HEALTH: Enzymes for People, Cats and Dogs

AMYLASE: Digests starch. PROTEASE: Helps digest protein. LIPASE: Splits apart emulsified fats. LACTASE: Digests milk sugar. CELLULASE: Helps break down plant and vegetable matter.

These enzymes are often referred to as pancreatic enzymes because they are secreted by the pancreas.

When we get little or none of these enzymes in our food the result is an overworked pancreas.

Cooked foods and processed non living foods contain no enzymes. Eating dead processed, cooked or canned food puts a strain on the pancreas and can result in undigested or rotting food in the body.

CATS: Cats are designed to be predators. A tiger or any wild cat kills it's prey and eats it raw, bones and all.

DOGS: A wolf kills it's prey and eats it raw, bones and all.

There are naturally occurring enzymes in the raw meat and bones. However, when we cook or can the meat the enzymes are destroyed.

PEOPLE: Of course the same principles apply to us. When we cook our meat or vegi's we destroy the much needed enzymes. I believe that a lot of our illnesses are a result of poor digestion. People who are lactose intolerant might do very well to take an enzyme formula with a lot of lactase. People who eat a lot of protein would do well with protease.

I take a good enzyme combination formula anytime I eat cooked, canned or processed food. I believe that this practice helps protect my pancreas and my general health.

CATS: When I feed my cats I start by putting a little purified water in the cat dish. Well I'm doing four dishes at a time. Then I open enzyme capsules and put 1/2 capsule of enzymes in each dish. Then I put in the canned cat food and smash it well to mix it with the enzyme water.

So I'm helping their digestion and possibly extending their lifespan. This may not be an issue if you have 25 cats to support. But if you have a cat or two that you really love allot then the addition of enzymes is a good idea.

PEOPLE: I'm using "Acti-Zyme". I get it from my favorite supplement source http://www.vitacost.com/ . This formula is all plant based and I believe it is an excellent product.

The topic of digestion is vast and this is not an exhaustive report. This article is a primer to get you thinking about healthy digestion. Another major factor is "pro-biotics" which I will address in the future.

Here's wishing you, your loved ones and your loved pets good health.