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.

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.

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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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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