digestive enzymes http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for digestive enzymes Copyright 2008 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:13:26 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/digestive+enzymes Get Healthy With Digestive Enzymes http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-healthy-with-digestive-enzymes http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-healthy-with-digestive-enzymes#comments Sun, 03 Dec 2006 02:27:03 +0000 digestive enzymesmetabolic enzymesdigestive enzyme supplementdigestionduodenumpancreasraw foods http://www.artwoo.com/article/get-healthy-with-digestive-enzymes digestive enzymes, then why do we need to supplement them?"

My usual response to that question is you most likely don't need to supplement them if and only if you are eating approximately 90% fresh which naturally contain enzymes. However, as you and I both know, this is not the case, especially with the Standard American Diet, appropriately abbreviated at SAD.

When we eat, our food sits in our stomach for about 45 minutes before making its way through the . Not enough occurs in our stomachs because we lake the enzymes naturally found in foods which is killed in heating and processing.

So imagine the benefit of adding a balanced broad spectrum to this process.

Approximately 60-80% of our energy goes to digestion. Supplementing digestive enzymes greatly reduces the burden on the and the entire digestive process by assisting in breaking down foods into smaller and smaller components that become much easier to assimilate. This greatly increases our energy.

I have had reports back from people who take digestive enzymes that after eating they used to feel full and sluggish. But after taking them, they are filled with energy and no longer slip into the "food coma" after a large meal.

It is believed by many nutritionists that our bodies have a specific "enzyme potential" that can be exhausted. Our bodies make two main kinds of enzymes, digestive, and metabolic. Digestive deals with digesting food, and metabolic deal with other processes such as tissue repair.

When we are not eating enough raw foods, or supplementing digestive enzymes, the body uses resources that should go towards and puts them towards digestion. So, in essence, supplementing digestive enzymes will help to keep the whole body younger and healthier by allowing our metabolic enzymes do their job properly.

It is my opinion that unless you are eating a very well balanced, 80-90% raw food diet, everyone should supplement a digestive enzyme.

People who supplement digestive enzymes report improvements in health problems such as heartburn, indigestion, gerd, diarrhea, constipation, diabetes, bloating, and a host of other health problems.

When looking for a good enzyme to take, make sure your product is broad spectrum, plant based, and broad ph so that it can work in both the acidic stomach, and alkaline intestines. The author is a nutritional consultant and publisher of Jeff's Healthy Living natural health and nutrition Web site (http://www.jeffshealthyliving.com) ]]> Enzymes - Classification And Function http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzymes-classification-and-function http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzymes-classification-and-function#comments Mon, 26 Jun 2006 00:32:03 +0000 food enzymesdigestive enzymesmetabolic enzymeszinc enzymesraw foodcooked foodduodenum http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzymes-classification-and-function
Enzymes can be widely classified into three major categories.

-- They play a role in breathing, talking, moving, thinking, behavior and maintenance of the immune system. A subset of metabolic enzymes operates to neutralize poisons and carcinogens like pollutants, DDT and tobacco smoke. They change these into less toxic forms that the body can easily eliminate.

-- Mostly manufactured by pancreas, they are 22 in number. They are secreted by glands in the . Hey help to break down the bulk of partially digested food leaving the stomach.

-- They are present in . They initiate the digestive process in the mouth and upper stomach. They include proteases for digesting protein, lipases for digesting fats and amylases for digesting carbohydrates.

Raw food is very important in the diet. The enzymes in raw food initiate the process of digestion, thus reducing the body's requirement to produce digestive enzymes. All the enzymes are deactivated at a wet-heat temperature of 118 degrees Fahrenheit, and a dry-heat temperature of about 150 degrees. The built-in mechanism in the body determines whether the food we consume contains its enzyme contents. When we consume , an enzyme-poor diet, we use up huge amount of our enzyme potential in the outpouring of secretions from the pancreas and other digestive organs. The result may be a shortened life-span, illness and lowered resistance to stress.

Enzymes are capable of processing millions of molecules every second. They are very specific and react with one or only a few types of molecules. Naming of enzymes is easier than other compounds. The naming depends on what the enzyme reacts with and how it reacts. Lactase is the enzyme that reacts with lactose.

While all enzymes have a biological function, some of them are used commercially for other purposes. Enzymes are used as biological detergents. They are used in the baking industry, in baby foods, brewing industry, fruit juices, dairy industry, starch industry, rubber industry, paper industry and photographic industry. Barney Garcia writes about many different topics. He is a proud contributing author and invites you to his websites. http://www.about-enzymes.info and http://www.excellent-enzymes.info ]]> Enzymes -- Great Workers In Human Body http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzymes-great-workers-in-human-body http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzymes-great-workers-in-human-body#comments Sun, 04 Jun 2006 15:32:05 +0000 types of enzymesfood enzymesdigestive enzymesenzyme supplementationdigestion of foodpancreaschemical reactions http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzymes-great-workers-in-human-body chemical reactions. All the living cells in body contain enzymes but they are hard to visualize, since they are not tangible things. Enzymes are one of the most important things in human body that do everything ranging from helping us to breathe to digestion to living life. So most chemical reactions in the body would occur too slowly without the effects of enzymes.

An enzyme is a protein that catalyzes, or speeds up a chemical reaction. Enzymes help in . The in our human bodies break down food into tiny particles that get easily accumulated by the body into the blood stream. These are the compounds that our human body uses for fuel, repair and growth. Food is filled with enzymes called "" that help in the digestion of food. When we cook our food we unconsciously destroy those enzymes.

How do work?

Our body, in general, can manufacture enzymes called "digestive enzymes" in our pancreas. When we eat a diet that is filled with mostly cooked and processed foods, devoid of all enzymes, then pancreas starts working hard on it and thus manufactures the enzymes that the body needs to digest the food. So pancreas overworks and the body starts spending much more energy and resources on digestion instead of spending on important things like boosting an immune system, fighting diseases and repairing body parts.



However you should try to heal the overworking capacity in pancreas by filling it with an abundance of enzymes. Foods rich in enzymes include raw materials, vegetables, seeds and nuts, as well as marinated and fermented foods. After you complete overloading your pancreas with you can check with your health care provider whether you need more medication to improve on your enzyme building system.

Food enzymes not only help in digestion procedure but they also help in cleansing the body, breaking down allergens and environmental products that can potentially prove to be harmful. So we should always have a diet that contains a range of fresh enzyme filled foods, to make our bodies stay disease free.

Capacity of enzymes

For most enzymes to operate in the body, the optimal temperature is 37 degree Celsius or 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of the human enzymes have a maximal activity at pH around 7.2, which is the pH of most body fluids. However, there are exceptions such as, pepsin. However, this enzyme is most effective in the highly acidic conditions of the stomach, pH 2. The pancreatic enzymes work optimally in the alkaline conditions of pH 8.5 of the small intestine.

