Digestive Enzymes and our Modern Reality

 

At least, that's the ideal. At any point on the journey through the digestive system, things don't always work as smoothly as we wish, resulting in occasional heartburn, gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea—all common signs that digestive enzymes may not be present in optimal levels in our gut. Our modern diet and lifestyle is partly to blame. Over-processing kills the digestive enzymes found in food. Stress can constrict muscles in the digestive tract and restrict the flow of the digestive enzymes manufactured by our bodies. Aging, genetics and overall health can also impact the quantity and strength of digestive enzymes.

Digestive Enzymes Can Help You

 

Optimal levels of digestive enzymes are necessary to promote optimal nutrient aborption, help with the body's detoxification process, promote immune health, and help reduce food sensitivities. The holistic approach seeks to promote optimal digestive health and help detoxify the digestive tract—digestive enzyme supplements can be a valuable tool.

 

Digestive enzyme supplements may include one or more enzymes, among them amylases (which break down carbohydrates), proteases (proteins) and lipases (fats). Two common proteases—bromelain and papain—are derived from pineapple and papaya. Not only do these particular digestive enzymes help break down food and relieve occasional digestive complaints, several scientific studies also suggest that these enzymes may promote a normal inflammatory response and help everyday aches and pains related to muscle and joint strain.

 

A growing number of healthcare practitioners recommend digestive enzymes for anyone over 35 or for individuals experiencing occasional digestive concerns. Taking digestive enzymes is safe for most adults and children. Some digestive enzyme supplements may be contraindicated for people taking blood thinners and other pharmaceuticals, so be sure to check the label and consult your doctor with any questions. Many natural health experts suggest that you take Digestive enzymes in combination with probiotics. The digestive enzymes help clean up toxic waste, and probiotics promote beneficial intestinal flora, with a goal of promoting overall health and vitality.

 

 

Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics for digestive health.

With the help of digestive enzymes, the food we eat is transformed into nutrients...

Probiotics for Your Digestive Health

 

The term "probiotic" is of Greek origin and literally means "for life."

 

We know probiotics as live microorganisms that can help promote digestive health. There are many strains of probiotics including the most common Lactobacillus species and the Bifidobacterium species, and all can encourage growth of intestinal flora that is vital for digestion. Many people are exploring these beneficial bacteria as a natural way to enrich their diets, and foods that contain probiotics are cropping up on grocery lists and daily health menus everywhere.

 

Many different probiotic cultures are needed to support good health, and we carefully select the best combination of probiotic strains to best address whole body health.

Probiotics in Dairy Products

You probably already include foods that contain probiotics in your diet. Yogurt with live cultures contains probiotics and can help promote friendly bacteria that exist naturally in your digestive system. Aged cheeses, such as aged cheddar, Swiss, or Gouda cheese, can be fortified with probiotics and can be a delicious option to snacking your way toward improved digestive health. Other dairy products such as acidophilus milk and cottage cheese that contains live active cultures also belong to the family of foods that contain probiotics.

Probiotics and Fermented Foods

Probiotic-rich foods are often referred to as fermented or partially fermented foods. These foods often contain high probiotic counts thanks to the healthy bacteria and yeasts that develop during the fermentation process. Brine-cured pickles without vinegar and sauerkraut are fermented foods that contain probiotics. Sourdough bread made with true sourdough starter can be another source of probiotics and, of course, it partners so well with aged cheeses! Fermented soy products such as miso, a soybean cake known as tempeh, and soy sauce are all high in probiotics as well as protein and isoflavones, making them a power packed addition to many recipes. Traditional Asian foods such as pickled ginger and kimchi—a Korean dish made with spicy fermented vegetables—offer a wealth of probiotics in every bite.