Why Supplement with Enzymes?

Enzyme supplements aid in the digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Specifically, the Cellulase breaks down plant cellulose, while the Amylase breaks down starches to help the body digest fibrous and starchy foods such as raw veggies and fruits.

Protease converts proteins found in foods into amino acid, Lipase keeps the pancreatic enzymes at perfect levels as the human body ages. The use of Lactase as a supplemental agent to help people properly digest lactose (from dairy products) has long been confirmed by the scientific community.

Maltase helps to relieve the burden of digestion on the pancreas and the small intestine. Without this important enzyme, the small intestine has a much harder time breaking down sugars and starches.

Bromelain accelerates the breakdown of proteins and may also assist the body in its response to physical stress. Bromelain can also help soothe and relaxes tense, inflamed muscles and connective tissue. Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic characteristics, bromelain is fantastic for acute or chronic joint pain.

Papain play a key role in providing enzymatic support to the stomach, the pancreas and to the intestines and as its effects are also antioxidant, the papain enzyme can help in protecting the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals and prevent bacterial infections and spoilage normally caused by oxidation.

THRIVE Nutritional Supplements are all about nutritional support and enhancing general health, wellness, weight management, fitness, mental acuity and mood support. It is about bringing the body back into nutritional balance. For more about Thrive Products go here

GMP and NSF Certified

Level Thrive is independently tested, and the facilities where Le-Vel's products are manufactured, and the manufacturing processes, are GMP and NSF certified. We also have double-blind studies and clinical data - unfortunately we are not going to be releasing these as they are lengthy and do contain proprietary company information.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are guidelines that provide a system of processes, procedures and documentation to assure a product has the identity, strength, composition, quality and purity that appear on its label.

NSF International independently registers manufacturers as meeting GMP requirements. The program is open not just to manufacturers of dietary supplements but also to manufacturers of ingredients and raw materials, as well as distribution, warehousing and packaging companies, who want to demonstrate their commitment to public safety. NSF certification is your key to making sure that the products you use meet strict standards for public health protection.

Please Note: This following ingredients research is not company supplied but based upon my own independent Google research, you are welcome to do your own research.

Amylase

It’s a lesser known fact that a growing number of health problems can be linked to nutrient malabsorption due to a lack of digestive enzymes. (1) Amylase, protease and lipase are the three main and most vital enzymes your body utilizes to digest food. Amylase has the responsibility of helping your body process carbohydrates into simple sugars while protease breaks down protein and lipase is in charge of fat break down.

Essentially, digestive enzymes assist in breaking down larger molecules into more easily absorbed particles that the body can use to survive and thrive. Without proper levels of amylase and other digestive enzymes, it really is impossible to have your health be at its best.

Stress is by far one of the worst things in the world for your health, particularly chronic stress. Research is showing that amylase can be a very helpful and accurate marker of stress levels.

One study looked at the whether or not the salivary enzyme alpha-amylase could indicate stress-reactive bodily changes. Researchers repeatedly measured salivary alpha-amylase and salivary cortisol as well as plasma catecholamines and cardiovascular activity before, during and after 30 young men underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Results indicated that salivary alpha-amylase is sensitive to psychosocial stress and may be a very helpful additional parameter for the measurement of stress in humans. (9)

-Source: https://draxe.com/amylase/

Due to poor dietary habits and age most people become deficient in amylase production and may show some signs of deficiency which may include skin rash, allergies, gas, constipation, mood imbalances, and general digestive upset. Some scientists are looking into the strong possibility that enzymes such as amylase can play a role in boosting immunomodulatory activity halting these strong immune states. [2-5].

