Photo credit to thetruthaboutcancer.com
PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMES
Oh boy you say, what in the world are proteolytic enzymes … something equally as fun as conjugating verbs or calculus? Well, maybe not as much fun but much more important.
The word “Proteolytic” simply refers to protein … Proteolysis is the breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or amino acids of which proteins are made. Some amino acids necessary for protein production are produced by bodies while others are not and therefore referred to as “essential” and must be ingested through dietary sources.
Enzymes are biological catalysts generated by an organism to speed up chemical reactions. Enzymes are widely recognized for their importance in digesting food. They also break up circulating immune complexes in the blood. Enzymes can act to prevent too much fibrin (non-globular protein involved in the clotting of blood) from being deposited in wounds, fractures and joints. These enzymes also remove necrotic (dying cells) debris and excess fibrin from the blood stream. So why you say if these substances are so important have I never heard of them? Good question, enzyme therapy is a prime example in which US medicine is missing the boat due to a lack of awareness and unwillingness to use therapies not made by “big pharmaceuticals.” Enzymes cannot be patented so they are of little interest to drug companies. Digestive enzymes are something that should be a part of your diet. If they are not, see your local Acupuncturist, Herbalist or Nutritionist, to see about adding them to your lifestyle.
Stay tuned as there’s more good news to come from use of these enzymes and my next discussion will be of their important role in disease prevention.
