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ENZYMES

Before I write about the energized proteins called enzymes I want to specify once again that I am not a trained nutritionist, a biologist, a certified herbalist, or anything else. In fact, I am just a high school graduate with a couple of half-fast college years tacked on the end. I am a furniture repairman by trade, but I've worn a bunch of hats in my life. I am a learner by nature; my grandmother taught me to read at age 3, and I cut my teeth on my grandfather's journals and books - he was an MD in the days before antibiotics, when sulfa was the closest thing to a wonder drug. I am still a constant reader. So that should establish my utter lack of credentials, in case anyone is wondering.

I do NOT know it all, but I willingly share what I learn. If you catch me in a mistake, please correct me: we'll all benefit.

Enzymes are necessary for life. They not only digest our food, but are involved in virtually every chemical and electrical reaction that happens in the body. Enzymes act as catalysts, speeding up biochemical processes that otherwise would happen too slowly to sustain life, or not at all. The biggest single lack in the typical American diet is enzymes.

There are actually thousands of individual enzymes, each one performing a specific function somewhere in the body. However, they fall into two broad categories and several subcategories, and typically you will see each category referred to as if it was a single enzyme, rather than hundreds.

Enzymes are categorized as digestive or metabolic enzymes. Digestive enzymes are secreted in the digestive system, of course, beginning with the mouth. Saliva is rich in amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates. As noted, there are many kinds of amylase - lactase, for instance, whose single function is the digestion of lactose. It's the "lact" of this enzyme that causes folks to be lactose intolerant (sorry bout that). In addition, protease digests proteins, and lipase digests lipids or fats.

Metabolic enzymes catalyze and enable the various reaction within the cells that allow our bodies to function. Two very important metabolic enzymes are SOD (superoxide dismutase) and catalase. SOD is extremely valuable as an antioxidant, while catalase breaks down waste peroxides and liberates oxygen into the bloodstream.

Without getting all technical, it's important to know that enzymes do more than digest food. Enzyme supplements are one of the most valuable weapons against inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, but the good ones tend to be pretty pricey. One product, Advanced Enzyme Complex from Rainbow Light, is only about $12 for a 90-capsule bottle, and is a terrific value. I also like Extrazyme-13 from Lifetime ($65 for 180 capsules).

Since there are once again companies that jump to put some product on the shelf so they can take advantage of a trend, let the buyer beware. Buy enzyme products from a company that specializes in them. This is an area that is worth your time to do a little reading and ask questions.

I hope this is useful. I welcome questions, though I don't guarantee to be able to answer them.