While many scientists disagree on the question of whether or not enzyme production decreases as we age, one laboratory study found that pancreatic amylase decreased by 41% in aging rats. Similarly, a human study done in Argentina found that amylase and lipase secretion decreased in women over 45 years of age, but they actually increased in men of the same age. [13]

-Source: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/the-health-benefits-of-amylase/

Cellulase

Did you know that no animal (including the human kind) can digest plant fiber? A large portion of a plant is fibrous, tough cellulose, which makes up its cell walls. The cell walls of fungi, including Candida, is also made of cellulose. For humans or other animals to digest plant cellulose, we need the enzyme cellulase. [1]

Cellulase is an enzyme that breaks down the cellulose plant fibers we eat into beta-glucose and short-chain polysaccharides. Almost all species of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa produce cellulase, but humans and animals do not. Cellulase is made up of a complex of several different enzymes, including exoglucanases (also called cellobiohydrolases), endoglucanases and beta-glucosidases.[3] These enzymes work together to allow an animal to fully break down (or hydrolyze) cellulose into the simple sugar beta-glucose.[2] This chemical process is called cellulolysis, the scientific term for the breakdown of cellulose.

The Health Benefits of Cellulase

Cellulase enzymes may improve health in the following ways:

·        Aid the breakdown of cellulose into usable glucose[2]

·        Break down harmful microbial biofilms[5]

·        Help fruits and vegetables release antioxidant compounds in association with pectinase     enzymes[6,7

·        Improve the nutritive value of fermented foods[8]

·        May improve the nutritive value of whole grains[9]

In vitro studies show that the cellulase enzyme can stop the growth and increase the breakdown of biofilms produced by the bacteria Pseudomonas.[5] This may help detoxify the intestinal tract, as well as the body's major organ systems.

Source: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/cellulase/

Protease

A protease (also known as a proteolytic enzyme, peptidase or proteinase) is an enzyme that helps digest different kinds of proteins in a process called proteolysis.

Proteases break down a protein’s bonds by hydrolysis, a chemical process that converts proteins into smaller chains called polypeptides and even smaller units called amino acids.

Proteases play a key role in many physiological processes: they are important for DNA replication and transcription, cell housekeeping and repair, immune function, stopping the flow of blood, and many other critical body functions – all of which involve breaking down proteins.[1]

Proteases are extremely important for the digestion of foods, but their intestinal duties go even further. They also digest the cell walls of unwanted harmful organisms in the body and break down unwanted wastes such as toxins, cellular debris, and undigested proteins.

Proteolytic enzymes are now being studied by modern science and medicine for their clinical and therapeutic use in the realms of general oncology and overall immune function.

-Source: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/protease/

Bromelain (proteolytic enzyme)

Supports Gut Health: A 2010 U.S. study on inflammatory bowel diseases found that the proteolytic enzyme bromelain from fresh pineapple juice could help reduce chronic indications and problems in the colon.[2] Research suggests that bromelain counteracts intestinal pathogens like Vibrio cholera and Escherichia coli, but the mode of action is still unclear.[3] It may prevent the bacteria from sticking to the intestinal walls, or it may interact with the body’s secretion signaling, keeping diarrhea in check.[3]

Helps the Body Recover From Bruises, Fractures, and Tissue Injuries: Clinical trials have shown that protease enzymes can speed the healing of sprains, bruises, fractures and tissue injuries.[5, 6] Some natural healthcare providers use a bromelain cream that brings more blood flow to a wound.[3] Bromelain enzyme also reduced bruising and swelling from episiotomy scars after childbirth in women.[7]

Slows or Stops Irritation: The body’s natural protease enzymes respond to irritation in the body, particularly those associated with allergies, harmful organisms, intestinal issues, and restoring health to tissues after blood stopped flowing to that area. Interestingly, invasive bacteria in our body also emit proteases that mimic and hijack our own, which our bodies then have to stop through a complex series of physiological reactions.[8] Some research suggests that bromelain enzyme, from pineapples, may also reduce irritation inside the body.[9]

Eases Bone and Joint Discomfort: Although preliminary and not to be interpreted as a new therapy, a few studies have found that proteolytic enzymes helped ease osteoarthritis symptoms. Studies found that enzyme therapy that included bromelain and trypsin was as effective and better tolerated, with fewer side effects, than the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac (DC).[10, 11]

Digests Proliferating Cells: The digestive proteolytic enzyme bromelain ate away at cells that were growing excessively in both mouse and human cells. Bromelain reduced the cell growth and played a role in regulating the expression of proteins that boosted the immune system’s ability to fight against serious health issues.[3]

Source: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/protease/

Bromelain is an enzyme from the pineapple plant which accelerates the breakdown of proteins. It is active in a wide pH range and can function in the acidic environment of the stomach. Bromelain may also assist the body in its response to physical stress.

