Let’s talk about

- steaks

- vegetables

- fruits

- dairy

Steaks – Most would assume that high protease formulas would be best for a nice juicy beef steak. After all, proteases break down protein and muscle is protein, right? That is true, but what gives many problems after a steak dinner is not digesting the protein, but the fat that permeates the meat. Fats can delay the emptying of the stomach, which in turn can cause problems such as heartburn and reflux.

I don’t usually recommend taking a large amount of protease with steak dinners, especially for the last meal of the day. When proteases break down proteins, the result is a thinned liquid mixture in the stomach. Combine that with lying in bed and fat-delayed stomach emptying and you have a recipe for a night of tossing and turning. I recommend using a lipase and lower protease enzyme product such as Zyme Prime or ZyCarb to break down the fats, which in turn results in normal times for stomach emptying.

Vegetables – Not all veggies are created equal or require the same set of enzymes.

• Starchy types – These would be potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, turnips, etc. Starches can be a problem if not thoroughly broken down. Carbs and starches are excellent food sources for the bacteria and yeast in our gut and will increase their population. The best enzyme pairing is a combination of amylase and glucoamylase, which act together to convert the starch to monosaccharide sugars like glucose. These enzymes are found inZyme Prime, ZyCarb, and TriEnza.
• Leafy veggies – Lettuce, broccoli, cabbage and such can create havoc in those with sensitive guts. The “roughage” tends to go right through them causing frequent bowel movements and loose stools. These types of foods are worked on by cellulase and xylanase enzymes, such as in No-Fenol. The specialized structures found in leafy plants are broken down by these enzymes- resulting in smoother digestion, and less cramping and gas. As a side benefit, a good portion of the insoluble fiber is converted to soluble fiber.

Broccoli and cabbage also contain raffinose and stachyose – carbohydrates that may cause gassiness.  These carbs are broken down by the alpha-galactosidase enzyme.

Fruits – Can be similar to veggies in that some are starchy but in addition can also be highly phenolic. By “phenolic” we mean they are high in polyphenols which are the antioxidants and nutritional compounds we need to help with oxidative stress. In some, phenolics are not transformed to their most absorbable form and if not absorbed, there is little benefit. Xylanase, in No-Fenol, seems to help accomplish this transformation process. Combine with amylase and glucoamylase(such as with ZyCarb) to get help with the starchy components.

Dairy – We already mentioned using lactase for lactose intolerance but keep in mind that dairy protein (casein) can be a digestive problem as well. For this we would want to use a high-protease formula like AFP-Peptizyde.

If there is a strong demand for the stevia-sweetened Zyme Prime, we will certainly consider carrying that version.  For now, however, we plan on carrying just the newer xylitol/fructose version. Let us know what you think at info@houston-enzymes.com or call 866-757-8627 – and remember we offer free samples for trying out the flavors.

Seriously though, the heat wave shows no signs of letting up soon.  Many of our customers are worried about our enzymes being shipped in this heat.  Have no fear, these enzymes are very stable to environmental temperatures!  In fact, many of these enzymes work better at temps of 105 – 125 degrees F.

I recently tested some of our enzymes that had expired in 2003.  They were sealed in the bottle and still in the cardboard box.  They had been in a corner of my unconditioned garage in Arkansas for the past 8 years.  Our summer temperatures will routinely be in the high 90s, with humidity in the 60 – 90% level.  In the summer, my garage feels like a sauna.  When we tested the enzymes I was amazed to find that the activity was still above the amount stated on the label.

We over-formulate our enzyme products, meaning that the amount you see listed on the label is actually less than what is actually put into the product.  In this way, we can provide long shelf life and provide a good reserve of activity to accommodate extreme conditions.

Please do not worry that the enzymes you received from Houston Enzymes are “deactivated” by the heat.  The bottle and box provide protection as well.  Even sitting in a mail truck or your mailbox for the weekend in Arizona will have little to no effect on the activity levels.

I wish I could tolerate the heat as well our enzymes!

Stay cool!

Devin Houston, PhD

One of the functions of the digestive tract is to change food into a substance that won’t trigger the immune system to launch an attack.

Several methods are used in the body to accomplish this task.   Stomach acid denatures food proteins.  Denaturation removes the “glue” holding the structure of the food protein together and often results in loss of any function associated with the protein.

