Am I really that fat?

Digestive disorders have become epidemic in the US and millions suffer regularly. While gas and bloating is common to both sexes, it is widespread in females, particularly during our menses.

Outside of the standard physical ailments induced by our monthly visitor, most women agree that cravings for salt and sugar lead us to overindulge, increasing our waistline and frequently resulting in indigestion, bloating and distention.

Hoping to take a closer look at the problem, the digestive experts at The Enzyme Research Group, (ERG) in association with Enzymedica, conducted a survey of U.S. females. The survey results illustrate how impaired digestion can have troubling effects on women’s lives.

The ERG researchers discovered that an overwhelming 96% of women feel that digestive health is an important issue, and an equal number of women reported some form of digestive issue, including 55% who suffer on a regular basis. Of the 40% of women who said they have been diagnosed with a digestive disorder, Heartburn and GERD topped the list.

More women than ever seem to be experiencing the consequences of digestive unrest. Women can develop digestive disorders at any time of the month due to poor food choices, faulty digestion or an enzyme deficiency, but cyclical pain and indigestion seems the norm.

These reports mirror a 2006 study published in Gastroenterology Nursing indicating that women with irritable bowel syndrome experience an aggravation of symptoms before or during their menstrual cycle, and digestive complaints such as diarrhea and pain also increase.

45% of the women polled by the enzyme researchers said that they consider themselves overweight

When it comes to digestive health symptoms, many females report feelings of what could be called ‘false’ belly fat. This post-meal pot-belly makes us feel unattractive, less sexy and even embarrassed.

“What women see isn’t necessarily fat,” shares Ellen Cutler, D.C., best-selling author of several books on natural medicine, including Winning the War Against Asthma and Allergies, and Discover the Healing Power of Enzymes. “Instead, women are likely seeing bloating and distension due to monthly water retention and impaired digestion as a result of diet.”

Dr. Cutler is the founder of the BioSET® Clinic in Mill Valley, California, and has over 20 years clinical experience treating digestion and allergy-related conditions.

In truth, few of us are able to banish our fat pants, and if public opinion is correct, our monthly waistline expansion is expected. 84% of women said that bloating affects how our clothing fits, and 74% said that this issue affects their self esteem.

Intestinal issues can seriously affect our way of life. In 2008 the Foundation of the American Gastroenterological Association evaluated the everyday effects of digestive problems on Americans. They found that “nearly half of Americans (46%) say that digestive problems affect their day-to-day lives, preventing them from getting a full night’s sleep, going out to eat, exercising, participating in fun activities and even hanging out with friends.”

Tending to a Tender Tummy

Finding a solution means understanding our body’s natural process of digestion

Our digestive tract is essentially a hollow tube. When functioning properly it forms a barrier between what’s inside, like undigested foods and bacteria, and the core nutrients we should be absorbing into the bloodstream. In an ideal state, nutrients pass through properly, and things that should be eliminated make their way out. The process is a delicate one, however.

Our digestive system uses enzymes to enhance digestion and help turn the food we eat into energy for the body. Produced by the mouth, stomach, pancreas and intestines, and available from raw foods and plant-based dietary supplements, these enzymes include amylase for carbohydrates, lipase for fats, and protease for proteins, and cellulase for fiber.

Dr. Cutler explains, “During our period we often reach for packaged snacks like chips and pastries. These things are high in sodium and devoid of natural enzymes and the micronutrients which support a healthy intestine. Hard to digest, they cause us to hold water and stall our bowel movements. If we’re already feeling crampy and moody, the constipation and water retention isn’t going to help.”

“Taking a daily enzyme supplement can create the foundation of a healthy digestive process,” continues Cutler. “A product containing a full spectrum blend of all four key enzymes is considered an ideal digestive aid.”

In their recent survey, the ERG found that 45% of women experienced bloating that cycles with their periods, and nearly a third said that digestive upset was the norm during their monthly visitor. When asked about trigger foods, the worst offenders noted were imbalanced meals, junk foods, dairy, and fatty meats.

Dr. Cutler reminds us that an irritated intestinal wall is not unlike your skin. When we wear a scratchy, abrasive wool sweater on bare skin we often see a rash and irritation. Undigested food particles in the intestine work in a similar way as the wool sweater, irritating and damaging the bowel wall. Given time, this inflammation can reduce our digestive capacity and influence the absorption process.

