Enzymes - The Future Of Sports Nutrition?

An understanding of the importance of enzymes might just be one of the key elements missing in ones awareness of optimal health. When I first heard about enzymes I had no idea what they were. I had a clue that they had something to do with digestion but I felt there was more to this miracle ...An understanding of the importance of enzymes might just be one of the key elements missing in ones awareness of optimal health. When I first heard about enzymes I had no idea what they were. I had a clue that they had something to do with digestion but I felt there was more to this miracle biological element. In fact, the more I have learned about enzymes the more I am convinced they are probably one of the most important elements in a lifestyle which lends itself to super nutrition.

When we put food or liquids in our mouths the enzymatic process begins to break down foods. This process continues in the stomach and the small intestines and is critical to breaking down foods so that the nutrients in the food can be broken down and absorbed. These nutrients include Fats, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Vitamins and Minerals. If our bodies are not able to absorb the nutrients, we feel weak, tired, and unfulfilled. Why wouldn't our bodies be able to absorb the nutrients? There are several reasons:

1 - The food we are eating does not contain the nutrients either because the food was overcooked and the nutrients were partially destroyed or the food was grown in nutrient deficient soil

2 - Our bodies lack the necessary enzymes because the biological processes that produce the enzymes have been compromised and overloaded with toxins

Every time we put food or liquids into our mouth we are indeed making a choice as to how we want to live our life. Foods that are deficient in enzymes force the body to overwork itself to produce what is needed to break down the foods. Have you ever wondered why people take naps after they eat? The body is overworking to digest the food which has been consumed. Most people will not feel exhausted after eating an organic salad and fruit which are rich in enzymes.

Why else are enzymes so important. Just as important as their role in digestion, enzymes are the key that transport nutrients into our cells. They transport the nutrients throughout our body and bring them to where they are needed. And what might possibly be the most important thing about enzymes is that when enzymes do not have anything else to do in the digestive track they become like soldiers moving around the body working on inflammation. This can be a huge concept in our understanding of health and nutrition especially for very active athletes who frequently are inflamed after workouts. I personally take enzyme supplements such as Bromelain and papain once or twice a day or after a hard race or workout. Papayas are high in the enzyme papain and pineapples are high in the enzyme Bromelain. These enzymes can also be purchased in supplemental form. It is important to get high quality supplements if you want to take enzymes in supplemental form and they should be taken with food if you eat a lot of cooked foods (Which most people do). You can also take them on an empty stomach and they have a cleansing affect on the body as they will perform like little Pacmen that go around the body repairing tissue and reducing inflammation.

If you really want to get the most benefit from enzymes and their amazing affect on the human body get them from fresh squeezed vegetable and fruit juice. You can go to your whole food grocers which can juice them for you on the spot using cucumbers, carrots, celery, beets, kale, parsley, etc. You ,will not only get the squeezed out enzymes but you will also be getting the vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll which will help keep your body in an alkaline state and as vibrant as ever.

You can take this to any level you want.

Level A - Xtreme Health™

Eat raw living foods more frequently (uncooked). Take enzyme supplements daily before eating. Take enzyme supplements between meals occasionally to help roam the body and do their job as pacmen roaming the body and reducing inflammation and eating bad toxins.

Level B - Much better than most people.

Take an enzyme supplement at least once a day.

Level C - A step above what you're doing now.

Eat something raw with every meal. Pineapple, celery, carrots, other raw vegetables or fruits.

Have the most Awesome day Ever.