Digestive Enzymes

by Bryan Kanner

House of Nutrition's Nutritionist, Bryan Kanner, BS CNC CNHP says:

Billions of dollars are spent each year on over the counter remedies like Mylanta, Tums, Gaviscon, etc., etc. for upset stomach and indigestion. Unfortunately these products only provide temporary relief and really never address the issue at hand. The issue being impaired digestion.

Today many people make poor food selections such as fast foods that are improperly prepared and this puts a major stress on the body’s ability to break down and utilize nutrients. Heating food deactivates the enzymes within the food that help you assimilate them. The result is stomach distress and other digestive problems. Acid reflux, food allergies, weight gain, as well as Irritable bowel syndrome can be attributed in part to this lack of viable enzymes.

Dr. Edward Howell spent his career researching the importance of enzymes. In his book Enzyme Nutrition he explains that there are two main sub-headings of enzymes within the body. The metabolic enzymes are necessary for breaking down and rebuilding body tissues and maintaining vital functions within the body. The digestive enzymes are used to break down and assimilate food within the diet. If your choice of food is enzyme impaired, this puts a tremendous load on the body.

Dr. Howell feels there is a finite capacity for enzyme production within one’s lifetime. Your ability to produce viable enzymes diminishes with age. His suggestion is to prioritize your enzymes for metabolic purposes, and eat either more raw food, or supplement with digestive enzymes when eating cooked foods. I wholeheartedly agree with these suggestions, and have often recommended digestive aids to clients. I have also found that research backs up my suggesting their use between meals as an anti-inflammatory.

Take care, Bryan.
House of Nutrition

Any information or suggestions by our Nutritionist not intended to cure or diagnose disease. It is offered as information only and should only be used in conjunction with the advise of your primary healthcare provider.

Questions? Comments? Feedback? Drop me a line at email - Bryan Kanner, BS CNC CNHP is our staff certified nutritionist at the Yonkers, NY office of House of Nutrition.