Digestive enzymes

[big_byrd52]

have any of you seen the digestive enzymes they have to help metabolize all the fat and protein from the atkins deits? i think this may help some of u with ur appetites. has anyone tried them?

[Kane]

No...But I'd like to hear more about it.

[big_byrd52]

Digestive enzymes are proteins specially tailored to break down foods into nutrients that your body can then readily digest. The human body produces some 22 different digestive enzymes. Many more are found in the fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, and other foods. A number of digestive enzymes--from both plants and animals--are also sold as supplements.

When you eat a meal, digestive enzymes that are released from your salivary glands, stomach, and small intestine immediately get to work to speed up the digestive process. Each enzyme acts on a specific type of food. A variety of different proteases, for example, break down the components of protein. Amylases help digest carbohydrates; lipases break down fats; and cellulases, found in plants, digest fiber.

Nutritionally oriented doctors often turn to digestive enzyme products to promote good digestion and enhance nutrient absorption. They contend that many people are lacking enzymes because of inadequate diets, over-refined foods, environmental toxins, and poor health. Such symptoms as bloating, gas, heartburn, and indigestion are thought to be a common result. Taking this one step further, some practitioners also believe that even in the absence of symptoms many people can benefit from routinely taking extra enzymes to maintain peak digestion and enhance stores of vital nutrients.

--For most ailments, the dosage of plant-based digestive enzymes recommended is 2 to 4 capsules with each meal. Higher amounts are needed for larger meals. Specific needs vary from person to person, however, so experiment until you find the right dose to relieve your symptoms.

--Check the label carefully for "activity units." Examples include GDUs (gelatin digesting units) and MCUs (milk clotting units). Ounce for ounce, products with the highest activity levels are the most potent--and the best buy.

[big_byrd52]

Here is some more info...

Enzymes are essential for normal digestion. Unfortunately, most adults don't have enough of them. The main reason is the kind of food we eat.

Enzymes are naturally present in the raw fruits and vegetables, not exactly the most popular food items for most Americans. To make matters worse, cooking and food processing destroy enzymes. As a result, most of the food we eat is enzyme deficient.

In addition, as we get older, there is a definite decline in the level of digestive enzymes produced in the stomach, pancreas and small intestine, usually after age 30 to 35. The reason for this is not clear, but it is an established medical fact.

The lack of enzymes leads to poor digestion, poor absorption, as well as accumulation of undigested food, material, metabolic waste and putrefied fecal matter in the intestinal tract. This can lead to food allergies, overgrowth of parasites, yeast and unfriendly bacteria, indigestion, constipation, belching, bloating and many other health problems.


Notice that last paragraph. Undigested food in the intestine. I think it would be wise to invest in some digestive enzymes and possibly get one of those colon cleanse products to do at the very least during the 2 week cruise so u are ready to go full throttle again when the food intake picks up again. Maybe even every 2 weeks.

[ELECTRIC]

This is pretty interesting so are you saying that they could help the bloating from excessive eating not be as dramatic, and help protein be digested and used faster?

[big_byrd52]

yes, thats what am reading. i have been taking a normal balanced one and it helps some, but i will get one with more lipase in it this weekend for the high fat

[TooPowerful4u]

considering how high DC advises for protein intake, id have to say a digestive enzyme would be very necessary. I am looking into taking one or two good digestive enzyme supps. Any suggestions????

[silverfox]

Papaya engzmes have been working well for me.

[big_byrd52]

As far as a brand, no i havent looked into that yet. i did find this to help u know u are getting a product.

--Check the label carefully for "activity units." Examples include GDUs (gelatin digesting units) and MCUs (milk clotting units). Ounce for ounce, products with the highest activity levels are the most potent--and the best buy.

[In-Human]

big_byrd52, Sorry man, but I thought I was a digestive enzyme, hehe, sorry had to throw that one in...

[dragula]

I think Udo's makes a pretty good digestive enzyme ( Udo is one of the docs that first popularized flax oil, has a small line of supplements)

[In-Human]

silverfox, Damn I remember using Papaya tabs in the 70s, wow I am old, thats as bad as Beef Liver Tabs, yuck...