What are Enzymes?

Most of us know that enzymes are found in our digestive tract and help to digest the foods we eat. They break food down into simple compounds that are then absorbed into our system. What most of us don't know is that every metabolic process involves enzymes. Nutrients are constantly converted into energy and fresh cell material to assist in detoxification. Specific enzymes break down or synthesize one particular compound.

Enzymes are energized protein molecules. They are the construction workers of the body. Protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals are simply the building materials. Vitamins, minerals and hormones must have enzymes to work properly. Life cannot exist without enzymes. Individuals who are enzyme deficient are subject to physical problems, disease and degeneration. Studies indicate that decreased enzymes levels are found in a number of chronic ailments, such as arthritis, diabetes, allergies, skin diseases, cancer, immune deficiencies and much more.

If you removed enzymes from your body, your body would stop working and die!

We have three types of enzymes:

Metabolic Enzymes: Your body is a big efficient chemical factory and enzymes are needed for every chemical action and reaction. Every organ, every tissue, and all 100 trillion cells in your body depend upon the reaction of metabolic enzymes produced by every living cell to speed up the chemical reactions within your cells for detoxification and energy production. However, other organs such as the liver, pancreas, gallbladder etc., play a vital role in their production.

Digestive Enzymes: Your body secrets a variety of digestive enzymes along your entire digestive tract beginning in your mouth breaking food down into nutrients and waste. This allows nutrients to be absorbed into the blood stream and the waste to be discarded. Some of your digestive enzymes include ptyalin, pepsin, trypsin, lipase, protease, and amylase.

Food Enzymes: Your body does NOT manufacture food enzymes in your body. They are found in the raw foods we eat and through consumption of enzyme supplements. Ever watch a freshly cut apple turn brown? Those are the natural enzymes in the apple at work right before your eyes. Raw foods naturally contain enzymes, providing a source of digestive enzymes when ingested. It is important to know, that raw food produces only enough enzymes to digest that particular food, not enough for your body systemically so our bodies must produce the majority of the digestive enzymes we require.

Cooking and processing of food, such as canning, destroys all of its enzymes. Removing enzymes through these processes are used to extend shelf life of our food supply. In today's world, most of us eat mostly cooked or processed foods therefore it is important to replace the enzymes just as it is for vitamins and minerals.

You are biochemically unique. Optimal health can only be attained when you are treated as such. NO two people are the same and here at Energy 24/7 Wellness Center, you are cared for as an individual. What works for you may be totally different from your best friend, son/daughter, husband/wife or neighbor. What is good for the general public is not necessarily right for you.

Enzyme assessment and nutrition is the art and science of using nutrition and specific enzymes to maintain homeostasis and health in your body. It works with your body's innate intelligence to bring your body back into balance by using whole foods that contain protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. We work with you on a daily supplement program recommending specific digestive and metabolic enzymes that in addition to the nutritional suggestions, may assist you in reaching your health and wellness goals.