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.

No. It is the presence of hormones, not enzymes, that signals for secretion of more or less enzymes. Whether from internal or external (supplemental) enzymes, complete hydrolysis of food macromolecules is the indicator for the hormones secretin and cholecystekinin to signal the pancreas to stop secreting pancreatic juices. Taking supplemental digestive enzymes supports and assists the digestive function; it does not inhibit it. [back to top] See similar questions...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

ANSWER: Enzymes are essential substances found in the body that function as biological catalysts to help break down foods so that they can be properly absorbed and utilized. The primary digestive enzymes are known as proteases (break down proteins), amylases (break down carbohydrates and starches), and lipases (break down fats). The body naturally produces digestive enzymes however over time and with age enzyme insufficiency or decline in enzymes production can occur. See similar questions...

Ancient Sun's Digestive Enzymes Plus formula contains one of the widest spectrums of enzymes available in the market: It includes proteases to provide optimal assistance in the digestion of protein; cellulase to help digest fiber and prevent fermentation; phytase to break down phytin which impairs digestion; and anise seed and ginger which both aid digestion. Ancient Sun's Digestive Enzymes Plus is designed to provide maximum digestive support at a very affordable price. ? See similar questions...

Most of our digestive enzyme formulas are vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free and they come in vegetarian (cellulose) capsules. In fact, the digestive formulas are very effective in breaking down gluten, lactose and casein the food molecules that often cause problems for those with gluten or dairy intolerance. See individual products specifications for more information. [back to top] See similar questions...

The stomach has two distinct divisions: Fundus (upper part) and Pylorus (lower part). The eaten food remains in the upper part for approximately one hour. This is where predigestion takes place. The fundus is where digestive food enzymes begin to break down the food into carbohydrates, fats and protein. Raw foods supply their own digestive enzymes, thus saving the stomach from supplying all the enzymes. 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...

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...

It depends. Enzymes are not "magic pills". Rather, they supplement the work of your body's organs and glands to completely digest the food you eat. Some people will notice a dramatic improvement in their energy levels and feeling of vitality. Others might notice significant improvement in the functioning of their digestive tract and relief of long term chronic conditions. Some people's recognition of improvement will be more subtle and gradual. See similar questions...