Enzymes have a plethora of responsibilities in the body, digestion, metabolism of carbohydrates, and much more. With all the right ingredients of enzymes, the body can remain fit and healthy. Author Barney Garcia is a proud contributing author and enjoys writing about many different topics. Please visit my web sites @ http://www.about-enzymes.info and http://enzymes-galore.info ]]> Enzyme Supplements Promote Healthy Digestion http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzyme-supplements-promote-healthy-digestion http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzyme-supplements-promote-healthy-digestion#comments Sun, 08 Jul 2007 16:20:00 +0000 proteolytic enzymesdevote more timetoxins in the bodydigestive enzyme supplementproteinsaid digestionharmful toxins http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzyme-supplements-promote-healthy-digestion
The chemical processes of digestion begin with reducing food's larger constituents to smaller and smaller molecules. Within this procedure, enzymes catalyze the chemical reactions, making it possible for food to be digested and absorbed. Each type of food we eat contains different combinations of carbohydrates, fats and , as well as vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. The end result of the digestive process is that those nutrients are broken down into forms usable by the body's cells. For example, when proteins from meat or vegetarian foods are digested, they are broken down into amino acids, which are subsequently used to build the proteins incorporated into organs and body tissues.

Further, because unhealthy eating habits can lead to a buildup of harmful (which can subsequently lead to weight gain and poor health), adding a daily enzyme supplement to your diet may also help rid the body of toxic chemicals. Many experts believe that taking supplementary enzymes to enables the body to to producing the enzymes that help eliminate toxins. When choosing a , look for a formula that combines several different enzymes such as lipase (to help digest fats), amylase (for carbohydrates), and protease (for proteins), as this combination more closely mimics natural enzyme activity. If you have a particular digestive problem, however, individual enzymes can provide targeted support. For example, those who are lactose intolerant may benefit from supplementing with lactase, the enzyme that helps break down milk sugar.

, which help break down protein, are now available from the kiwi fruit (kiwi protease), pineapple (bromelain) and papaya (papain). Research shows that these enzymes help the body break down protein, casein, and gluten. Digestive enzymes are also effective in the fight against inflammation.

Plant-based enzymes are gaining popularity as people discover their potential to help promote healthy digestion. The main advantage of these supplements is their versatility: although each person's digestive system varies in its acidity and alkalinity, plant enzymes are equally effective in both types of environments. But the bottom line is simple: Supplementing with digestive enzymes relieves the body of some of the burden of creating these chemicals, giving it the opportunity to invest more energy in making other types of enzymes, such as those used for detoxification. Doing so can also release energy to repair damaged tissue and slow the aging process, offering our bodies a valuable defense against the many stresses of our modern lifestyle. Brenda Watson is a New York Times Bestselling author, a Naturopathic Doctor and President of Renew Life Formulas. She has been helping people achieve optimal digestive health for over twenty five years. http://www.fiber35diet.com ]]> Enzymes -- Essential Nutrients For Good Health http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzymes-essential-nutrients-for-good-health http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzymes-essential-nutrients-for-good-health#comments Wed, 06 Aug 2008 05:30:01 +0000 hydrogen peroxideantioxidant enzymestypes of enzymesfree radical scavengersdigestive enzymesfruits vegetablesheart diseases http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzymes-essential-nutrients-for-good-health
Two , and are particularly important to our health. Digestive enzymes break down the food, enabling the absorption of nutrients which are required to sustain life. Antioxidant enzymes protect our body from the attack of free radicals. The latter is responsible for many degenerative diseases such as aging, cancer, , etc.

Digestive enzymes can be further divided into 3 categories: amylase, protease and lipase. Amylases are found in saliva, pancreatic and intestinal secretions. Their function is to break down sugars (carbohydrates). Different types of amylase break down different types of sugars. For examples, lactase breaks down lactose, sucrase breaks down sucrose. Proteases are found in the stomach acid and the pancreatic and intestinal secretions; their function is to break down proteins into amino acids. Lipases, found in pancreatic and intestinal secretions, are involved in fat digestion.

The most important antioxidant enzymes in our body are superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. SOD is responsible for the breakdown of superoxide into whereas catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Compared to vitamin C and E, SOD, catalase and other antioxidant enzymes are more powerful and they will not turn into free radicals themselves in their action.

Both digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes are synthesized naturally in our body and are available in a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, sprouts and fat containing foods. However, since enzymes are very sensitive to heat, most enzymes are destroyed in cooking. In addition, several studies have shown that our body's ability to produce enzymes decreases as we age. Therefore, for those who are elderly or who are eating mostly cooked food, the consumption of enzyme supplements can either help you assimilate more nutrients from the foods or protect you from free radical damage.

If you want to purchase enzyme supplements, remember to read the label carefully. First of all, look at the source of the enzymes, are they plant-based, animal-based or extracted from microbes? For vegetarians, they should seek out enzymes extracted from plant or microbial source packed in vegetarian capsules. Secondly, is the enzyme supplement composed of single enzyme or a mixture of enzymes? Single enzyme supplement such as bromelain is often used for other purposes (anti-inflammatory). For digestive aid, it is better to consume a mixture of enzymes including amylase, protease, and lipase which work together to break down starch, protein and fat. Similarly, a mixture of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) work better than single enzyme alone. And lastly, compare the potency (and not the weight) of different enzyme products. The more active the enzyme, the more food it can digest and the higher the unit of potency.Kwan H Lo owns an online site promoting high quality discount supplements, including New Chapter vitamins and Garden of Life vitamins.]]> Digestive Enzymes Deliver Miracles For Dog Owners Everywhere http://www.artwoo.com/article/digestive-enzymes-deliver-miracles-for-dog-owners-everywhere http://www.artwoo.com/article/digestive-enzymes-deliver-miracles-for-dog-owners-everywhere#comments Fri, 21 Sep 2007 23:09:59 +0000 digestive enzymesnecessary enzymesmost important thingschronic yeast infectionshealth problemsprobioticseuthanasia http://www.artwoo.com/article/digestive-enzymes-deliver-miracles-for-dog-owners-everywhere chronic yeast infections, skin problems, arthritis or hip dysplasia; it's time to take a look at the facts regarding dog enzymes. In terms of ensuring your dog's health, longevity and happiness, this may be one of the you read.

Digestion is a process that is facilitated by . These enzymes are both created in the dog's pancreas but are also supplied when your dog eats foods like raw meat and vegetables or ingests a specially designed enzyme supplement.

Since enzymes are destroyed during the cooking process, most kibble dog foods lack these necessary vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive enzymes that a dog needs to maintain optimal health. When a dog's pancreas has to overwork to supply these , the digestive and endocrine systems become stressed. This can lead to several severe as the dog enters early middle age, if not sooner.

One solution to the problem of enzyme deprivation is to reintroduce a digestive enzyme in the form of a supplement to your dog's daily diet. By providing a digestive supplement to your dog's daily diet, many health problems are at least minimized if not eliminated entirely.

Besides aiding in disease prevention through a boost in the immune system, the addition of a digestive enzyme reduces inflammation of the joints and can often help clear up severe allergies as well. For dogs that have chronic problems with their joints, especially larger breeds, dog enzymes can mean the difference between a lively healthy lifestyle or a quality of life that is so poor that must be considered.

In the event that surgery is necessary, an enzyme supplement can speed-up the recovery process by reducing fatigue and infection that occur after inoculations, as well as the grogginess and the disorientation from the use of anesthetics. Digestive supplements can also help if the tissue around a surgical wound has been irritated.

Mention to your veterinarian that you would like to start your dog on an enzyme supplement before the surgery. Keep in mind that most vets do not carry these types of supplements and choices are limited at pet stores, but you can find a few premium digestive enzyme supplements online.

Some dogs or breeds (including mixed breeds) that are deep chested are susceptible to "Bloat", a life threatening condition that causes a gas build-up in the stomach. The dog's stomach is unable to expel gas through the normal process of flatulence, belching or vomiting which causes the stomach to dilate, expand and flip itself.

