By Kripa Watts

"A good digestion turneth all to health."  ~ George Herbert

"A man has often more trouble to digest food than to get it."  ~ Proverb

These two aphorisms describe the path to and a challenge which can stand in the way of good health.  Can wellness really be as simple as having good digestion?  I would offer that, like many other accomplishments in life, good health is the result of the combined force of many contributing factors.  That being said many renowned physicians and naturopaths throughout history have acknowledged that excellent digestion goes a long way to maintaining excellent health.

Two fundamental requirements for healthy digestion are proper food choices and optimal digestive enzyme activity.  Colorful, fresh and wholesome foods provide us with the building blocks needed by the body for synthesis and repair of cells and tissues, as well as for the production of energy.  Enzymes are catalysts which enable the body to break down the foods that we eat into their constituent building blocks so that they can be absorbed and assimilated into the blood stream to do their essential work.

Certain digestive enzymes are produced by the body - these include lipase, protease, amylase and pepsin for example.  Other enzymes necessary for digestion must be delivered by food.  Cellulase is an enzyme which catalyses the breakdown of the fibrous material in fruits and vegetables; it is not produced by the body and must therefore be derived from the foods we ingest.  As we age, our body’s store of enzymes can diminish.  In addition, foods that are over cooked or processed are often devoid of enzymes.  Since most people do not eat a diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables, this double problem can lead to a gradual decline in digestive health and overall well-being later on in life.   The sad truth is that, while you may take great care to eat foods that are healthy, it is quite possible that your body is not receiving all of the nutrients the food has to offer.

“Art is the elimination of the unnecessary.”  Pablo Picasso

Since good health is as much an art as a science, then we must recognize that elimination plays a vital role.  It is worth considering that foods which are not broken down properly can simply clog up the digestive tract.  Undigested food material can lay in the gut and cause the build up of toxins.  These toxic substances create a healthy breeding ground for unhealthy bacteria and may cause gastric discomfort, flagging energy levels and even breakouts as the body tries to eliminate toxins through the skin.

One of the simplest ways to perk up your digestive health is to add a digestive enzyme at meal times.  If you are a fairly light eater you might consider a general plant based enzyme such as MegaZymes.  If your diet consists of carbohydrate heavy and protein rich meals a more potent, broader spectrum product such as High Active Enzymes might be in order.  If you have noticed that you have specific food sensitivities, consider looking for an enzyme product which is customized to help your body digest those specific foods to which you are sensitive.  MegaFood Gluten & Dairy MegaZymes was created to help sensitive individuals break down gluten and lactose in foods.  While you may try to avoid ingredients to which you are sensitive, there are times when it is difficult to know what ingredients have been used in cooking a meal.   This is a product which can be useful to take along if you have been invited to eat at a friend’s house or are dining at a restaurant.

Let us know if you have found benefit from adding enzymes to your diet – be it MegaFood or any other product – we are interested in hearing your experiences and sharing them with others.