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ENZYME DEFICIENCIES
Have you ever asked yourself, “How is it possible that I
am sick even though I eat organic foods and am very careful with my diet?” The
answer is most likely ENZYME DEFICIENCY. An enzyme deficiency can manifest
itself as a variety of conditions. Presented here is a brief look a causes and
symptoms.
Protease Deficiency:
Protease
digests protein. Acidity is created through the digestion of protein. Therefore
a protease deficiency results in an alkaline excess in the blood. This alkaline
environment can cause anxiety and insomnia.
In
addition, since protein is required to carry protein-bound calcium in the
blood, a protease deficiency lays the foundation for arthritis, osteoporosis
and other calcium-deficient diseases.
Because
protein is converted to glucose upon demand, inadequate protein digestion leads
to hypoglycemia, resulting in moodiness, mood swings and irritability.
Protease
also has an ability to digest unwanted debris in the blood including certain
bacteria and viruses. Therefore, protease deficient people are immune
compromised, making them susceptible to bacterial, viral and yeast infections
and a general decrease in immunity.
Amylase Deficiency:
Amylase digests carbohydrates along with dead white blood
cells (pus). When you are low in amylase you are a candidate for abscesses
(inflamed areas with pus but not bacteria). Amylase is also involved in
anti-inflammatory reactions such as those caused by the release of histamine
and similar substances. An Amylase deficiency can result in skin problems such
as psoriasis, eczema, hives, allergic reactions to bee and bug stings, atopic
dermatitis, and all types of herpes. Asthma and emphysema may also be
exacerbated by an amylase deficiency.
Lipase Deficiency:
Since lipase digests fat and fat-soluble vitamins, lipase
deficient people can be expected to have a tendency toward high cholesterol,
high triglycerides, difficulty losing weight and diabetes. The future outcome
of these tendencies is Lipase deficient people also have decreased cell
permeability, meaning nutrients cannot get in and the waste cannot get out. The
condition of vertigo or labrynthis, also called Meniere’s Disease (dizziness
aggravated by movement such as walking or driving), can also result from lipase
deficiency.
Cellulase Deficiency Conditions:
Cellulase breaks down the fiber in our diet. Because our
body does not produce cellulase, this food enzyme is essential. We must eat it
on a daily basis. Remember, ONLY RAW FOODS contain cellulase. Of all the
enzymes, this deficiency carries with it the most categories of problems.
The
symptoms of cellulase deficiency can best be described as malabsorption of
nutrients, vitamins, or minerals from the diet by the lining of the small
intestine. Malabsorption has many symptoms including lower abdominal gas, pain,
bloating and problems associated with the jejunum and pancreas.
Sucrase, Lactase & Maltase
Deficiency:
People who have malabsorption syndrome and cellulase
deficiency also have a tendency towards sugar (sucrose, lactose, and maltose)
and/or gluten intolerance. Sucrose, lactose, and maltose are three common
sugars which some people cannot tolerate. They are broken down and absorbed
into the system by three enzymes; sucrase, lactase and maltase.
Sucrose
intolerant people cannot split the sucrose disaccharide into twin partners, two
units of glucose. Glucose is a primary brain food so expect mental and
emotional problems in people who cannot get glucose into the brain. Symptoms
include depression, moodiness, panic attacks, manic and schizophrenic behavior
and severe mood swings.
Lactose
intolerant people also have classic symptoms which include abdominal cramps and
diarrhea. Other allergic symptoms, including asthma, have been witnessed from
the ingestion of lactose-containing products.
Maltose
intolerant people are generally sensitive to environmental conditions.
An
intolerance to sucrose, lactose, or maltose may be worsened by a deficiency in
sucrase, lactase, or maltase.
Gluten
grains include wheat, oats, rye and barley. Not everyone has to avoid all four
grains; however, sometimes it is a must. Gluten intolerance is associated with
Celiac Disease and Malabsorption Syndrome. It is also associated with Crohn’s
Disease. The insidious thing about gluten intolerance is that it creates a
sugar intolerance because when gluten intolerant people eat gluten containing
foods, the brush borders of the jejunum are injured and thus unable to secrete
the disaccharides (sucrase, lactase, and maltase) leading to sugar intolerance.
The
problems discussed here are just the tip of the iceberg. More discoveries
continue to emerge as research with food enzymes continues.
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