WHERE HEALTH STARTS: Digestion
- christi126
- Oct 7
- 5 min read
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Why Digestive Enzymes Are Crucial for Your Health (and Why You Probably Haven’t Heard About Them)
Enzymes are one of the most critical — yet most overlooked — components of your health. Outside of nutrition and wellness circles, they’re rarely discussed. But make no mistake: without enzymes, you wouldn’t survive. They are that important.
Unfortunately, we live in a culture that tends to treat symptoms instead of addressing root causes. Once you understand how enzymes work and how vital they are to digestion and nutrient absorption, you’ll see how they can help prevent a wide range of health issues, reduce medical expenses, and even minimize doctor visits.
What Are Enzymes?
Enzymes are tiny protein molecules found naturally in raw, unprocessed foods. They act as catalysts — meaning they spark the chemical reactions that allow your body to digest food and absorb nutrients.
But here’s the catch: enzymes are destroyed when food is cooked at temperatures above 118ºF. That means most of the processed and cooked foods in a typical diet offer little to no enzyme support.
These "life force" molecules are transferred from the food you eat into your body, helping every organ and system function at its best.
Why Digestion Is Just as Important as Eating Well
It’s not just about what you eat — it’s about how well your body can digest and absorb that food. You could be eating the healthiest diet on the planet, but if your body isn’t properly breaking it down, you’re not reaping the benefits.
Digestion is a multi-step process involving the GI tract, enzymes, hormones, and both the small and large intestines. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Your GI tract mixes and moves food into your small intestine.
Enzymes and mucus are secreted to help break down the food.
Hormones regulate digestion and nutrient absorption.
Most nutrient absorption happens in the small intestine.
Anything not absorbed moves into the large intestine and is expelled.
To ensure complete digestion, your diet should include raw foods or a high-quality enzyme supplement.
Key Digestive Enzymes and Their Roles
Here are the major enzymes your body relies on:
Protease: Breaks down proteins into peptides
Peptidase: Converts peptides into amino acids
Amylase: Digests carbohydrates into disaccharides
Lactase, Maltase, Invertase: Break down disaccharides into glucose
Lipase: Breaks down fats into fatty acids
Cellulase: Aids in breaking down fiber
Early Warning Signs of Enzyme Deficiency
Many common digestive complaints are signs that your body may be low on enzymes:
Bloating
Gas
Heartburn
Indigestion
Diarrhea
Excessive burping
Upset stomach
Rather than reach for an antacid, consider whether your body is actually enzyme-deficient, not “acid-deficient.” Blocking stomach acid may offer temporary relief but ultimately makes digestion worse by halting the breakdown process.
Over time, poor digestion can lead to:
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Increased susceptibility to illness
Premature aging
Food sensitivities or intolerances
Enzymes and Allergies: What’s the Connection?
Food and environmental allergies can often be traced back to poor digestion. When your body can’t properly break down a substance (even something harmless like a grass pollen or cooked food), it treats it as a threat.
Instead of digesting it, your immune system overreacts — triggering symptoms like:
Coughing, sneezing, post-nasal drip
Skin rashes or hives
Sinus congestion
Digestive discomfort
Proper enzyme levels can help digest potential allergens before they trigger a response — unlike antihistamines or allergy meds that only suppress symptoms.
Cooked Food and Enzyme Depletion
When you eat mostly cooked or processed foods, your body is forced to supply its own digestive enzymes. Over time, this depletes your enzyme reserves.
Think of it like a phone battery — if you keep using it without recharging, it eventually dies. Your body’s enzyme supply works the same way, but unlike a phone, you can’t just plug yourself in to recharge. The only way to “refuel” is through raw foods or supplementation.
How Enzyme Deficiency Leads to Disease
Chronic enzyme deficiency doesn’t just cause digestive issues — it can snowball into more serious conditions, including autoimmune diseases like:
Arthritis: Caused when undigested proteins accumulate in joints and trigger inflammation
Diabetes: Undigested proteins can mimic pancreas tissue, leading the immune system to attack both the invader and the organ itself
Your immune system is trying to help, but when the digestive system fails, it ends up attacking your own body. That’s the tragic cost of prolonged enzyme deficiency.
Enzyme Supplements: A Smarter Alternative
[Affiliate Product]Consider Optimal 1 Digest-A-Meal, a comprehensive digestive enzyme supplement that includes:
A full spectrum of enzymes for proteins, fats, carbs, and fibers
Patented organic minerals and friendly flora
Nutrients that support GI repair and protect against environmental stressors
Unlike antacids or acid blockers, Digest-A-Meal addresses the root cause of indigestion. It helps:
Relieve symptoms like bloating, gas, and acid reflux
Improve digestion of cooked meals
Support energy levels and slow premature aging
Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The Bottom Line
Many chronic health issues — from mild digestive discomfort to serious autoimmune diseases — can begin with something as simple as poor digestion. Supporting your body with the enzymes it needs is a foundational step toward vibrant, lasting health.
Eating more raw, enzyme-rich foods or using a high-quality supplement can make a dramatic difference in your energy, immunity, and overall well-being.
Take the First Step Toward Better Health
If you’ve been experiencing digestive discomfort, unexplained fatigue, or chronic inflammation, it might be time to look deeper — starting with how well your body is digesting food.
Optimizing your enzyme levels can help you:
Improve digestion and nutrient absorption
Reduce or eliminate gas, bloating, and heartburn
Support immune function and energy levels
Minimize long-term health risks linked to poor digestion
Start by incorporating more raw, enzyme-rich foods into your diet — or consider supplementing with high-quality digestive support.
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Contact Our Office for Personalized Guidance
If you have questions about how to support your health naturally or want personalized advice based on your symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.
📍 Website: askchiropatrick.com
📞 Phone: (207) 781-2003📠
Fax: (833) 605-0175
We’re here to help you take control of your health — from the inside out.
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