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Enzymes run the biochemical reactions in all living things: humans, animals and raw foods. If it grows or ripens, it has enzymes. According to the late enzyme research pioneer, Dr. Edward Howell, there are three different types of enzymes: those that occur in our food, those that are made in the body for the digestion of food, and the metabolic enzymes produced by the body that are made to run the biochemical reactions occurring in the body. Food enzymes are destroyed or removed anytime the food is cooked, processed, or genetically engineered for a longer shelf-life. Your body needs these essential nutrients to aid in the digestive process, so the body does not have to produce all of the enzymes for the digestion of food. Enzymes are very specific to what they will break down or digest. Besides moisture, they require three things to activate: the proper temperature, the proper pH (acid or alkaline), and the right substrate (or material) to break down. For example, protease–the enzyme that breaks down protein–will only work on protein, not carbohydrate.
Digestion is a complex and often overlooked process. According to Dr. Howard Loomis, formulator of many enzyme supplements, digestion does not automatically happen just because food is eaten. If at anytime a digestive organ does not perform its job properly, other organs may suffer, causing the pain and discomfort associated with indigestion. Normal digestion begins in the mouth. Thoroughly chewing raw or unprocessed food releases any enzymes contained within that food. Chewing also mixes the starch-digesting salivary enzyme, amylase, with the food. When the food is swallowed, it passes into the upper, or cardiac, part of the stomach. During this time, the enzymes from the saliva and food work to begin digesting the food. Studies have shown that as much as 45% of ingested carbohydrates can be digested after the first 15 minutes in the stomach when only salivary amylase is at work. Supplementation with food enzymes, which work in a broad pH range, will increase this amount of digestion that occurs in the stomach. Contrary to popular belief, the stomach is flat and empty when one first begins to eat. When the stomach receives the food, it begins to stretch, which signals the production of the acid and enzymes needed for digestion. This window of time, while the body creates and gathers hydrochloric acid in the stomach, takes at least 30 to 60 minutes. Hydrochloric acid lowers the pH of the stomach to around 3.0, thus activating the protein-digesting enzyme pepsinogen, which then initiates protein digestion. The now liquefied food passes into the intestinal tract. Based on the amount of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that one has eaten, the body produces the exact amount of enzymes needed to digest the food. The small intestine is where the pancreatic enzymes work. They require an alkaline environment to be activated. By using food enzymes to begin the digestive process in the stomach, the amount of enzymes needed from the pancreas is reduced. When one step of the process does not happen, the subsequent digestive actions are affected. For instance, if you take antacids, you are shutting down your body's ability to produce hydrochloric acid and, therefore, your ability to digest protein. Supplementation with food enzymes, which will work in a broader pH range than pancreatic enzymes, will help digest your food, lessening the work of your digestive system and relieving the stress on your digestive organs.
Pancreatic enzymes are animal enzymes obtained from pigs and cattle. Pancreatic enzymes are only able to work in an alkaline pH environment of 7.2 to 9.0 as found in the duodenum of the small intestine. It does not help digest food in the stomach and thus does not spare the body the necessity of providing all of the enzymes needed to digest food.
HCl (hydrogen chloride) is actually a salt that is commonly used in supplements, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter products as an ingredient carrier. Stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) is produced by the body to provide an acid environment for the activation of pepsinogen into pepsin. Pepsin is what breaks protein apart into smaller fragments. Supplemental HCl (hydrogen chloride) is not a digestive aid and cannot convert pepsinogen to pepsin.
Food enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 118º Fahrenheit or higher. Canning, pasteurizing, and microwaving all destroy enzymes in food, thus increasing the body's demand for enzymes when digesting processed, cooked, or genetically engineered foods.
Yes. Although there are enzymes in raw foods, there is only enough to break down and digest that particular raw food. If the body is under stress, the body may need more support than what the raw food can provide. Enzyme supplements are needed when eating cooked or processed enzyme-deficient food. Additional supplementation can give the body the digestive support it needs to make up for the lack of enzymes in an enzyme-deficient diet.
