DIGESTION…ABSORPTION…ELIMINATION

by Charles Hallquist PhD, DN

When digestion, absorption, and elimination are maximized, you will notice a lot of other symptoms will be eliminated. Indigestion can be attributed to a great many causes. Its discomfort, not only in the stomach, but in the areas of absorption and elimination, creates a general “not feeling very well” condition to the client. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of the people working and walking around have a digestive problem, which could easily be eliminated. We will see how enzymes can return the digestive system to normal. Common symptoms of enzyme insufficiency include abdominal bloating, gas, indigestion, and passing of undigested foods into the stool. In order to gain nutritional benefits from the food we eat, it is critical that we properly digest, absorb, and eliminate our food. The best nutrition in the world would go to waste if the body were unable to process that food. Fortunately, the human digestive system is quite efficient in extracting the needed nutrients from “good” food under normal conditions. The major function of the digestive system is to grind down foods and absorb nutrients. The digestive system extends from the mouth to the anus and includes: mouth, throat, esophagus, intestines and all related organs, the salivary glands, the liver and gallbladder, and of course, the pancreas. Digestion occurs as a result of mechanical and chemical processes. The mechanical process includes grinding, crushing, and mixing of the food mass together with digestive juices/enzymes. These are responsible for the chemical breakdown of large molecules into smaller molecules by breaking up chemical bonds (when three or more molecules bond together). The active compounds in the digestive juices are primarily enzymes. Protease breaks down proteins, amylase breaks down starchy carbohydrates and lipase breaks down fat. The digestive process starts in the mouth. Food is mixed with saliva, which contains the enzyme amylase, which breaks down starch molecules into smaller segments. Food is broken down in the stomach by mechanical as well as chemical means. The mixing of food with digestive secretions, including hydrochloric acid and enzymes, is critical to proper protein digestion and nutrient absorption. If hydrochloric acid secretion is insufficient or inhibited, proper protein digestion will not occur. In this process, the food is in the stomach from 45 minutes to 4 hours. When the food leaves the stomach, it is referred to as chyme. It takes the chyme approximately two to four hours to make its way through the 21-foot small intestine. The small intestine is divided into three segments:

• Duodenum – the first portion, is 10 to 12 inches long
• Jejunum – the middle portion, is about 8 feet long
• Ileum – the last portion, is about 12 feet long

The small intestine participates in all aspects of digestion, absorption, and transport of ingested material. The small intestine secretes a variety of digestive and protective enzymes from the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Absorption of nutrients occurs predominately in the duodenum. Absorption of water -soluble vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins occurs primarily in the jejunum. Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, fat, cholesterol, and bile salt compounds secreted by the gallbladder occurs in the ileum during digestion. Disease in the small intestine often results in mal-absorption syndromes characterized by multiple nutrient deficiencies. Examples of common mal-absorption would include, but are not limited to, Celiac disease (gluten intolerance), food allergy (enzyme deficiency), intestinal infection, and Crohn’s disease, which would indicate an amylase deficiency.

PANCREAS

The pancreas produces enzymes that are required for digestion and absorption of nutrients. Each day the pancreas secretes about 1-1/2 quarts of pancreatic juices into the small intestine. The enzymes secreted include lipase, protease, and amylase. Lipase along with bile from the gallbladder breaks down fats. Deficiency of lipase would result in mal-absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Amylase breaks down the starch (carbohydrate) molecules into smaller segments. The saliva gland as well as the pancreas secretes the enzyme amylase. Protease is secreted by the pancreas and breaks down protein into single amino acids, Incomplete digestion of protein creates a number of problems, including the development of allergies and formation of toxic substances, which are produced during putrefaction. Protease is responsible for keeping the small intestine free of parasites including bacteria, yeast, protozoa, and parasitic worms. Lack of the enzyme protease increases the risk of intestinal infection and chronic candida. Protease is very important in preventing the formation of fibrous clots, tissue damage during inflammation, and depositing immune complexes in the body tissue. Incomplete digestion and yeast can be the main contributors to the development of many diseases. Ingestion of healthy foods and many nutritional supplements are of little benefit when breakdown and assimilation are inadequate. Enzymes assist in this necessary assimilation. Proper function of the small intestine requires effective digestive enzymes coupled with a fully functional absorptive surface. Improving small intestine function requires addressing the underlying issues, i.e., food intolerance, allergies, lack of enzymes, low immune status, and too much sugar in the diet. The digestive system is a truly integrated system, in which the function of one aspect usually affects the others. Due to the interrelationship among the components of the digestive system, it makes it difficult to determine the exact cause of a digestive disturbance. Using the proper digestive enzymes will eliminate most of the problems.

