Buy Now

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF MINERALS IN ENZYMES?
(Why add the Digestive Support Formula along with The Oral Chelation / Age-Less Formula?)

In essence, enzymes are what give us life. Enzymes are molecules involved in speeding up chemical reactions necessary for bodily function. Enzymes work to join molecules together or split them apart.They do this by making or breaking the chemical bonds that join molecules together.

Most enzymes are composed of a protein, along with an essential mineral, and possibly a vitamin. If an enzyme is lacking the essential mineral or vitamin, it cannot function properly.

If the body is provided the necessary mineral or vitamin through diet or nutritional formula, the enzyme is then able to function properly. For example, zinc is necessary for the enzyme that activates vitamin A, otherwise cannot be converted to the active form. This deficiency can result in night-blindness. Many enzymes require additional support in order to perform their function. This support is called a coenzyme - a molecule that functions along with enzyme. Like enzymes, most coenzymes are composed of mineral component, the enzyme is again powerless. Most heavy metals cause major problems in the body because they take the place of the nutritional mineral in enzymes, making them inactive. In turn, higher dietary levels of nutritional minerals help prevent heavy metal toxicity.

DIGESTIVE SUPPORT FORMULA

(Excellent enhancement to the Oral Chelation Formula because it helps the body absorb chelators and nutritional support)

SELF HEALTH SURVEY

Evaluate and check any of your symptoms based upon your
health profile for the past 30 days:

DIGESTION

_____ Nausea, abdominal pain
_____ Belching, burping, or flatulence
_____ Undigested food in stools
_____ Stomach distention, rumbling sounds
_____ Chronic diarrhea or constipation
_____ Halitosis (bad breath)
_____ Acid indigestion
_____ Intolerance and/or reactions to dairy products, grains or sugar

____________________________________________

STOMACH UPSET
_____ Heartburn
_____ Indigestion
_____ Recurrent burning, gnawing, aching in stomach
_____ Nausea or vomiting
_____ Acid rebound after eating
_____ Upper abdominal or stomach pain
_____ Burping
_____ History of ulcers, gastritis
_____ History of hiatal hernia _________________________________________

If you have checked any of the boxes you may want to consider supporting your body's natural processes with scientifically validated nutritional supplements. Any chronic conditions should be checked by a qualified, licensed health care professional.

Digestive problems and stool abnormalities may be present in a large portion of children with autism. Many autistic children display chronic indigestion and gas. One study that examined a small group of randomly selected autistic children found that 40% (6 1/5) had bulky, odorous or loose stools or diarrhea. Interestingly, many parents of autistic children report a worsening in behavioral symptoms occurring in conjunction with a flare-up of gastrointestinal problems.

"Although gastrointestinal symptoms frequently accompany the manifestations of autism" points out pediatrician Karoly Horvath, M.D., and his colleagues at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, "little attention has been paid to this aspect…"

Dr. Horvath’s team performed gastrointestinal evaluation on 36 children with severe autism and found several striking abnormalities. The children often showed signs of chronic inflammation in the gut, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Because of the enzyme deficiencies, many of the children had trouble digesting and absorbing carbohydrates a possible cause for their chronic loose stools and gas. These abnormalities may be closely linked with sudden behavior changes in the children such as irritability, aggression, and nighttime awakenings.

REFERENCES:

1. Goodwin MS, Cowen MA, Goodwin TC. Malabsorption and celebral dysfunction: a multivariate and comparative study of autistic children. J Autism Child Schizophr 1971; 1:48-62.
2. Horvath K, Papadimitriou JC, Rabsztyn A, Drachenberg C, Tildon JT. Gastrointestinal abnormalities in children with autistic disorder. J Pediatr 1999; 135:559-63.
3. D’Eufemia P, Celli M, Finocchiaro R, Pacifico L, Viozzi L, Zaccagnini M, Cardi E, Giardini O. Abnormal intestinal permeability in children with autism. Acta Paediatr 1996:85(9):1076-9.

Understanding Digestion, Assimilation And Enzyme Nutrition

What Causes Most Nutritional Disorders?
In my opinion, many health care practitioners, traditional and non-traditional, have overlooked the main underlying cause of many or most nutritional disorders- faulty digestion. Rather than continuously treating the symptoms of poor digestion (gas, heartburn, nausea, burping, bloating, upset stomach, acid indigestion, diarrhea), the logical remedy for actually correcting this problem is to improve the person’s ability to digest and assimilate the nutrients from their food.

What Is Digestion And Assimilation?
The digestion and assimilation of food is accomplished by taking large pieces of foods and breaking them down into very small molecules. These food molecules can then be absorbed into the blood and used by the body as nutrients. Many people could benefit greatly by simply chewing their food more thoroughly. This is the most energy-efficient mechanical action the body can take to break down food. After chewing, the body must expend a lot of energy producing acid and alkaline digestive juices, digestive enzymes, and muscle contractions to break down the food. 50% of digestion should take place in the mouth- by chewing food thoroughly. How many times have you seen people “inhale” their food almost before the plate hits the table?