“Constipation and indigestion can lead to inflammation in the intestinal tract,” says Cutler. “This can induce food sensitivities and allergy-like symptoms making the bloating problem worse.”

In the ERG study, a whopping 47% reported food sensitivities and or allergies.

Banish Stubborn Belly Bloat

Practical advice for dealing with digestive dilemmas

Women should understand that while digestive issues may plague our gender, it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s often easy to outsmart digestive demons if you identify the offending culprit and make a few simple changes to diet and routine. And new research indicates that many of us are choosing to balance digestion through food and supplement choices.

Recent statistics published by the American Gastroenterological Association report that almost 60% of people say that they manage their digestive problems by avoiding specific foods, and about 65% indicate that their problems are triggered by eating the wrong types of foods.

So reducing consumption of trigger foods, particularly those we crave, is a good option.

Not all remedies require dietary modification, however. The ERG reports that 87% of women use dietary supplements, including enzymes and probiotics to aid the digestive process.

Dave Barton, Director of Education for Enzymedica, America’s leading digestive enzyme manufacturer, trains retail staff and consumers how to be supplement savvy about digestion. He shares, “over the past decade we’ve seen the digestive category grow exponentially. What was once a category of purgative laxatives and chalky fiber has grown to include the healthy flora found in yogurt, soothing aids for heartburn and indigestion and the growing market of enzyme rich digestive supplements and functional foods.”

Folks like Dave point out that while probiotics get a lot of press, enzymes made by our bodies and found in fresh wholesome foods and supplements play a vital role in digestion, healthy weight and energy. Enzymes, taken in capsule form can aid digestion and maximize breakdown and assimilation of foods thereby reducing stress on our internal metabolism and enzyme producing organs.

While special diets can be helpful to those with impaired digestion, some women report digestive distress when incorporating fiber-rich vegetarian foods. And if we are spending good money on organic produce and whole grains, the last thing we want is to feel bloated and uncomfortable.

The explanation? Reveals Barton, “fiber rich foods contain lots of plant cellulose and other hard to digest starches. Cellulose is broken down by the cellulase enzyme. As humans, we don’t make cellulase, so our bodies cannot break down fiber. Instead, it is excreted as waste, along the way helping to keep our intestinal tract clean, and providing food for probiotic bacteria. A simple solution is to take an enzyme supplement containing cellulase and various starch digesting enzymes such as alpha-galactosidase and phytase.”

Today’s elderly Americans are genuinely concerned with maintaining healthy memory. In fact, recent statistics indicate that Americans over the age of 55 fear memory loss more than cancer, heart disease, diabetes or stroke. Regardless of the normal age-related memory decline considered a hallmark of advanced years, cognitive decline is by no means an unavoidable consequence of aging. Fewer still realize that there are opportunities throughout life to support healthy cognition and enhance brain function.

Odds are, most of us can name an aunt, uncle, grandparent, who despite living to the ripe old age of 92, still played golf every day, wrote their memoirs, cooked their own meals and lived happily without the need of full time nursing care. So what characteristics are demonstrated by these seasoned individuals that will help the rest of us maintain our sharp, healthy, and youthful mental vigor late into life?

Five Simple Steps to Help you Stay Sharp

1. Exercise Boosts Brain Power

The benefits of physical activity range from healthy weight, greater energy, to improved digestion, but researchers emphasize that exercise also promotes the growth of healthy brain tissue, boosting memory and increasing brain hormones. In fact, new studies indicate that people learn vocabulary words 20 percent faster following sessions of intense exercise.

Perhaps it’s time to replace your MP3 player on the treadmill with an encyclopedia?

Interestingly enough, while it is considered normal for the brain to lose tissue beginning in our 30’s, a 2005 study conducted by researchers from the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University, in Detroit, Michigan found that aerobic fitness is able to reduce brain tissue loss in aging humans. Their findings indicate the natural protective effect of cardiovascular exercise on the brain.

These findings were confirmed in a February 2010 report from Ohio State University. Their study evaluated multiple sclerosis patients, (multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord,) and MRI scans showed that higher levels of fitness were associated with greater volume of grey matter, the part of the brain link to key processing skills. In addition, these fit individuals showed less damage in parts of the brain where MS related deterioration occurs.

We have more reason than ever to incorporate healthy exercise habits as we age.

