There’s been a lot of talk lately about probiotics and the ways they benefit the body.  Probiotics are the healthy flora that reside in the digestive tract.  Traditionally, probiotics were consumed through cultured foods like cheese and yogurt and fermented beverages like kefir.  Today, dietary supplements containing probiotics are some of the most popular products on the shelf.

The condition and function of the gastrointestinal tract is essential to overall health.  This condition is highly dependent on the presence of billions of probiotic cultures which support regularity, aid the immune system, and produce vitamins like B and K.  These healthy microflora protect us against the overgrowth of already present, potentially pathogenic organisms in the gut.  They also fuel digestion through the production of enzymes such as lactase, protease, and amylase.  As an added bonus, the enzymes made by the flora work synergistically with the body’s inherent enzymes to support digestive health and optimal wellbeing.

Probiotics are active cultures which must make their way through various obstacles in their journey to the gastrointestinal tract.  First, they must stand up to exposure to light, heat, and moisture on the shelf. After consumption, they must withstand harsh stomach acid and other digestive fluids.  Key to the efficacy of a probiotic supplement is product stability, both on the shelf and inside the intestinal tract.

Enzymedica’s Pro-Bio™ is a guaranteed potency probiotic formulated to support healthy intestinal microflora balance.  Pro-Bio is shelf stable and enteric coated. The enteric coating ensures that the probiotic formulation reaches its destination in the intestinal tract, safely bypassing the acid environment of the stomach.* The 8 strains of healthy bacteria chosen for Pro-Bio are well tolerated and have a history of beneficial use.

To learn more about how probiotics can help with healthy body functions, read the Pro-Bio product handout here.

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In this podcast, Enzymedica’s Director of Research and Development, Maday Labrador, explains how digestive enzymes breakdown proteins and fats in the body.   This informative training covers the impact of nutrition programs that emphasize the protein macronutrient, and how Enzymedica enzyme supplements help maximize output from protein and fat digestion.

Protein

Protein supplements in the form of powder, bars, or food are often used as part of an exercise regimen. Although protein is very beneficial in this capacity, it can be difficult to digest.  This is particularly noticeable with increasing age. One such form of stubborn protein is gluten, which left undigested can lead to intestinal inflammation and discomfort. Maday Labrador discusses Protein Optimize and GlutenEase, Enzymedica products containing the protein digesting enzyme protease, which aids the body to digest healthy proteins.

Fat

Although fat is often given a bad name, fats are essential to the body’s healthy structure and function.  Also known as ‘good fats,’ Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are beneficial for the body.  Consumers are familiar with these healthy fats and are encouraged to supplement with products like fish or flax seed oils. Unfortunately, some individuals experience digestive discomfort such as occasional indigestion and nausea when taking these healthy oils. This discomfort can be a sign that the oils are not being broken down properly for absorption and are not working at their full capacity. EFA Optimize is an Enzymedica product containing lipase, the digestive enzyme which breaks down fats and lipids. A study done with EFA Optimize showed four times more absorption of fish oil and twelve times more absorption of flax seed oil.

To hear more about protein, fat and enzymes and how they work in other Enzymedica products, listen to Maday Labrador’s podcast here.

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

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Free radicals are produced as the normal by-products of digestion and respiration and are also the result of numerous other factors such as exposure to pollutants, cigarette smoke, ultra violet light and X-rays. Free radical damage has been associated with aging and can lead to chronic disease.

What can be done?

Enzymedica’s Defenze is a potent enzyme formula used to assist the body in neutralizing harmful free radicals. Key to the Defenze formula is the enzyme Catalase, which aids the body’s detoxification processes by turning the free radical compound hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Defenze also uses the enzyme protease, which breaks down proteins to help detoxify the body and support immune system function.

Glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) are also included in the Defenze formula. Glutathione is an important antioxidant molecule typically formed in the liver. Its main functions are to assist DNA repair, neutralize toxins, protect cells from free radicals, and boost immune function. Glutathione also regenerates other antioxidants like vitamin C and E.  Deficiencies of this nutrient have been associated with aging and various disease states.

Cutting Edge Protection

Enzymedica’s Defenze aids the body’s immune system in protection against free radical damage. Defenze is currently featured as Enzymedica’s August Product Spotlight. Visit Enzymedica’s website to learn more about Defenze and receive a $2.00 off coupon.

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Listen to Tom Bohager, Founder and President of Enzymedica, and author of the book “Everything You Need to Know About Enzymes” discuss Enzymedica’s unique Thera-Blend™ process in a recent podcast.

pH Matters: Thera-blend™ increases enzyme potency and effectiveness

Enzymedica’s Thera-blend™ technology is used in the manufacturing process of its protease, lipase, amylase and cellulose enzymes. The rationale behind the Thera-blend™ process takes into account the varying levels of pH in the body. Enzymes, by nature, are optimized to work within a very specific pH range, so Thera-blend™ includes several different strains of each enzyme in the formula. Thera-blend™ strains work together to achieve greater activity over a broader pH range. This process increases potency by enabling each enzyme to break down more bonds throughout the entire digestive system, and makes them more effective systemically.

This graph illustrates how a blend of one type of enzyme (such as protease) enhances 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™).

Customized Effectiveness

The Thera-blend™ ingredients in each Enzymedica product are tailored for the specific use of the product. To hear more about the Thera-Blend™ process, listen to Tom Bohager’s podcast here.

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Enzymedica would like to offer a huge thank you to the retailers of the natural products industry who voted us #1 again this year.

We are honored to have the support of America’s health food store retailers, and thank you for choosing our brand and products as number one in your core categories year after year.

In the prestigious 2009 Vitamin Retailer Vity Awards,  Enzymedica’s Digest Gold won the Digestive Support Combo category, Acid Soothe took top honors in the Natural Indigestion Remedy category, and the novel new product NaturaCell was recognized as first place as the Best New Formula Product.

To learn more about Digest Gold, NaturaCell, Acid Soothe, or other Enzymedica enzyme products, please visit www.enzymedica.com.

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