orally.

Metabolic Enzymes speed up the chemical reaction 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 and their energy factor. Metabolic enzymes are produced by every living cell. However, the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and other organs play a vital role in their production.

Digestive Enzymes are secreted along the digestive tract to break food down into nutrients and waste. This allows nutrients 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.

Food Enzymes are introduced to the body through the raw foods we eat and through consumption of supplemental enzyme fortifiers. 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 have any support systemically. 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 the raw foods we do eat contain only enough enzymes to process that particular food, our bodies must produce the majority of the digestive enzymes we require. For these reasons it is recommended that we supplement our diet with enzymes.

Everything You Need to Know About Enzymes:
A Simple Guide to Using Enzymes to Treat
Everything from Digestive Problems and
Allergies to Migraines and Arthritis
by Tom Bohager

Link to us at:  Enzymedica - http://www.enzymedica.com/blog

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They say every dog has his day and today is Rascal’s day.  Rascal is one dog that cares about his nutrition!  You see, Rascal won’t eat his food without Enzymedica Pet Digest™  micro-encapsulated sprinkles added to his meal.  Don’t take our word for it, watch the video and get a little laugh too.

What is 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.

Why does your pet need enzymes?  Some veterinarians recommend a dietary supplement to help keep your pet healthy and to assist in strengthening the immune system.  For this reason we formulated  Pet Digest™ micro-encapsulated sprinkles to be an optimal nutrition boost for your pets diet. Studies have shown that animals, just like people, suffer from digestive issues when they eat a diet that is processed, cooked and devoid of essential nutrients and enzymes. Among other health issues, poor digestion can cause pets to suffer from constipation, diarrhea, itchy skin, and excess shedding.

YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg6sNOVOfp8

Adding the 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 extensive enzyme formula which will help pets digest their foods more efficiently; absorbing all of the nutrients, while helping to reduce digestive distress. The Pet Digest formula is easy to use and comes in a convenient powder which is simply sprinkled on your pet’s food. Using the newest technology in microencapsulation, the powder maintains its stability even on wet food and does not interfere with the food’s taste.

Link to us at:  Enzymedica - http://www.enzymedica.com/blog

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