This is a condition that every dog owner should be aware of, especially since it can happen at any given time. Again, this is life threatening and a true emergency with as little as a half an hour to get the dog to the vet.

The job of digestive enzymes whether through raw food or a supplement is to support healthy digestion and with a healthy digestive system, there is little gas or flatulence.For a dog that gulps his food or the deep chested dogs, a dog enzyme supplement will ultimately aid in preventing "Bloat".

I know for a fact the importance of dog enzymes because I have seen the results myself. I have a Doberman that gulps her food in two bites and a Yellow Lab that suffered with severe allergies for many years. Although they have always been fed an ultra premium dog food; before adding a digestive enzyme to their daily diet, they both suffered with constant flatulence.

These days their coats are beautiful and their skin is intact. Their digestive systems are healthy and they have very little flatulence. Any allergy problems are minimal now. For years I traveled back and forth to the vet's office for the same problems with the same results, "none"; now my dog's see the veterinarian for basic check ups once a year.

When thinking about your dog's health, it is important to look ahead and take control. Consider what the addition of digestive enzymes can do for your dog and how much better your dog's health could be. For further information on nutritional enzymes for your dog, visit: http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com/dog-enzymes.html Read more on what to look for in your dog's food: http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com/dog-food-comparison.html ]]> Dog Digestion And Flatulence Problems http://www.artwoo.com/article/dog-digestion-and-flatulence-problems http://www.artwoo.com/article/dog-digestion-and-flatulence-problems#comments Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:15:00 +0000 realize that thisflatulencenecessary nutrientsnatural dog foodenzymesquality fooddigestion problems http://www.artwoo.com/article/dog-digestion-and-flatulence-problems quality food and lack of nutrients. Graduating your dog to a better diet will impact his health in ways that you would have never thought.

Quality Food And Healthy Dog Digestion...

It's obvious when a dog receives the , vitamins and dog that it needs by his skin, coat and the lack of digestive problems.A quality all canned or dry, will deliver superior results to your dog's general health.

If you are not feeding your dog a "premium" dog food then chances are he is lacking in what he needs to thrive as a dog. Don't be sold by fancy packaging, what is actually in the bag is what counts. Meat should be the first ingredient whether it is beef, lamb, chicken, turkey or fish. Avoid dog foods that say meat byproducts.

Meat byproducts could be just about anything including things that you would not want to hear. That is why it is very important to look for the primary ingredient to say the name of the meat.In the past decade many private dog food companies have made a tremendous difference in providing dogs with quality foods.

Consumers are beginning to is money well spent. If your dog is not receiving what his body needs, his coat will be dull and his skin will be flaky. He will have gas and problems daily.

Unfortunately, your dog gets what you pay for when it comes to his food and health. You can easily improve your dog's with a high quality food. Dog enzymes are also a very effective way to provide your dog with the necessary nutrients his body needs.

It is best to start with his food and if he still has gas or flatulence problems, dog enzymes will most likely be what he needs. Janie is an avid dog lover with over twenty five years of dog care and handling experience. She has written numerous articles on dog skin, nutrition and care. For more information visit: http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com/dog-enzymes.html ]]> A Healthy Diet For Dogs http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-healthy-diet-for-dogs http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-healthy-diet-for-dogs#comments Mon, 24 Dec 2007 05:35:05 +0000 domestication of dogscommercial dog foodnatural dog foodnutritional deficienciesfood dietsdigestive enzymesvet bills http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-healthy-diet-for-dogs
A Diet Of Convenience

Due to the over the years, a diet such as kibble has replaced the canine natural diet. Their food has gone from that which they could obtain as predators and foragers to one that is highly processed and a matter of convenience for humans. This, in turn, has not only caused , but many health problems for our furry friends.

Although, most dog owners would never do anything intentionally to harm their dog, their lack of nutritional awareness is causing many chronic health and skin problems for the family dog. By understanding the importance of a quality diet, dog owners can save themselves hundreds even thousands of dollars in .

Digestive difficulties and other health problems such as skin irritations are often related to nutritional deficiencies and a poor diet. By simply changing to a "premium all " skin and digestive problems as well as chronic gas can often be eliminated.

All living things, whether plant or animal, have enzymes naturally within their cells. This is also true of dogs. However, when a dog is not receiving adequate nutrition, he becomes prone to many health problems, including skin conditions, excess gas and a lack of energy.

Again, because dogs have become domesticated throughout the years, their food has gone from one of a completely natural state (i.e., animal prey and naturally growing plants, such as grasses) to one that is highly processed, as in today's modern dog . They have lost a lot of nutritional value in their diets, including enzymes that would normally and naturally occur.

Because are naturally found in the body, introducing them back into a dog's diet can aid and balance his digestive system. Enzymes themselves set off chemical reactions that will help digest food. There are two different types of enzymes. One is a protein called apoenzyme. The other is a nonprotein, which can either be a coenzyme or cofactor.

Enzymes added to the diet are necessary to replace a raw diet for dogs and balance the canine digestive system. Usually introduced in a powder or tablet, enzyme supplements help the dog to absorb his food. Dogs that receive what they need nutritionally will feel better and have more energy and a healthier coat.

Dogs that are fed the B.A.R.F. (raw) diet seem to be amongst the healthiest. Keep in mind that even top-quality premium kibble dog foods often need the help of an added enzyme. Commercial foods are far removed from what a dog would naturally eat in the wild. However, if this is your diet of choice for your dog, you must add back the necessary digestive enzymes he needs to replace what he is not getting. It generally takes six hours for a dog to digest a raw diet and fourteen hours for him to digest kibble.

Wolves eat a raw diet by killing their prey and consuming the major organs first. The organs themselves contain vitamins and nutrients that the canine needs. Among these vitamins and nutrients are the digestive enzymes they need to help digest their food.

Unfortunately, domestic dogs cannot always get the necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients from a dry kibble diet. Therefore, they must be replaced, unless the owner makes a special effort to give the dog a raw diet.

Enzymes are important for all dogs, but especially for older dogs and those with a weakened immune system. Also, dog owners with large deep chested dogs that are susceptible to the deadly "Bloat" should seriously consider adding enzymes to their dog's diet to replace the raw food diet. Puppies should also receive digestive enzymes as early as possible to promote good health and nutrition throughout his life. Comparing Dog Foods: http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com Canine Nutrition: http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com Dog Skin Problems And Diet: http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com ]]> Dogs With Skin Or Digestive Problems Require Enzyme Support http://www.artwoo.com/article/dogs-with-skin-or-digestive-problems-require-enzyme-support http://www.artwoo.com/article/dogs-with-skin-or-digestive-problems-require-enzyme-support#comments Mon, 15 Oct 2007 20:15:00 +0000 digestive enzymesapoenzymedomestic dogsproteinlacksflatulencelack of energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/dogs-with-skin-or-digestive-problems-require-enzyme-support flatulence, and skin problems.

The dog's coat may become dull and, if he is a working dog, his performance may be affected. This is due, in great part to a variance that many dog owners have imposed on dogs when they domesticated them. In essence, it is a nutritional deficiency that, though unintentional, can lead to health and digestive issues.



In many cases, for dogs can correct or substantially reduce the problems. Enzymes are substances found in the body that have the ability to induce chemical reactions or accelerate these processes. Enzymes are broken down into two parts, one is a called and the other is a non-protein. The non-protein can either be a coenzyme or cofactor.