What Are Key Points To Good Digestion, Assimilation And Elimination?

There are four main criteria for optimum digestion and elimination:
1. The correct type and amount of digestive enzymes.
2. Adequate acidophilus and other ‘friendly’ intestinal bacteria.
3. The correct pH (acid/base balance) in each area of the digestive tract (acidic in the stomach, alkaline in the small intestine, neutral in the large intestine).
4. Having an adequate amount of fiber in the diet.

How Does Poor Digestion Cause Disease In The Body?

1. Nutritional Deficiencies.

Most significantly, a person who is not digesting their food well cannot obtain the optimum amount of nutrients from their food that help rebuild, repair, and regenerate the body.

2. Fermentation/Decomposition.

Poor digestion also causes slower transit time of the food through the digestive tract. This prolonged transit time often causes the food to ferment causing gas formation. After this, the fermenting foods begin to decompose or rot (causing toxic chemical formation).

3. Self-Toxification/Colon Problems.

Another factor is a deficiency of fiber in the diet. A lack of fiber in the stools causes the feces to become sticky. This combination of sticky, fermenting, and putrefied food produces toxins and ‘free-radicals’, which are absorbed into the bloodstream and can create a lining of toxic residues and mucus which coats the lower intestinal tract. This toxic, mucus plaque can contribute to numerous Health Conditions, such as diverticulitis, colitis, and other colon problems. The symptoms associated with this ‘self-toxification’ can include allergies, body aches, confusion, forgetfulness, headaches, and decreased energy.

4. Leaky-Gut Syndrome/Food Allergies.

A serious condition associated with poor digestion is “leaky-gut” syndrome. Leaky Gut Syndrome occurs when foods are not digested completely. Large, poorly digested protein molecules force their way through the gut wall into the bloodstream. In the blood, instead of being delivered where needed as nutrients, these large proteins are recognized incorrectly by the immune system as an invader from outside the body. The immune system then mounts an antigen-antibody reaction, creating immune cells to attack the antigen. This is also known as having a food allergy attack. I believe that a large majority of ‘food allergies’ are simply due to poor digestion and this antigen-antibody reaction to proteins in the bloodstream.

5. Liver/Kidney Stress & Skin Conditions.

By constantly allowing these toxins to enter the bloodstream, it also places stress on the liver (major organ of detoxification) and kidneys (cleaners of the blood). If these organs become overworked, the skin will become an organ of elimination and you will begin to see skin conditions appearing. Many skin conditions are caused or contributed to by poor digestion and the resulting toxic environment of the intestinal tract.

6. Parasites/Yeast Infections.

Other conditions related to poor digestion and leaky-gut syndrome are parasite infections, which are more common that one would expect, and Candida albicans (yeast) infection of the intestinal tract.

All of these conditions increase the toxic load on the body and have a negative effect on the immune system. Patients are usually amazed by how many problems can be traced back to the underlying problems of poor digestion and a toxic colon. It is even more amazing to see what happens when a person who was once toxic from the previously described conditions chooses to use natural methods to detoxify, rebuild, and regenerate their body. Many have described the process as getting “a second chance” or “having a new lease on life”. It is truly a joy to be at home in the body when it is functioning as intended.

What Are Biochemical Enzymes And Digestive Enzymes?
Enzymes are present in all living plant and animal cells. There are hundreds of kinds of biochemical enzymes in the body, constantly keeping our body functioning properly. Enzymes are like the battery in a car. Without the spark from the battery, even a brand new car won’t work. All life would cease to exist without enzymes, for they a vital source of life energy. Enzymes are the primary motivators (catalyst) for all natural biochemical (life) processes. Even though proteins, carbohydrates, fat and fiber are the building blocks of our bodies, they do not possess the energy (capacity to do work) that enzymes possess, necessary for digesting foods, liberating nutrients and assisting biochemical reactions.

Digestive enzymes, made by the pancreas, assist in digesting food we eat, making it small enough to pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. Despite obvious evidence of their importance, little thought is given (in modern medicine) to the role digestive enzymes play in completing the digestion and assimilation of nutrients. Plant-based enzymes (like those found in Healthy Alternatives Plus products) work in the entire digestive tract, in a wide range of acid and alkaline environments. They allow your body to replenish and rebuild the pancreatic enzyme reserve, which takes a tremendous stress load off of the body. Taken with food they greatly assist the body in the digestion and assimilation of food nutrients. Taken away from food, digestive enzymes enter the bloodstream and act almost like a ‘second immune system’, digesting excess proteins in the blood, scavenging debris, decreasing inflammation, removing mucous, and cellular waste.

