If cellular energy is the Spark that keeps the actual Vitality moving in and around our bodies, then enzymes are the keys that unlock the potential and the process of all that vitality that is moving. For an understanding of what we will be getting into in this piece, we will be uncovering and going over the importance of digestive enzymes and how it regulates our health. Why digestive enzymes? Because it is from the stomach region that our health manifest and is carried over.
For the sake of basic understanding, enzymes are the catalyst proteins that begin a chain of reactions on the cellular level that is then converted into different bodily functions. From the Naturopathic point of view, getting the stomach enzymes to be as forceful and powerful as possible is the starting point from where all Holistic Health will take place.
When it comes to healing the stomach region and getting to that place of true Vitality, we should be aware of two particular enzymes that will require our attention: Peptidase *(from plant sources) and Lipase. Sources of plant forms of Peptidase have been found in sources of soy, bulgur, and wild rice. These play a part in breaking down blood clots and keeping blood flow normal and regulated. With regards to Lipase, it can be found in sources of avocados and olives, nuts, bananas, papaya, cherries, figs, and grapes. Besides the sheer good taste of these natural plant foods, they have been shown to have some effectiveness in treatment of chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancers, myocardial infractions, and high cholesterol.
So, as we can see, enzymes are not only catalyst, but under the right conditions they can provide protective benefits when it comes to degenerative diseases. But while knowing all of this is good, we need to have an understanding of when they work and are most effective for us. Its all about the internal environment. Here are some main factors: Temperature: enzyme activity can be doubled when increased above 10 degrees centigrade. pH: They only work properly in humans at a range of 7.0-9.0, so it makes the best sense to strive for alkalinity. And understanding alkalinity is at the very heart of what has been discussed here time and time again. Keeping our pH functional and raised high allow these enzymes and many more to operate and function at their strongest. Keep the influx of plants, fruits and berries coming into your daily life, and you can be rest assured you are activating your healing enzymes that can come to your aid when you need it the most.
-Dr. David K. Scott N.D.; CHNP.
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NATURES' FIRST PATH: HOlISTIC MEDICINE. 