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| Digestive Enzymes |
| Unless you eat everything raw and everything you eat comes from farmland rich in minerals, and it's all organically grown, you probably need assistance. |
| Digestive enzyme products contain one, a few or many different enzymes. Most include protease, which helps digest protein; amylase, a saliva enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates; and lipase, an upper digestive tract enzyme that breaks down fats. Some brands include hydrochloric acid (HCl), pepsin, ox bile, pancreatic substances, papain, cellulose enzymes or bromelain from pineapples. Digestive enzymes are sold as powders to sprinkle on food or as tablets and capsules. There are dozens on the market, including vegetarian formulas, special blends and products for dogs and cats. Whenever you eat cooked or processed food, especially as you grow older, consider taking an enzyme supplement. |
| One single-ingredient, special-purpose enzyme product is Beano, which makes beans and bean products easier to digest, helping to prevent flatulence. Liquid Beano, a pet version named Curtail and bean-shaped Beano capsules are designed to be taken with the first bite of an offending food. Beano is sold by AkPharma, Inc., the makers of Lactaid, the lactase enzyme that digests milk sugars. Beano doesn't work for everyone, so experiment with small doses of offending foods. Other strategies for making beans easier to digest include sprouting them first (soak overnight in a wide-mouth jar, then drain and leave at room temperature for 24 to 36 |
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