In a day and age when poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyles have led to skyrocketing obesity rates and health issues directly related to deficiencies in diet, it is more important than ever to educate people regarding ways to keep our bodies healthy and working properly. There are so many instances in which eating the right foods can help our bodies to function correctly and even eliminate the need for various medications, many of which come with undesirable side effects. By understanding the natural, healthy components of the foods we eat (or should be eating!)we can fine-tune our dietary habits to include foods that are nutritious and beneficial to our overall health in several ways.
Enzymes play an important role in the human body. Enzymes are protein molecules that aid other organic molecules in taking part in chemical reactions with each other. They perform several functions within the body, including warding off pathogenic bacteria which can be extremely harmful to the body’s organs and various systems and preventing many of the adverse effects of aging.
While enzymes are invisible to the naked eye, their presence is easily “seen” due to the significant roles they play in each biochemical reaction in the human body. When our bodies experience an enzyme deficiency, metabolic functioning decreases to the point that the breakdown and digestion of food is affected. This can lead to feelings of weakness and extreme exhaustion along with other, more serious issues since the body depends on the digestion and processing of food and its necessary vitamins and nutrients to keep it working properly.
When our bodies are deprived of enzymes in sufficient amounts, our health can be negatively affected in several ways. Because as a society we eat a great deal of processed foods and/or foods which contain zero enzymes, our bodies end up using more enzymes than we supply it with. When an enzyme deficiency occurs, and our food cannot be properly digested, it remains in the stomach much longer than normal. This can result in gas and bloating as well as undigested bits of food being left in the stomach and intestinal tract. As a result, dangerous bacteria can form and dump toxic materials into he bloodstream, putting an added strain on the liver as it works to filter and clean the blood. If this goes on for an extended period, the immune system weakens, and we become susceptible to dangerous, often life-threatening health conditions and diseases.
Once we pass the age of 30 our metabolism slows dramatically. The body’s enzymes also naturally decrease as we grow older, making it necessary for us to take steps to maintain them at healthy levels. This is where enzyme supplements can help. Along with making sure to include enzyme-rich foods such as avocado, pineapple, bananas, sauerkraut, etc., in our diet, supplements can help pick up any slack and ensure that our bodies contain the level of enzymes necessary to stay healthy and keep the digestive system functioning properly.
As always, speak with your health care professional before taking any supplement or making significant changes to your diet, particularly if you are already taking any medications or if you have preexisting medical conditions. Eating nutritious foods and getting sufficient exercise are two of the best ways to care for your body. Taking the time to understand how the digestive system and its components work will help you to make informed, healthy choices.