INSPO Fitness Journal October 2017

THE ART OF
ENZYMES
Do you have digestive problems? If you have
symptoms such as acid reflux, gas, bloating, leaky
gut, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhoea or
constipation, then digestive enzymes may help.
BY MONICA VAN DE WEERD
Digestive enzymes can take stress off of
the stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder
and small intestine by helping
break down difficult-to-digest proteins,
starches and fats.
Digestive enzymes act as catalysts in
speeding up specific, life-preserving chemical
reactions in the body. Essentially, they help
break down larger molecules into more easily
absorbed particles that the body can use to
survive.
There are many nutrients available that
can help with these symptoms. I would recommend
starting with as natural and simple a
support as possible.
Certain fruits have natural enzymes and
are a good way to support your body’s digestive
process when these symptoms occur.
These often come in an easy chewable form
and taste great.
With a combination of enzymes derived
from 100% natural ingredients (including
fruit such as papaya, nutrients like bromelain
and papain as well as peppermint oil), these
products support the digestion of food and
support intestinal comfort after meals.
How does natural health work with
digestion? How do we know which herbs to
use/recommend?
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita) helps soothe
digestive problems including bloating, gas
and queasiness. Peppermint essential oil
gives a cooling sensation and has a calming
effect on the body, which can relieve sore
muscles when used topically. It also has
antimicrobial properties so it can help
freshen bad breath and soothe digestive
issues.
- Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple
juice and in the pineapple stem.
Bromelain is used for reducing swelling
(inflammation), especially of the nose
and sinuses, after surgery or injury. This
is why you will find bromelain in not just
digestive supports but also in sinus support
combinations. With inflammation being a
large disease factor in many of our lives –
foods and nutrients that support the body
to lessen inflammation are very important.
- Papain is an enzyme found in papaya.
Papain breaks down the peptide bonds
between amino acids that form proteins,
assisting digestion.
These are a few of the fruit based digestion
supports. There are also animal sourced
(such as ox bile), and plant sourced (such as
probiotics and prebiotics). These are commonly
combined with fruit or animal sourced
enzymes.
The combination best suited to you will depend
on you symptoms and life choices (food
allergies/choices and vegan/vegetarianism).
What benefits could be achieved?
- Enzymes assist the body in breaking down
difficult to digest protein and gluten.
- Support acid reflux and bowel irritations.
- Support nutritional absorption.
There are many choices of digestive enzymes
on the market. Which form – tablet,
powder, etc and combination of nutrients
you choose, depend on the symptoms you
are experiencing.
This is why it is important to get specialised
advice and always take as directed (and if
symptoms persist see your health specialist).
MONICA VAN DE WEERD is a well respected Waikato based beauty therapist and
aromatherapist, with an impressive knowledge of natural health and wellbeing. She
and husband Frans (a qualified physiotherapist, homoeopath, craniosacral therapist
and bowen therapist) are committed to living a naturally healthy lifestyle.
naturallyhealthy.co.nz
40 INSPO – FITNESS JOURNAL OCTOBER 2017