Copyright © 2010, Enzyme Research Products, Inc

by: Charles Hallquist, PhD

We are all going to arrive at our Golden Years. How can we best insure our longevity and be in good physical and mental condition at the same time? The answer may be that there is a definite correlation between the amounts of enzymes an individual possesses and the amount of energy he has.  With increasing age, we show a decreased energy reserve. A quote from the work of Dr. Edward Howell is, “If you take in enzyme reinforcements during the younger years, your enzymes at eighty years will be more like those at forty years.”

How does a lack of enzymes speed the aging process?   When our enzyme levels become so low that our metabolism suffers, death may result.  When our metabolism is falsely stimulated by coffee, a high protein diet, and/or other stimulants, our metabolism increases and enzymes are used up. This is a false energy and we feel a sense of well being, however, the end result will be a rapid burnout of energy causing premature aging. The greater the amount of enzyme reserves, the stronger our immune system and the more healthy we are.

Invariably any discussion about enzymes results in the question: Do we lose our ability to produce enzymes    because we age or do we age because our ability to sustain production of enzymes decreases? We are all born with an enzyme potential that is predicated upon our DNA, referred to as enzyme reserves. Following are some  examples of why life cannot exist without enzymes:

• Enzymes are needed for every chemical reaction that takes place in the body.
• Enzymes are catalysts. They make things work.
• Enzymes are connected to every working organ in our body and run our life’s processes.
• Enzymes are needed by vitamins and minerals to accomplish their delivery within the body.
• Enzymes are required for any food digestion to occur.
• Enzymes are made inactive by processing or cooking food over 116º.
• Enzymes can prevent partially digested proteins from putrefying, carbohydrates from fermenting, and     fats from turning rancid within the system.
• Enzymes from plant sources become active as soon as they enter the body.  It only takes moisture and     heat to activate them.
• Enzymes from animal sources only work or are activated within the small intestine, and in an alkaline  setting of 8.0

Nature has endowed all raw food with the required enzymes for digestion. Chewing and breaking down the fiber of the food releases the necessary enzymes for digestion to begin.

Raw foods do not contain as many enzymes as in the past, due to environmental factors, i.e., depleted soil conditions and modern preserving techniques. Our body needs to compensate by secreting more and more enzymes to make up for the lack.

In addition to cooked foods, coffee, illness, stress, and even exercise, are some other factors that take their toll on our enzyme reserves.

Enzyme deficient food puts a burden on our digestive system, which wasn’t designed to handle incompletely digested foods. This, in turn, may lead to poor nutrient absorption, fatigue, digestive upset, food allergies, and many other conditions.  When partially digested food molecules escape into the bloodstream, this causes an immune response, such as LeakyGut syndrome which over-burdens the immune system. The body then steals enzymes from the white blood cells, thereby compromising our immune system even further.

Dr. Edward Howell, father of enzyme research in the United States, and Dr. Wolf of Germany have done extensive research on enzymes. They have shown in numerous studies that enzyme output gradually decreases with age and may be reduced by more than 60% by the time we reach age 55.

At some point in time, we must supplement our enzyme reserves in order to fight the degenerative conditions associated with aging.

