Enzymes Why are they so important? 

Dr. Diane Spindler 

Enzymes: Why are they so important?

Enzymes are the "catalysts to life," as they are responsible for the functions of every organ in the body. All metabolic reactions of digestion, assimilation, anabolic (building up) and catabolic (breaking down) taking place in our bodies require enzymes to occur. Many of these chemical actions and reactions are dependent on vitamins and minerals as co-factors and many vitamins and minerals require enzymes to do their jobs. We have billions of enzymes performing over 700 separate activities. Nine basic enzymes are from food, and the body takes these and changes them into over 3,000 varieties needed for specific biochemical reaction.

Unfortunately, most people use up enzymes faster than they can replace them due to an unhealthy diet, stressful lifestyle or simply as a part of the aging process. As we get older, our pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes for the stomach, becomes less efficient leading to indigestion and poor adsorption of nutrients from our food. Cooking kills enzymes as well, and so you must obtain enzymes from raw "live" foods or special enzyme supplements. Today most of the foods we eat are processed, so we bet very few enzymes in our diets.

As a Nutrition Consultant, I have recommended enzyme supplementation for many ailments involving digestive problems like gas, bloating and constipation, also for inflammation, circulatory problems, weight loss and many immune disorders. It is important to read and educate yourself on nutrition and what prevention might mean for your particular health strengths or weaknesses. The more you know, the better judgments you can make about your future state of being. 

Posted By Mountain Holistic Health, Inc.  on Oct 22nd, 2004