2. Food as Brain Medicine

Generally speaking, the foods we eat are directly correlated to how we feel. So when we overeat and overwhelm our digestive system, the achy, bloated, indigestion we feel is just one part of the equation.

Ponder the peaks and valleys of blood sugar balance and how they affect our energy level and mental acuity. If you overeat sugar and caffeine, you may feel euphoric in the short term, but it eventually fizzles out.

“We like to call it a ‘carb coma’,” smiles Jason Barker, N.D., a practicing naturopathic physician and researcher, who regularly trains his patients on how digestion works in the body. “It’s why teachers encourage us to eat a healthy balanced meal before taking a test. Most of us understand that we can fuel our body for physical activity, but the same thing goes for the mind and mental performance.”

The science supports our sensations.

“Food is like a pharmaceutical compound that affects the brain,” shared Professor Fernando Gomez-Pinilla, a UCLA scientist, in a July 2008 issue of University of California’s online magazine. “The right food can improve memory or fight depression, schizophrenia or dementia.”

Gomez’ work is featured in the July 2008 issue of Nature Reviews Neuroscience. Gomez explains that “the brain is highly susceptible to oxidative damage. Blueberries have been shown to have a strong antioxidant capacity.”

3. Ante Up Your Antioxidants: Your Brain on Blueberries

Antioxidants have surged in popularity over the last decade. From dietary supplements like Vitamin A, C, E, and Selenium, to food based nutrients like green tea, berries, and essential fatty acids, antioxidants are said to slow the oxidative process that comes with age.

Produced by free radicals, cellular oxidative damage is like the brown discoloration that appears on fruit and vegetables left exposed to air. Just as lemon juice can preserve and prolong the life of your apple slices, antioxidants can help protect your cells from the harmful effects of free radicals.

University of South Florida Neurobiologist and researcher, Dr. Cyndy Sanberg, Ph.D., explains, “Green tea provides powerful substances known as polyphenols, beneficial phytonutrients well known for their antioxidant value.” Green Tea and its extract contain EGCG, also known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate. “New research indicates that EGCG, and the extract of Green Tea may enhance and improve working memory and brain function,” she continues.

Botanicals, whole grains and brightly colored produce are prized for their high ORAC value, a measure of antioxidant potency. Wild blueberries, in particular, are treasured for their ability to promote general health, including maintenance of healthy brain, cardiovascular, vision, joint and urinary tract function.

“Recent research validates that blueberry supplementation will improve memory in older adults,” cites Dr. Sanberg. “A 2010 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that blueberry juice taken three times a day for twelve weeks increased participants’ memory performance as much as 42% in verbal tests.”

4. Meditation May Physically Alter Brain

While on one hand, focusing the mind can be a powerful stress reducer, recent research enlightens the public that meditation may be the fountain of youth for our brain. In 2005, researcher Sara Lazar, PhD of Harvard Medical School’s Massachusetts General Hospital reported that “early research suggests that daily ‘Western-Style’ meditation can alter the physical structure of the brain and may even slow brain deterioration related to aging.”

The study, which evaluated individuals who meditated, as compared with people who did not meditate, found that the parts of the brain known as the cerebral cortex were thicker in those who practiced for as little as 40 minutes a day.

Best be pulling out your yoga mat.

5. Enhance Enzymatic Activity

We typically discuss enzymes in the context of digestion, because our digestive system uses enzymes to turn the food we eat into energy for the body. Produced by the mouth, stomach, pancreas and intestines, and available from raw foods and plant-based dietary supplements, these enzymes include amylase for carbohydrates, lipase for fats, and protease for proteins, and cellulase for fiber.

But enzymes are key to thousands of other metabolic processes, including many which support youth and vitality, and experts tell us that our ability to produce enzymes grows weaker as age. Some enzymes, such as glutathione reductase, catalase, and SOD, are powerful antioxidants, crucial to the health and wellbeing of our cells.

Naturopath Jason Barker reminds us that many antioxidant rich foods, as well as the botanical compounds they provide are plant based ingredients made up of strong, fibrous structures. “Taking enzymes can help break down the fiber and starch components of these botanical constituents that are often poorly digested.”

By combining botanical ingredients, nutraceuticals, and enzymes into one formula, you create synergy, allowing for a reduced dosage, but greater benefit.