We know that the major cause of aging is cellular deterioration due to excess toxins in the body.  Enzymes help the body to resist free radical damage. This destructive damage has to be stopped, as it weakens the whole body and causes premature aging.

As we age, free radicals cause cross-linkage that reduces connective tissue and causes the skin to lose its elasticity, resulting in wrinkles.  Enzymes fight the aging process by increasing blood supply to the skin, bringing with it life-giving nutrients and carrying away waste products that can make your skin look dull and wrinkled.  Circulation slows down as we get older. A diet which includes an abundance of raw fruits and vegetables (which are high in enzymes) along with taking a complete enzyme supplement becomes more important with age, because eating a cooked or processed diet has depleted our body’s natural enzyme reserves. Other challenges of aging that can be addressed with enzymes are:

• Purifying blood – Is it possible that an enzyme can clean up or purify the blood?  When you look at it from the simplest perspective, it makes sense. It is a known fact that fungal forms, parasites, and bacteria are made up of protein. Also, take into consideration that the shell that protects a virus in our bodies is also a protein coating. Protease is suggested to take on an empty stomach to break down protein invaders, i.e., fungus, yeast, toxicity, bacteria, and parasites.
• Strengthening the immune system – Enzymes deliver nutrients, carry away toxic wastes, digest food, purify the blood, deliver hormones by feeding and fortifying the endocrine system, balance cholesterol and triglyceride levels, feed the brain and cause no harm to the body.
• Breaking down fats – It is a proven fact the enzyme lipase breaks down (digests) fat. When added to your meal as a supplement, it is able to do this job in the digestive tract. This takes stress off the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.
• Lowering cholesterol – Lipase helps lower cholesterol levels because of its ability to break down fat.
• Taking off excess weight and fat – Many overweight people have metabolism imbalances or the potential of creating one. The endocrine system rules our metabolism. Once we are able to fortify the endocrine system, get the bowels working regularly, and digest our food rather than turning it into fat, we have a successful combination for losing weight. Rather than creating common “weight loss” which is often nothing more than water loss, we will instead burn fat and properly digest our food. This process is not instantaneous, because we have to lose fat instead of weight. It takes longer, but is healthier and lasts longer. Best of all, it does no harm.
• Enhancing mental capacity – Your body uses glucose called from the liver to feed and fortify the hypothalamus. Your red blood cells do the work of carrying oxygen to your brain. Nutrients have to be delivered throughout your body by means of the enzyme delivery system. When this is not accomplished, you become fatigued and are less able to think clearly. Remember that the hypothalamus directs our endocrine system and is responsible for water balance, body temperature, appetite and even emotions.
• Cleansing the colon – Undigested foods that are stored in the colon begin with a digestive problem. In the colon, undigested protein will putrefy; starch, sugars and carbohydrates will ferment; and fats will turn rancid. If we eat more than one meal per day, we should experience at least one and two bowel movements per day to rid our body of toxic waste. Enzymes aid in natural colon  functioning by properly breaking down the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The proper digestion of food is the first step in encouraging regularity.
• Enhancing sleep – When nutrients are unable to get past the brain’s barrier, it can create insomnia and depression. The undernourished endocrine system may create a malfunction in our hormonal system, which can upset our nervous system and sleep patterns. If we are able to correctly digest our food, however, we get proper delivery of the nutrients to keep the endocrine and nervous system in sync. We can then rebuild our lifestyle and energy patterns.

Although there is no silver bullet or magic potion to stop aging, we do know it takes years for our health to decline, and it usually takes many more years to resolve our health problems. The simple fact is, we should always give our body the correct fuel to perform, and it will give us many years of service. Intervention with enzymes and other nutrients is the key in anti-aging.

We all are going to arrive at our Golden Years. Let’s be in the best physical and mental condition possible.

