enzyme therapy

Enzyme Therapy

Definition

Enyzme therapy is a plan of dietary supplements of plant and animal enzymes used to facilitate the digestive process and improve the body's ability to maintain balanced metabolism.

Purpose

In traditional medicine, enzyme supplements are often prescribed for patients suffering from disorders that affect the digestive process, such as cystic fibrosis, Gaucher's disease, and celiac disease. A program of enzyme supplementation is rarely recommended for healthy patients. However, proponents of enzyme therapy believe that such a program is beneficial for everyone. They point to enzymes' ability to purify the blood, strengthen the immune system, enhance mental capacity, cleanse the colon, and maintain proper pH balance in urine. They feel that by improving the digestive process, the body is better able to combat infection and disease.Some evidence exists that pancreatic enzymes derived from animal sources are helpful in cancer treatment. The enzymes may be able to dissolve the coating on cancer cells and may make it easier for the immune system to attack the cancer.A partial list of the wide variety of complaints and illnesses that can be treated by enzyme therapy includes:

AIDS
anemia
alcohol consumption
anxiety
acute inflammation
back pain
cancer
colds
chronic fatigue syndrome
colitis
constipation
diarrhea
food allergies
gastritis
gastric duodenal ulcer
gout
headaches
hepatitis
hypoglycemia
infections
mucous congestion
multiple sclerosis
nervous disorders
nutritional disorders
obesity
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
stress

Description

Origins

Enzymes are protein molecules used by the body to perform all of its chemical actions and reactions. The body manufactures several thousands of enzymes. Among them are the digestive enzymes produced by the stomach, pancreas, small intestine, and the salivary glands of the mouth. Their energy-producing properties are responsible for not only the digestion of nutrients, but their absorption, transportation, metabolization, and elimination as well.Enzyme therapy is based on the work of Dr. Edward Howell in the 1920s and 1930s. Howell proposed that enzymes from foods work in the stomach to pre-digest food. He advocated the consumption of large amounts of plant enzymes, theorizing that if the body had to use less of its own enzymes for digestion, it could store them for maintaining metabolic harmony. Four categories of plant enzymes are helpful in predigestion: protease, amylase, lipase, and cellulase. Cellulase is particularly helpful because the body is unable to produce it.Animal enzymes, such as pepsin extracted from the stomach of pigs, work more effectively in the duodenum. They are typically used for the treatment of nondigestive ailments.The seven categories of food enzymes and their activities

amylase breaks down starches
cellulase breaks down fibers
lactase breaks down dairy products
lipase breaks down fats
maltase breaks down grains
protease breaks down proteins
sucrase breaks down sugars

Enzyme theory generated further interest as the human diet became more dependent on processed and cooked foods. Enzymes are extremely sensitive to heat, and temperatures above 118°F (48°C) destroy them. Modern processes of pasteurization, canning, and microwaving are particularly harmful to the enzymes in food.Enzyme supplements are extracted from plants like pineapple and papaya and from the organs of cows and pigs. The supplements are typically given in tablet or capsule form. Pancreatic enzymes may also be given by injection. The dosage varies with the condition being treated. For nondigestive ailments, the supplements are taken in the hour before meals so that they can be quickly absorbed into the blood. For digestive ailments, the supplements are taken immediately before meals accompanied by a large glass of fluids. Pancreatic enzymes may be accompanied by doses of vitamin A.

Preparations

No special preparations are necessary before beginning enzyme therapy. However, it is always advisable to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before purchasing enzymes and beginning therapy.

Precautions

People with allergies to beef, pork, pineapples, and papaya may suffer allergic reactions to enzyme supplements. Tablets are often coated to prevent them from breaking down in the stomach, and usually shouldn't be chewed or crushed. People who have difficulty swallowing pills can request enzyme supplements in capsule form. The capsules can then be opened and the contents sprinkled onto soft foods like applesauce.

Side effects

Side effects associated with enzyme therapy include heartburn, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and acne. According to the principles of therapy, these are temporary cleansing symptoms. Drinking eight to 10 glasses of water daily and getting regular exercise can reduce the discomfort of these side effects. Individuals may also experience an increase in bowel movements, perhaps one or two per day. This is also considered a positive effect.Plant enzymes are safe for pregnant women, although they should always check with a doctor before using enzymes. Pregnant women should avoid animal enzymes. In rare cases, extremely high doses of enzymes can result in a build up of uric acid in the blood or urine and can cause a break down of proteins.