How Do Digestive Enzymes Work?
When a person eats proteins, carbohydrates, and fat, the pancreas responds by secreting the proper amounts and concentrations of protease, amylase, and lipase enzymes to digest the foods and transport their nutrients into the bloodstream. Organic raw foods contain the proper types and concentrations of enzymes in their cells to digest themselves (enzymes are responsible for aged fruit to rot or self-digest. Cooking or heating food kills the enzymes found in live foods. Nature intended for the enzymes within rot foods to assist the body in digestion). Eating organic produce adds little or no stress to the pancreas. Our bodies do not make the enzyme cellulose, which breaks down plant fiber, however, a plant-source cellulose enzyme supplement is appropriate therapy for certain conditions, such as green leafy vegetables intact in stools.

Do Organic Foods Contain More Enzymes?
Unfortunately, many commercially grown ‘live’ foods have been genetically altered to make them contain fewer enzymes. This allows these fruits and vegetables a longer shelf life. Haven’t you wondered how fruit and vegetables at commercial grocery stores stay on the shelves so long without spoiling? This is the reason health food stores usually have smaller produce stocks- they must sell and replace existing stock before the inherent enzymes begin the self-digestive process.

How Does The Body Become Depleted Of Enzymes?
The body’s ability to make pancreatic enzymes can be exhausted by eating a diet devoid of naturally occurring enzymes. This includes eating all types of cooked foods (enzymes are killed at 118 degrees), highly processed foods, and commercially grown produce. Each of us is born with a pancreatic enzyme “reserve”, a reserve that may be built up or depleted, but should not become depleted or overdrawn. Every time a person consumes cooked or processed food (devoid of enzymes) and the pancreas can not keep up with the enzyme demand placed on it, the digestive system recruits the enzyme supply from white blood cells (immune cells) to assist in completing digestion. These are the same enzymes the white blood cells used to ‘kill’ invading viruses and bacteria. Mobilizing the body’s immune system every time enzyme deficient food is eaten is known as “digestive leukocytosis”. This constant abuse can fatigue immune defense capabilities and lay the groundwork for degenerative conditions in the body.

How Do I Know If I Am Enzyme Deficient?
General fatigue and chronic, degenerative conditions (every day aches and pains) are the only outward evidence of enzyme deficiencies. Because the body donates enzymes from other areas of the body to meet existing needs (such as the immune system), deficiencies do not become apparent until these reserves can no longer meet the demand. It is extremely important then, to ensure that the body receives an adequate supply of enzymes, either through the consumption of raw food or concentrated plant enzyme supplementation.

What Is Acidophilus, Why Is It Important?
Lactobacillus acidophilus, and other ‘friendly’ intestinal bacteria, are called ‘probiotics’, which literally means “in support of life”. Lactobacillus acidophilus is very important for improving digestion and for the forming of certain vitamins, including vitamin B3, B6, biotin, and folic acid. Probiotics also produce natural antibiotic (antibacterial) substances which can kill or deactivate disease-causing bacteria and will ‘defend their territory’ against other microorganisms such as yeast or fungus. When the ‘good’ intestinal bacteria are depleted there are multiple negative effects in the body.

Does Antibiotic Drug Therapy Kill Acidophilus?
Antibiotic drug therapy is one of the main causes of the depletion of acidophilus in the body. Antibiotic drugs do not discriminate between the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria when they are consumed. Prolonged antibiotic drug use can kill all of the ‘friendly’ probiotics, leaving the body defenseless. It is very important, if you choose to undergo antibiotic therapy, to re-introduce acidophilus and other probiotic bacteria while you are taking the antibiotics and especially after you finish the course of treatment. The antibiotics will kill most of the acidophilus you take while you are still taking the antibiotics. The goal is to not completely wipe out the colonies of ‘good’ bacteria while on the antibiotics, and to fully re-colonize the acidophilus after the completion of the therapy.

What Causes Gastritis And Ulcers?
In dealing with gastritis (stomach inflammation) and ulcerative conditions in the gastrointestinal tract, I have found that poor digestion and mental/emotional stress factors are often contributing factors. When food is not broken down (digested) well it ferments, putrefies (becomes rotten) and creates an acidic environment. This acidity irritates the lining of the digestive tract. Many over-the-counter and pharmaceutical drugs irritate the lining of the digestive tract and can contribute to ulcers forming. In dealing with ulcerative conditions you must rule out a Helicobacter bacterial infection, an abnormal microorganism or parasitic infection.

Why Can’t Antacids Prevent Or Cure Acid Indigestion?
I have seen many patients with conditions of excessive acid stomach or acid indigestion, and often the person is taking large amounts of antacids. A basic review of how the stomach works and an understanding how antacids help create the problem are all most people need, along with some digestive enzymes, to stop the problem. The problem is the body producing too much acid in the stomach. The stomach makes acid to break down proteins. If there is poor digestion, or if a person eats large meals or excessive proteins, the body can often make too much acid. To counteract the acid, people take antacids. This makes the stomach very alkaline. In order to create an acid environment again in the stomach the body has to make more- you guessed it- acid, which was the problem in the first place. This cycle of poor chewing (50% of digestion should take place in the mouth), poor digestion, and the acid/alkaline roller coaster can be reduced or avoided by chewing food well, and taking digestive enzymes with your meal. Many people think antacids are a good source of calcium. Unfortunately, this is not true. In order for calcium to be fully absorbed into the body, it must be assimilated in an acidic environment. Antacids, like their name says, provide a very alkaline environment, which would prevent the proper uptake of calcium.

