Protease Enzymes and Probiotics Work Together for Good Health
Many individuals are taking both enzymes and probiotics to support healthy immune function. These supplements work hand in hand, promoting healthy digestion, elimination, and overall wellness.
There has been some recent concern that protease taken with probiotics kills both the probiotics consumed orally and the microflora that are already a part of the intestinal ecosystem. This idea is based on the simplistic understanding that protease breaks down protein. Though this is true, it is incomplete.
Plant-based proteases (from aspergillus) have the ability to break down a fairly wide range of proteins in a reasonably wide pH. However, they do not break down all proteins. In order for these proteases to break down proteins, at least one of the following must be met: The protein must be dead, as in the case when we eat protein; the protein must be damaged; the protein must be tagged for removal by the immune system. If these plant-based proteins did indeed break down all proteins, then all red blood cells, white blood cells, muscle tissues, stomach lining, arteries, other enzymes, and practically every other tissue of the body would be in danger.
Another point to consider is the content of the probiotics themselves. They are bacterial organisms, full of enzymes, including proteases. Why don’t the proteases in the probiotic kill the cell? The answer is obvious: the protease in bacteria is specific and does not digest the living protein found in the bacteria itself.
Enzymedica offers a complete line of digestive, therapeutic and supportive enzymes, including America’s top two sellers, Digest™ and Digest Gold™ and the new Digest Basic™. Our guaranteed potency Pro-Bio™ probiotic formula is enteric coated and features 8 species of healthy microflora with 5 billion CFU in a single capsule serving.
Link to us at: Enzymedica – http://www.enzymedica.com/blog
