Enzymes – the Key to Optimal Digestion
Several folks have spoken with me lately regarding digestion problems. We all have suffered at one time or another from the pains of improper digestion – heartburn, nausea, constipation, diarrhea. However, many of the medications that we are given to correct a problem in another area of our body can cause an unpleasant reaction in the digestive system.
The most common problem that I am asked about is constipation. I feel that much of the cause of this digestive upset stems from improper diet. Secondary causes include the dehydrating effects of certain medications, such as pain medications, antidepressants, and others. The dilemma of constipation is that it sets up the body for illness as a result of the retained stool in the bowel. The body continues to try to absorb nutrients from the waste products. The process actually reintroduces toxins to the body. Much of this disturbance in digestion can be helped by taking supplements that contain high levels of digestive enzymes.
These enzymes are vital to the proper breakdown and absorption of foods. They are classified in three categories – amylases, lipases and proteolytic enzymes. Amylases assist in carbohydrate digestion, a process that begins with the saliva in your mouth. Lipases help the body dissolve and absorb fats. Proteolytic enzymes are those which aid the body in assimilation of proteins. As you can see, each group of enzymes plays a substantial role in achieving overall nutrition. A shortage of any one enzyme can lead to problems.
Many times, our fast-paced lifestyle helps generate the digestive dilemma. Eating too quickly, not chewing your food enough times (Mom was right about that), or a diet lacking in fresh foods can cause inadequate levels of enzymes to be ingested or produced by our body. A diet high in fruits and vegetables can go a long way toward correcting trouble with digestion. For example, pineapple and papaya contain bromelain and papain respectively, two key enzymes for protein absorption. Most foods contain the enzymes necessary to digest them. However, refining, processing and cooking foods at high temperatures destroys these vital substances. Therefore, it may be very helpful to use a supplement to aid in the digestive process.
A complete digestive aid needs to contain ingredients which will digest all types of food. To ensure that a supplement is complete, it should contain the following:
Betaine Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) – a pH balancing enzyme derived from beets used to digest meats and animal proteins.
Pepsin – the natural enzyme that breaks down proteins and whose function depends on the contents of HCL.
Bromelain and Papain – powerful enzymes found in pineapple and papaya that act to break down the proteins into amino acids.
Pancreatin – a collection of enzymes secreted by the pancreas into the part of the small intestine closest to the stomach. Pancreatic enzymes break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Lipase – aids in fat digestion, while complex carbohydrates are digested by a combination action of mylase and mycozyme.
Amylase and Protease – two potent digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas, that digest carbohydrates and protein.
Ox Bile – improves fat digestion and combats constipation through the stimulation of the bile flow and improves functioning of the gallbladder.
If you would like more information on any topic discussed in this article, you can contact me through my website address at www.JerryRyanPhD.com or email me at DoctorRyan@JerryRyanPhD.com with your questions.
Jerry Ryan, Ph.D.
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/enzymes-the-key-to-optimal-digestion-140840.html
Treating Bad Breath
Bad breath is a very common and embarrassing problem. It is one of those things that somehow do not fall under natural causes. It is also something that gives an impression of bad personal hygiene. People find it difficult to control their reaction to the bad breath of another person.
However there are a few simple steps that can be taken to counter bad breath effectively.
Scrape the tongue
The biggest reason for bad breath is the presence of bacteria on the tongue. If your tongue shows a white layer instead of a healthy pink then you can be sure that there is a bacteria problem. Use a soft toothbrush or a tongue scraper (you can find toothbrushes with tongue scrapers on the backside of the bristles). Scrape gently with plenty of rinsing to get that white layer off and rid yourself of oral bacteria.
Gargling
Once you have scraped off all the bacteria you should gargle using diluted hydrogen peroxide. Try to gargle for at least forty five seconds. Hydrogen peroxide creates a lot of foam, do not spit it out. The foam is essential for killing the bacteria. Note that it is not advisable to use hydrogen peroxide more than twice a day (and in diluted form only). To be careful use it every 3 days or twice a week. Hydrogen peroxide is corrosive and can eat into the enamel of your teeth.
Eat better
All foods undergo chemical reactions when they are being digested and they all emit some sort of gas in the process. These gases need to escape from your body and they can do so using various openings. Pores in the skin, flatulence, or through exhalation. What this means is that your mouth will mostly smell of what you eat. To overcome the smell of strong foods use countering elements like peppermint tea, Moroccan mint, jasmine, hibiscus, and lemon balm. When using any of these substances do not add sugar as it encourages the growth of bacteria. Also include fresh foods like ginger, parsley, cilantro, and scallion to your regular meals. Make certain that these additives are not cooked with the food but added separately in their raw state. When you eat them raw they help to maintain a balance in colon bacteria.
The colon is attached to the mouth although it is quite far away. If it is not properly cleansed then it makes an ideal place for bacteria to breed and cause bad breath. Bran is one edible substance that can help cleanse the colon. A clean colon can result in non-smelling gaseous emissions from all body openings. If necessary try a herbal laxative. Do not take over the counter drugs for bowel movements without consulting your doctor. When taken without real need, laxatives can weaken the colon.
Lastly, make sure you do not have a fungal infection. Even if you don’t think you have such an infection a simple home test can help you make certain. Spit into and empty glass or dish and leave this to set for a twenty-four hours. If, at the end of that period, you see a stringy substance left behind after water evaporation then it means a fungal infection.
Just take a few precautions and you do not have to put up with bad breath.