When a state of balance is maintained by optimum digestion, the body is better able to prevent chronic health problems such as hypo or hyperglycemia; fatigue; headaches; candida; constipation/diarrhea; arthritis; allergies; infections or other conditions caused by a compromised immune system.

Remember: You are not what you eat. You are what you eat, digest and assimilate.

Order Digestive Support Formula

Digestion and Stomach Upset Support

Ingredient Rationale

This formula contains the full complement of hydrolytic food enzymes, providing Amylase, Lipase, Cellulase, Lactase, Invertase, and Glucoamylase complemented with various botanicals to support gastrointestinal integrity and optimal digestive functioning.

All raw food naturally contains the proper types and proportion of enzymes necessary to digest itself -- whether in human consumption or in the eventual decomposition in the natural world. When raw food is eaten, chewing ruptures the cell membranes and releases the indigenous food enzymes to begin the selective breakdown of food components. Amylase reduces large carbohydrates such as starches and other polysaccharides to disaccharides including sucrose, lactose, and maltose. Lipases digest fats (triglycerides) into free fatty acids and glycerol. Cellulases (not found in the human system) break bonds found in plant fiber (cellulose). By disrupting the structure of the fiber matrices which develop most of the nutrients in plants, cellulase increases the nutritional value derived from fruits and vegetables.

Overwhelming evidence shows that food enzymes play an important role in digestion by predigesting food in the upper stomach before hydrochloric acid has even been secreted. Supplementation of food enzymes is necessary in today's society due to the prevalence of cooked and/or processed foods. Food enzymes are essentially destroyed at 118 degrees Fahrenheit, thus most modern methods of food preparation leave food devoid of digestive enzyme activity. Placing the full digestive burden on the body, the body's digestive process becomes over-stressed and vital nutrients are not released from food for assimilation by the body. Unlike supplemental enzymes of animal origin, plant enzymes work at the pH found in the upper stomach. Food sits in the upper portion of the stomach for as long as an hour before gastric secretions begin action.Although salivary enzymes accomplish a significant amount of digestion, their activity is limited to a pH level above 5.0. Exogenous plant enzymes are active in the pH range of 1.0 to 11.0 and can facilitate the utilization of a much larger amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fat before HCL is secreted in sufficient amounts to neutralize their activity. Obviously, plant enzymes can play a significant role in improving food nutrient utilization.

In addition to amylase, lipase, and cellulase, this formula provides a concentrated source of the disaccharidases Lactase and Invertase. Disaccharide intolerance occurs when insufficient levels of disaccharidase enzymes are secreted in the small intestine causing malabsorption and physical discomfort. Lactase deficiency is the most common and well-known form of carbohydrate intolerance. Lactase digests lactose (milk sugar) into glucose and galactose. Most mammals, including humans, have high intestinal lactase activity at birth. But, in some cases, this activity declines to low levels during childhood and remains low in adulthood. The low lactase levels cause maldigestion of milk and other foods containing lactose. It is estimated that approximately 70% of the world's population is deficient in intestinal lactase with more than one-third of the U.S. population presumed to be unable to digest dairy products. Supplemental lactase has been found to decrease the symptoms of lactose intolerance associated with the consumption of dairy foods. Invertase is another polydisaccharidase that works to break down sucrose (refined table sugar) into glucose and fructose. The prevalence of processed and highly refined foods in the American diet means that we consume a great amount of this sugar which can contribute to undue digestive stress. it is theorized that unrecognized sucrose intolerance is a contributing factor in many allergies. Supplemental invertase can increase the assimilation and utilization of this sugar. The additional supplementation of the carbohydrase Glucoamylase assures the breakdown of maltose into two glucose molecules, allowing greater absorption of this energy-giving sugar. Inclusion of these sugar-breaking enzymes gives this formula a broad base for improving nutrition.

References:

Beazell, J.M., "A reexamination of the role of the stomach in the digestion of carbohydrate and protein." American Journal of Physiology 132: 42-50 (1941).

Berkow, R., ed., The Merck Manual, 15th edition, (Rahway, N.J.: Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories, 1987).

Bradley, P.R., ed. British Herbs Compendium, Volume 1. (Dorset, England: British Herbal medicine Association, 1992).

Duke, J.A. Handbook of Medicinal Plants. (Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Inc., 1985).

Ghose, T.K. and Pathak, A.N. "Cellulases--2: Applications" Process Biochemistry, 20-24, May 1973.

Guyton, A.C. Textbook of Medicinal Physiology, 8th edition. (Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, 1991).

Murray, R.D., et al. "Comparative absorption of [13C] glucose and [13C] lactose by premature infants." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 51: 59-66 (1990).

O'Keefe, S.J.D., et al. "Milk-induced malabsorption in malnourished African patients." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 54: 130-5 (1991).

