ENZYME SUPPORT By Clair Whiteman, Nutritionist/technical advisor for Biogenesis Nutraceuticals

Enzymes can also be extremely sensitive and many can only exert their effects within narrow environmental conditions. Small changes in factors such as pH or temperature can cause enzymes to be destroyed or denatured. Due to the thousands of important roles enzymes play in normal body activity, insufficient production can severely impact overall health.

One of the simplest ways to enhance your enzyme levels is to increase your intake of raw foods. Uncooked, unprocessed foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, contain natural enzymes that can be taken up by the body to support digestion as well as overall enzymatic activity. Since many Americans consume very few of these foods, supplementation may be necessary to ensure enzyme activity is supported. Increasing your intake of enzymes can support every mode of cellular activity as well as improve overall body communication.

One of the most basic forms of enzyme supplementation is :: digestive enzymes ::  These enzymes, which are secreted in saliva and pancreatic juices, are responsible for the breakdown of food to allow for nutrient absorption. In patients with pancreatic insufficiency or with food allergies, supplementation with a mild digestive enzyme blend can enhance nutrient uptake as well as gastrointestinal comfort. In addition, anyone who consumes a diet high in processed foods may benefit from enzyme supplementation. Historically, humans have consumed much higher levels of raw, plant-based foods than they do today. When these raw foods were consumed with meals, the natural enzymes present would assist with the digestive processes. As Americans have decreased their intake of enzymes from raw foods, they have created the need for additional pancreatic enzyme secretion. Research suggests that the excess demand placed on the digestive organs over time can increase the risk of illness related to the intestines and pancreas. Insufficient enzyme secretion can also lead to abnormal secretion of hydrochloric acid by the stomach as well as intestinal absorption of poorly digested proteins :: leaky gut ::

Another known benefit of enzyme supplementation is the treatment of::  inflammatory :: and immune mediated conditions. Proteolytic enzymes, such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, bromelain, and papain, have the ability to neutralize inflammatory chemicals to aid in the healing of damaged tissues. Extreme benefit has been shown in patients with :: sports-related injuries :: using enzyme therapy. It is believed that proteolytic enzymes have the ability to promote healing by decreasing capillary permeability, improving circulation, and dissolving fibrin clot deposits. Enzymes have also been shown to have positive effects on natural killer cells and macrophages, thus enhancing the overall immune response and body’s defense against infection.

The use of enzymes in cancer therapy was first proposed by the embryologist Dr. John Beard in the early 1900s. In his research, The Enzyme Therapy of Cancer published in 1911, Dr. Beard discussed his theory on injection of pancreatic proteolytic enzymes as a form of cancer therapy. Cancer cells, as well as nearly all pathogens, are often protected by a thick, protein-based, fibrin coating. Proteolytic enzymes have the ability to assist in the breakdown of this fibrin coating, allowing the body’s immune functions to take action against proliferating cancer cells. Although the original research was conducted almost a century ago, the use of proteolytic enzymes is being used as a new and innovative way to support cancer therapy. If you are considering enzyme therapy for yourself, you may be curious about the different products available. Aside from the digestive enzymes produced by our own bodies, nature provides numerous proteases that may support cardiovascular and neurological health as well as reduce pain.

:: Bromelain :: Derived from pineapple, bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme which has been shown to be effective at blocking pro-inflammatory metabolites. Bromelain has been used in cases of venous insufficiency, joint pain, and autoimmune disorders.

Papain: A protease hydrolase enzyme found in papaya and mountain papaya. It has been used historically as a treatment for insect bites and stingset al. Pancreatic enzymes: Secretion and luminal nutrient digestion in health and disease, J Clin Gastroenterol. 28 (1):3-10.1999

Taraye JP. Lauressergues H. Advantages of a combination of proteolytic enzymes, flavonoids and ascorbic in comparison and non-steroidal inflammatory agents. Arzneim Forsch 27(1): 1144-49, 1977.

Taussig S. Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol 22:191.203. 1988