Every cell in every plant and animal contains enzymes. They regulate biochemical reactions that aid the system and sustain life. When the delicate balance of the body's digestive system is upset, various undesirable reactions can result.

Enzymes can bring balance, but if they are not present naturally in the diet then supplements must be introduced. A supplement can reduce or even eliminate the undesirable side effects of an improper diet in a dog. Gas and flatulence, skin problems and lack of energy can be turned around and the dog's coat will be shinier.



Dog digestive problems are common even in dogs whose owners feed them top of the line dog food. The problem stems from the processed diets that most are provided. A dog is not equipped to digest this type of diet because kibble the necessary dog enzymes his body needs.



Wild canines, such as wolves, exist on a raw diet. In their natural environment, wolves will kill their prey and consume the organs first. The organs contain the vitamins and nutrients that the wolf needs and it is these vitamins and nutrients that boost their system, aiding in digestion.

A domesticated dog does not have access to animal organs from prey or a raw diet, so their body requires an enzyme supplement for proper digestion and a healthy system. A dog is naturally designed to consume raw prey. However, with domestication, man has imposed a diet of kibble which is more convenient and cost effective, but the dog is paying a heavy price because his diet is nutritionally lacking.

In such cases, enzymes for dogs are necessary to provide what the dog's diet is lacking. This is true for dogs of all ages and especially important for senior dogs. However, when a dog is started on digestive enzymes as a young dog, it will give greater assurance to the owner that the dog will be healthier as it ages.

It's never too late to start providing your best friend with an enzyme supplement for dogs. Janie is an avid dog lover with over twenty five years of dog care and handling experience. She has written numerous articles on dog skin, nutrition and care. Visit http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com/dog-skin-problems.html ]]> Enzymes: An Overview http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzymes-an-overview http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzymes-an-overview#comments Wed, 30 Aug 2006 00:27:11 +0000 types of enzymesatoms and moleculesglucose moleculesmaltasecytoplasmmaltoseamino acids http://www.artwoo.com/article/enzymes-an-overview
In every human cell you can find hundreds and thousands of enzymes. Think about it... E. coli, a bacterium has some 1,000 different floating around in its all the time. The enzymes are defined as biological catalysts. These catalytic reactions of enzymes are due to their extremely interesting chemical properties. The cells have many important functions to perform, they have to store certain things and eliminate others, and they have to grow themselves in number. Now the enzymes make the chemical processes faster, so that the cells can perform these functions easily and quickly. In other words, the cells carry on the system's chemical process incessantly and this complex chemical process is made possible by the variety of enzymes.

The main composing element of enzymes is . Amino acids are a basic kind of proteins. Some100 to 1,000 amino acids come together in a string formation to create an enzyme. This stringing together is done in a neat and predefined order. Now a chain of amino acid is formed which then folds into a unique shape. This shape determines how well the enzymes will carry out their specific chemical reactions. Enzymes as catalysts speed up the chemical processes.

Let me explain it by citing the example of a particular enzyme. For example, the sugar is made from two bonded together. The enzyme is shaped in such a way that it can break the bond and free the two glucose pieces. This function of breaking the molecules is done rapidly and efficiently. There are many other types of enzymes that can even put together. This is precisely the job of the enzymes: breaking molecules apart and putting them back together. Special types of enzymes are assigned to catalyze specific type of chemical reaction so that the cells can carry on with their normal work.

One interesting thing about enzyme is that, it ignites a chemical reaction but it does not get transformed itself as a result of this reaction. It is not even used up in the process. Take the example of fermentation process in which enzyme grow in the yeast cells and convert molecules of sugar into molecules of ethanol. But the enzymes themselves are not finished up by the process.

Consume lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products to get plenty of natural enzymes inside your body. You can also try the synthetic enzymes which are not only economic, but also very effective in dealing with the digestive complexities. Barney Garcia writes about types of enzymes and enzyme functions. Visit: http://www.online-enzymes.info/sitemap.php and http://www.online-enzymes.info/ ]]> Characteristics Of Enzymes http://www.artwoo.com/article/characteristics-of-enzymes http://www.artwoo.com/article/characteristics-of-enzymes#comments Sun, 25 Jun 2006 21:32:11 +0000 rna enzymesenzyme worksenzyme activityribozymesasechemical reactionsph levels http://www.artwoo.com/article/characteristics-of-enzymes RNA enzymes or . The enzymes bind temporarily to one or more of the reactants in a reaction and lower the amount of activation energy needed. In this way they speed up the reaction. The enzymes may speed up reactions by a factor of many millions.

If it were not for the enzymes then most of the in biological cells would occur too slowly. The products obtained from such reaction would also have been different. In this respect the enzymes are essential for sustenance of life. Again, a malfunctioning of a single enzyme can lead to a severe dise. Such malfunctioning may stem from mutation, overproduction, underproduction or deletion of the enzyme.

Changes in pH and temperature affect the activity of enzymes to a large extent. Every at its optimum level at a certain temperature and pH. At temperature and above and below that point the activity of the enzyme decreases.

Other molecules can affect the activity of enzymes. There are certain naturally occurring or synthetically prepared molecules that decrease or even completely abolishing . These are called inhibitors. There are also activators, which increase activities of enzymes.

Apart from the use of enzymes for their biological role they are also commercially used for other purposes. There are many cleaners used in the household, which use enzymes to speed up chemical reactions. Breakings down of proteins or removing starch stains in clothes are facilitated by the use of enzymes. There are more than 5,000 known enzymes. The names of the enzymes characteristically include the suffix 'ase' added to the name of the substrate.

The enzymes are found in all tissues and fluids of the body. The intracellular enzymes catalyze the reactions of metabolic pathways, the plasma membrane enzymes regulates catalysis within cells in response to extra cellular signals while the enzymes of the circulatory system regulate the clotting of blood. Barney Garcia writes about many different topics. He is a proud contributing author and invites you to his websites. http://www.about-enzymes.info and http://www.excellent-enzymes.info ]]> Digestive Enzymes Do More Than Just Aid Digestion http://www.artwoo.com/article/digestive-enzymes-do-more-than-just-aid-digestion http://www.artwoo.com/article/digestive-enzymes-do-more-than-just-aid-digestion#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:15:00 +0000 digestive enzymesmetabolic enzymesfood enzymesdigestion of foodpancreasdigestive enzyme supplementsbreak down http://www.artwoo.com/article/digestive-enzymes-do-more-than-just-aid-digestion Digestive enzymes are proteins that food into a form that can be used by the body. Enzymes are the body's catalysts that make it possible for biochemical reactions to take place. is no more than a series of chemical reactions taking place using enzymes and the chemicals that make up our foods.

Another such enzyme is the , which help every other reaction to occur, such as cell repair, correct brain function and those needed by the immune system. There is a third type of enzyme claimed, that is called the food enzyme. This is not natural to humans, but contained in the foods we eat when raw, and that are destroyed by cooking. Originally, the human body would use the natural to help break down the foods it ingests, but along came cooking and along with more stresses were put on our digestive enzymes, specifically the , to make up for those missing in a cooked diet.

Some digestive enzymes are created by the pancreas, and their function is to break down food into smaller molecules than can be absorbed into the blood and used in human biochemistry and physiology. When digestive enzymes are in short supply, the pancreas will spend more time producing them, at the expense of production of metabolic enzymes, and we could become ill or suffer some malfunction to a lack of chemicals and enzymes elsewhere in the body.

