Digestive Enzymes
As we evaluate our health we often forget that the supplements we take only work if they are absorbed. I spent a considerable amount of time last year on the subject of enzymes. I found it to be a root cause for many other imbalances. One of the imbalances that we have seen tremendous improvement in is weight management.
It came as a bit of a bonus the first couple of times. Putting a person on the correct enzyme didn’t seem like the reason they should be loosing 2-5 pounds per week, but after observing this side-effect on several clients I started to put two and two together.
As you have all heard me say “Look at the foods you eat frequently, your food sensitivity is there in the top 10 favorite foods.” Now let’s backtrack then take that statement a step further.
We often crave the foods that would provide us with a nutrient we are deficient in. For example, chocolate craving often indicates a magnesium need. Chocolate is very high in magnesium. Not really a healthy source, but high in it just the same. Chips are high in sodium and in fat. Again, not the best source of your fat and sodium. Even with that in mind, if you look at the craved food's ingredients, you will get clues as to what your body is asking for. Your body can’t just say “I need some nice healthy digestible fat please.” All it can do is give you the urge for fat. If you think about our diets you will see that we probably have plenty of fat but may not be breaking it down for absorption. This is often noted by feeling tension in the trapezius muscle. (That’s the muscle across the back of your shoulder that makes it shrug.) The enzyme that helps break down fat is lipase (Enzyme Solutions Formula #2) and NSP Hi-Lipase are great sources ). The desire for fat will decrease naturally when you are able to meet the body’s needs by absorbing it properly.
It was well put by a client who said, “I still love cookies, but now it’s easy to stop at one!”
Another common digestion problem is breaking down carbohydrates or sugars. Often noted by tenderness under the chin. The spot is between the tongue and jaw line on both sides. This person often over eats carbohydrates and sugars to the point of yeast overgrowth. That can be symptoms ranging from vaginal all the way to simple itching skin. You know who you are… cereal for breakfast, sandwich for lunch, potatoes and bread at dinner and, Mmmm, cookies for a snack. That adds up to more that 30 or even 40% starches in the diet. That is too much. The Enzyme needed to digest carbohydrates is amylase (Enzyme Solutions Formula #14) is a great source.
The other main enzyme deficiency is protease. This enzyme is essential for the proper breakdown of protein. Protein is a building block for virtually every body function. It controls hormones, antibody production and all chemical reactions in the body. This deficiency might be noted by fatigue, disease conditions, hormonal or general imbalance in the body. A common symptom often observed with a person who is not digesting protein is TMJ pain and/or clicking in the jaw joint. You may also note that you feel hungry all the time. Enzyme Solutions Formula #28 is a great source.
You must realize that the older we get the less enzymes we produce. Naturally occurring enzymes are processed out of our foods from the grocery stores. Therefore, it is very common to need an enzyme blend. A common dose is with EVERY meal. The benefits may surprise you by stabilizing your weight at your ideal amount and improving your energy and overall health.
Contact us to find out what digestive enzyme blend is best for you and your body's specific needs.
Reference Elaine Newkirk, ND