In the medical world, this fascinating compound has traditionally been used as a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling agent. Additionally, recent studies have showed us that it stops lung metastasis in its tracks, which suggests that bromelain can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases.

Also, because it’s commonly used as a meat tenderizer, bromelain can also help soothe and relaxes tense, inflamed muscles and connective tissue. Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic characteristics, bromelain is fantastic for acute or chronic joint pain.

-Source: https://draxe.com/6-unbelievable-health-benefits-bromelain/

Bromelain and Papain are systemic enzymes. Systemic enzymes break down inflammatory cytokines that are seen in autoimmune disease and contain proteases that may be involved with breaking down pathogens such as bacteria and parasites. These enzymes also speed up tissue repair by reducing inflammation. Additionally, the enzymes reduce the antibodies to foods and the thyroid by breaking down circulating immune complexes that are formed in autoimmune disease.

Systemic enzymes have been studied extensively in Europe and have become a popular alternative to pain medications for arthritic disease and many inflammatory conditions.

As systemic enzymes act on the immune system altogether, using them is also thought to be protective of developing future autoimmune conditions.

The key thing to remember about these enzymes is that they are not to be taken with food, rather they should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 45 minutes before a meal, or 1 ? hours after a meal. Otherwise, they will get used up in the process of digestion instead of getting into the bloodstream to act on circulating immune complexes.

-Source: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/using-enzymes-to-overcome-hashimotos/

Bromelain is a protein-digesting (proteolytic) enzyme complex found in the fruit and, in higher concentrations, in the stem of the pineapple (Ananas comosus). It is able to hydrolyze or break down a wide variety of protein types in a range of both acid and alkaline environments.

Put simply, bromelain breaks down protein. This has fairly obvious benefits when you consider that many of the foods you eat contain high amounts of protein and they have been thoroughly cooked, destroying most of the naturally occurring enzymes. As a proteolytic enzyme, it assists the body’s own digestive mechanisms in reducing very large, complex protein molecules into smaller peptide units or individual amino acids.

Reduced Swelling after Sports Injuries

Studies show that bromelain may speed up healing time after a physical or sports injury. Taking it has been linked to reduce swelling related to sprains, strains, bruises, and other minor muscle injuries.

Osteoarthritis

Bromelain may also help relieve mild discomfort related to osteoarthritis. In fact, it is a common ingredient in most natural supplements for sore joints and muscles.

Varicose Veins and Haemorrhoids

This enzyme has been used in alternative medicine to promote cardiovascular health and haemorrhoids and other conditions of the veins.

Sinusitis

There are several studies that suggest bromelain may help reduce coughing and lessen mucus related to sinusitis, as well as reduce the swelling and redness that accompany hay fever. The German Commission E approved the bromelain enzyme for aiding imbalances of the ear, nose, and throat that occur after surgery. It is also approved for reducing general sinus infection swelling.

Indigestion and Heartburn

Because of its protease capacities, this enzyme may reduce indigestion and heartburn. Studies show that it is particularly effective when used in combination with other enzymes like amylase (which digests carbohydrates) and lipase (which digests fat). Other studies show its ability to reduce bloating, gas and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

-Source: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/bromelain/

Papain

Bromelain and Papain are systemic enzymes. Systemic enzymes break down inflammatory cytokines that are seen in autoimmune disease and contain proteases that may be involved with breaking down pathogens such as bacteria and parasites. These enzymes also speed up tissue repair by reducing inflammation. Additionally, the enzymes reduce the antibodies to foods and the thyroid by breaking down circulating immune complexes that are formed in autoimmune disease.

Systemic enzymes have been studied extensively in Europe and have become a popular alternative to pain medications for arthritic disease and many inflammatory conditions.

As systemic enzymes act on the immune system altogether, using them is also thought to be protective of developing future autoimmune conditions.

The key thing to remember about these enzymes is that they are not to be taken with food, rather they should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 45 minutes before a meal, or 1 ? hours after a meal. Otherwise, they will get used up in the process of digestion instead of getting into the bloodstream to act on circulating immune complexes.