If digestive enzymes were provided as a supplement, then the pancreas could spend more time producing the metabolic enzymes needed for everyday life. Up to 80% of the body's energy and enzyme production is spent on digestion and some of this could be alleviated more would be spent on the metabolism. People would feel more energetic and less drowsy immediately after a meal. Also to be considered is the proven fact that as we age, our digestion degenerates, and have been shown to remedy that failure and allow older people to make better use of the food they eat.

There are several enzymes and other chemicals included in digestive enzyme supplements, each having a specific role to play in the digestive processes in our bodies. Pancreatin is a commercial mixture of various enzymes produced by the pancreas, and contains amylase, protease and lipase. Amylase is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates such as starches into simple sugars, and also breaks down more complex sugars. Protease, as the name suggests, is needed to break down complex protein into single amino acids, while lipase breaks down fats and oils into fatty acids and glycerol. All of these smaller molecules are essential to the biochemistry that carries out the chemical reactions to sustain life.

The digestion of fat is improved by ox bile, which also stimulates the flow of bile from the liver that helps to digest fats. Another enzyme, papain, also helps to break down proteins.

There are many different types of protein, and more than one enzyme is needed to process them. Another is pepsin, though the effectiveness of pepsin depends on the hydrochloric availability in the system, and yet another is bromelain.



Hydrochloric acid is the acid used by the digestive system to stimulate the secretion of enzymes from the pancreas and also activate certain enzymes such as pepsin. It also sterilizes the stomach by killing off many parasites and bacteria, and is the highly acidic substance that causes heartburn and the painful effects of acid reflux.

Digestive supplements that contain hydrochloric acid can supplement poor acidity in the stomach, but can also make indigestion and heartburn worse. Glutamic acid is important in metabolizing fats and sugars, and also acts as a neurotransmitter. It uses up ammonia molecules when forming glutamine, and is the only way that the brain can remove ammonia. Glutamic acid also helps to feed the brain with much needed potassium from the blood.

If there are insufficient enzymes in the food we eat, normally through overcooking and destroying what enzymes are present by excessive heat, the pancreas gets overworked trying to produce all the enzymes needed to break down our protein intake. Eventually too much is asked of it, and it can no longer meet demand of the proteolytic enzymes. Undigested protein then enters the bloodstream and can trigger off an immune response of pro-inflammatory cytokines that then cause inflammation.

Inflammation can occur in the joints, muscles and intestines, and cause significant pain and stiffness. A blend of proteolytic enzymes, taken as a supplement, can reduce inflammation by reducing the immune response and by helping to digest proteins that caused the immune response initially. However, proteolytic enzymes can also destroy lipases that digest fats, so you may want to refer to your doctor if you have a general enzyme deficiency.

Inflammation is not the only problem that can occur if food is not digested properly. Large undigested protein molecules in the blood can act as allergens by attracting the attentions of the immune system. Basically they shouldn't be there, and the end result could be the release of histamine by the body to fight against them. Undigested food leaking into the bloodstream can also cause chronic tiredness and other undesirable symptoms.



One way to avoid this is to break down meals into specific food types, and eat mainly protein at one meal, and mainly carbohydrates at another. In that way, the enzyme demand on the pancreas is reduced. Alternatively take an enzyme supplement that is relevant to the food you are eating. A proteolytic enzyme mixture is of little benefit if you are on a high carbohydrate diet.



The most important factor to keep in mind when considering supplementing your digestive enzyme intake is that they are active chemicals, not living things.

They take part in the chemical reactions of the body, and each enzyme has a specific function in your body's biochemistry. Always know what you are doing, and follow instructions when taking enzyme supplements of any type, and if you have any doubts, take the advice of a physician. Enzymes can do harm as well as good. More information can be found at http://vitanetonline.com/ where a large selection of digestive enzymes can be found that is specific to your needs. ]]> How The Different Types Of Enzymes Support The Process Of Life http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-the-different-types-of-enzymes-support-the-process-of-life http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-the-different-types-of-enzymes-support-the-process-of-life#comments Mon, 11 Sep 2006 20:27:12 +0000 enzymesfood elementsproper digestionchemical reactionsfrugal fooddigesting foodfood intake http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-the-different-types-of-enzymes-support-the-process-of-life frugal food intake over a long period of time? Just the opposite! It was his extraordinary habit of devouring on everything that he could put his hands on that actually made him famous in the campus. Anytime of the day you catch the boy and you'll find him munching on something. Well, this poor boy, Bill helped me to learn an important lesson of life and that is: not everything that you swallow nourishes your body, only those elements that are absorbed in your body through work for the nourishment of your body. And proper digestion would have been impossible had there been no enzyme.

Not only digestion, for every function of our system we are indebted to variety of . In fact the human biological system is often described as the sum total of a number of enzymatic reactions taking place inside the body every moment! Enzymes are important for because they act as catalysts in the necessary for breaking up the . In the absence of sufficient enzymes, these chemical reactions lose their momentum and the digestive organs are faced with several problems that manifest themselves in gas, acidity, bloating, diarrhea, burning sensation and like.

However, modern researches have found out a direct link between the aging process and diminishing functions of enzymes in the system. Also the sources of several types of modern-day degenerative diseases can be traced in this diminishing level of activity of enzymes in the blood. These studies have established: as we grow older, the amount of enzymes and levels of their activities gradually decrease.

The role and importance of enzymes in the metabolic process were known to medical researchers for long. Long back the medical scientists came to know about the proteins that can be found in all kinds of living things. Either the cells or the fluids surrounding the cells contain these proteins. The scientists coined the term, 'enzyme' for these proteins. Have you ever felt exhausted after gorging on some really rich foods? It is because system demanded greater supply of enzymes to digest them and greater amount of energy was expended in the procedure and hence this feeling of fatigue. On the other hand, have a great amount of salad and even then you will not get the same feeling. It is because; the fresh vegetables in them contain lots of enzyme that make the digestive procedure much easier.

Thus body's metabolic process is managed almost single-handedly by the enzymes and we get the required energy to carry on with the journey of our life.

Part II

So now you clearly know about the importance of enzyme in our lives. Let us next discuss about the different categories of enzymes present in our body.

In fact, you can find over thousands different types of enzymes in a human body. Actually, there are so many enzymes in the body and they perform such a complex network of activities that it is often said that the life itself is depended on the activities of variety of enzymes. There can be no single chemical reaction in the body, in which some type of enzymes does not participate.

For the purpose of better understanding, all thousands of enzymes can be broadly categorized into two primary groups, namely, the metabolic enzymes and the digestive enzymes.

The metabolic enzymes can be found in every cell, tissue, and organ in the body. They are like biochemical catalysts in nature and participate in all functioning of the living cells. Their activities never stop for a moment. These enzymes are under charge of controlling almost all chemical reactions associated with metabolism.

Hence metabolic enzymes are described as the very basis of the life process.

Then come the digestive enzymes. This category of enzymes is however further divided into two groups of enzymes: intrinsic and extrinsic digestive enzymes.

Intrinsic digestive enzymes are naturally produced inside the body and secreted from several organs to break down food elements. The food we consume contains the basic elements of the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The enzymes secreted from such organs as the salivary glands in the mouth, the gastric glands in the stomach, and specific cells in the pancreas work for digesting these elements present in the foods. As for instance, the starch portion of the food is digested by the help of amylase enzyme. Protease breaks down proteins and lipase digests fat.

