What are digestive and systemic enzymes?

Most known for the role they play in digestion, enzymes occur naturally in the body and in the food we eat. Digestive enzymes, secreted along the upper gastrointestinal tract, help break down food so nutrients can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Specific enzymes help the body break down certain food elements. For example, protease acts on protein, amylase on carbohydrates, cellulase on fiber, lipase on fat and lactase on dairy sugar. Additionally, enzyme supplements taken on an empty stomach can be absorbed intact into the bloodstream where they help restore and maintain healthy blood and tissue functions.

Most modern diets force the body to rely on digestive organs, such as the pancreas, to compensate for natural enzymes destroyed in cooking and processing. Fortunately, digestive enzyme supplements can replace destroyed enzymes. They support proper digestion, which results in fewer digestive problems and helps our bodies release and absorb nutrients to promote and enhance health. This reduction in digestive stress can help with many digestive complaints, including indigestion, gas and bloating.

While enzymes taken with food are completely dedicated to the digestive process, research has shown that protease enzymes, also called proteolytic enzymes, taken on an empty stomach can support immunity and the normal inflammatory process. Proteolytic enzyme supplements, containing select blends of acidic, alkaline and neutral proteases, have been shown to reduce pain, swelling and redness associated with inflammatory conditions. Safe, natural proteolytic enzymes offer an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which have been linked to dangerous side effects.

Enzymes, Inc., uses a proprietary blend of proteases, pHysioProtease,™ in many of its vegetarian-based systemic products. Enzymes, Inc., also uses combinations of the following enzymes: