Last week I discussed the importance of taking a complete, food-sourced vitamin daily because the food we have today is lacking many of the nutrients that our bodies require to function at an optimal level; however, addressing vitamin nutrients is only one side of a multi-faceted approach to daily core nutrition. Enzymes are another vital core nutrient that is lacking from today’s food supply and should be included in daily supplementation.
Enzymes
Enzymes are the “spark plugs” of the body. They regulate most processes that occur on a cellular level. Minerals, which I will discuss in a later post, act as catalysts for enzymes and must be present in the body for enzymes to function properly. Enzymes are found in all living things like raw plants and animals. Because we cook most of our foods above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the naturally-occurring enzymes are deactivated or destroyed. Processed foods also have enzyme-inhibitors added to prevent spoilage and increase shelf-life, so any enzymes that might survive the processing are deactivated. When foods with enzyme-inhibitors are eaten, they also effect the efficiency of our own natural enzymes, compounding the problem internally.
Cultured foods like live-cultured yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, tempeh, miso, etc. are very rich in enzymes. They are consumed regularly by many cultures around the world and this seems to contribute greatly to the gastrointestinal health of these populations; however, most Americans do not consume fermented foods regularly. Also, the majority of food you eat should be raw in order to provide the necessary enzymes. If you do not eat raw foods with every meal, you need enzyme supplementation.
There are two basic categories of enzymes–digestive enzymes produced by the body, like pancreatic enzymes and bile salts, and plant-based enzymes, like amylase, lipases, protease, etc. Everyone would benefit from taking plant-based enzymes with every meal. The elderly and anyone who has difficulty digesting foods would benefit from both plant-based and digestive enzymes. Anyone with food intolerances/sensitivities would also benefit from daily enzyme supplementation. Young Living offers four different enzyme supplements to meet your specific body’s needs.
Essentialzyme
Essentialzyme is a high-quality enzyme complex that contains both digestive and plant-based enzymes combined with therapeutic-grade essential oils anise, fennel, peppermint, tarragon, and clove. Essentialzyme has been expertly formulated with dual time-release technology to improve overall enzyme activity, reduce stress on and assist with healthy pancreatic function, eliminate harmful waste and purify internally. It also aids the digestive functions of the liver and helps promote and re-establish proper enzyme balance in the entire digestive system and throughout the body. This enzyme is a natural antioxidant.
This is my personal enzyme of choice that I take on a daily basis. I always recommend taking this enzyme during any type of cleanse because of its purifying properties. Another reason I also take this enzyme is because my dominant organ (the organ most greatly affected by my emotions) is my pancreas and this enzyme promotes healthy pancreatic function.
It is recommended to take this enzyme between meals, three times daily; however, if you eat a high protein meal after 3 p.m., it is recommended to take one with that meal to lessen the burden on the digestive system.
Essentialzymes-4
Essentialzymes-4 is a combination of animal and plant enzymes and essentials oils designed to help improve nutrient digestion, absorption, and nutrient availability for the body. It was formulated to aid in the breakdown of fats, proteins, fiber, and carbohydrates. It also helps re-establish proper enzyme balance to the digestive system and the entire body.
The Plant-Based Enzyme Capsule, which is yellow, contains the plant-based enzymes with therapeutic-grade essential oils anis, ginger, rosemary, tarragon, and fennel.
The Animal-Based Enzyme Capsule, which is white, contains bee pollen, pancreatic enzymes and therapeutic-grade essential oils ginger, fennel, tarragon, anise, and lemongrass.
It is an excellent food enzyme and comes in a two-tablet dose. It is recommended to take this enzyme set with the two largest meals of the day.
Detoxzyme
Detoxzyme is a vegetable enzyme complex combined with therapeutic-grade essential oils cumin, anise, and fennel designed to promote detoxification of the body and to support and maintain a healthy intestinal environment. This product is ideal to use with any cleansing program and, because of the enzymes it contains, it may help relieve occasional symptoms such as fullness, pressure, bloating, gas, pain, and/or minor cramping that may occur after eating. It also supports healthy liver and gallbladder function and helps regulate pH levels in the body.
It is recommended to take 2-3 capsules three times daily between meals.
Allerzyme
Allerzyme is a vegetable enzyme complex that contains a powerful combination of sugar-splitting and starch-splittin enzymes, as well as a small amount of fat-digesting and protein-digesting enzymes that helps promote proper digestion for people with sensitive stomachs. It contains therapeutic-grade essential oils of tarragon, ginger, peppermint, juniper, fennel, lemongrass, patchouli, and anise to soothe the stomach and support a healthy gut.
It is recommended to take 1-2 capsules three times daily just prior to meals. If you are dealing with chronic food sensitivities, take between meals on an empty stomach.
Next week, we will talk about the next core nutrient everyone needs which is Probiotics.
*Our team of oilers, called Anointing Nations, made the resolution this year to commit to educating our team daily. “YL – It’s a Lifestyle” is a daily post that will be on our private Facebook group. I was asked to write weekly for this, so every Wednesday, I will focus on the YL Lifestyle and share how I live it daily with my family. If you would like to know how to get Young Living products, please message me or follow this link to my website for more information.
**All the statements, comments and photos on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All medical evaluations and decisions should be made by a licensed professional.