(WFN) We have all heard the phrase, “You are what you eat.” Though this is certainly partially true, Dr. Brad Rachman’s quote, “You are what you Assimilate,” is a more realistic description. Assimilation is defined as the body’s ability to utilize the nutrients from food. Although a healthy diet is extremely important, if the body is unable to fully digest and utilize our foods, the nutrients are wasted. Enzymes, the catalysts that aid the body in nutrient digestion and assimilation, are the necessary components for optimal digestive function.

Although our bodies are designed to produce the enzymes necessary for digestive function, aging and poor lifestyle choices greatly reduce our body’s capacity to ‘assimilate’ our foods. On top of our culture’s poor dietary choices – highly processed foods, excessive alcohol intake, and rushed meals – approximately 58% of the population suffers from some type of digestive disorder, thus resulting in nutrient deficiencies and uncomfortable side effects (diarrhea, indigestion, IBS, etc.). As we age, our body’s production of enzymes slowly declines, making optimal digestion impossible.

How do we address this problem? First, raw fruits and vegetables are a rich source of enzymes. Unfortunately, along with decreasing their nutrient content, heating and processing foods destroys their naturally occurring enzymes. Although it may be unreasonable to suggest that we eat only raw foods, it is practical to recommend that raw fruits and vegetables be included with most meals.

The addition of Plant Enzymes to our meals would also be a natural and effective way to ensure optimal digestive function. Many studies have shown that plant enzymes work synergistically with the body’s own enzyme supply, effectively supporting the digestive process. Plant enzymes are also free of the limitations associated with animal enzyme products.

Plant enzymes have been found to help far more than digestion. Plant enzymes have been successfully utilized to treat food allergies, celiac disease, pancreatic disorders, inflammation, constipation, diarrhea, leaky gut, bacterial overgrowth, liver dysfunction, and many other conditions.

By Michele L. Bacarella, MS RD

To learn more about a safe and natural way to add more beneficial plant-enzymes into your diet, visit: http://www.truehealthyproducts.com/index.php/9-a-Day-Plus.html