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. In addition to moisture, they require three things to become active: 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 continue digestion of your 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.

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.

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.

Each product is individually labeled with directions for use and warnings. Please read and follow all label directions and warnings.

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.

Regulating what you eat and making wise food choices is strongly recommended. If symptoms persist consult your physician or healthcare provider. You may use our locator to find a Loomis Digestive Health Specialist in your area.

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.

As with any medical condition, you should consult your physician or healthcare provider prior to taking our products. You may use our locator to find a Loomis Digestive Health Specialist in your area.

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. 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.

When taking a prescription medication, consult your physician or healthcare provider prior to taking our products. You may use our locator to find a Loomis Digestive Health Specialist in your area.

Food enzyme supplements should not be taken at the same time as prescription medications. 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.

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.

Each product is individually labeled with a best before date. Shelf-life varies by product from 1 year to 3 years 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.

Loomis Digestive Health Specialists have been trained in a system of diagnostic techniques to determine the hidden causes of patient symptoms, particularly in unresolved health problems. If you are interested in finding a Loomis Digestive Health Specialist in your area, use our locator or contact us.