Karen DeFelice, celebrated author, speaker, and the mother of two children with autism and neurological disorders, will speak at a free public lecture in Overland Park, Kansas, April 7th, 2010.

DeFelice, author of Enzymes: Go With Your Gut and Enzymes for Autism and other Neurological Conditions, will address the neurological connection between the digestive system and the brain, and how enzymes may improve digestion, health and behavior. Her lecture, entitled Enzymes for Autism will emphasize the benefits of maintaining gut health and immunity, and share key secrets to getting more from your food, supplements and medications.

Hosted by Whole Foods Market, The Cooking Studio at 7421 W. 91st St., in Overland Park, Kansas, the lecture is Wednesday, April 7th from 7:00 – 8:00 PM and will be followed by a Q&A section.

Having worked in education and biological sciences for over 24 years, Karen DeFelice is a pioneer in the practical uses of digestive enzymes. In her books and lectures DeFelice teaches the importance of digestive health, enzymes, supplements, and diet for the improvement of health and wellness. Her personal battle with severe sensory issues and her two sons’ digestive and behavioral problems led her to using enzymes as part of a total health solution for her own family. Her everyday humor and positive style have given hope to thousands suffering from digestive health and neurological conditions all over the world.

Cosponsoring the event with Whole Foods Market is enzyme manufacturer Enzymedica, who actively participates in the autism community via their partnership with the Autism Hope Alliance. (AHA) Dedicated to the recovery of children and adults from autism, the Autism Hope Alliance ignites hope for families facing the diagnosis through education and funding.

About the Lecture

Enzymes for Autism presented by author and speaker Karen DeFelice, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 7:00 PM at 7421 W. 91st St., in Overland Park, Kansas.

Admission is free. Seating is limited and registration is encouraged. Please call 913-652-9633.

To learn more about Karen DeFelice, Enzymedica and their partnership with the Autism Hope Alliance, please visit www.EnzymeStuff.com or www.enzymedica.com.

Enzymedica, Inc., has introduced MucoStop TO GO, featuring a new look for the company’s best-selling MucoStop formula. Product highlights include a 12 count pop-top bottle, and fresh new packaging for point of sale display.

Proteolytic, or protein digesting enzymes, have a long history of use to support healthy immunity and seasonal wellbeing. MucoStop TO GO contains a blend of proteolytic enzymes formulated to support healthy levels of mucus in the body, with the added benefit of amylase to aid balance in our histamine response.

Dave Barton, Enzymedica’s Director of Education shares, “Mucus is a beneficial protein created by the body to protect vital organs and bind up pathogens for removal. The purpose of the MucoStop formula is to support normal mucus function, and aid the body’s ability to breakdown and remove inappropriate mucus.”

MucoStop features mucolytic enzymes. The body produces enzymes classified as mucolytic to target and hydrolyze mucus protein. MucoStop To Go utilizes Enzymedica’s exclusive Thera-blend™ process for the enzymes protease, lipase, amylase, and cellulase. This process blends several different strains of each enzyme 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.

MucoStop To Go sells for a suggested retail price of $9.98. The company will continue to offer the MucoStop formula in a 45 serving bottle size for $32.98.

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Enzymes are the sparks of life. Nearly every action that takes place within the body, including digestion, immunity, and cellular repair requires the action of enzymes. Enzymes are made by our bodies and can be found in fresh wholesome foods and supplements.

When it’s time to go to the health food store to buy an enzyme product, it can be a bit confusing. There are a variety of options available on the shelf, so let’s take a closer look at these supplements to investigate the differences.

Exploring Enzyme Supplement Varieties

The key to choosing the appropriate enzyme for your needs is to know what you are looking for. In general, protease enzymes break down protein, amylase acts on starches and sugar, and lipase breaks down fats and lipids. Formulas include plant and animal sourced enzymes, as well as tropical enzymes like papain and bromelain.

