Sonja - Enzyme Therapy

[Guest guest]

Sonja,

I have so many medical articles and research material in my folders

that I'm not quite sure what article you were referring to without

more explanation. Was this the article? If not, see if you can think

of something more specific that was contained in the information and

I'll see if I can locate it for you.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina Rep.

South Eastern Regional Rep.

PAI

Note: All commments or advice are based on personal experience or

opinion, and should not be substituted for professional consultation.

Enzyme therapy

Definition

In enzyme therapy, enzymes (proteins that break down a host of

molecules and help digest food) are given either orally, by injection,

or sometimes rectally.

Purpose

Enzyme therapy is primarily recommended to assist in correcting

digestive ailments, and, in correcting digestion, many other illness

can be addressed. Some research shows that enzyme therapy has utility

in treating some cancers. It is thought that enzymes can dissolve the

coating on cancer cells so the immune system can attack them. Also,

enzyme therapy seems to reduce inflammation and improve tissue

healing. Even healthy people are said to benefit, because the

supplemental enzymes take the strain off the pancreas of making its

own enzymes. Also, this organ may not make enough enzymes. Low enzyme

levels are said to affect digestion, and the undigested particles that

pass into the blood can lead to immune dysfunction, allergies, and a

host of other ailments.

Precautions

Anyone with allergies to beef, pork, pineapple, or papaya may suffer

an allergic reaction, because enzyme supplements are prepared from

these foods. Because some supplements may have a special coating to

prevent their breakdown in the stomach, the tablets should not be

crushed or chewed. A capsule can be opened and the tiny spheres

sprinkled onto foods, such as applesauce, that don't have to be

chewed. People suffering from blood clotting disorders should not

undergo enzyme therapy since it can increase the risk of bleeding.

Though it can be useful in some cases, pregnant women should exercise

caution before undergoing enzyme therapy.

Description

The dosages of the pills or capsules prescribed vary with the

condition being treated and the product type. For some ailments, very

large quantities of enzyme supplements are prescribed -- up to 20 a

day. The enzymes are derived either from animal (called pancreatic

enzymes) or plant sources. If enzymes are needed to treat a chronic

illness, often they are prescribed in conjunction with recommendations

for a dietary change and lifestyle modifications. Enzyme therapy may

be covered by some insurance policies when it is prescribed as

treatment for a medical condition.

Preparation

Patients may be directed to take the supplements with meals or

between meals, depending on the condition being treated. To treat

non-digestive ailments, supplements can be taken 20 minutes to one

hour before eating so that they are better absorbed into the

bloodstream. For digestive ailments, the enzymes should be swallowed

immediately before meals. A large amount of fluid should be taken at

the same time.

Risks

Most enzymes have a good safety record. However, some people

experience heartburn, nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea. With high

doses, others develop a buildup of uric acid, a protein breakdown

product, in the urine or blood.

Normal results

People have noticed greater energy levels, relief from indigestion and

other digestive problems, better sleep patterns, and improvement in

certain chronic conditions.