Protease enzymes
hydrolyze large protein molecules into smaller polypeptides
and amino acids. Human and animal studies have provided
irrefutable evidence that proteolytic enzymes, preferably
taken on an empty stomach, can and are absorbed intact from
the gastrointestinal tract into the undesirable and often
detrimental protein factions in the extra-cellular fluids.
In particular, this increased proteolytic activity has been
found to help reduce the effects of acute inflammation. When
there is cellular injury, insoluble fibrin clots develop at
the periphery of the inflamed area, enclosing the damaged
tissue preventing the migration of disease-causing agents of
toxins to other areas of the body. During the reparative
process, serum proteolytic enzymes, known as plasmins, begin
breaking down the fibrin clots into smaller, soluble
peptides and amino acids. Although the immediate fibrin
deposits is one of the most important defense mechanisms in
the body, an imbalance between the number of fibrin clots
formed and the amount of piasmin present to dissolve the
clot has been found to cause exaggerated inflammatory
symptoms such as more extensive edema; more pain; complete
stoppage of circulation to the area; a delay of the
phagocytic stage of inflammation; and delayed healing with
excess scar formation. Proteolytic enzymes given to human
subjects suffering from inflammation; and delayed healing
with excess scar formation. Proteolytic enzymes given to
human subjects suffering from inflammation have experienced
a dramatic resorption of the edemic fluid and relief of the
heat, redness, swelling from inflammation have experienced a
dramatic resorption of the edemic fluid and relief of the
heat, redness, swelling and pain. Protease supplementation
has been shown to be beneficial for acute inflammation
involving soft tissue (sports injuries), bones, respiratory
tract or the ears, nose, throat, and/or gums.
A Boost To The Immune System
Adequate proteolytic activity in the bloodstream is vital to
a healthy immune system. Human lymphocytes have proteolytic
enzymes bound on the surface of their cell membranes which
are capable of digesting the protein components of various
pathogens. In addition, lymphocytic proteases have an
increased affinity for infected cells due to the presence of
foreign proteins in the cell membrane. Immunological studies
have shown that oral administration of proteolytic enzymes
increases antibody and lymphocyte production and so aid the
immunological response. Exogenous proteases exhibit a unique
selectivity for foreign non-living proteins. Normal, living
cells are protected against lysis by an inhibitor mechanism.
Viruses are cell parasites consisting of nucleic acids
covered by a protein film which do not show any of the
characteristics of life until after a successful cellular
invasion. In vitro studies have found that, during their
extra-cellular phase, the viral envelope can be hydrolyzed
or at least inactivated by proteolytic activity leading to a
loss of infectivity of several types of viruses in man
including six different influenza Type A viruses and cold
viruses. Although bacteria and parasites cannot be
inactivated directly be exogenous proteolytic enzymes (due
to the protective mechanism in their cell membranes), these
enzymes can breakdown undigested protein, cellular dedris
and toxins in the blood. For example, proteases can
hydrolyze undigested dietary protein that enters the blood
through openings made in the intestinal wall by the toxins
and mycelia of Candida yeast. Supplementation of
high-potency proteases allows the immune system to focus its
full attention upon the bacterial or parasitic invasion.
The Problem With Undigested
Proteins
The inability to properly digest protein can negatively
affect many metabolic processes of the body. Protease
supplementation helps the body utilize protein to produce
hormones and to carry calcium to structural tissue and the
nervous system. In a healthy nervous system, calcium and
protein are integrally involved in the release of
neurotransmitters which propagate transmission of nerve
impulses. Magnesium concentrations in the extra-cellular
fluids determine how much calcium may enter a nerve cell.
When extra-cellular levels of protein, calcium and magnesium
are low, irregular nervous reactions or anxiety can result.
Magnesium also plays a vital role in maintaining mental and
emotional balance by regulating the formation of the brain
neurotransmitter dopamine and by promoting the formation of
beneficial Prostaglandins. Proper protein, calcium and
magnesium assimilation is imperative to the improvement of
the irritability, anxiety and other psychological imbalances
associated with PMS and menopause. In addition, studies have
shown that people suffering from fungal infestations such as
Candidiasis tend to be deficient in magnesium.
Protein Digestion Leads To Better
Calcium Utilization
Calcium ions initiate and control muscle fiber contractions.
A decrease in ionized serum calcium results in severe
intermittent spastic contractions of the muscle known as
tetany. As protein utilization is improved, more calcium
ions are bound by circulating proteins thus educing the
extra-cellular calcium ion concentration. To avoid the
possibility of a tetanic response, it is necessary to
supplement calcium when taking high-potency protease
enzymes. We should note that drinking ionized
alkaline water produced by our
alkaline water
ionizers may eliminate the need to supplement on
calcium. Readily-soluble Calcium and Magnesium are included
in Rich Distributing's Enzymes Plus Intestinal Flora to
prevent the complications that could result from a
deficiency of dietary calcium and/or magnesium.
In
addition to Protease,
cellulose,
lipase and
amylase are
provided in Rich
Distributing's Enzymes Plus Intestinal Flora formula to
help utilize other important food nutrients.
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