Tropical enzymes, like papain from papaya, and bromelain from pineapple, are commonly selected for their ability to ease the discomfort of muscle aches and inflammation. While ideal for discomfort, tropical enzymes are specific for protein digestion and will have no effect on the carbohydrates, fats, and fiber in our meals.

Most animal sourced enzymes are pancreatin formulas, enzymes manufactured in animal pancreas. This variety has a long history of use and has been well studied for inflammation and muscle repair. Animal sourced enzymes are specific to certain pH environments, unlike plant based-enzymes which are blended to function throughout the pH of the entire body.

For digestive distress, consumers choose high potency plant-based enzyme formulas. These enzymes are grown on plants and are vegetarian/vegan. Plant-based enzymes can break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and fiber, making them an ideal digestive supplement. Plant-based enzymes function in wider pH ranges than both tropical and pancreatic enzymes.

Quick Tips: Choosing an Effective Enzyme[i]

1. Seek a Specialist: The best products come from companies not trying to be all things to all people. Look for a company that specializes in enzymes making reputable and efficacious products.

2. Read Labels: Look for high active units with multiple strains in each enzyme category. An active unit measurement is different from milligrams, which measure weight, not potency. Some companies will express enzyme ingredients as a blend. Blending allows enzymes to break down more over a longer period of time and in a varied pH range.

3. Seek a No-Filler Formula: Some manufacturers use fillers to fill out capsules or help bind tablets together. Fillers include magnesium stearate, cellulose, pectins,  maltodextrin, talc, or similar ingredients. The result: a product that is less potent per milligram and which runs a greater risk of containing an allergen.

4. Proven Potency: Often products are blended to meet the potency printed on the label, but their finished form fails label claim. Reputable companies will test their finished products to verify the label describes exactly what’s in the bottle.

5. Choose Capsules: Choose vegetarian capsules instead of tablets. Tableting is a harsh process for enzymes, which are more susceptible to heat and friction than ordinary vitamins. In addition, tableting generally requires binders or fillers which add no benefit to the end product.

An achy back, a sore knee—whether the result of injury, repetitive motion or just overdoing it at the gym, minor inflammation can be irritating and painful. Our first response might be to pop a few pain relievers and wait it out. While ideal for a short term fix, these over the counter medications only treat the symptoms. Too often we fail to look at the root cause of the problem: our inflammatory process.

Inflammation is not our enemy

The body protects itself from life threatening illness and injury through the often misunderstood inflammatory process. It is this healthy inflammatory process which allows our body to heal, repair, and effectively cleanse our tissues at a cellular level. White blood cells are sent to the area of injury, swelling occurs, and damaged tissues are removed and eliminated. Without beneficial inflammation our bodies would be left in disrepair and eventually fall apart. But too much of a good thing brings its own share of problems. Inflammation that becomes chronic can be disease bearing and life threatening.

Pain and swelling are common symptoms that our inflammation response may be out of balance. Customary solutions for occasional pain and inflammation include the over the counter (OTC) medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aka NSAID. However, NSAIDs may slow or even turn off the inflammatory process, leaving the body less able to repair the damage that caused the pain in the first place. Overused, these medications may also compound the matter by causing gastric irritation and liver concerns.

So what can be done to support this important process?

Protease Enzymes Provide Therapeutic Support to Healthy Inflammation

An alternative solution to occasional pain and discomfort are therapeutic enzymes which work synergistically with your body’s recovery mechanisms, easing stress on your metabolic systems and aiding your innate healing processes.

Proteolytic enzymes, often called proteases (enzymes that break down protein) are manufactured naturally by the body to support the immune system. These enzymes break down foreign particles and debris, as well as accelerate the elimination of unwanted pathogens and toxins by way of the lymphatic system. Supplemental oral proteases have been shown to provide significant support to aid healthy repair and recovery. Additionally, studies indicate that protease enzymes may reduce the negative effects of harmful inflammation.

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