Many glossy magazines have a special knack of convincing us that we can’t live without a particular supplement. Before you know it, your kitchen cupboard resembles a mini-health store. Yeah, so there are a number of supplements that are very good for you such as Evening Primrose Oil, Cod Liver Oil and Spirulina, however if you had to choose just one what would it be?
For me I think I would have to choose Digestive Enzymes.
What are Digestive Enzymes?
Digestive enzymes digest our food so that we can use the nutrients to keep our body healthy. There are many types of enzymes, each with a specific role. For instance, amylase digests starch, whilst lipase digests fats. Without these enzymes we will suffer from indigestion, malnutrition or even a weakened immune system.
How do We Normally Get Digestive Enzymes?
If you are eating a diet largely made up of processed food then it’s unlikely intaking enough enzymes. This means your body then has to produce its own enzymes. Unfortunately our bodies have a limited supply, so when they’re gone, they’re gone. Even eating raw fruit and veg may not be enough if they have been grown thousands of miles away or in soil that is poor quality.
What Digestive Enzymes to Take?
As I said, there are a number of types of enzymes available each with its own role. You can buy them either individually, for instance people who are intolerant to milk can take lactase or you could take a protease capsule with a protein drink. It you aren’t sure then it’s probably best just to take one which has the most important enzymes in it along with your main meal.
At the moment I’m taking a Bromelain (from pineapples) and Papain (from papaya) tablet with my protein shake every day. My boyfriend on the other hand takes Now foods Plant Enzymes because he suffers from indigestion. When taking the enzymes he doesn’t need to take any indigestion tablets. I call that a success.
(If you live in the UK, I buy these enzymes and protein powders from MyProtein.co.uk as I find they have a very good selection at competitive prices.)
So basically, it’s all very well to take lots of supplements however if you aren’t digesting them properly it could all be a waste of time (and money). I don’t know, but it might even help with cleansing your liver.
I think they are good to have. I’ve used them when I don’t get enough from fruits or fermented foods that aid in digestion. I have not used the supplement in a while but I know when I need them they are there. It also can be more convenient using the supplement.
I’m not sure if you have heard of bioenzyme plus. That’s what we take here and they have similar qualities with this product you posted. I hope we have this product back here. April, I’m already a fan of your blog. 🙂
How did you decide that Bromelain and Papain were the digestive enzymes that you should supplement? I’ve just started learning about digestive enzyme supplements and frankly the number of choices is a little overwhelming.
I basically just read up on what each of them did and decided I would take them. I have haven’t done any scientific research or anything like that.