Schwimmer, S. Source Book of Food Enzymology. (Westport, CT: The AVI Publishing Company, Inc., 1981).

Weiss, R.F. Herbal Medicine. (Gothenburg, Sweden: AB Arcanum, 1988).

INGREDIENT RATIONALE

Herbs

1. Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus Fulva, Ulmaceae)

Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus Fulva, Ulmaceae), due to a high mucilaginous polysaccharide content (50%), is effective when used internally or externally as a demulcent (a substance found to be soothing to inflamed mucous membranes). The herb has a long history of use as a nutritive gruel for convalescent gastric and duodenal ulcer patients. In 1859, a physician's writings indicated the inclusion of slippery elm bark in almost any drug store, due to its "usefulness as a medical agent."

Reference:
Gunn, J.D. New Domestic Physician or Home Book of Health, Moore, Wilstach, Keys, cincinnati, 1st ed. 1857, 2nd ed. 1859, 3rd ed. 1961.

Source: Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, Keats Publishing, 1986. Page 34.

2. Marshmallow root (Althea officinalis)

Marshmallow root (Althea officinalis), like Slippery Elm bark contains up to 35% mucilage. It has been used for hundreds of years for external wound healing. Internal use includes soothing inflammatory conditions.

References:

Schauenberg, P. & Paris, F. Guide des plantes medicinales, Delachaux et Niestle, S.A., Neuchatel, Switzerland, 1969.

Wren, R.W. Potter's New Cyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations, 7th ed. Health Science Press, Rustington, England 1970.

Source: Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, Keats Publishing, 1986. Page 33.

3. Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger Root is known for its soothing and mildly stimulating effect on the stomach. It proves beneficial for a variety of stomach complaints including nausea, indigestion, stomachache, and ulcers. Ginger root has been the subject of much laboratory research. A German study indicated it increases the amylase concentration and flow of saliva, activates peristalsis, and increases intestinal tone. Combined with specific other herbs, another German study showed its benefit on indigestion and heartburn. In England, a study found ginger root to contain a proteolytic enzyme more effective than papain (papaya derived). American researches revealed its effectiveness in motion sickness in a double blind study, finding it more effective than Dramamine (dimenhydrinate).

References:

Glatzel, H. Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung, 110, 5, 1970.

Glatzel, H. "Treatment of dyspetic disorders with spice extracts.' Hippokrates, 40(23), 916-919, 1969.

Thompson, E.H., Wolf, I.D. & Aleen, C.E. "Ginger rhizome: a new source of proteolytic enzyme." Journal of Food Science, 38(4) 652-655, 1973.

Mowrey, D.B. & Clayson, D.E., "Motion Sickness, ginger, and psychophysica." Lancet, 1(8273), 655-657, 1982.

Source: Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, Keats Publishing, 1986. Page 261.

4. Green Tea

Green Tea, like the traditionally imbibed English black tea is derived from the plant Camellia sinensis. The freshly cut leaf is lightly steamed in producing green tea, thus inhibiting enzymes which cause oxidation. The polyphenol content (major beneficial active ingredient) in Green tea is high (as much as 30% of the dried weight of leaves) due to the inhibition of oxidation. Polyphenols are known for their antioxidant effect and are more commonly referred to as flavonoids-such as catechin, epigallocatechin gallate and proanthocyanidins (familiarly identified in grape seed pips and the bark of the pine Landes). Green tea appears to increase the activity of antioxidants and detoxifying enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase (important in liver detoxification). Studies indicate a preventive effect on cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomach, small intestine, pancreas and colon.

References:

A. Katiyar, S.K., Agarwal R., and Mukhtar, H: Green tea in chemoprevention of cancer. Compr ther 18, 3-8, 1992.

B. Mukhtar, H., et al.: Tea components: Antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic effects. Prev Med 21, 351-360, 1992.

C. Komori, A, et al.: Anticarcinogenic activity of green tea polyphenols. Jpn J. Clin. Oncol 23(3), 186-190, 1993.

D. Yang, C.S. and Wang, Z.Y.: Tea and cancer, J. Natl Cancer Inst 85 (13), 1038-1049, 1993.

Source: A-D. The Healing Power of Herbs, Michael T. Murray, N.D., Prima Publishing, Rev. 2nd Ed. 1995, Pages 192-195. Total Wellness, Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., Prima Publishing, 1996, Pages 274-275.

5. Deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) licorice

Many antacid or ulcer medications cause the body to inhibit (limit) the formation of acid in the stomach. We have found that this practice can lead to an acid/alkaline 'roller-coaster', leading to chronic antacid use and potentially causing greater digestive problems and body chemistry imbalances. Rather than prevent the release of acid, licorice stimulates the formation and production of protective mucous-secreting cells in the stomach, thereby preventing ulcer formation. Licorice also improves the blood-circulation in the intestinal tract and increases the life-span of intestinal cells. One chemical in licorice, carboxenoxolone cimetidine, is associated with numerous side effects including edema (fluid retention, swelling), high blood pressure, and lowered potassium levels. Scientists figured out how to remove the carboxenoxolone cimetidine from licorice, creating Deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) licorice. DGL is a very effective, natural anti-ulcer ingredient that has no known side effects. Numerous clinical studies have shown DGL licorice to be a very effective anti-ulcer herbal compound, especially for gastric (stomach) and duodenal (small intestine) ulcers. Gastric ulcers are commonly caused by the overuse of aspirin, alcoholic beverages, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's). In other clinical studies comparing DGL to prescription and over-the-counter antacids, results showed that double the number of people using DGL completely healed their ulcers within six weeks, and there were fewer relapses in the group taking DGL.

References:

A. Rees, W.D.W., Rhodes, J., Wright, J.E., et al., "Effect of deglycyrrhizinate liquorice on gastric mucosal damage by aspirin',

Scand. J. Gastroent., 1979, 14, pp.605-7. B. Turpie, A.G., Runcie, J. and Thompson, T.J., 'Clinical trial of deglycyrrhinated liquorice in gastric ulcer',

Gut, 1969, 10, pp.299-303. C. Tewari, S.N. and Wilson, A.K., "Deglycyrrhinated liquorice in duodenal ulcer', Practitioner, 1972, 210, pp.820-5.

D. Kassir, Z.A., 'Endoscopic controlled trial of four drug regimens in the treatment of chronic duodenal ulceration', Irish Med. J., 1985, 78, pp. 153-6.

Source: A-D. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Michael T. Murray, N.D., and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., Prima Publishing, 1991, Pages 522-3.

6. Quercitin Flavonoids

Quercitin Flavonoids, a group of plant pigments, are now identified as responsible for much of the therapeutic action derived from medicinal plants, foods, herbs, juices, etc. In experimental studies, quercitin is found to be the most active flavonoid. Quercitin inhibits several of the initial processes of inflammation, thus it has an anti-inflammatory effect. Quercitin has demonstrated its ability to inhibit the release of inflammatory chemicals from mast cells sensitized by food allergies and to inhibit irritability of the muscles of the intestines. This effect makes it beneficial in relation to food allergies. It exerts antioxidant and vitamin C-sparing activity. It also enhances insulin secretion, protects pancreatic beta-cells from free radical damage and inhibits platelet aggregation. Animal studies demonstrate quercitin's antitumor activity against cancers which include colon and rectal cancer.

References:

A. Middleton, E., The flavonoids. Trends Pharmaceut Sci 5, 335-338, 1984. B. Ferrandiz, M.L. and Alcaraz, M.J., Anti-inflammatory activity and inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism by flavonoids. Agents Action 32, 238-287, 1991.

C. Satvric, B., Quercetin in our diet: from potent mutagen to probable anticarcinogen. Clin Biochem 27, 245-248, 1994.

D. Ci Carlo, G., Mascolo, N., et al.: Effects of quercetin on the gastrointestinal tract in rats and mice. Phytotherapy res 8:42-45, 1994.

E. Ogasawara, H. Milldeton, E., Jr. Effect of selected flavonoids on histamine release (HR) and hydrogen peroxide (H2(2) generation by human leukocytes.

J. Allergy Clin. Immunol 75:184, 1985). F. Yoshimoto, T. et al. Flavonoids: Potent inhibitors of arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 116:612-18, 1983.

Source: A.-D. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Prima Publishing, Michael T. Murray, N.D., 1996, pages 324-325. E. F. Total Wellness, Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., Prima Publishing, 1996, Pages 274-275. Nutritional Influences on Illness, Melvyn R. Werbach, M.D., Third Line Press, 2nd edition, 1993, page 44.

7. Ajowan Oil

Ajowan is helfpul with colic and indigestion. It is antiparasitic, is a carminative, and stimulates the digestive tract. It is an used in ayurvedic herbalism.

Source: The Yoga of Herbs, Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, 1986, page 155.

8. Gamma Oryzanol

Phyto-sterols have been used by the Japanese for various medicinal purposes since 1962. It is derived from the bran portion of grains such as rice, wheat, barley and oats as well as from vegetables, citrus fruits, and berries. Specifically, supplements are typically derived from the non-saponifiable fraction of rice bran oil. The active compounds are ferulic acid esters. Gamma Oryzanol appears to be a potent antioxidant. In Japan, in 23 clinical studies, Gamma Oryzanol proved to have therapeutic efficacy relating to various gastrointestinal complaints including chronic gastritis, peptic and duodenal ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and non-specific complaints such as nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, belching, diarrhea. Its affect is in balancing the nervous systems effect on digestive secretions. 375 hospitals in Japan cooperated in a clinical trial in 1977. Effectiveness, at varying levels of success (remarkable effect in 25.8% cases, effective in 36.4%, slightly effective in 28.6%), was evident in 90.8% of cases. Gamma Oryzanol's effectiveness against ulcer formation may be related to its antioxidant effect.

References:

A. Yagi K. and Ohishi, N., Action of ferulic acid and it's derivatives as antioxidant. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol 25, 127-130, 1979.