Research and general acceptance

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified enzymes as a food. Therefore, they can be purchased without a prescription. However, insurance coverage is usually dependent upon the therapy resulting from a doctor's orders.

Resources

Other

Enzyme Therapy for Your Health. 〈http://members.tripod.com/∼colloid/enzyme.htm〉.Questions and Answers about Food Enzymes and Nutrition. http://www.enzymes.com.Therapies: Enzyme Therapy. http://library.thinkquest.org/24206/enzyme-therapy.html.

Key terms

Celiac disease — A chronic disease characterized by defective digestion and use of fats.Cystic fibrosis — A genetic disease that causes multiple digestive, excretion, and respiratory complications. Among the effects, the pancreas fails to provide secretions needed for the digestion of food.Duodenum — The first part of the small intestine.Gaucher's disease — A rare genetic disease caused by a deficiency of enzymes needed for the processing of fatty acids.Metabolism — The system of chemical processes necessary for living cells to remain healthy.

enzyme therapy

Alternative medicine
The administration of enzymes of plant or pancreatic origin to improve digestion and absorption of essential nutrients. Enzymes are co-administered with food to predigest it and preserve internal enzymes for the purpose of “maintaining metabolic harmony”, and are allegedly effective in breaking down circulating immune complexes as they pass through the kidneys. ET is alleged by its advocates to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including cancer, chronic degenerative diseases, infection of the lungs and teeth, inflammation, multiple sclerosis, scarring and others. There is no peer-reviewed data to support the alleged efficacy of ET.

Mainstream medicine
Any therapy in which an enzyme present in adequate amounts under normal conditions is supplemented with a related or identical enzyme to perform a specific task (e.g., rapid lysis of blood clots in an evolving myocardial infarctioin by streptokinase, tissue plasminogen activator or urokinase).

enzyme therapy

Therapeutics Any therapy, in which an enzyme present in adequate amounts under normal conditions, is supplemented with a related or identical enzyme to perform a specific task–eg, rapid lysis of blood clots in an evolving MI by streptokinase, tissue plasminogen activator or urokinase