References:

Charles Hallquist, PhD, DN

According to the scientific community, the endocrine glands, especially the pituitary, adrenals, thyroid and pancreas, control the sugar level in our bodies. The pancreas secretes insulin and insulin activates the movement of glucose to leave the blood and enter the cells. Insulin also stimulates the liver and muscle cells to convert glucose to glycogen, which is a carbohydrate and the main storage compound of sugar in the blood. Cellular uptake and utilization of glucose begins with the binding of insulin to the cell surface receptors. Normally, in a healthy person, the cells are capable of sensing the binding of insulin to the cell receptors on their surface. The problem arises when the cell loses its ability to sense this binding of insulin on its surface. In an attempt to overcome this decreased sensitivity, the body will secrete an ever-increasing amount of insulin, which may lead to various levels of metabolic problems. Various names have been applied to this resistance, such as: Syndrome X, Metabolic Syndrome, and Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS). Clinical signs of insulin resistance may be characterized by very high cholesterol and triglyceride levels along with glucose intolerance, excessive thirst, dizziness, increased urination, high sugar intake, and high starch intake. All of these should be checked along with the glucose level.

Evidence shows that diet can be very effective in reducing IRS. Diets high in carbohydrate starches should be avoided, or any food that is white, such as potatoes, white bread, and sugar (including products containing sugar). Research has shown vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients will improve insulin sensitivity for the stability and improvement of glucose blood levels. Diabetes is a growing concern for everyone in the health industry. Diabetes has been on the increase for several years and the rate of people being diagnosed with diabetes is staggering. A wise choice would be: GlucoMetabolic Plus™, to help regulate glucose, Vitazyme™ for the needed nutrients, Digestive™ (multiple enzymes) for digestion, watching the starch intake and exercise. GlucoMetabolic Plus™ was formulated by Enzyme Research® and Kamto Lee, DOM, LAc.

Copyright © 2010, Enzyme Research Products, Inc

CASE STUDY – DELEEN
July 2007

Patient:  Deleen – Age 55

Diagnosis from Medical Doctor
Osteoporosis – (Beginning)

Dr. Lori met Deleen at St. Vincent’s hospital while both were waiting for an ultra sound.  Deleen, after hearing about natural and alternative health care, was excited to come to the Center for Enzyme Therapy.  She was even more excited to learn that we had extraordinary results in getting the bone density back to normal.

It was about 2 years later, when she came to the Center and said she had been carrying Dr. Lori’s card in her handbag and decided it was time to have an appointment.  Her two main concerns was the onset of osteoporosis and very low vitamin D levels.

First appointment:
During the appointment she expressed low energy, leg cramps, restless leg syndrome, and digestion not so good at times.  Her main concern, of course, was the osteoporosis matter.

To get her body in balance and address her concerns we recommended the following:

Nutritionally she was advised to:

Supplement Recommendations:

Supplement Recommendations:
Same supplementation as before except Vitazyme was added:

Third appointment (1 month later):
She said she felt like she was a new person her body was in balance.  Her digestion, absorption and elimination was working well.  She didn’t have any leg cramps or any restless leg problem.  She had great energy and loved the Vitazyme.

Supplement Recommendations:
Same supplementation as before.

She came into the Center with a big smile to get her supplements, is still on the program and feels great.

Six months after she started on the program, she came into the Center and got products and said she was going for a bone density and Vitamin D test at the hospital the next day and would let us know the results.

The next day she came running into the Center, and all the way from the hospital she had been trying to figure out how many flowers and balloons it would take to fill the whole Center because her bone density test was better than average and for the first time in her life, her Vitamin D count was normal.  And, I got a big kiss on the cheek!

This was one of the most rewarding cases I have ever had.

CASE STUDY – BRIAN
August  1999

Patient:  Brian  -  28 years old

Diagnosis from Medical Doctor:
Severe IBS

Brian had been suffering from Irritable Bowl Syndrome for about a year until it became so bad that he finally went to a Medical Doctor.  After he was diagnosed and was given a prescription, he finally decided to take his Mother’s advice and come to see Dr. Charlie and Dr Lori at the Oswego Center for Natural Health.

His Mother and Father had both been clients for several years and had been very faithful in taking their enzyme supplements.  The both had had digestive problems along with several other issues (prostate and hormone).

