Several folks have spoken with me lately regarding digestion problems. We all have suffered at one time or another from the pains of improper digestion - heartburn, nausea, constipation, diarrhea. However, many of the medications that we are given to correct a problem in another area of our body can cause an unpleasant reaction in the digestive system.
The most common problem that I am asked about is constipation. I feel that much of the cause of this digestive upset stems from improper diet. Secondary causes include the dehydrating effects of certain medications, such as pain medications, antidepressants, and others. The dilemma of constipation is that it sets up the body for illness as a result of the retained stool in the bowel. The body continues to try to absorb nutrients from the waste products. The process actually reintroduces toxins to the body. Much of this disturbance in digestion can be helped by taking supplements that contain high levels of digestive enzymes.
These enzymes are vital to the proper breakdown and absorption of foods. They are classified in three categories - amylases, lipases and proteolytic enzymes. Amylases assist in carbohydrate digestion, a process that begins with the saliva in your mouth. Lipases help the body dissolve and absorb fats. Proteolytic enzymes are those which aid the body in assimilation of proteins. As you can see, each group of enzymes plays a substantial role in achieving overall nutrition. A shortage of any one enzyme can lead to problems.
Many times, our fast-paced lifestyle helps generate the digestive dilemma. Eating too quickly, not chewing your food enough times (Mom was right about that), or a diet lacking in fresh foods can cause inadequate levels of enzymes to be ingested or produced by our body. A diet high in fruits and vegetables can go a long way toward correcting trouble with digestion. For example, pineapple and papaya contain bromelain and papain respectively, two key enzymes for protein absorption. Most foods contain the enzymes necessary to digest them. However, refining, processing and cooking foods at high temperatures destroys these vital substances. Therefore, it may be very helpful to use a supplement to aid in the digestive process.
A complete digestive aid needs to contain ingredients which will digest all types of food. To ensure that a supplement is complete, it should contain the following:
Betaine Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) - a pH balancing enzyme derived from beets used to digest meats and animal proteins.
Pepsin - the natural enzyme that breaks down proteins and whose function depends on the contents of HCL.
Bromelain and Papain - powerful enzymes found in pineapple and papaya that act to break down the proteins into amino acids.
Pancreatin - a collection of enzymes secreted by the pancreas into the part of the small intestine closest to the stomach. Pancreatic enzymes break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Lipase - aids in fat digestion, while complex carbohydrates are digested by a combination action of mylase and mycozyme.
Amylase and Protease - two potent digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas, that digest carbohydrates and protein.
Ox Bile - improves fat digestion and combats constipation through the stimulation of the bile flow and improves functioning of the gallbladder.
If you would like more information on any topic discussed in this article, you can contact me through my website address at www.JerryRyanPhD.com or email me at DoctorRyan@JerryRyanPhD.com with your questions.
Related Articles
The Future of Food
By: Dr. James P. Urban | 14/03/2007 | Health
There are many articles and news reports recently on the safety of our food supply. While we can continue to talk about the problem, we also need some help with solutions.
Dr. James P. Urban reviews a DVD titled "The Future of Food". In this review, he highlights various things we can do to take control of our food sources. We need to look beyond our store shelves to our community farmers.
The Science of Personalized Nutrition
By: Dr. James P. Urban | 05/09/2007 | Nutrition
Dr. Jim Urban here with a crucial message about a totally unique nutrition program that's in a league of its own. This is my personal invitation to a no-charge Future of Health TeleSeminar that will show you a plan I believe will at last truly clear up the confusion about how to feel your best, be your strongest, lose weight permanently, excel athletically, and live the longest... once and for all. Come find out more.
Changing Habits
By: Alive Online | 02/04/2008 | Nutrition
It can be done. People do give up smoking. They stop taking sugar in their tea. They give up coffee.Changing our habits is a very very possible thing to do. With the information that is bombarding us from every side telling us what's good for us most of us now have at least subconscious goals. We want to lose weight. We want to eat more fruit and vegetables. We would prefer organic food. We want to exercise more. We don't want our children to be obese from eating junk foods.
The Power of Antioxidants
By: Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. | 13/10/2007 | Health
Learn about the group of enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that aid your immune system. Discover how antioxidants help prevent damage to your body and your health. Find out what foods and herbs are high in antioxidants.
A New Age For Aromatherapy
By: Misty Rae Cech, Nd | 03/01/2007 | Medicine
Therapeutic use of natural and organic essential oils for medicinal purposes is just now on the verge of being recognized as a valid tool to compliment the diverse tools of natural healing. A significant amount of resistance is still apparent, perhaps due to the pervasive image of Aromatherapy being 'feeling...
Using the Antidepressant Properties of Bergamot Oil for You and Your Familly
By: Michelle Cech | 30/04/2008 | Health
Bergamot essential oil is one of the most important antidepressants in aromatherapy. Learn why, and how use this oil for yourself and your loved ones.
Constipation & Iron Supplements
By: The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center | 26/04/2007 | Diseases and Conditions
Iron is one of the most disregarded minerals the human body needs to function well. Without iron, you can be left feeling fatigued, disoriented, and sometimes depressed. On the flip side, too much iron can actually cause you to experience constipation. Learn how iron benefits the body and just how important this mineral is to your everyday diet.
Eat at the Right Time of Day
By: Felicia Drury Kliment | 15/05/2006 | Wellness
An offense to good health is eating badly at dinner, but even worse is eating unhealthy snacks late at night. Not only have digestive enzyme and thyroid function slowed to a crawl by then, when you sleep they slow down even more. People are most likely to get acid indigestion in the evening because at the end of the day hydrochloric acid, bile, and enzyme levels fall.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
I am suffering from hot ears,lobes and face,this ...
