ENZYMES: VITAL FOR A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM
by Patricia A. Fitzgerald, H.M.D., L.Ac.

The immune system: we cannot exist without it, to say the least. Yet today's world seems to attack it at every turn: viruses, air pollution, pesticides, processed foods, and stress are indeed realities that overburden and compromise the immune system. For optimum health it is up to individuals to take responsibility to educate themselves and make healthy immune system strengthening choices on a daily basis. Remember, the best defense is a good offense.

We all know that adequate rest, regular exercise, and a balanced diet are important for a strong immune system. What will be presented here is information that has often been overlooked, suppressed, denied, or misunderstood, yet seems to provide a major piece of the immune puzzle.

For starters, here's a point to ponder: Why do animals in the wild seem to escape the maladies of modern civilization: AIDS, cancer, arthritis, etc.? Domesticated animals, however, unfortunately share similar diseases with humans. Scientists originally attributed this factor to stress, but studies have disproven this, for wild animals have a great deal of stress. Every day they have to find food, shelter, and escape from predators! So what is a key difference between the lifestyle of civilized humans vs wild animals?

Man is the only animal who cooks food! Think about it. Anytime food is heated over 118 F. 100% of the enzymes are destroyed. One-hundred percent! What are enzymes and why are they so important? Life itself could not exist without enzymes. Basic nutrition includes water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. The first six are the raw materials, but the enzymes are the catalysts which give life and direction to the raw materials. Enzymes are crucial to every metabolic process in the human body.

There are countless examples of the power of enzymes. A seed, soaked in water, releases its enzymes and starts the germination (life!) process of sprouting. Sprouts are a very rich source of enzymes. Put that seed in heated water and life ceases. Remember that black eye that seemed to heal with a raw steak placed on it? The protein-digesting enzymes in the raw steak have anti-inflammatory properties. The low cholesterol levels in Eskimos (Eskimo means "he eats it raw") have been attributed to the high amount of lipase (fat-digesting enzyme) in the raw meat.

We've all heard the saying, "you are what you eat." The truth is, we are what we digest and assimilate. Enzymes in food ensure that what is ingested gets digested. Maximum delivery of nutrients to cells is essential to a healthy immune system.

There are basically three types of enzymes the human body uses: metabolic (enzymes used in most bodily functions), food enzymes (contained in raw, organic food), and digestive enzymes (enzymes the body makes to aid in digestion). Raw organic food contains most of all the enzymes needed to digest that particular food, so our body doesn't have to drain our metabolic enzymes reserve to make digestive enzymes. For example, raw almonds contain protease (protein-digesting enzymes), amylase (carbohydrate-digesting enzymes), and lipase (fat-digesting enzymes). In contrast, roasted almonds contain zero enzymes.

So how is cooked food digested? In his book, The Influence of Food Cooking on the Blood: Formula of Man, Paul Kouchakoff, M.D., proved that when cooked foods are eaten, the body initiates an emergency response. Since the food enzymes are gone, the pancreas secretes extra enzymes for digestion. Sounds efficient? Not really. In his studies, Dr. Kouchakoff, found that the pancreas takes enzymes from the body's metabolic reserve (particularly from the white blood cell count), and sends them to the digestive system. This means the body's supply of enzymes responsible for an optimal immune system are drained every time a cooked food is eaten.

Of course, not many people can conveniently consume 100% raw organic food. Fortunately, there is enzyme supplementation available so one can replace precious enzymes destroyed in cooked food, as well as build a strong metabolic reserve. Enzymes are a hot topic in the natural health field, so let the buyer beware. Enzymes from an animal pancreas have a limited pH (7.8 - 8.3) and contains toxins from the animal. This source is useless in the more acidic environments of the stomach and parts of the small intestine. Also, the enzyme supplement should be able to digest fats, proteins, carbohydrates, dairy, sugar, and fiber. Bromelain (papaya/pineapple enzymes) only digests protein. Fortunately, there is a plant called aspergillus which has a wide pH range (2 - 12) and is high in enzymes needed to digest all types of food. When the stress of digestion is reduced with the use of plant enzymes, people have reported improved digestion, a more efficient metabolism, increased immunity, and more energy.

The benefits of enzyme therapy and numerous scientific studies can be further explored in Dr. Edward Howell's book, Enzyme Nutrition (Avery Publishing).

Patricia A. Fitzgerald, H.M.D., L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist practicing in Santa Monica, California. She has a doctorate in homeopathic medicine, as well as advanced degrees in nutrition and Chinese medicine. She is interviewed often by the media, with recent appearance on PBS. A clinician for over fifteen years, she lectures internationally on innovative approaches to achieve optimal health. She is the founder of The Santa Monica Wellness Center. Her popular new book, "The Detox Solution," (Illumination Press) can be purchased through Illumination Press at www.thedetoxsolution.com


copyright 2001. All rights reserved by author. Granted permission to CirclePoint/InnerMidst Magazine.

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