Enzyme Support – 180 capsules

Digestive enzymes have a long history of use for those who need digestive enzyme support. In the past, animal enzymes were preferred to vegetable enzymes for their protein digesting strength though they required a narrower pH window of 6.5-7.5 in order to be activated. Enzyme Support utilizes new, plant- based enzymes which function within a broader pH range of 2.5-8.5, and still offer the digestive strength of animal-based enzymes. This broad pH window of activity makes it especially helpful for individuals with lower gastric acid levels or inconsistent pH’s. Each enzyme has been tested in pH, temperature, and gastric survivability studies to ensure enzyme activity. In addition, Enzyme Support also includes DPP4, one of the primary components of peptidase, which has been shown to digest and neutralize gluten. This action may help to support gluten-sensitive individuals who ingest it inadvertently. The blend of proteases in Enzyme Support is also effective in breaking down proteins from soy, whey, and casein from milk products. Lipases for fat breakdown as well as amylases for carbohydrate breakdown are also included for full- spectrum digestive support.

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Enzyme Support offers additional support for those who have difficulty digesting plant-based foods. Optimal breakdown of plant cell walls is complex and nutrients contained within the cell walls can be difficult to absorb; for this reason, CereCalase, pectinase, xylanase, cellulose, glucoamylase and alphagalactosidase, plant enzymes not produced in the body, are added to the formula. The addition of CereCalase assists in the breakdown of plant cell walls and helps to release trapped nutrients from plant materials. Alpha-galactosidase is also included for difficult-to-digest foods such as beans, legumes, and cruciferous vegetables, to help people maintain a plant-rich diet. Both animal and human trials indicate that the supplementation of phytase helps release these nutrients and improve the nutrition of the consumer. Furthermore, a large portion of the fibrous components of botanicals are composed of non-starchy polysaccharides (NSPs), the primary ones being hemicelluloses and beta-glucans. These two compounds can alter the transit times of foods, bind digestive enzymes, and trap essential plant constituents. Enzymes which degrade these components have been shown to improve the digestibility and nutrient profiles of plant foods and products. Gentian and artichoke are also added to help stimulate the body’s own digestive processes to help achieve optimal digestive capacity.

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Herbalists have used bitters, including gentian, to stimulate natural digestive enzymes in the mouth and stomach for hundreds of years. Studies have shown that artichoke, categorized as a choleretic, stimulates the body’s natural production of bile, which is responsible for emulsifying fats in our diets. Artichoke also increases the surface area of fats, which allows enzymes to more efficiently break them down. Artichoke and gentian root provide an excellent vegetarian alternative to ox bile, which is traditionally used in digestive supplements to support bile production.