The digestive system processes everything we eat and drink to supply the body with the nutrients and strength it needs to function, build and maintain itself. It is vital that it works properly as one of its most important functions is to convert products and 'toxins'* into soluble, safe substances that can be eliminated from the body through the bladder or the intestines.

Your body cannot digest or absorb nutrients from food without enzymes. (2). Cooking destroys the natural enzymes in foods. (3). You lose approximately 13% of your enzyme potential for every 10 years of life. (4) Up to 50% of all adults do not produce sufficient amounts of digestive enzymes. See similar questions...

Raw food contains the enzymes needed to digest it. However, most of us don’t live on a raw food diet. When we cook our food, the enzymes in the food are destroyed and our body has to make them in order to digest our food. This puts stress on our system especially since people eat more processed foods and meals higher in calories and fat. Digestive enzyme supplements help you digest your meals more efficiently and deliver the nutrients from your food to your body. See similar questions...

The body can make digestive enzymes; however, the more digestive enzymes it is required to produce for digestion, the fewer enzymes it can create to maintain optimal health. It is very important that we preserve the body’s ability to make enzymes. If supplemental plant digestive enzymes are taken with a meal, these digestive enzymes begin their work immediately. See similar questions...

Many factors such as poor diet, changes in diet, age, antibiotic use, travel, illness, medications, stress and hormonal changes can disturb your intestinal balance and decrease the level of beneficial bacteria in your digestive sytem. Taking a daily probiotic supplement like Sustenex can restore healthy bacterial levels. See similar questions...

The presence of food in the stomach will always trigger production of enzymes, whether supplemental enzymes are used or not. Supplemental enzymes make it easier for the body to function but do not affect the body's ability to function naturally. See similar questions...

None of the ingredients in BioVitale's Digestive Enzyme Complex have been shown to interact with medication. The ingredients used are all-natural and contain no chemicals. See similar questions...

Digestive Advantage has become the trusted name in digestive health. Their over-the-counter, once-daily therapies have been trusted by thousands of physicians and consumers, and are available at most nationwide pharmacies and online retailers. See similar questions...

Yes, absolutely. You can give digestive enzymes to infants, toddlers, and young children. For toddlers and young children, Enzyme Essentials recommends the basic protocol of Digestzyme, Purezyme, and Plantadophilus. Many children like to chew the capsules and/or are able to swallow them. But if you prefer, the capsules can be pulled apart easily and mixed with water or juice. See similar questions...

All product returns must be authorized by the customer service department of the distributor through whom you purchased the item. Please call them and request a return authorization number. Be sure that number is clearly labeled on the outside of your package. Also, include within the return box a detailed description of the problem you are having. See similar questions...

It can be argued that most people by the age of 20 can benefit from the use of supplemental digestive enzymes for general prevention and immune system maintenance. Realistically, most people don't usually begin to develop a need for supplemental enzymes until around the age 40 (there are exceptions, of course) and they may not feel or know of that need until a few years later even though some of the "damage" may be done. See similar questions...

We have various kinds of digestive enzymes available on this site; many are designed for specific conditions and situations. However, there is one thing common to all of these enzyme recommendations -- they all suppose that you will be taking two foundation digestive enzyme products. See similar questions...

Digestive enzymes break down food so that it can be absorbed and utilized by the body. Raw food has enzymatic activity, and the body has a limited supply also. When our pets eat the raw food that their physiology is designed to thrive on, they receive plenty of food enzymes, which aid digestion and nutrient utilization. When they eat cooked food, which is devoid of enzymes, they can deplete the body's supply, and the enzyme-producing organs must work overtime to compensate. See similar questions...

Some of these bacterially produced compounds (mentioned above), known as short-chain fatty acids, when injected in small amounts into the brains of experimental rodents, produce bouts of hyperactivity and repetitive behavior resembling those seen in ASDs. Research shows that repeated exposure to these compounds can exert permanent effects on brain and behavior (see Canadian Study: Is There a Digestive Link to Autism? by Kulani Mahikoa). See similar questions...

Enzyme Essentials' plant-based digestive enzymes have either a wide range of pH and/or are stable and active in the acid range. Our enzymes have been carefully selected to withstand the conditions of the GI tract. The theory that enzymes are destroyed in the stomach is outdated and has been disproven by various studies. National Enzyme Company, a large enzyme manufacturer, conducted a study proving quantitative evidence of the efficacy of supplemental digestive enzymes. See similar questions...

Most people feel better in terms of energy, digestion, and elimination. Occasionally persons may experience a period of increased detoxification when beginning enzyme therapy. This is actually a good sign as the body is now able to eliminate excess toxins, although you may feel tired or achy for a few days. Increasing enzyme dosages and water intake is often the best recommendation to help you through this natural process. [back to top] See similar questions...

a. The job of a digestive enzyme is to break down food during the digestive process. The intestine is more able to absorb food, which is thus broken down into smaller units, and the rest of the body is more easily able to utilize food, which is in this form. There are three basic types of digestive enzymes, one type for each class of food: lipase for fat, proteinase for protein and amylase for carbohydrate See similar questions...

About 70% of people with ASD have an IQ within the intellectually disabled range. The other 30% have normal to above average levels of intelligence. This group may be referred to as having high-functioning autism. Individuals with high-functioning autism have lifelong social difficulties, however impairments are not as severe in their communication skills. Children with high functioning autism tend to have an uneven profile of skills. See similar questions...