However, even denatured proteins can be allergenic.   The next and most definitive step for rendering food proteins harmless is enzymatic degradation that begins in the stomach but predominates in the small intestine.  Denaturation actually sets up the protein for optimal break down by protease enzymes.

The immune system in the gut is triggered by a number of factors but size of the offending protein is the most predominant.  The larger the protein, the more likely it is to set off the alarm for IgG antibody production.  Conversely, smaller proteins or fragments are able to slip under the radar for immunity activation.  Research from several labs demonstrate that when protein digestion is compromised, antibody production to that food protein increases (1 – 3).

A compromised digestive system can occur easier than one may think.

The simple act of taking an antacid reduces the activity of pepsin, the major protease enzyme in the stomach, by raising the pH of the stomach over 5.0.  Many on H2-receptor blockers have increased food allergy symptoms because the resulting low stomach acid fails to activate the pepsin enzyme system.

Larger food protein fragments are then passed on to the intestinal tract and have the potential to become allergens (2 – 4).  Conversely, research indicates that pre-treatment of food proteins with protease enzymes results in a less allergenic potential (5 – 6).  Heating of a protein alone will not break down a food protein sufficiently, so cooking is no guarantee of allergy prevention.

The World Health Organization proposed in 2001 that food proteins be tested for the allergenic potential.  One of the parameters for consideration is the resistance to enzymatic digestion by some food proteins (7).  A positive association was found between resistance to digestion and development of food allergy.  Food proteins with a high content of proline amino acids, like gluten, are very difficult to digest by human digestive enzymes.

What does this mean for the consumer?  Obviously, increasing the digestion of food proteins decreases the chances of potential allergy development.  Unfortunately, our own digestive enzymes are not always sufficient.

By supplementing with additional acid-stable enzymes from plant sources we can increase the chance of food proteins being sufficiently degraded.

These “outside” sourced enzymes are compatible with our digestive systems but have additional properties that provide us with more thorough digestion.  The use of supplemental enzymes increases the bioavailability of food nutrients to our system, provides a healthier environment for the probiotic bacteria in our gut, and eliminates the unwelcome side effects of unhealthy digestion, such as fermentation, gas, and bloating.

Oral tolerance of food proteins is an important aspect of our digestive and immune system.  The use of over-the-counter enzyme supplements specifically formulated for protein digestion (such as AFP-Peptizyde from Houston Enzymes) may further increase digestion of food proteins. Broader spectrum enzyme products, such as TriEnza from Houston Enzymes, benefit not only protein digestion, but breakdown of carbohydrates, starches, and fats is also increased.

References:

1. Anthoni S, Savilahti E, et al. Milk protein IgG and IgA: The association with milk-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in adults. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15:4915-4918.

2. Schmidt DG, Meijer RJ, et al. Raising the pH of the pepsin-catalyzed hydrolysis of bovine whey proteins increases the antigenicity of the hydrolysates. Clin Exp Allergy 1995; 25(10):1007-17.

3. Untersmayr E, Scholl I, et al. Antacid medication inhibits digestion of dietary proteins and causes food allergy: a fish allergy model in BALB/c mice. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003; 112(3):616-23.

4. Untersmayr E and Jensen-Jarolim, E. The role of protein digestibility and antacids on food allergy outcomes. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008; 121(6):1301-10.

5. Kim SB, Ki KS, et al. Peptic and tryptic hydrolysis of native and heated whey protein to reduce its antigenicity. J Dairy Sci 2007; 90(9):4043-50.

6. Burks AW, Williams LW, et al. Allergenicity of peanut and soybean extracts altered by chemical or thermal denaturation in patients with atopic dermatitis and positive food challenges. J. Allergy Clin Immunol 1992; 90(6 Pt 1):889-97.

7. Bannon G, Fu T-J, et al. Protein digestibility and relevance to allergenicity. Environ Health Perspect 2003; 111:1122-24.

Note: These statements and/or products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not meant to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any illness. Please consult your medical doctor for treatment options.

866-757-8627 info@houston-enzymes.com

Copyright © Houston Enzymes 2011.

Whatever the results, secretin is not an enzyme, it is a hormone that causes the pancreas to release enzymes into the gut.  Secretin is quite different from enzyme supplements, which do not require any action by secretin to start breaking down foods and enhancing digestion.  http://usat.ly/hoTzUS

1. Enzyme products
2. How to choose a product
3. How long before you see improvements?
4. Dosing
5. Mixing with food and drink
6. Safety
7. Storage
8. Resources
9. Contact info.

