Proteases, or proteolytic enzymes are specific for protein digestion. Simply put, protease enzymes break down proteins, be they undigested proteins in the digestive system, cellular debris or toxins in the blood.  Some proteolytic enzymes work specifically in the bloodstream to support metabolic reactions like healthy cellular repair and immunity, sparking the chemical reactions required to sustain life. The body employs protease enzymes to break down foreign invaders such as bacteria, yeasts, and viruses.

Oral Proteases

Research has shown that oral proteases, taken as a dietary supplement on an empty stomach may aid our immune system in ways other supplements can’t. These supplemental enzymes are absorbed and carried into the blood stream where they are bound to plasma proteins. The oral proteases bind to these plasma proteins and then are able to break down protein-based pathogens in the blood. An interesting attribute of protease enzymes is that while they are able to dissolve almost all proteins, this only applies to proteins that are not components of living cells. For protease to digest a protein it must be damaged, attached to a dead organism, or be a protein that does not belong in the body. This instinctively intelligent process explains why proteases will digest proteins found in steak, however leave the protein lining of our stomach unharmed.

Not all proteases, however, can break down all proteins. For instance, one protease in particular has been shown to have a profound effect on mucus. Mucolase is a special enzyme that is classified as proteolytic and mucolytic. Mucolytic enzymes break down excess mucus in the body, including the lungs and sinuses. Other proteolytic enzymes useful for the immune system are nattokinase, catalase and serratiopeptidase (serrapeptase).

When enzymes are used to achieve a therapeutic effect, they are taken on an empty stomach (a half hour before or two hours after a meal). They are not intended to help digest food. Instead they are absorbed into the blood and benefit different systems of the body, such as the immune system, by providing it with essential enzymes to manufacture healthy white blood cells.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration

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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

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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.

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Some individuals have sensitivity to phenols, and experience difficulty digesting foods that contain them. While it may be possible to reduce one’s consumptions of the phenols found in food additives and such as colorants and flavorings, phenols are relatively omnipresent in all plant-based foods.

What are Phenols?

Phenol is an umbrella term for a sub-group of natural compounds that include, polyphenols, salycilates, flavanoids, catechins, anthocyanidins, and isoflavonoids, among thousands more. Phenols are also synthetically made and often appear as food flavorings and preservatives. In fact, phenols are so common that while it is possible to greatly reduce their intake, it is very difficult to completely eliminate them from the diet. Antioxidant rich foods often boast high amounts of phenols. Nutrient dense foods such as berries, apples, tomatoes, nuts, oranges, red grapes, as well as many other fruits and vegetables are all on the list of high phenol foods.

Phenol Sensitivity

For the general population these foods are important protective agents against degenerative diseases and should be consumed in abundance. But for some, normally healing foods can cause problems; a condition often referred to as phenol sensitivity.

It is thought that in some individuals phenolic compounds are unable to completely make their way through the metabolic cycle and cannot be completely broken down and detoxified, in essence becoming trapped in the body, leading to phenol overload. Phenol sensitivity can sometimes manifest in children with symptoms such as red ears, headache and hyperactivity, and in adults with lethargy and fatigue.

CarbGest for Phenol Digestion

CarbGest provides phenol-targeting enzymes such as xylanase to enhance the digestion of phenolic compounds in fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and food additives. CarbGest contains a phenol-targeting enzyme blend that can assist the body in the proper digestion of phenols. CarbGest is safe for children and can be opened and mixed with food when desired.

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Enzymedica, Inc., today announced that they have begun phasing in Vcaps Plus as the capsule of choice for all Enzymedica encapsulated products.

Maday Labrador, Enzymedica’s Director of Research and Development explains, “Vcaps Plus capsules are made from Hypromellose, derived from plant cellulose fibers, and contain no gelling agents. We chose the quality of Vcaps Plus because it resonates with the Enzymedica consumer, who seeks out quality, and above all a clean product, in light of potential digestive and other concerns.

Enzymedica’s retail accounts and consumers will begin seeing Vcaps Plus included in their next order of Digest Gold™ which is shipping later this month. Digest and Digest Gold are the two top selling digestive enzymes on the US market according to SPINS, a market research and consulting firm for the Natural Products Industry.

Capsugel, the manufacturers of Vcaps Plus emphasize that this variety of capsule is, “the perfect choice for vegetarian consumers, as well as those with specific cultural needs. They are made from a commonly used cellulose raw material (hypromellose) that is ideal for moisture-sensitive ingredients. Vcaps Plus capsules are also Kosher certified, Halal Certified and Vegetarian Society Approved.”

Enzymedica is committed to tailoring their products to growing needs of the dietary supplement consumer. To learn more about Enzymedica products as well as purchase locations, visit www.Enzymedica.com

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