Enzymes are large highly specialized proteins that are produced in living cells of plants, animals and microorganisms, that act as the catalysts for chemical reactions. A catalyst is “a substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions than otherwise possible; an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action”. Specifically, an enzyme is a biocatalyst, something that makes something else work or work faster. Every cell in the body uses enzymes for building, maintenance, and repair. All living organisms require enzymes for growth and for the production and utilization of energy which is essential for life.
Generally speaking, having the right amount of enzymes in your body helps the body break down fiber (cellulase), protein (protease), carbohydrates (amylase), and fats (lipase). There are thousands of enzymes and are classified by the type of reaction they catalyze. For example, in the human digestive tract there are proteases, carbohydrases, and lipases that break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats, respectively, into smaller substances that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
They fall into two main categories: systemic enzymes and digestive enzymes. Both provide many benefits. While systemic enzymes help the body with overall healing and wellness, digestive enzymes support the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and various aspects of digestive health.
Digestive enzymes, true to their name, aid the digestive process. Digestive enzymes do all their work in the gastrointestinal tract and help combat common issues such as indigestion, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and gas. Many people find that their digestive system is more efficient and self-maintaining when their digestive enzymes are in check. [1]
Benefits of Digestive Enzymes include (but not limited to)[2]:
- Easier breakdown of food for better absorption.
- Healthier relief in pancreatic insufficiency (PI).
- Better promotion of diet tolerance for vegetarians or vegans.
- Alleviates certain digestive intolerances.
- Supports a healthy balance in the body’s microbiome.
- They help us absorb vital nutrients from the foods we need and they help a healthy body perform even better.
Symptoms of Low Enzyme Levels [1]:
- Inadequate digestive enzyme levels lead to food rotting in the intestines. This can create:
- bloating,
- indigestion,
- gas,
- abdominal discomfort.
- heartburn,
- lethargy,
- food in your stool that hasn’t been properly digested
- Lack of systemic enzymes also allows waste to build up throughout the bloodstream and lymph system, stressing the immune system’s ability to keep up. ***Learn more about systemic enzymes here: Dr. Kenawy’s Ultra Proteo-Zimes™ Enteric Coated supplement***
Enzymes are available in food, and the human body produces many enzymes on its own. However, natural production of enzymes begins to decline as early as age 25. Joint pain, circulatory problems, slower healing, and an increase in the incidence of disease are all too common with people who are enzyme deficient and suffering the effects of aging. [2]
How Does Ultra Veggie Enzymes Formula Compare with Dr. Kenawy’s Other Enzymes?
With so many digestive supplement options, you may wonder which one is right for you. Ultra Veggie Enzymes is the perfect choice for the vegetarian or anyone who is looking for a digestive aid derived exclusively from plants. Ultra Veggie Enzymes contain a broad array of key plant enzymes to help with the digestive process.