-Source: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/using-enzymes-to-overcome-hashimotos/

Papain is a protein-dissolving enzyme that can be found and also extracted from the unripe papaya fruit. When it comes to health benefits, papain is mainly good for digestion. The enzyme has protein-digestive properties that can serve the body and play a key role in providing enzymatic support to the stomach, the pancreas and to the intestines.

Papain has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, as well. This means that it can effectively reduce the fungal pathogen that causes pawpaw fruit rot and also reduce prostate and joint inflammations. Furthermore, this powerful enzyme can also reduce the swelling determined by prostatitis.

As its effects are also antioxidant, the papain enzyme can help in protecting the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals and prevent bacterial infections and spoilage normally caused by oxidation.

Moreover, it can relieve acute prostate inflammations due to benign prostatic hypertrophy.

-Source: https://worldofenzymes.info/enzymes-introduction/papain/

How Does Papain Work?

The papaya enzyme papain breaks down larger proteins into smaller proteins, known as polypeptides, and into individual amino acid subunits. Like all proteases, papain works by cleaving chemical bonds either on the inside of the protein (which exist in a complex 3-dimensional structure) or at the end of the chain. Endopeptidases break proteins down from the inside, and exopeptidases work from the ends.

Papain enhances the digestive process and increases nutrient absorption of protein-based foods. Because of its ability to hydrolyze (break down) proteins, papain can play a role in many physiological processes and potentially influence disease processes for good.

The Health Benefits of Papain

1. Stimulates Digestion

One of the key areas in which papain serves the body is in the realm of its protein-digestive properties. One case study found that when a male patient with gluten intolerance ate a gluten-free diet, he still experienced diarrhea, but when he additionally took 1800 mg of papain for one month, he had fewer loose stools and less malabsorption.[1, 2] This is just one study, and more research needs to be conducted.

2. Aids Skin and Wound Healing

Due to papain's beneficial capacities, people have used it for many years as a topical application to burns, ulcers, irritations, bedsores and other wounds, and to assist recovery from sports injuries.[3, 4] Some practitioners have used it dental cavities.[3] Papain’s enzymatic action is very specific, and it does not harm healthy skin.[3] Traditional cultures in Hawaii and Tahiti made poultices out of the skins of papaya, as this part of the fruit has a particularly high concentration of papain. Traditional healers applied this substance to the skin to heal wounds, burns, rashes and insect stings.

3. Digests Mucus

Studies have found that papain digests sinus mucin, a glycoprotein found in mucus, and hence may have beneficial effects for people having sinus issues.[5] Papain makes mucus less viscous, or runnier, and hence better able to be eliminated. Because of this feature, some researchers are studying how papain can help deliver nanoparticle medicines to the body so that they can get through the body’s natural mucosal barrier in the gut.[6] Using papain with nanoparticles may not be the best for your health.

4. Supports Immune System Function

Studies have found that papain may have anti-cell proliferation properties. Some studies have shown papain delivers a strong effect while others found no difference between papain and controls.[7, 8] A review article found strong evidence for the overall immune function properties of papaya.[9]

5. Resists Redness and Irritation

Studies confirm that the papain enzyme offers powerful resistance to redness and irritation. Papain helps aid the absorption of another beneficial substance, quercetin. One study found that when papain and bromelain were given along with quercetin, it helped swelling symptoms associated with prostate health.[9, 10]

6. Acts as an Antioxidant

Papain holds compounds that may aid in protecting the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals, which makes it an antioxidant. The compounds in papaya juice effectively scavenge, or counteract, highly reactive hydroxyl (OH-) free radicals, as well as superoxides. Papain has an antioxidant level on par with Vitamins E and C.[11, 12] In one study, the Sunrise Solo cultivar (a type of papaya) was more effective as an antioxidant than two other cultivars.[13]

-Source: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/papain/

Lipase

Lipase is known as one of the most essential enzymes within the body, along with protease and amylase. Given the fact that it can break down fats, the organism can still have energy and function normally. Lipase helps the body maintain a healthy condition therefore when there is a lipase shortage, many diseases can occur.

