February 09, 2003

By: Stacey Becker
Website: http://www.vitamins-and-health-info.com

Healthy digestion and enzymes - what you need to know

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Enzymes are essential elements that allow nutrients to be absorbed into the body. There are two categories of enzymes. One, that require co-enzymes (minerals) to sustain regeneration and life. The second are food enzymes required by the digestive system. Food enzymes are contained within live, uncooked, and unprocessed food and facilitate normal, healthy digestion.

Eating an unhealthy meal results in the body having to spare its own supply of enzymes to the digestive system, that it would otherwise use to maintain youthful tissue. As unhealthy eating practices continue, we reduce the enzymes available for digestion, and experience common digestive problems. This may include bloating, indigestion, heartburn or fatigue, a compromised immune system and premature aging.

Research shows that after the age forty, the body’s ability to produce enzymes decreases. Even more alarming is the Surgeon General’s report on nutrition and health, claiming that eight out of ten leading causes of death are diet related. Supplementing with digestive enzymes and friendly bacteria (known as acidophilus), and eating whole foods will support food digestion, and help regenerate the pool of enzymes to maintain a healthy, youthful body.

Important benefits of enzymes:

*are the biochemical agents of life required to break down and use nutrients from food

*are required to digest proteins, fats and carbohydrates

*are necessary for the absorption of vitamins, minerals and nutrients

*support cellular regeneration

*are required to maintain energy and stamina

*are necessary for the production of hormones

*are necessary to maintain a healthy immune system

Author Notes:

Stacey Becker contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.vitamins-and-health-info.com.  Recommending the best vitamins, minerals, herbs, and weightloss products for optimum health.