Improve your digestion and boost your energy

Enzymes are involved in almost all biochemical activities of the body and have earned their reputation as "sparks of life."

Enzymes are the catalysts needed to digest food, stimulate the brain, provide cellular energy, and repair tissues, organs, and cells. In other words, we cannot live without them.

Good to know about enzymes.

Unfortunately, many of us do not consume enough enzymes in our diet. Modern food processing and overcooking can destroy these important molecules.

Regularly suffering from indigestion is often the first symptom of deficient enzyme activity. This discomfort occurs when there are not enough enzymes to properly digest food, leading to an excess of hydrogen and carbon dioxide from undigested and fermented food. Anyone who has experienced bloating and flatulence knows the discomfort of indigestion.

Which enzymes to choose?

A complete enzyme supplement can be an effective way to relieve indigestion symptoms caused by a variety of foods. Some of the enzymes to look for in supplements include:

  • Protease and enzyme-rich bromelain to break down proteins
  • Lipase to break down fats
  • Amylase and amyloglucosidase to break down carbohydrates
  • Cellulase and hemicellulase to break down fibers
  • Lactase to break down lactose

Not only can enzymes relieve indigestion, but the increased energy you will enjoy due to better nutrient absorption from food is another reason to take a complete enzyme supplement.

Digestive Health – The Role of Stomach Acid

How betaine HCl can make your enzyme supplement even more effective. It is estimated that nearly one-third of Canadians suffer from low stomach acid.1 This problem occurs when the stomach is unable to produce enough stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) for the digestive system to function properly. Baby boomers and seniors are most affected by low stomach acid since aging and frequent medication use can reduce the stomach's ability to produce acid.1

Various symptoms of poor digestion are common signs of low stomach acid. Bloating, belching, and flatulence after meals, indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation, the presence of undigested food in stools, or food allergies are all symptoms associated with insufficient stomach acid.

Low stomach acid can lead to serious health problems. It can result in poor absorption of minerals and vitamins, especially calcium, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. Recently, certain ulcer medications that decrease stomach acid production have been linked to a 41% reduction in calcium absorption in women.2 Poor absorption of minerals and vitamins can lead to malnutrition and a multitude of health problems. It has also been discovered that low stomach acid can also negatively affect the immune system of older adults. Since bacteria and parasites from food thrive in a low stomach acid environment, the risk of a related infection is increased.3

Many health professionals recommend betaine HCl supplementation to maintain adequate stomach acid production. Betaine HCl is a vitamin-like nutrient found naturally in grains and contains hydrochloric acid.

Digestive problems can be relieved by taking a full-spectrum digestive enzyme supplement containing betaine HCl. Typically, full-spectrum digestive enzymes contain a complex of enzymes that break down the main food substances: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, lactose, and plant matter. The addition of betaine HCl to this type of supplement will help people suffering from low stomach acid by ensuring a more productive digestive environment. Betaine HCl also helps activate enzymes to improve digestion.

If you suffer from a more severe stomach acid problem, your healthcare professional may recommend a higher dose of a betaine HCl supplement.

Guaranteed relief from your digestive problems or full refund!


Health First PrimeZyme is an effective digestive enzyme supplement that reduces indigestion and increases nutrient absorption. Having helped thousands and thousands of Canadians with the PrimeZyme formula, we are confident in guaranteeing relief from your digestive problems — or your money back! The supplement now contains betaine HCl to improve the digestive environment.

References:
1. Cathy Wong, N.D., Alternative Medicine. http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/digestiveproblems/a/LowHCL.htm
2. American Journal of Medicine (2005; 118; 778-81)
3. US Food and Drug Administration, Seniors and Food Safety (May 1999)