Digestive enzymes are a good tool to improve digestion because we destroy most if not all of the enzymes that are naturally occurring in our foods. This degradation of enzymes happens with most processing and cooking of foods. Any heat damage will have a negative effect on enzymes and anything over approximately 110 degrees will completely destroy all enzyme activity. All foods in nature or within creation have the necessary enzymes within to break down that particular food. When you are eating a mainly cooked food nutrition plan it is a good idea to utilize digestive enzymes. It is preferred to use the enzigest from Ultra Life Inc. that is specially formulated for specific metabolic types.
Good Health,
Glen ND
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Hi Glen,
A number of naturopaths advise that we should not take HCL or digestive enzyme for long periods as it makes the body lazy in producing its own. What is your view and would Apple Cider Vinegar act as HCL would in a protein type?
I would agree that long term HCL supplementation is not the answer even though it is necessary in some cases. The use of the HCL at the beginning for those that are not producing sufficient amounts is a good idea to stimulate the proper breakdown of proteins, assimilation of minerals, and the production and assimilation of the B-vitamins. As nutrition, stress, and absorption of your nutrients improve generally it would be a good idea to stop the HCL at that time. As far as apple cider vinegar is concerned it would not be recommended for a protein type as vinegar does not improve the imbalances within that metabolic type.
Since digestive enzymes are proteins and the strong stomach acid breaks down proteins, aren't the supplemental digestive enzymes taken by mouth useless, ie. broken down by the stomach acid before they can do any good.