Gut-Level Feelings

By Sheryl Worthington Turgeon, MPH, CHNC
Certified Health and Nutrition Counselor 
Your Health Potential, LLC

Do you remember the Alka Seltzer commercials that showed a middle aged couple getting ready for bed when the husband says, “I can’t believe I ate the whole thing!”? Many of us can relate to that feeling, whether we recall the commercial or not. If you often feel bloated after eating, frequently pass gas, take antacids or get that overly stuffed feeling after a meal, chances are you need enzyme support.



Experts tell us that as much as 80 percent of our energy goes into digesting our food. That means the remaining 20 percent must support our reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune and neurological functions. Since enzymes are key to how our whole system works, the body depends on adequate enzymatic action, according to author of The Healing Power of Enzymes, DicQie Fuller Looney, PhD, DSc.

“A diet devoid of enzymes will use up a tremendous amount of your innate enzyme potential,” says Chris Dennen, PhD, of Transformation Health Systems. “A lack of enzymes could result in lowered resistance to illness, stress of all types, and physiological environments that could lead to a shortened life span.” Dennen advocates supplementing cooked foods with enzyme capsules to slow down the normal aging process.

Enzymes are inarguably important, but what are they? These delicate protein molecules are found in all living cells. Their role is to regulate nearly all of the biochemical reactions that occur within the body—whether plant, animal or microorganism. Manufactured within the cell, enzymes are produced at various rates, depending on the needs of the cell at a particular time.

In humans, digestive enzymes break down the foods we eat into nutrients like glucose, amino acids and fatty acids. The body can then absorb these nutrients for energy, maintenance, growth and health. Since digestive enzymes help the body assimilate vitamins and minerals in food, they contribute to increased energy, improved blood circulation, a balanced immune system and an overall sense of health and well being.

Raw foods contain their own enzymes, but they don’t always remain active after being digested. At the same time, cooking or processing food destroys the enzymes. Therefore, we usually draw on our body’s own supply of enzymes to digest food. We know our enzyme production declines with age, so after a lifetime of diminishing the supply, it is probably worthwhile to supplement with the most pure enzymes you can find.

Enzymes come in both capsule and powder form. One indicator of quality is finding Pharmaceutical Grade and GMP (Good Manufacturing Process) on the label or in the literature. I have found Transformation Enzyme Corporation to carry high quality, pure enzymes, so I offer them to my clients. The best way to optimize your health through enzymes is by seeking the advice of a professional who will recommend the appropriate enzymes for your unique body type and lifestyle.


Dilled Adzuki Bean and Rice Salad  

Serve this grain and bean salad over fresh lettuce leaves, or place a spoonful of salad in each leaf and eat "wrap style." Try adding diced cucumbers, red bell peppers, or any other vegetable you desire to this recipe. Garnish each serving with toasted sunflower seeds. Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Ingredients:	4 cups cooked long grain brown rice 3 cups cooked adzuki beans 4 large carrots, diced 4 green onions, sliced into rounds small handful of fresh dill, finely chopped butterhead lettuce toasted sunflower seeds
Dressing:	4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh honey 1 teaspoon Herbamare 1 large garlic clove, crushed
Directions:	Place all ingredients for the salad into a large bowl. Set aside.
	To make the dressing, place all ingredients into a glass jar with a tight fitting lid and shake well.  Pour dressing over salad and toss together. Serve over lettuce leaves and garnish with toasted sunflower seeds and avocado slices if desired. Recipe used by permission from Whole Life Nutrition Newsletter

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