单词	enzyme therapy
释义	DictionarySeetherapy enzyme therapy Enzyme Therapy Definition Enyzme therapy is a plan of dietary supplements of plant and animal enzymes used to facilitate the digestive process and improve the body's ability to maintain balanced metabolism. Purpose In traditional medicine, enzyme supplements are often prescribed for patients suffering from disorders that affect the digestive process, such as cystic fibrosis, Gaucher's disease, and celiac disease. A program of enzyme supplementation is rarely recommended for healthy patients. However, proponents of enzyme therapy believe that such a program is beneficial for everyone. They point to enzymes' ability to purify the blood, strengthen the immune system, enhance mental capacity, cleanse the colon, and maintain proper pH balance in urine. They feel that by improving the digestive process, the body is better able to combat infection and disease.Some evidence exists that pancreatic enzymes derived from animal sources are helpful in cancer treatment. The enzymes may be able to dissolve the coating on cancer cells and may make it easier for the immune system to attack the cancer.A partial list of the wide variety of complaints and illnesses that can be treated by enzyme therapy includes: AIDS anemia alcohol consumption anxiety acute inflammation back pain cancer colds chronic fatigue syndrome colitis constipation diarrhea food allergies gastritis gastric duodenal ulcer gout headaches hepatitis hypoglycemia infections mucous congestion multiple sclerosis nervous disorders nutritional disorders obesity premenstrual syndrome (PMS) stress Description Origins Enzymes are protein molecules used by the body to perform all of its chemical actions and reactions. The body manufactures several thousands of enzymes. Among them are the digestive enzymes produced by the stomach, pancreas, small intestine, and the salivary glands of the mouth. Their energy-producing properties are responsible for not only the digestion of nutrients, but their absorption, transportation, metabolization, and elimination as well.Enzyme therapy is based on the work of Dr. Edward Howell in the 1920s and 1930s. Howell proposed that enzymes from foods work in the stomach to pre-digest food. He advocated the consumption of large amounts of plant enzymes, theorizing that if the body had to use less of its own enzymes for digestion, it could store them for maintaining metabolic harmony. Four categories of plant enzymes are helpful in predigestion: protease, amylase, lipase, and cellulase. Cellulase is particularly helpful because the body is unable to produce it.Animal enzymes, such as pepsin extracted from the stomach of pigs, work more effectively in the duodenum. They are typically used for the treatment of nondigestive ailments.The seven categories of food enzymes and their activities amylase breaks down starches cellulase breaks down fibers lactase breaks down dairy products lipase breaks down fats maltase breaks down grains protease breaks down proteins sucrase breaks down sugars Enzyme theory generated further interest as the human diet became more dependent on processed and cooked foods. Enzymes are extremely sensitive to heat, and temperatures above 118°F (48°C) destroy them. Modern processes of pasteurization, canning, and microwaving are particularly harmful to the enzymes in food.Enzyme supplements are extracted from plants like pineapple and papaya and from the organs of cows and pigs. The supplements are typically given in tablet or capsule form. Pancreatic enzymes may also be given by injection. The dosage varies with the condition being treated. For nondigestive ailments, the supplements are taken in the hour before meals so that they can be quickly absorbed into the blood. For digestive ailments, the supplements are taken immediately before meals accompanied by a large glass of fluids. Pancreatic enzymes may be accompanied by doses of vitamin A. Preparations No special preparations are necessary before beginning enzyme therapy. However, it is always advisable to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before purchasing enzymes and beginning therapy. Precautions People with allergies to beef, pork, pineapples, and papaya may suffer allergic reactions to enzyme supplements. Tablets are often coated to prevent them from breaking down in the stomach, and usually shouldn't be chewed or crushed. People who have difficulty swallowing pills can request enzyme supplements in capsule form. The capsules can then be opened and the contents sprinkled onto soft foods like applesauce. Side effects Side effects associated with enzyme therapy include heartburn, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and acne. According to the principles of therapy, these are temporary cleansing symptoms. Drinking eight to 10 glasses of water daily and getting regular exercise can reduce the discomfort of these side effects. Individuals may also experience an increase in bowel movements, perhaps one or two per day. This is also considered a positive effect.Plant enzymes are safe for pregnant women, although they should always check with a doctor before using enzymes. Pregnant women should avoid animal enzymes. In rare cases, extremely high doses of enzymes can result in a build up of uric acid in the blood or urine and can cause a break down of proteins. Research and general acceptance In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified enzymes as a food. Therefore, they can be purchased without a prescription. However, insurance coverage is usually dependent upon the therapy resulting from a doctor's orders. Resources Other Enzyme Therapy for Your Health. 〈http://members.tripod.com/∼colloid/enzyme.htm〉.Questions and Answers about Food Enzymes and Nutrition. http://www.enzymes.com.Therapies: Enzyme Therapy. http://library.thinkquest.org/24206/enzyme-therapy.html. Key terms Celiac disease — A chronic disease characterized by defective digestion and use of fats.Cystic fibrosis — A genetic disease that causes multiple digestive, excretion, and respiratory complications. Among the effects, the pancreas fails to provide secretions needed for the digestion of food.Duodenum — The first part of the small intestine.Gaucher's disease — A rare genetic disease caused by a deficiency of enzymes needed for the processing of fatty acids.Metabolism — The system of chemical processes necessary for living cells to remain healthy. enzyme therapy Alternative medicine The administration of enzymes of plant or pancreatic origin to improve digestion and absorption of essential nutrients. Enzymes are co-administered with food to predigest it and preserve internal enzymes for the purpose of “maintaining metabolic harmony”, and are allegedly effective in breaking down circulating immune complexes as they pass through the kidneys. ET is alleged by its advocates to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including cancer, chronic degenerative diseases, infection of the lungs and teeth, inflammation, multiple sclerosis, scarring and others. There is no peer-reviewed data to support the alleged efficacy of ET. Mainstream medicine Any therapy in which an enzyme present in adequate amounts under normal conditions is supplemented with a related or identical enzyme to perform a specific task (e.g., rapid lysis of blood clots in an evolving myocardial infarctioin by streptokinase, tissue plasminogen activator or urokinase). enzyme therapy Therapeutics Any therapy, in which an enzyme present in adequate amounts under normal conditions, is supplemented with a related or identical enzyme to perform a specific task–eg, rapid lysis of blood clots in an evolving MI by streptokinase, tissue plasminogen activator or urokinase
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