H.O.P.E Formula: Enzymes

What are Enzymes?

Enzymes are protein-based substances that are essential for every function in the human body, including digestion. In the digestive system, enzymes are the key to breaking down the foods we eat into the nutrients that feed the body’s cells and tissues. Enzymes assist with digestion by breaking apart the bonds that hold nutrients together. Once the bonds are broken, tiny molecules can pass into the bloodstream where they are used as energy. A lack of enzymes may result in impaired digestion and a decrease in overall health. Getting enough enzymes is one of the most important components of the H.O.P.E. Formula.

Where Do I Get Enzymes?

In addition to the natural enzymes produced by your body, enzymes are normally present in raw foods to assist with digestion. However, many foods today are depleted of their natural enzymes as a result of cooking and processing. Likewise, the body’s ability to produce its own enzymes decreases with age. Without the essential enzymes necessary for proper digestion, the body may not be able to efficiently break down the food we eat and absorb its valuable nutrients.

How Do I Know if I Don’t Have Enough Enzymes?

Impaired digestion is often a sign that you don’t have enough enzymes. If you experience symptoms such as heartburn, gas and bloating, or fatigue after eating, it is likely that you have too few enzymes to properly digest the food you eat.

How Do I Choose the Right Enzyme Supplement?

Two important things to consider when choosing the right enzyme supplement are:

Is it properly balanced? A good digestive enzyme will contain a variety of enzymes to help digest all types of nutrients, including fats, starches, dairy, plant and vegetable material (cellulose) and sugar. Each nutrient type is digested best by specific enzymes that are designed to break down that certain nutrient. For example, dairy products require the enzyme lactase to digest them, while protein requires protease for proper digestion.

Does it contain plant-based enzymes? The ideal digestive enzyme supplement will contain plant-based enzymes. Such enzymes are already activated when they enter the system and begin to work in the stomach, and they continue to function throughout the body over a broad pH range (typically 2 to 14). pH refers to the acid level required to break down a particular type of nutrient. For example, dairy breaks down in a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Plant-based enzymes work efficiently in the body, breaking down and cleaning up undigested food in the digestive tract. For this reason, plant-based enzymes are the best choice for those suffering from impaired digestion and as a preventive measure to ensure complete digestion.