B. Minakuchi C., et al., Clinical effectiveness of gamma-oryzanol on gastric system complaints. Shiyaku To Rinsho 25, 29-33, 1976.

C. Takemoto, T. , et al., Clinical trial of Hi-Z pills on gastrointestinal symptoms at 375 hospitals. Shiyaku To Rinsho 26, 25-27, 1977.

D. Sasagawa T., et al., Clinical studies on gamma-oryzanol in the treatment of gastro-entero neurosis. Basic Pharmacol Ther 4, 588-591, 1980.

E. Arai, T., Effect of gamma-oryzanol on indefinite complaints in the gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with chronic gastritis: Studies on the endocrinological environment. Horumon To Rinsho 30, 271-279, 1982.

Source:

A.-E. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Michael T. Murray, N.D., Prima Publishing, 1996. Pages 33-334. Ackerson, Amber, N.D. & Resnick, Corey, N.D.: ""The effects of L-Glutamine, N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine, Gamma-Linolenic Acid and Gamma Oryzanol on Intestinal Permeability, Townsend Letter for Doctors, Jannuary 1993.

9. Probiotics L. acidophilus, one of the major probiotics, enhance growth of healthy flora in the intestines. Lactobacillus acidophilus is antiviral, antifungal (candida, et. al.), and antibacterial (against salmonella, E. coli, streptococci, et. al.). In vivo and in vitro studies both demonstrate L. acidophilus' ability to compete with pathogenic species and displace them from the gut. When healthy colonies of L. acidophilus were implanted symptomatic relief was seen in mucous colitis, irritable colon and idiopathic ulcerative colitis, and gastrointestinal disorders which cause constipation. It has also been shown effective relative to diarrhea, where in a test using L. acidophilus milk or antibiotics in infantile diarrhea, L. acidophilus proved to be more effective.

References:

A. Rettger, L.F., et al., Lactobacillus Acidophilus. Its Therapeutic Application. New Haven, Yale U. Press, 1935.

B. Tomic-Karovic, K., et al. Der Lactobacillus Acidophilus in der Therapie bei Sauglingsdiarrhoen. Neue Oest Z. Kinderheilk 6:1-7, 1961. C. Fernandes, C.F., et al. Control of diarrhea by Lactobacilli. J. Appl Nutr 40(1): 32-41, 1988.

D. Shahani, K.M., Vakil, J.R. and Kilara, A.: Natural antibiotic activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus and bulgaricus. Cult. Dairy Prod J., 1977, 12, pp. 8-11.

E. Shahani, K.M. and Friend, B.A., Nutritional and therapeutic aspects of lactobacilli, J. Appl. Nutr., 1984, 36, pp. 125-52.

F. Collins, E.B. and Hardt, P., Inhibition of Candida albicans by Lactobacillus acidophilus, J. Diary Sci., 1980, 63, pp. 830-2.

Sources: A. F. Nutritional Influences on Illness, Melvyn R. Werbach, M.D., Third Line Press, 2nd edition, 1993, page 45, 180, 221. B. D. E. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Michael T. Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D, Prima Publishing, 1991, pages 186 and 290.

Testimonials

Hi,
My name is Helen and I purchased a bottle of your Digestion & Stomach Upset System. I feel so much better. Briefly i have had IBS [Irritable Bowel Syndrome] for about 20 years but it has become almost unmanageable the past year. I have discovered I am Lactose intolerant this past few weeks. By removing all dairy products and introducing your system i feel 99% better. I am enjoying this cramp free time and within a week or so plan to start an exercise routine and improve on my diet. I just wanted to let you know this product has worked for me and to thank you. I will be ordering it again.

Yours sincerely,
H.O.
San Diego, CA

Hi,
I just wanted to send an e-mail to say thanks! I started taking "Digestion and Stomach Upset Support" formula 3 weeks ago and I have NEVER felt better!
I am 26 and was diagnosed with Crohns disease when I was 18, I have always had diarrhea and almost forgot what it was like to be normal. When I started taking steriods, one of the side effects included gastritis. I knew nothing about gastritis until I read your website..at this time I was looking for anything that might relieve the symptoms.
After taking the "Digestion and Stomach Upset Support" formula, I am completely normal and have cut my dosage of prednisone more than half and am still going down..I am so happy that I am going to spread the news to other Crohn's disease patients or anyone having problems with their digestion.
Sincerely,
L. D.

June 21, 2000

Dear Dr. Pouls,

I am writing to say how grateful I am that you cam into my life. My daughter Hayley is a seven-year-old special needs child. When she was five and a half, she was not eating, and was almost off the weight chart. She was sick most of the time and had no speech. Almost immediately after receiving enzyme therapy, her appetite kicked in and she began gaining weight rapidly. She was taking Thymate to strengthen her immune system and now she rarely gets ill.
Hayley's urinalysis showed her system to be extremely toxic, containing a lot of undigested food. It is now a scientific fact that undigested protein in the body converts and is very toxic to the brain, actually hindering neurological connections from being made. By continuing to be on enzyme therapy, which insured proper assimilation of her food, the progression of undigested foods in her body has been halted. Hayley was last tested on June 2nd and her system is now perfect. The truly amazing part of her story is that she is now verbal, attending school and doing age appropriate academic assignments.
Hayley continues to make progress in her development, and I have no doubt that she will go on to be a perfectly normal child and successful adult.