Most of us have a fetish for cooked and processed foods and often tend to avoid fresh fruits, vegetables and salads. But you should know that these raw forms of foods are extremely rich in active enzymes that considerably help in digesting the proteins, starches, or fats that are present in those foods. Thus these foods are easy to digest. You have often been told about the nutritious value of papaya. Well it contains helpful Papain enzyme that works for breaking down small and large proteins. Then there are variety of nuts that contain Lipase which breaks down fats contents of dairy products, nuts, oils, and meat.

Thus enzymes are the inseparable parts of the healthy human life as the two most important biological functions--digestion and metabolism are managed by the enzymes. Barney Garcia writes about types of enzymes and other digestive enzymes. Visit: http://www.online-enzymes.info/sitemap.php and http://www.online-enzymes.info ]]> Digestive Disorders, pH Balance and You http://www.artwoo.com/article/digestive-disorders-ph-balance-and-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/digestive-disorders-ph-balance-and-you#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:22:26 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/article/digestive-disorders-ph-balance-and-you Did you know that there is a connection between digestive disorders and pH balance? An unbalanced pH level can increase the acid level in your body; therefore increasing your chances of suffering from acid indigestion, acid reflux or other ailments. High acid level in your upper digestive tract also indicates high acid level throughout the rest of your body. This increased level of acid will also make you more susceptible to diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and arthritis. Because of the risks involved with increased acid levels, it is important that you take measures to balance your pH levels.

A Word About Acid Reflux And Other Ailments

In acid reflux disease, acid flows into the throat and creates a burning sensation during the digestive process. This acid flow is caused by a breakdown of the valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus; resulting from a disrupted acid-alkaline balance in the digestive tract. The accumulation of acid in the digestive tract is often the result of the sufferer eating the wrong types of food. Excessive consumption of junk food is not the only cause of acid reflux in some people; other foods, such as those containing excess additives, processed foods or other types of food may trigger symptoms as well.

Stress may also trigger symptoms of acid reflux in other people. When a person experiences stress, the blood is diverted away from the stomach to the lungs, heart and muscles for the response of fight of flight. With this diversion, the stomach is deprived of the needed oxygen and nutrients and cannot form sufficient enzymes for proper digestion.

Acid reflux disrupts the digestive process by irritating and swelling the mucous lining in the stomach, throat and esophagus. An unbalanced acid-alkaline level in the digestive tract can also lead to further accumulation of acid; which can lead to ulcers. Intestinal digestive process is meant to be alkaline, not acidic; therefore, the intestines are more adversely affected by acid than the stomach. Intestinal walls help absorb nutrients into the bloodstream and do not have the thick mucous lining that the stomach has. Acid also kills of the friendly bacteria that aid in digestion.

The liver and gallbladder are also affected by an unbalanced acid-alkaline level. The liver crystallizes bile and acid waste into gallstones because it becomes so overloaded with acidic waste that it cannot eliminate. If acid levels continue to rise, the liver will become damaged and all other body organs will be prone to deterioration.

How Can I Restore A Proper pH Balance?

Identifying and eliminating foods that cause acid reflux and allergic responses is the best way to restore the pH balance in your system. You can also include raw foods as well as vegetable juices in your diet to help heal the lining of your digestive tract as well as eliminating further accumulation of acid wastes. Supplements will also help replace the destroyed enzymes and friendly bacteria to the system.Check out other articles and other information at Digestive System Disorders at http://www.digestive-system-disorders.com]]> Boost Colon Health With Nutrition and Digestive Enzymes http://www.artwoo.com/article/boost-colon-health-with-nutrition-and-digestive-enzymes http://www.artwoo.com/article/boost-colon-health-with-nutrition-and-digestive-enzymes#comments Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:50:27 +0000 liver congestionhealthy digestive systemgallbladder problemscleansing dietsflour productscolon healthvitamins minerals http://www.artwoo.com/article/boost-colon-health-with-nutrition-and-digestive-enzymes colon health should be a primary concern, as it is the source for a lot of diseases and health problems. A healthy body depends on the maintenance of a and elimination. Since food is the primary source of fuel for the body, if the wrong foods are eaten, the body will not function as it should.

The nutrients, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids that are found in the foods we eat are what give us the energy and resources that keep us alive. Sadly, the foods we eat are also loaded with toxins and unnecessary substances that prevent our body from removing waste properly. A healthy colon means a healthy body, so learning natural methods to achieve colon health is extremely important. Nutritious eating habits, , fiber sources, herbal remedies, and nutritional substances can all contribute to the body's well-being.

The food we eat ultimately determines how efficiently our entire body system works, with digestion being the body's first line of defense against foreign invaders that cause disease. The digestive system is also responsible for supplying cells with the nutrients and compounds that they need. There are many factors that contribute to digestive disorder including overeating cooked food and not enough raw foods, constipation, wrong combination of food, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, sugar and sweets, white , stress, any imbalance in the body, lack of hydrochloric acid and enzymes, Candida overgrowth, colon and , allergies, hiatal hernia, , ulcers, and heart problems.

Americans usually cause the most harm to themselves because of the types and amounts of food that they eat. In order to break down food, the body uses hydrochloric acid that is found in the stomach. This acid is actually strong enough to dissolve metal and is used in the stomach to neutralize the inappropriate substances, toxins, and bacteria that enter the body through the food that we eat daily. On occasion, the stomach and the acid inside breaks down and digestive malfunctions result.

There are many nutrients that are recommended to assist in proper digestion. Digestive enzymes are critical for digestion of any food, with acidophilus being important for proper bowel function. Hydrochloric acid is crucial for the assimilation of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and calcium. B-complex vitamins promote a healthy digestive tract and assist enzymes in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Sodium, which is stored in the stomach wall and joints, neutralizes the acidity in the body and is needed when there is a deficiency of hydrochloric acid.

With out hydrochloric acid in the stomach, calcium, an essential mineral can not break down and is not properly absorbed in the stomach. Fiber, essential for proper digestion and elimination of food, reduces the absorption of fat, inhibits bad estrogens from absorbing into the bloodstream, and helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract.

Additionally herbal aids such as capsicum, garlic, gentian, ginger, goldenseal, licorice, papaya, and psyllium powder are great for assisting with digestion. Taking a good digestive enzyme is the first step to promoting a healthy digestive system and properly function colon. As we age, digestive functions will decline which causes disorders such as fatigue due to mal-absorption. Those over 50 should take a digestive aid on their heaviest meal to ensure that proper digestion is happening and good health will continued free form disease.More information on colon health is available at VitaNet ®, LLC Health Food Store. http://vitanetonline.com/]]> The Influence of the Duodenum on Health http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-influence-of-the-duodenum-on-health http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-influence-of-the-duodenum-on-health#comments Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:36:25 +0000 pyloric sphinctersublingual glandssmall intestinespart of the small intestinestomach acidduodenumpylorus http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-influence-of-the-duodenum-on-health sublingual glands. The meal then moves through the esophagus where it is warmed, and then to the stomach where pre-digestion takes place depending on the nutritional value of the meal (does the meal have enzymes to digest protein, fats and carbohydrates). Then and a strong protein digesting enzyme are added to complete the stomachs processing of this meal. Now we will follow this nutritionally poor meal from the stomach into the .

The Function of the Duodenum

The chyme (digested food from stomach the consistency of a milk shake) is slowly transported from the (a valve at the end portion of the stomach) through the into the first called the duodenum where further digestion occurs.