Acid-stable protease refers to protease that is stable or active in a pH range of 1.8 to 4.0, allowing it to be active in the acidic environment of the stomach.
Acidophilus microorganisms produce lactic acid by fermentation of sugars and starches, thereby inhibiting the growth of toxic bacteria in the alimentary canal. Acidophilus do not have any effect on the digestion of food and only work in the intestines.
Our enzyme supplements are formulated to help the body digest food. They are not designed to replenish the microflora of the intestines.
There are always additional benefits when using the whole plant instead of chemical derivations, as you will find in highly concentrated vitamin and mineral supplements. The synergistic action that takes place with the whole herb energized with the action of enzymes is always remarkable. The herbs used are biologically stable and proven effective.
No. Contrary to popular medical opinion, enzymes are not destroyed in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid does not digest enzymes; its only function is to activate the enzymes requiring an acid environment, such as pepsinogen (pepsin).
No. Your body will not stop producing enzymes if you supplement your diet with food enzymes. Enzymes occur naturally in raw food and only assist the body's digestive process. By supplementing with food enzymes, you are helping to replace enzymes that are lost by the cooking or processing of food. This relieves the body of its burden to create more digestive enzymes. The body then is able to produce the required enzymes for other vital bodily functions.
Our enzyme supplements are formulated to be taken at the beginning of the meal to aid the body in its digestive processes.
If you forget to take an enzyme supplement at the beginning of the meal, they can be taken during or immediately after the meal, as soon as you remember. Taking an enzyme supplement at the beginning of the meal is the most effective use of the supplement; however, taking our enzyme supplements during or after the meal will assist in the digestive process, still offering the body support.
More than one per meal is not usually necessary. If a larger than normal meal is being consumed, supplementing with 2 or 3 capsules may be desired, depending on the amount of food being eaten. If digestive problems persist, consult your physician or a health care practitioner who is trained in Enzyme Nutrition. Information about health care practitioners of different occupations is available by contacting Enzyme Formulations, Inc.. You can also find this information by using the Practitioner Locator.
More product can be used at your discretion. Regulating what you eat and making wise food choices is strongly recommended. Consult an appropriate health care practitioner if symptoms persist, however. A referral to health care practitioners who are trained in Enzyme Nutrition are available by contacting Enzyme Formulations, Inc. or using the Practitioner Locator.
Yes. It is safe to take up to 8 capsules of one of our digestive enzyme supplements per day. Going beyond 8 capsules is not usually necessary. If you feel you need more than 8 capsules, please consult your physician or an Enzyme Nutritionist in your area. Use the Practitioner Locator or contact us to get more specific information.
It may be a good idea. All food that has been processed has had its enzymes removed or destroyed. Eating a snack high in carbohydrates or white sugar may be just the time to take a food enzyme supplement.
If you have a history of gastritis or ulcers, you may be sensitive to products containing protease. Consumption of protease may cause irritation in the stomach. If irritation occurs, drink lots of water, discontinue use of product, and consult your physician. The Antacid Users formula would be suggested as this does not contain any protease and includes ingredients that help to nourish the mucosal lining of the digestive tract.
We do not recommend that food enzyme supplements be taken at the same time as prescription medications. Consultation with your prescribing doctor or your pharmacist is suggested. If the prescription medication is taken at the same time as the enzyme supplement, the absorption of the prescription may increase, thus requiring a change in dosage of your prescription medication under your prescribing doctor's guidance.
As you are a unique individual, results will vary from what others may experience. Most people notice a decrease in digestive disturbances and symptoms within a few days, if not within a few meals. Practitioner Locator
The EFI products are formulated to meet your specific needs. Women: Women tend to have a higher dietary carbohydrate intake and a higher nutritional requirement of fat for the production of hormones. Women also generally have a harder time digesting protein, although their need for protein is less than that of men. Men: Men tend to require and ingest a high amount of protein. Children: Children tend to consume high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates. The Children formula is appropriate for infants and children through puberty. Capsule contents can be emptied into water or given using a medicine spoon. Older Adults: Individuals who are 45 years of age or older tend to have a slower metabolism, a decrease in the production of stomach acid, and difficulty digesting proteins. Antacid Users: Individuals who use antacids tend to need digestive support for and nourishment of the protective lining of the digestive tract.