Sincerely yours,
Victoria George

September 11, 2000

Dear Maile Pouls,

The changes I have seen in my 3-½ year old son since starting your enzyme recommendations have been incredible. After two weeks of supplementation, my son began talking and he suddenly potty-trained himself. His temper tantrums have nearly ceased during this time too. Confronting autism has been the most hopeless and despairing situation I have ever encountered. Now I have hope, and I have great joy, for my son has just spoken his first sentence: "Look at me!"

Thank you,
Erin McLaughlin

Testimonial- Thursday, April 6, 2000

I use a Biological Terrain Assessment and Meridian Stress assessment in my office to assist patients going through chelation. I have had absolutely fabulous results with patient compliance and seeing results of chelating without depleting minerals by using the Extreme Health formula. If a patient wants to seek a formula that removes Metals, Chemicals and Build-up in arteries, this is the formula to use. It is cost effective because it becomes their base vitamin. Often I will see a need to improve digestion before the chelation to be able to assimilate the vitamins and minerals. This can be done on most patients by starting with the Digestive support. Monitoring with the equipment I use, allows me to know when they can handle chelation, if digestion requires more support and when we can stop. Any patient going through chelation will require assistance with the excretion. Liver support helps remove the increase of toxins as we pull them from the intracellular spaces to the extracellular spaces. Congested livers will cause an inability to conjugate hormones. This could cause a decrease in everything from conversion of thyroid supplements to lower melatonin levels. These patients will experience depression and possible complications with immune systems. EVERY PATIENT going through the chelation process would benefit from digestive enzymes and Liver support so this makes good sense. Now let me also say a good protocol will include kidney support and there is a need for probiotics. The patient must have bowel movements daily preferably two to three a day. Water is an important part of the program and intake is dependant on weight and activity level.

Dr. Dawn Ewing Ph.D., N.D., Author of Let the Tooth be Known: Are your teeth making you sick?

Order Digestive Support Formula

¨ Improves digestion and assimilation of nutrients
¨ Restores appetite by reducing stomach discomforts
¨ Neutralizes excess stomach acid

This formula supports the body's natural digestive processes against:
-Heartburn
-Acid Stomach
-Bloating/Gas
-Nausea
-Burping
-Diarrhea
-Hiatal Hernia
-Gastritis
-Ulcers

Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletions

(Another Reason to look closely at trying Extreme Health's Digestive, Upset Stomach Formual)

Anti-ulcer medications:
In 1998, anti-ulcer medications was the largest selling category of drugs in the pharmaceutical industry, accounting for over $6 billion in sales in the United States. There are two main classes of anti-ulcer medications. One group of anti-ulcer medications are known as the H-2 Receptor Antagonists, or H-2 Blockers and more recently, a class of drugs is known as the Proton Pump Inhibitors have also become very successful. In 1998, omeprazole, was the top selling prescription drug in the United States, accounting for nearly $3 billion dollars in sales.

These drugs function by lowering the amount of stomach acid, which can relieve the pain associated with heartburn, acid indigestion, and ulcers. However, the level of acidity in the gastrointestinal tract is a critical factor that regulates the absorption of many nutrients. In the process of making the GI tract less acidic, anti-ulcer medications inhibit the absorption of various vitamins and minerals. Studies have reported that H-2 Receptor Antagonists deplete vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin D, and the minerals calcium, iron, and zinc. Because the proton pump inhibitors are a newer class of drugs, fewer tudies have been conducted regarding nutrient depletions. To date, vitamin B12 is the only drug that has been documented to be depleted by the proton pump inhibitors. There is an added concern regarding the H-2 Receptor Antagonists because the FDA has allowed them to be taken off prescription-only status. This means people can have unlimited access to these medications without any monitoring or advice from health professionals.

Some of the health problems related to the depletion of folic acid, vitamin B12, and zinc were mentioned earlier during the discussion of oral contraceptives. Some additional health problems associated with vitamin B12 depletion includeanemia, fatigue, and depression. In severe cases of vitamin B12 deficiency, irreversible nerve damage can occur.

Additional nutrient depletions associated with anti-ulcer drugs include the
following. Depletion of vitamin D could result in skeletal problems such as
osteoporosis as well as muscle weakness, tooth decay, and hearing loss. Problems associated with calcium depletion include osteoporosis, heart and blood pressure irregularities, and tooth decay. Depletion of iron could result in hair loss, brittle nails, and anemia, with accompanying feelings of weakness, fatigue and low energy.

Extreme Health's natural Digestive Upset Stomach Formula
is an alternative.