Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts in biologic reactions. These biological catalysts, which are present in all living organisms, speed up chemical reactions. Enzymes are absolutely esssential to life and health. According to the late enzyme research pioneer, Dr. Edward Howell, there are three different types of enzymes: food enzymes that occur naturally in our foods, digestive enzymes that are made in the body for the digestion of food, and metabolic enzymes produced by the body to control the the body's various biochemical reactions.

Enzymes are very specific to what they will break down or digest. Besides moisture, they require three things to activate: the proper temperature, the proper pH (acid or alkaline), and the right material to break down. Enzymes are very purpose specific.

Indigestion, gas, bloating, constipation, or more serious illness can all be signs of enzyme deficiencies. While nature includes the enzymes within raw foods to aid in digesting them, cooking, canning, and other food processing methods remove these vital nutrients. Food enzymes are destroyed or removed anytime the food is cooked, processed, or genetically engineered for a longer shelf-life. Your body needs these essential nutrients to aid in the digestive process, so the body does not have to produce all of the enzymes for the digestion of food by overproducing digestive enzymes and 'borrowing' metabolic enzymes. This diversion detracts the other enzymes from other work they were meant to do in the body.

Stress is another issue in that not only does it deplete our enzyme stores, it affects our body's ability to efficiently produce and utilize its enzymes. Aging is yet another factor. According to the Journal of Clinical Nutrition (1997;66:750), digestive enzyme production diminishes dramatically with age.

Due to all of these factors, almost everyone needs enzyme supplementation. Unfortunately, one digestive enzyme supplement does not fit all. Women, men, children, and older adults all have different dietary and enzyme supplementation needs. As such, it is important to find out which enzymes are right for you and supplement accordingly.