Our enzyme supplements are measured in milligrams, while our competitors list FCC, PU, LU, USP, PC, HUT, CU, and other units of measure. Because enzyme activity is not yet regulated in the dietary supplement industry, labeling laws do not require a standard unit of measurement for enzymes as they do for vitamins and minerals. Because of this, there is no way to compare one brand to another for strength, potency, or concentration, unless it is done by laboratory analysis. Potency of enzymes can only be tested in a laboratory that is set up to do so. Furthermore, enzyme potency cannot be tested if herbs or other plant material have been added, as the added material can contain the same type of enzymes as are in the product. Listing the "potency" of enzymes has become a marketing ploy used by many supplement companies. Potency, however, has nothing to do with the results you obtain with enzymes. Potency must be matched to the body's requirements. You will find our enzyme supplements to be of superior quality. Buy the very best if you want to get the very best results.
The food enzymes that are used in these products come from several types of fungi and plants, including Rhyzopus and Aspergillus. Aspergillus is a genus of fungi that produces many industrially useful enzymes, chemicals, and foods. Grown in a controlled environment, Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus niger are two of the many varieties of Aspergillus used commercially. The enzymes are vacuumed from one of the fungus varieties and purified, so that no remnants of the fungus remains. Moreover, there should be no allergic reactions to enzymes. We do not use the enzymes bromelain or papain because they do not work optimally at body temperature and therefore require large dosage amounts for satisfactory results.
Technology has developed purification techniques that remove all but the desired end product, in this case, enzymes. However, there may be a few very sensitive individuals who may experience symptoms that they associate with exposure to mushrooms, mold, or yeast. Generally, most people will not have any difficulties associated with the use of products derived from fungus.
The trademark, pHBS®, describes Dr. Loomis's formulas. The formulas have been developed in a clinical setting and are based on years of clinical observation, not just library information. Dr. Loomis's formulas have been researched using not only client signs and symptoms but laboratory and physical findings, as well. The pH Balancing System is your guarantee that the supplement you take will work in the proper pH and are perfectly pH balanced for nutrient bioavailability.
Enzyme Formulations, Inc. does not use any fillers in our products. As a result, our capsules are small and easier to swallow. When encapsulating nutritional supplements, a company may sometimes use a filler to take up space. Two popular fillers are dicalcium phosphate and plant cellulose, but there are many others that can be used as well. These fillers do not add nutritional value to the formula. Our formulas also do not contain soy, wheat, corn, dairy, egg, starch, salt, additives, or preservatives.
Enzyme Formulations, Inc. does not use any lubricants in our products. Lubricants are used to prevent the ingredients inside the capsule from clumping. Examples of lubricants are magnesium stearate, stearic acid, silica, and various forms of vegetable stearins. Lubricants, like fillers, do not add any nutritional value. Our formulas also do not contain soy, wheat, corn, dairy, egg, starch, salt, additives, or preservatives.
Shelf-life is approximately 3 years for most Enzyme Formulations, Inc. products, provided they are not subjected to heat and excessive humidity. Store the bottle in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed and away from children. Enzymes will activate within the capsule if exposed to moisture and warm temperatures.
Yes, enzyme supplements can be given to dogs or cats. Before they eat, just give them the capsule as you would any other supplement or open the capsule and put its contents on their food.
Any individual or health food store can buy the products. We also encourage you to purchase our enzyme supplements at your local health food store.
Check with your health food store first. Click here for more information on the topic of Enzyme Nutrition and the Loomis System as developed by Dr. Howard Loomis, or contact us.
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