It is known now that lipase can break down fats and prevent gaining weight or even end up obese, but additionally it can improve digestion and enhance nutritional value of fats to see if they came from healthy, good food. Since a lot of people consume unhealthy food that doesn’t provide the wanted fatty acids and nutrients that are fat-soluble, it is of high importance to accumulate and digest them as resourcefully as possible. Moreover, the symptoms of a bad digestion such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, indigestion and gas, especially caused by high-fat foods, can be improved.

Lipase works by converting the triglyceride component found in fats into monoglycerides and two fatty acids. This is important, because if fat is not completely digested, it will coat food particles and hinder the breakdown of other food components like carbohydrates and protein.

By helping break down fat, lipase helps prevent excess weight gain and curb obesity. In addition, it streamlines the entire digestive process and boosts the nutritional value of the healthy natural fats you’re receiving from whole foods.

Lipase helps prevent excessive fecal fat loss or steatorrhea, a condition wherein you do not break down fats or extract vital nutrients from food.

As a result of the impaired absorption, you crave more fat, leading to weight gain. By having good lipase levels, you can better digest fat-soluble nutrients and even biosynthesize vitamins A, E, D and K.

There have been studies conducted on the potential benefits of using lipase supplements. The research, published in the Digestive Diseases and Sciences journal, involved 18 healthy volunteers, and found that taking a combination of lipase, protease and amylase supplement after a high fat meal helped reduce symptoms like gas, bloating and fullness.13 Since these symptoms are often associated with irritable bowel syndrome, researchers speculated that lipase and other pancreatic enzymes may be useful in helping treat IBS symptoms. However, there are still no studies that support this theory.

-Source: https://articles.mercola.com/vitamins-supplements/lipase.aspx

Supports Normal Pancreatic Enzyme Levels: Research from France shows that our bodies produce lower amounts of digestive enzymes like lipase as we age.[1] These studies found that the enzymes lipase, phospholipase, and chymotrypsin decrease in concentration and output with age. This provides in favor of lipase supplementation, particularly in older adults.

Boosts Immune Function: Animal and human studies have shown that the lipase produced by the body plays a role in immune function.[9] By increasing enzyme secretions or supplementing, we may experience an overall boost to our immune function.

-Source: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/lipase/

Lactase

The use of lactase as a supplemental agent to help people properly digest lactose has long been confirmed by the scientific community. Here are some of the great health benefits and studies that support the benefits of enzymes such as lactase:

·        Lactose Intolerance

·        Reduces Gas and Bloating

·        Assists with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

·        Assists with Digestive Upset in Children with Autism

·        Assists with Irritation in the Digestive Tract

·        May Help Prevent Certain Digestive Issues

-Source: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/lactase/

Maltase

Maltase is one of the most important enzymes in our digestive process, as it is a key enzyme in the mouth and the saliva. The enzyme maltase helps to relieve the burden of digestion on the pancreas and the small intestine. Without this important enzyme, the small intestine has a much harder time breaking down sugars and starches. In this way, maltase helps the entire digestive system function smoothly. Similarly, having enough maltase present in the gut may lower irritation and support multiple health benefits beyond digestion.

Maltase is an important part of the enzymatic process that our bodies use to effectively digest starches and sugars present in grains and other plant-based foods we eat daily.

This enzyme is synthesized in the lining of the intestinal wall and used with the cells inside our mucous membranes. Beginning in the oral cavity, maltase works with other carbohydrate-digesting enzymes to break down starches and complex sugars into simpler, more-digestible pieces.

-Source: https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/maltase/

Disclaimer Note: just because an herbal supplement may be natural doesn't mean it’s safe. If you are under a doctor’s care or on any kind of medications, always check with your therapist or physician before taking any herbal supplements. These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The total content material of this article is in relation to the investigation and viewpoints of the publisher, except if otherwise noted. The content on this website is not meant to substitute a one-on-one relationship with a certified health care specialist and is not intended as medical health advice.

It is designed as being a expressing of information and knowledge through the investigation and practical experience of the numerous authors. You should try to make your individual healthcare decisions dependent on your research and in collaboration with a qualified health care professional.