“A dietary supplement which includes enzymes in addition to traditional botanicals,” continues Barker, “ will impart improved nutrient value to the formula. Enzymes allow for the release of trapped nutrients and bioactive ingredients to be utilized by the body to actively play a role in memory enhancement.”

Enzymedica offers MemoryCell™, a unique and revolutionary new approach to maintaining a healthy brain.* Employing a synergistic blend of active botanicals, antioxidants and catalysts in a studied and proven blend to suport healthy memory and brain function, MemoryCell is a scientifically proven formula.* Study participants experienced a dramatic 32% increase in memory retention.*

To learn more about MemoryCell and how to maintain a healthy brain, visit www.enzymedica.com. For the month of May receive $3.00 off with a special coupon!

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.

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Exercise is an invaluable tool for maintaining optimal health and body function. Physical fitness can be utilized to maintain weight, build muscles and support cardiovascular well-being. Anyone who exercises knows the hard work and motivation it takes to push your body to its limits. Whether your goal is assisting the body in post-workout recovery or getting the most out of protein based diets or supplements, Enzymedica is the perfect ally to help your body combat the strain of exercise.

How it Works

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.

Repair Gold

Enzymedica’s Repair Gold utilizes proteases, which work synergistically with your body’s recovery mechanisms, easing stress on your metabolic systems and aiding your innate healing processes. Repair Gold also uses the protease, Serratiopeptidase, which assists the body in tissue repair and alleviating joint discomfort. The combination of these different enzymes allows Repair Gold to aid the body in its recovery process after exercise by increasing circulation and supporting muscle, tissue and joint recovery.

Protein Optimize

Many people who exercise rely on protein either in their diets or in the form of bars and supplements. Although protein has many benefits for the during exercise, it also increases digestive demands on the body. Enzymedica’s Protein Optimize promotes the body’s protein digestion and encourages maximum nutrient availability for the processes of recovery and rebuilding.

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Acid. In the context of digestion, this word conjures up painful feelings of heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. And while stomach acid is a familiar concept, concerns about hyperacidity reach much further than just the stomach and our digestive system. Our body’s pH, or the balance of acid versus alkaline, is a delicate balance which when disturbed can cause significant health issues beyond indigestion.

To assist our body’s pH chemistry, Enzymedica offers pH-Basic, a synergistic blend of minerals, enzymes, super-foods, and herbs. pH-Basic will also enhance the efficiency of enzymes in the body, both digestive and metabolic.

There are numerous causative factors for systemic acidity. Causes include stress, environmental pollution, not enough or excessive exercise, and the most important factor, diet.

Dave Barton, Enzymedica’s Director of Education explains, “Diet has a huge impact on our internal pH balance. Acid forming foods include excessive fats, animal products, dairy, mucous forming foods, and toxic food residues. The more acid forming foods we eat, the more acidic we become.”

There are many foods which have been shown to assist the body with pH balance. In particular, ripe fruit, vegetables, soy bean products such as miso, and supplements such as calcium citrate.

Barton continues, “In many cases, simple dietary choices are insufficient as a means of managing our body’s pH levels, and supplementation is necessary. For these individuals, Enzymedica’s pH-Basic is a perfect partner to a healthy pH.”*

The goal of pH-Basic is to support the body on a systemic level, through the bloodstream, rather than working on a local level in the stomach. To accomplish this, pH-Basic is enteric-coated to deliver its contents directly to the small intestine, and prevent the neutralization of our stomach acid. pH Test strips are included with each bottle of pH-Basic to allow the user to test their own pH balance. We believe it is best to test pH over the course of a 24 hour period. Testing over several days will enable you to easily make dietary adjustments to stay in balance.

The mineral blend in pH-Basic consists of the same minerals often depleted in an acid environment and which make up the body’s electrolyte mineral ratio. They are amino acid chelated and pharmaceutical grade for safety and absorbability. Also included is the naturally alkaline organic super-food hydrilla. Marshmallow and papaya leaf extract are added to help soothe, and an enzyme blend rounds out the formula to help promote uptake of the minerals, herbs and greens in pH-Basic.*

Enzymedica offers pH-Basic in both 60 and 120 Capsule bottles.

To learn more pH Basic, acidity, and how to balance you pH level with Enzymedica’s pH-Basic, visit www.Enzymedica.com.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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