The inside wall of the duodenum has a smooth surface like the skin on your face. It is at this point that the acidic chyme must be alkalized so the assimilation of this nutrient filled liquid is as complete as possible. In addition, this alkalization is very important so that the acid from the stomach is neutralized and will not burn the walls of the small intestine.

The duodenum, an eight to nine inch long chamber is where more chemicals of digestion are added. The Ampule of Papilla is located in the duodenum wall. This is an opening where bile from the gallbladder, and enzymes and bicarbonate from the pancreas enter the duodenum. They combine with the chyme to begin the final part of digestion in the . Enzymes are also excreted through the walls of the duodenum to assist with this digestion.

The Average American Meal and what happens at the Duodenum

Your body is aware of what you have eaten (there are sensors in the duodenum) and it calls on your liver, gallbladder, pancreas and other avenues of digestive chemicals to assist in the breakdown and assimilation of nutrients and protection of the digestive tract. Your body expects you to bring in live food rich in enzymes (uncooked foods such as produce) to assist in this digestive process.

Here at the duodenum is where the body has a chance to recover from any mistakes made at your mouth. But without enough raw food to supply the enzymes and alkaline that was needed to create a balanced meal no recovery will take place. A meal totally unprepared will continue through the duodenum to the small intestine where impossible assimilation is undertaken. From this point on the damage to your body takes place over and over bringing disease.

If you do not bring in enough live enzymes with the food you have eaten you may expect to have acid indigestion (undigested food), acid reflux, ulcers and constipation all caused by food improperly prepared at your mouth (no live enzymes). As this improperly prepared food enters the duodenum, your digestive awareness will call on the pancreas and gallbladder to do the job you did not do. Your pancreas and gallbladder will then strain to prepare this acidic chyme for release into the small intestine. Allow this to happen enough times and you will get sick.

Constantly releasing acidic unprepared chyme from the duodenum to the small intestine, can lead to such diseases as Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease and leaky gut. These in turn can lead to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophy, etc.Paul Blake is a doctor of herbal medicine and a master herbalist. He used naturopathic medicine to treat his own case of cancer eighteen years ago. Visit Paul's website on Herbal Remedies, Natural Healing Herbs for more interesting information on improving your health, or find more information about digestive enzymes and food enzymes.]]> Five Things You Can Do To Help Your Indigestion http://www.artwoo.com/article/five-things-you-can-do-to-help-your-indigestion http://www.artwoo.com/article/five-things-you-can-do-to-help-your-indigestion#comments Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:05:01 +0000 symptoms of indigestionwhole grain breadshigh fiber dietdigestive enzymesdigestive healthfresh fruits and vegetablesdigestion http://www.artwoo.com/article/five-things-you-can-do-to-help-your-indigestion digestion" rel="tag">symptoms of indigestion or heartburn. Often, these symptoms occur following a big meal. An estimate five million men in the United States alone are affected by indigestion at one time or another. However, some people experience more frequent digestive problems.

There are a number of steps you can take to improve your and reduce the chance of indigestion. Here are five specific things that can help.

1. Eat a Diet High in Fiber

Not only will adding plenty of fiber to your diet prevent indigestion, it will also improve your overall digestive health. The modern person eats a diet made up of too much junk food and fast food. In addition, most people eat high-fat meals made of mostly meat. These types of foods only help to worsen episodes of indigestion.

In addition to improving digestion, a high-fiber diet can also aid in preventing heart disease, diabetes, colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, and a host of other diseases. To increase the amount of fiber in your diet, add more , and and cereals.

For those that suffer with frequent indigestion, it may also be wise to avoid food that can give you gas, such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, baked beans, and carbonated drinks and sodas. Drinking enough water is also a good idea, as it helps to lubricate the food within the digestive tract, and helps dissolve minerals, vitamins and other nutrients so they are more easily absorbed by your body.

2. Chew your Food

Proper chewing may be one of the most forgotten of all the habits for good digestion. Chewing helps to break down your food, and the motion signals the body to begin to release . Take the time to ensure that you chew each bite well.

In addition, make sure you don't overeat. It can be an easy thing to do, especially with the portion sizes doled out in many restaurants. The larger your meal is, the more acid your stomach needs to produce to properly digest the food. In turn, this extra acid can increase the your chances of developing heartburn or indigestion.

3. Exercise Regularly and Avoid Stress

Regular exercise will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, while improving your digestive health. Regular exercise can help to avoid obesity, which can lead to such digestive problems as diarrhea, stomach pain, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Excess stress can also have a negative effect on your digestion. Stress reduces blood flow to the abdomen. It also can reduce the production of digestive enzymes, which in turn slows the digestive process and can lead to indigestion and heartburn.

4. Don't Overuse Antacids

When trying to rid yourself of heartburn or indigestion symptoms, you may be tempted to take more than the recommended dose of your favorite anatacid. Stomach acids can sometime reflux, or back up, into the esophagus which causes the burning sensation of indigestion.

Over-the-counter antacids usually work to neutralize stomach acid, but overuse can cause more harm than good. Too much antacid can cause your stomach to lose acidity, which will impair its ability to properly digest your food, and leave you susceptible to bacterial infections.

5. Supplement your Digestive System

Digestive enzyme supplements can be a great way to decrease the occurrence of heartburn. These enzymes are source from plant fiber, and help to enhance your body's ability to digest food and absorb nutrients.

If you are in poor health, or have an unhealthy diet, you likely do not have adequate amounts of digestive enzymes. Even otherwise healthy people can benefit from digestive supplements, especially if they are experiencing heartburn or indigestion.

While there are certainly other things you can do to reduce your chances of experiencing indigestion, these five will get you well on your way, not only to eliminating your symptoms, but to an overall healthier body. To learn more about acid reflux and indigestion, and how you can reduce and even eliminate the symptoms of these conditions, visit http://www.OurGoodHealth.org/acid-reflux ]]> Treating Dog Skin Problems 100% Naturally And Effectively http://www.artwoo.com/article/treating-dog-skin-problems-100-naturally-and-effectively http://www.artwoo.com/article/treating-dog-skin-problems-100-naturally-and-effectively#comments Thu, 11 Oct 2007 04:20:01 +0000 skin problemsfleasparasitesskin conditionskin conditionspoor dietflea removal http://www.artwoo.com/article/treating-dog-skin-problems-100-naturally-and-effectively skin problems, it is important to take a good look the issue and treat not only the symptoms, but the root cause.



Dog skin problems have a variety of different causes, and when you figure out which one is causing your pet's itches and irritations, you'll be well on your way towards solving the problem for good.

Probably the most common dog is irritation caused by or other . Despite being completely treatable, far more dogs have fleas than you might believe. Fleas and other similar parasites can definitely get out of hand when they are treated incorrectly. When you are spot treating your pooch, give yourself a reminder stating when the next dose needs to be.

A single round of will certainly lessen the intensity of the problem, but remember that you can only be sure that they are gone after a full run of treatment. Don't risk them coming back by only giving your dog one round of treatment.

Fleas and other parasites are a situational issue when it comes to dog skin problems. What happens if the condition is chronic, or worse, even permanent? While a vet can run a few tests and let you know what might be going on with your dog, you can often tell what is going just be watching closely.

First think about what kind of dog skin condition your dog might have. If your dog is chewing her skin excessively and you find a thick, odorous brown film on the skin or inside the ears, "yeast" is most likely the problem. If your dog has small red raised bumps on her skin, it could also be a bacterial infection.