First appointment:
It was no wonder that Brian had dysfunctions.  What he ate and drank was disgusting.  He was overweight, somewhat depressed, lethargic, and because of the IBS did not have a good social life.

We had known him for some time and he just got off track. We counseled with him about nutrition and he realized what he had to do and was willing to do whatever it took.  The first thing was to get his body in balance as far as the IBS was concerned.

He was told to avoid simple sugars and products containing them.  Avoid refined processed foods and increase fiber intake from fruits and vegetables.  No lettuce or vegetables that are sharp because the gastro intestinal track is raw and can be cut easily.

Supplement Recommendations:
Digestive Enzyme – 3 capsules, 3x day (start of each meal)
ProDophilusFOS (Probiotic) – 2 capsules upon rising, 2 at bedtime
Vitamin C Plus - 3 capsules per day
Vitazyme – 1 capsule with breakfast, 2 with lunch
B-Complex Plus - 2 capsules per day with meal

Second Appointment (2 weeks later):

He looked much more relaxed and happy when he came into the office.  He had lost 4 lbs. and felt like this was going to be change in his life.

He was being very good with what he was eating and taking all his supplements.  He was not having the cramps in the lower abdomen; not as much pain with bowel movements; diarrhea was getting less frequent, less upset stomach, and more energy.

Supplementation:
He continued with the supplement program he was on.

Third Appointment (1 month later):

It was amazing how far Brian had come.  He had lost 10 more pounds, diarrhea was all but gone, and feeling great.

He wanted to continue with the same supplements and said he would be back in 2 months.

He didn’t come back but his parents did.  We asked about Brian and they said he didn’t come back because he fell back to his old habits.  But this time it was much more serious.  He had to go to the emergency room because he got so bad that they thought he was dying.  After he was in the hospital for a week, they told him they were going to have to operate and take out part of his colon.  That was a real wake up call.

He told his parents that he wasn’t going to have the operation and that he wanted to come back and have us work with him again and that he absolutely would be compliant with everything we advised him to do.

He went back on the same routine as before.  It took a while longer this time for him to get his body back into balance, but after six months he was a different person.  Six years later he is still on track except now he has a wife and two beautiful children.  He says he will never again abuse his body.

CASE STUDY – JOHNSON CHILDREN
July 1997

Patients:  Same family:
Boy – 9 months old – Randy
Girl – 2 years old – Laura
Boy – 4 years old – Brad

Diagnosis from Medical Doctor:
Severe allergies – each child

The three children had been going to an Allergist twice a week for some time getting allergy shots.  One day, when Mrs. Johnson and children were in the allergist’s office, a woman sitting next to them suggested that they go see Dr. Charlie as he was helping many children with allergy concerns.

During the initial appointment, Mrs. Johnson said the children had had allergies all their lives and sometimes there were reactions to the shots.  Other than the allergies and slightly low immune systems, the children were in good health.

First appointment:
Dr. Charlie explained how Protease enzyme breaks down the protein coating on the allergy cells and this could be one the answers for the children.  In addition to the Protease, he suggested full spectrum Digestive enzyme and ProDophilusFOS, (probiotic) to balance the body. He educated Mrs. Johnson on how the enzymes and probiotics work in the body and how to get the body in balance through digestion, absorption and elimination.

Protease enzyme taken on an empty stomach goes into the blood steam immediately and starts breaking down the coating on the allergens so they can be eliminated from the body.  Digestive enzymes are taken with food and break down the different food groups, i.e., protein, fats, and carbohydrates.  The body then gets the necessary nutrients.  The probiotic helps with absorption of the nutrients, keeps the pH in balance, builds good flora and helps with elimination.  These three products help to build the immune system.

Supplement Recommendations: (Because the children were so young, we decided that rather than taking the capsules in tact, we would open the capsule and put it in their drink and their food.  (Protease taken on an empty stomach immediately goes into the blood stream and Protease taken with food breaks down foods that contain protein.)