Dr. Kenawy’s Superzymes
Superzymes will be the best choice for those who have problems digesting all kinds of foods, or have recurrent digestive issues, the Superzymes product might be the best fit for you. Its potent formula contains extra support such as (but not limited to) Ox Bile Extract, which is an excellent supplement for those who've had their gallbladder removed. And, it contains Betaine hydrochloride which provides the digestive system with hydrochloric acid, and Pepsin which is another acidic enzyme–both aid general digestion in the stomach.† ***Learn more about systemic enzymes here: Dr. Kenawy’s Superzymes supplement***
Dr. Kenawy’s Ultra Veggie Enzymes
Dr. Kenawy’s Ultra Veggie Enzymes is a comprehensive enzyme formula targeting the complete digestion of foods and their components, such as proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, starches, fibers, fats, and even hard-to-digest foods such as dairy products, grains, and legumes.† Our proprietary blend is the perfect choice for the vegetarian or anyone who is looking for a digestive aid derived exclusively from plants. These key plant enzymes break down many types of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and fibers. Once absorbed, the enzymes also serve other important non-digestive functions.† ***Learn more about systemic enzymes here: Dr. Kenawy’s Ultra Veggie Enzymes supplement***
Dr. Kenawy’s Gluten-Ade
Gluten-Ade provides targeted support. It helps digest gluten and also delivers probiotics and prebiotics for a well-balanced digestive-care plan. Prebiotics act as food for “good” bacteria in the intestine. Don't confuse prebiotics with probiotics such as lactobacillus, bifidobacteria, and saccharomyces, which are live organisms that are good for health. People sometimes take probiotics by mouth to increase the number in their intestine.† ***Learn more about systemic enzymes here: Dr. Kenawy’s Gluten-Ade supplement***
Dr. Kenawy’s Ultra Proteo-Zimes
These enzymes are designed to be digested and absorbed in the small intestine and travel directly to the blood and are therefore not designed to assist in the digestive process itself; with the exception of some support of protein digestion. Once absorbed these enzymes go to work helping to break down specific protein molecules that may be directly involved in inflammation, poor circulation, pain, and stiffness.† The enzymes in Ultra Proteo-Zimes™ help support healthy cardiovascular, immune and joint function as well help support tissue repair.† ***Learn more about systemic enzymes here: Dr. Kenawy’s Ultra Proteo-Zimes™ Enteric Coated supplement***
In conclusion, the digestion of food involves a complex system of organs, hormones, and enzymes. Many people have difficulty digesting foods, particularly as they age. The incomplete or partial digestion of foods can lead to uncomfortable side effects. Many of the indications are quite clear; intestinal gas, bloating, cramping, heartburn, and diarrhea. However, some effects are not as clear, such as the poor utilization of food, and even nutrient deficiencies.
As with all of Dr. Kenawy's professional line products, we use the best manufactures in making our formulas. Dr. Kenawy’s Ultra Veggie Enzymes is a comprehensive enzyme formula targeting the complete digestion of foods and their components, such as proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, starches, fibers, fats, and even hard-to-digest foods such as dairy products, grains, and legumes.† Our proprietary blend is the perfect choice for the vegetarian or anyone who is looking for a digestive aid derived exclusively from plants. These key plant enzymes break down many types of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and fibers. Once absorbed, the enzymes also serve other important non-digestive functions.
Features:
- All 15 enzymes in the formula are derived from non-animal sources.
- Formulated with enzymes that are active even in the low pH (acid content) of the stomach.
- Three types of protease enzymes are active at pH levels of 6.0, 4.5, and 3.0.
- Made from patented and trademarked nzimes™ enzymes, manufactured by National Enzyme Company® (the industry leader in enzyme technology)
- Vegetarian.
†Benefits:
- Ultra Veggie Enzymes promotes healthy digestion.†
- High potency of proteases helps ensure the complete digestion of proteins throughout the digestive tract, which creates greater protein and amino acid bioavailability.†
- Many of these enzymes enable a thorough and complete breakdown of a broad array of carbohydrates. This helps the body utilize food, and helps to reduce gas and bloating caused by undigested fibers, starches, and sugars.†
- Amylase, malt diastase and glucoamylase aid the digestion of starches such as pasta and potatoes.†
- Lactase, invertase, and alpha-galactosidase help to digest table sugar and the sugars in vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.†
- Cellulase and CereCalase™ help to break down the cell walls of grains, fruits, and vegetables.†
- Lipase enzyme is included to help with the digestion of fats (lipids).†
†These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your General Practitioner. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
References:
[1] Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM. (2018, June 19). The Difference Between Systemic Enzymes and Digestive Enzymes. Dr. Group’s Healthy Living Articles. https://globalhealing.com/natural-health/difference-systemic-enzymes-digestive-enzymes/
[2] The Difference Between Systemic and Digestive Enzymes. (2019, May 30). World Nutrition, Inc. https://worldnutrition.net/the-difference-between-systemic-and-digestive-enzymes/?sscid=71k4_bsclc