Some examples of the most common causes of dog are environmental and/or . It can be difficult to pinpoint where allergies stem from. However with a little observation as well as fine tuning the diet, most skin conditions can be corrected.

Dog skin problems can be evidenced by chewing or overly-vigorous scratching at the skin. Allergies are the most severe when the immune system is low. Scratching, chewing and rubbing of the face are often allergy symptoms that also indicate that a dog is not receiving everything he needs nutritionally.



A dog's digestive tract has a very important role in keeping the dog healthy, and it could be that the digestive tract isn't serving her as well as it should. Do you solely keep your dog on a diet of kibble? If so, her digestive tract can be working overtime to provide her body with the digestive enzymes that her body lacks. Because the pancreas can only make so many enzymes, it will be weakened and thus weaken her entire immune system.

Dogs are omnivorous and part of the enzymes they use should come from their food. Unfortunately the enzymes they would get from eating things like meat or vegetables are destroyed if the food is heated, something that happens when kibble is processed.

One easy solution to this problem is to make sure that your dog gets the enzymes she needs. While some people do this by switching over to a raw diet of meats and vegetables, you can just as easily do this by placing your dog on a premium dog food and adding a "live" enzyme to his daily diet.



A purely kibble diet can actually reduce your pet's ability to bounce back quickly from things like surgery and illness, while a premium dog food will get her back into shape in no time at all. Many people have seen their pet's health improve exponentially when they start paying more attention to what they are feeding them. Check to see if the food that feed your dog is a premium food. Meat (not meat byproducts) should be the first ingredient. Although all kibbles pretty much look the same, they are not. For a dog to function at high efficiency, diet is critical.

Dogs that are fed "Live" digestive enzymes regularly are healthy and full of life. A healthy diet slows the aging process and allows owners quality time with their best friend. Enzymes for dogs can be purchased in tablet or powder form. Most dogs eat these amazing proteins willingly when sprinkled on top of their food or given in the form of a treat.



Adding digestive enzymes to your dog's diet can go a long way towards making sure that she has a healthy happy life. Janie is an avid dog lover with over twenty five years of dog care and handling experience. She has written numerous articles on dog skin, nutrition and care. Visit http://www.old-dog-treats-and-rawhide.com/dog-skin-problems.html ]]> Acid Reflux Gas Indigestion Problems http://www.artwoo.com/article/acid-reflux-gas-indigestion-problems http://www.artwoo.com/article/acid-reflux-gas-indigestion-problems#comments Fri, 12 Oct 2007 21:24:59 +0000 acid reflux symptomsstomach acidindigestiondigestive enzymesdigestive enzyme supplementaid digestionexcess gas http://www.artwoo.com/article/acid-reflux-gas-indigestion-problems indigestion, and those problems mixed with acid reflux are enough to make anyone miserable. You may not think they are related, but there are times when gas indigestion problems are directly linked to your acid reflux, or are aggravating your condition.

In the case of gas, it might be making your reflux worse, or might even be the cause of it. When food sits in the stomach for too long, it begins to break down but does not necessarily move through the digestion tract quickly enough. That creates gas in the stomach and can put undo pressure on the muscle between your stomach and your esophagus that is meant to stay closed to prevent reflux. When opened, or even pushed open repeatedly by , you run the risk of having acid splash up into your esophagus.

When it come to indigestion, you may think it is just a natural part of acid reflux, but that might be related to the gas problem you are experiencing. Gas indigestion problems can feel much like , but are more likely the cause of your reflux. All of these things go together to make you feel very uncomfortable.

Some sufferers think that they are producing too much and that is the root of all of their problems. However, what most people don't realize is that as you age, you actually produce lower amounts of stomach acid, and that may be what is at the root of your gas indigestion problems. When there is not enough acid, food is not digested as quickly and can not move through your system. Instead, it sits in the stomach producing excess gas as a result. It's a vicious circle.

If you think that gas indigestion problems might be what a concern for you, there are a few things you can do. One is to take a . and can help food move through your system in a timely manner. That can help eliminate many of the problems associated with gas building up in your stomach that makes acid reflux worse. Some acid reflux sufferers suggest having apple cider vinegar diluted in water fifteen to thirty minutes before a meal as a way of balancing out your digestive system.

You can talk with your doctor about digestive enzymes, and modifications to your meals to see if slow digestion might be the root of your gas indigestion problems. Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker's brand new Acid Reflux and GERD Newsletter here http://www.naturally-stop-acid-reflux.com/?source=is which is overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you combat Acid Reflux and GERD. ]]> Digest Some Digestion Tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/digest-some-digestion-tips http://www.artwoo.com/article/digest-some-digestion-tips#comments Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:29:24 +0000 low stomach acidantacid tabletsprotein deficiencyprotein foodmuscle crampsacid blockersstomach problems http://www.artwoo.com/article/digest-some-digestion-tips Antacid tablets and liquids have been around for years. Now the latest supposed remedy for is the "" that have been advertised so heavily on television and in magazines. They have become one of the best-selling over-the-counter drug categories in history. Some of the advertisements even claim they can stop the production of stomach acid for up to 12 hours.

The question is, how will food get digested without stomach acid. The answer is, it won't, which leads to three problems for people who use acid blockers. The problems get worse the longer ou use one of these drugs.

Firstly, proteins won't be broken down properly and certain minerals won't be absorbed, because they require stomach acid for this process. When these improperly digested substances reach the intestines, gas-forming bacteria multiply quicker than election-year promises, leading to a serious gas problem.

Secondly, eventually causes a . Your body then robs protein from joint surfaces and transports it to areas where it's needed, leading to possible arthritis.

Thirdly, a lack of stomach acid also impairs the digestion and assimilation of calcium, which can result in many problems, including and osteoporosis.

There is a simple way to stop this problem and that is to eat the s at the beginning of the meal. Most of us in this U.S. eat a salad as the first part of a meal. The carbohydrates that make up the salad require no hydrochloric acid for digestion. Nevertheless, the stomach dumps all the hydrochloric acid in to begin with. Then when the protein food (meat, fish, beans, cheese, etc.) needs the acid, there's none left. So always eat the vegetable salad either with the protein food (with meal) or after, but not before.

If this is still not enough to stop the problem, you may need to help your stomach out by taking some hydrochloric acid in the form of betaine hydrochloride tablets. One really important point to remember here is to take one or two tablets after you eat. Whatever you do, don't take them before or during the meal, which will shut off your natural acid production. Instead, you want your stomach to produce and secrete as much acid as it can first, then you can add the additional acid needed.

Once your digestive tract is re-acidified, the next step in improving your digestion is to provide a proper digestive enzyme. Many supplements are available so you should not have any trouble finding one but remember a good product will include acids and enzymes very similar to the ones produced by the stomach. You want to look for pepsin and betaine hydrochloride on the label. It should also include enzymes commonly produced by the pancreas, as well as the enzymes present in bile from the gallbladder.

An all-purpose digestive enzyme is bromelain. It's a combination of protein-digesting enzymes that come from the and stems of the pineapple. When taken shortly after a meal, bromelain can relieve an upset stomach or heartburn. In addition, brmelain is an effective anti-inflammatory.The German Commission E (Germany's equivalent to the U.S. FDA) has approved it for healing after surgery or injury. It can reduce swelling, bruising, pain and improve healing time.Jonathan Bell wants you to be healthy and is a proponent of natural supplements and good nutrition is what our bodies need today more than ever. Health is Wealth]]>