UPON RISING—

PROTEASE – one (1) capsule immediately upon rising.  It was suggested to open the capsule and  put it in
a small amount of orange or apple juice. Or Put the opened capsule in a tablespoon of Applesauce. (Wait about 15 minutes)

ProDophilus FOS – one (1) capsule (Follow directions above.) (Then have breakfast)

BREAKFAST—–

DIGESTIVE – one (1) capsule.  Can be opened and mixed with food.  (It does not have any taste.)

LUNCH——

DIGESTIVE- one (1) capsule.  Can be opened and mixed with food.

DINNER—–

DIGESTIVE–one (l) capsule.  Can be opened and mixed with food.

JUST BEFORE BED—

PROTEASE – same instructions as Upon Rising. (No food for approximately 2 hours before taking the Protease.)

Second appointment (2 weeks later):
The children were significantly improved.  None of the three were having the same amount of symptoms or attacks.  They were happier and did not have any problem taking the supplements.

We decided to keep them on the same amount of supplements.

Third appointment (1 month later):
Again, the children were improving.  The mother and father were ecstatic. 
They were going to stay on the same supplementation.

3 months after 1st appointment:
They decided they didn’t need to come in for an office visit for a while because the kids were doing so well.  But, they were going to stay on the supplements and decided that because they helped the kids so much, they were going to take the supplements, too, and get their bodies back into balance.

CASE STUDY – MORRIS CHILDREN
May 2001

Patients:  Same family:
One six (6) year old boy – John
Twins (boy and girl) four (4) years old – Carrie & Curt

Diagnosis from Medical Doctor:
ADD & ADHD

The parents had come to the conclusion, after much research, that vaccinations were the cause of their dysfunctions.  Because the MD had the children on several prescription drugs, and the diet was very restrictive, they decided to change doctors and go the natural route.

The parents were arguing all the time as the Mother went along 100% with the MD’s protocol and the Father was very upset because he felt that the children were in ‘prison’ and were not able to be “just children”. Someone suggested to them that they go to Oswego Center for Natural Health/Center for Enzyme Therapy and see Dr. Charlie Hallquist for functional nutrition.

The initial appointment determined the children were gluten intolerant, lactose intolerant, not digesting well, and most importantly, sad.

Dr. Charlie, being the old country doctor type, bonded immediately with the children.  The parents, however, were a problem because of their ideas of how to raise the children, find a happy medium to get them well, and let them be children.

First appointment:
Take them off all gluten, sugar and milk products and get their bodies in balance through Digestion, Absorption and Elimination.
Supplement Recommendations:
Digestive
3 capsules, 3x day (start of each meal)
ProDophilusFOS
2 capsules upon rising, 2 at bedtime
L-Taurine
5 drops, 2x day
Flax Seed Oil
1 capsule
Magnesium
1 capsule, 2x day
Epsom Salts
1 cup in bath at night (Because Epsom Salts is Magnesium, it very calming)

Second Appointment (2 weeks later):
Parents were pleased with the improvement in their digestion, feeling all around better, increased good energy and more importantly less ADD & ADHD symptoms.

Dr. Charlie and Dr. Lori, counseled with the parents and helped them come to an agreement wherein the children could have a slice of pizza, ice cream cone or whatever they desired once or twice a week.  If they went to a Birthday party or some other similar function, they could have some of the special treats.

Supplement recommendation:
Continued taking the supplements but added
Vitazyme
1 capsule with Breakfast

Third Appointment (1 month later):
It is a completely different family.  The children are happier and the parents are happier.  The children’s bodies were more in balance and their behavior was becoming more normal.

They were still maintaining their good eating regiment, along with having a treat once in a while.

Supplement recommendation:
Continued taking all the supplements

After six and one-half years since their first visit, they are still taking most of the same supplements.  The parents have been a little more tolerant with kinds of food, but they know their limitations and know signs when they get too many goodies.

They are like grandchildren to us now.