By: steven | 13-05-2008
I am suffering from hot ears,lobes and face,this occurs once a day at no given time a day and lasts for 1 -4 hours.Steven
Im graduating next week and i wanted o loose a few ...
By: julie | 13-05-2008
im graduating next week and i wanted o loose a few pouds how can i loose them fast before my graduation ceremony?
Weight gain, taking Relafen
By: Lorraine | 12-05-2008
How long does it take Relafen to work, and does it cause weight gain?
Babies
By: Sarahcat91 | 12-05-2008
How long does it take for a baby to start to show? like a little bump. that would be noticable.
Exercise for those with knee problems and recovery from a broken leg last summer
By: Toogrown46 | 12-05-2008
I broke my leg last summer and any form or exercise I find almost impossible to perform, it also affected my knee. Do you have any suggestions?
Losing weight with out taking pills
By: Liz | 12-05-2008
i am taking diet pills that i got from a healt store and they are making me feel weird and when i don't take them i have a head ache and i feel sick to my stomach. how can i lose weight without taking pills for it along with my exercise? Liz from texas
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
Are Electronic Muscle Stimulation (EMS) Devices Safe For All Ages To Use?
By: Amy Nutt | 16/05/2008
Electronic Muscle Stimulation Devices, or EMS devices, create electrical signals that stimulate the nerves. The devices are usually connected to the individual through electrode pads that are adhesive and they are very lightweight and battery-operated, which makes them so portable that they can be used just about anywhere.
Physical therapists and...
Eye Opening Facts on Sensitive Skin Care
By: Corbin Newlyn | 16/05/2008
There are many people in the world that have sensitive skin. This type of skin requires certain steps to be taken in order to obtain the best results. Read on to learn more.
Is It Cheaper And Convenient To Buy Contacts Online?
By: Amy Nutt | 16/05/2008
In a world where we even purchase food online, it is no surprise that we can also buy our contact lenses online. Since the introduction of the contact lens, the lenses were only available through our Optometrist, but something needed to be done because there were so many people paying...
Compression Therapy – an Effective Method to Cure an Ailing Leg
By: natisha | 16/05/2008
I was not aware of the kind of easy treatment until I came across a random article on the web. The article spoke about a compression therapy used to sooth sore legs and some other similar ailments.
The Necessity of Alcohol Breathalyzer
By: Rapiddrugdetection.com | 16/05/2008
Alcohol breathalyzer is a device used to detect the consumption of alcohol. It can determine the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. The DOT officers rely on breathalyzer for collecting the breath specimens to identify the suspected drunken drivers.
Stress - Understanding And Coping With It
By: Dick Aronson | 15/05/2008
Some stress is normal in everyone's life, without it we would be bored and life would be dull indeed. We need the excitement of challenges and the uniqueness of new events in our lives. Stress becomes a problem when your environment and your personal circumstances create too many demands on...
Toothaches and Overcoming Your Fear of the Dentist
By: IC | 15/05/2008
How old were you the first time that he went to the dentist? six or seven years old perhaps? If this is the case then you might vividly remember the cold look of the dentist waiting room, the eyes full of fear of other children who were waiting for their turn in order to stare into the eyes of the person who was going to bring an enormous level of physical pain into their lives. Learn more about toothaches and fear of the dentist.
Remove Toxins From Your Body
By: Bardnurz Sham | 15/05/2008
Environmental pollution has reached alarmingly epidemic proportions. The environment is thoroughly contaminated by dangerous chemicals and heavy metals. Billions of pounds of toxic chemical are dumped into our air and water every year. Because the earth is a closed ecosystem, the worst effects can occur thousand of miles away from...
More from Jerry Ryan, Ph.D.
8 Keys to Rapid Weight Loss
By: Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. | 03/02/2008 | Weight Loss
Weight loss is easy if you just follow some simple guidelines. Here are eight simple ways to drop the fat rapidly. Try these eating habits and watch the pounds disappear!
An Easy Way to Relieve your Stress
By: Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. | 15/12/2007 | Stress Management
Learn how to relieve stress with a simple technique that you can do anywhere, anytime. Find out about a key to relaxation at any point in your day. Discover a natural way to lower your heart rate and blood pressure by making a slight change to something that you do all day long.
Aerobic Training to Tone your Body and Drop Fat Fast
By: Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. | 24/11/2007 | Health
Learn about the benefits of aerobic training. Discover the way to calculate the target heart rate for your age group. Find out how to tell if you are working out hard enough or too hard.
Weight Training Tips to Tone your Body, Build Muscle Quickly, and Melt Away Fat
By: Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. | 18/11/2007 | Health
Find out the weight training system that works to build muscle mass and melt away fat. Discover 10 stomach exercises to flatten your belly quickly. Learn the importance of stretching before and after a workout.
Sugars Can be Good for you
By: Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. | 05/11/2007 | Health
Find out how sugars can be helpful to various diseases. Discover the research that shows how eight essential carbohydrates or the lack of them impacts your overall health.
Prostate Cancer and Prevention
By: Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. | 21/10/2007 | Health
Learn about the prostate gland, prostate cancer, and how to prevent it. Discover other conditions that affect the prostate. Find out what natural remedies can be beneficial.
The Power of Antioxidants
By: Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. | 13/10/2007 | Health
Learn about the group of enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that aid your immune system. Discover how antioxidants help prevent damage to your body and your health. Find out what foods and herbs are high in antioxidants.
Be Prepared for Bio-terrorism
By: Jerry Ryan, Ph.D. | 01/10/2007 | Health
Read about natural remedies for anthrax. Discover how certain foods can be helpful. Learn about herbs that can boost your immune system to fight anthrax infection.
Health 
