Enzyme Therapy

Enzymes are protein molecules that act as catalysts, speeding up all the thousands of reactions that take place in the human body. All those reactions would occur much too slowly to sustain life if it were not for the action of enzymes.

There are two main groups of enzymes: digestive and metabolic enzymes. Digestive enzymes such as amylase, protease, and lipase are secreted by the gastrointestinal tract to break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Metabolic enzymes speed up a variety of chemical reactions within the cells. These reaction can range from producing energy, coagulating the blood, converting one substance into another, assisting the organs of elimination in removing wastes, etc.

When enzyme therapy is used, it usually takes the form of digestive enzyme supplements. Some patients with low digestive enzyme production may require enzyme supplements to help digest their food properly. This allows patients to extract the maximum amount of nutrients from their food and other supplements.

These digestive enzymes can be used in many situations besides poor digestion. Enzyme therapy may be use in any type of inflammation in the body. For example, protein digesting enzymes given between meals can decrease inflammation from trauma, allergies, arthritis and even inflammation that others in the vascular system that might lead to atherosclerosis. Enzyme therapy is even useful in treating certain types of cancer.