Chew on This Enzymes are vitally important for all the functions of your
body, beginning with every bite of food you eat. And right there is where most of the problems start. Fortunately there are simple steps you can take to help improve your enzyme deficiencies. And the first two steps could hardly be easier. Enzymes are proteins required to facilitate every chemical
interaction in the body. In fact, none of the metabolic
functions of the body (such as the utilization of vitamins and
minerals) would ever occur without enzymes. Unfortunately, most people who follow a western diet virtually
starve their bodies of enzymes by eating processed or cooked foods almost exclusively. When food is heated at a sustained temperature of more than 120 degrees, all enzymes are destroyed. Enzymes in saliva help the cause, but most people don't chew their food well enough to properly start off the digestive process. So most of the food we eat reaches the stomach without the benefit of enzymes, which means it's not properly pre-digested. Then the trouble starts. To compensate for the lack of
pre-digestion, stomach acids are over-produced, which can cause heartburn or acid reflux. But in spite of the stomach's best efforts, food that's still not properly digested reaches the
small intestine. This puts a large amount of stress on the
pancreas and the endocrine system in general to provide reserves of enzymes. When this stress is repeated day after day, the pancreas suffers. According to HSI Panelist Jon Barron: "Recent studies have shown that virtually 100% of people on the typical 'western' diet have an enlarged pancreas by the time they are 40." As I mentioned above, the first two simple steps you can take to provide your body with sufficient enzymes and assist your digestion are easy: 1) Eat plenty of whole, fresh, uncooked foods, and 2) Take care to chew your food well. But beyond these measures, there's still more you can do to
boost enzyme activity in your body. In the December 2003 HSI Members Alert, contributing writer Jennifer Arnold explains the importance of an enzyme called Seaprose-S. Seaprose-S is a specific type of enzyme (known as proteolytic or protease) that breaks down proteins and regulates their function. This enzyme is a key to several important tasks, including the reduction of inflammation and the elimination of mucous. Studies have shown that it may also be a natural antibiotic, capable of neutralizing dangerous bacteria like streptococcus. Research about supplementation with Seaprose-S is still limited, but Jennifer uncovered several studies that show promising results: - In a placebo-controlled Italian study of 20 bronchitis
patients, Seaprose-S prompted significant improvements in bronchial inflammation and the viscosity of mucous - In a study of women who had just given birth, Seaprose-S was shown to effectively help reduce swelling and congestion of episiotomy and C-section wounds within the first day of treatment
- Another study showed that Seaprose-S significantly reduced the pain, edema, cramping, and skin redness associated with inflammation of the veins, which may contribute to blood clot formation
- And in an animal study, Seaprose-S demonstrated
anti-inflammatory activity against arthritis, edema, pleurisy, and peritonitis (inflammation of the abdomen lining)
Jon Barron recently introduced a new enzyme formula called
Proteolytic Enzymes that combines Seaprose-S with eight other key enzymes. This full-spectrum systemic enzyme formula includes nattokinase, a powerful enzyme that we featured in the March 2002 Members Alert. In study after study, nattokinase has been shown to be effective in dissolving blood clots, as well as preventing the development of plaque buildup. And of course, breaking down plaque improves circulation, which can help lower blood pressure, prevent dementia, and improve overall health by boosting oxygen and nutrient flow to cells throughout the body. Other enzymes in the Proteolytic Enzymes formula include amylase (helps digest carbohydrates), lipase (helps break down fats in fatty acids), and rutin (an antioxidant polyphenol that's demonstrated cancer-fighting potential in clinical studies). You'll find much more detailed information about Seaprose-S, nattokinase, and Jon's Proteolytic Enzymes in the December 2003 Members Alert. If you're not already an HSI member receiving the monthly Members Alert, you can follow this link to learn more about the benefits of membership. And whether or not you decide to add the extra protection of a supplement, be sure to follow the instructions that so many
parents have given at the dinner table over the years: "It's not a race! Chew your food!" And of course it will help considerably if you're eating uncooked tomatoes, apples, spinach, bananas, asparagus, melon, romaine lettuce, etc. To Your Good Health and… Go Ravens! Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute Sources: "Beat Everything From Bronchitis to Blood Clots with Panelist's All-In-One Enzyme Therapy" Jennifer Arnold, HSI Members Alert, December 2003, hsibaltimore.com | 