I’ll be watching for your email.

We started with Peptizyde and HN-Zyme Prime and sold our first product in April of 2001.  It is hard to believe how far we have come since those days, and how quickly the years passed.

Every year of business has been better than the previous and we take that as a vote of confidence by our customers.  We took a unique product that addressed a definite need and asked for your trust in using it.

The feedback was outstanding and humbling to me.  My biggest blessing over the years is the many stories told of children getting better and families leading more normal lives.  I love meeting you and your kid at the conferences, the hugs from the moms, and seeing the smiles on your child’s face.

Top Ten (Year) Reasons to Use Houston Enzymes

#10.  Fast, flexible ordering online or by phone. In most cases, your order is shipped out the day you order.  Call our toll-free number and talk to one of our Customer Service representatives if you have a special circumstance that needs addressing.  You can leave your order on our secure voice-mail any time of the day or night.  Our website,www.houston-enzymes.com, also allows 24/7 ordering.

#9.  Customer access to the product formulator/company owner. Many CEOs insulate themselves from customers, delegating customer questions to employees.  As the company owner and product formulator, I try to make myself available to answer questions that need specialized attention.  You can reach me by email, phone, Facebook, orTwitter.  I do my best to answer questions by the next business day.

#8.  Digestive results may be observed quickly. I formulate my products with high amounts of enzymes in order that you may achieve quick results to your digestive problems.  In most cases, a noticeable improvement may be realized within the first 3 days of enzyme use.

#7.  Completely plant-based enzyme products. My enzyme formulations use only plant-based enzymes.  No pancreatic enzymes derived from animal sources are used.  Even the capsule is plant-based.

#6.  Unique product line allows for customized enzyme use. Our products are designed to focus on specific dietary food issues.  We don’t believe in “one product fits all” formulations because your diet and digestion can vary from others.  Our products are designed to be “mixed and matched” to your specific dietary needs.

#5.  Safety. Great care has been taken to provide our customers with the most potent and safe products available.  We use a manufacturer with top-rated laboratory and Quality Control protocols in place. Enzymes are one of the safest supplements in the industry.  No chance of over-dosing since there is no toxic limit for any digestive enzyme. Enzymes will not interfere with most medications or other supplements. Our only caution is that enzymes are protein and therefore have the potential to be allergenic, though this is rare.  If you have never used an enzyme product, use caution until you are sure you are not allergic to enzymes.

#4.  Increases bio-availability of food nutrients. Oral enzyme supplements increase digestion of foods.  If foods are more thoroughly digested, then the minerals, vitamins and other nutrients will be made available for absorption in the GI tract.  Oral enzymes act to support normal digestion.

#3.  Provides for a more healthy gut environment. Any undigested foods within the gut can be a source of growth for bad bacteria and yeast.  By ensuring that foods are broken down completely in the gut, less likelihood exists for bacterial blooms.

#2.  Houston Enzymes products can be an alternative to some restrictive diets. Many food intolerances can be diminished or eliminated by the proper use of proteolytic and carbohydrase enzymes. Our enzyme products are acid-stable and work in the stomach (where proteins and peptides are NOT absorbed).  This allows problem foods to be broken down in the “safe house” of the stomach.  By the time the food mass enters the small intestine, those foods are no longer a source of intolerance.  Because of this attribute, our enzymes can be used with diets or as a substitute to certain diets.  This allows a little more freedom and flexibility in the planning of meals and family nights out.

And the Top Reason to use Houston Enzymes:

#1.  Houston Enzyme products are formulated by an enzyme biochemist. Let’s face it.  There are many enzyme companies out there claiming to be enzyme “experts”.  But you be the judge.  Would you rather your enzyme products be formulated by someone with an earned doctorate in Medical Biochemistry, demonstrated ability and publications in the area of enzyme biochemistry, and industrial experience in enzyme dietary supplements?  That is what you get when you use products from Houston Enzymes.

It’s easy to say you’re an expert when no one asks you to prove it, so go ahead, ask us!  Then ask the other companies…  

- Devin Houston

All our capsule version enzymes are the same size as TriEnza (capsule size “1″), with the exception of ZyCarb, which is slightly smaller.  All our chewable products are the same size.

By most standards, these are considered to be small sized products.  If you are still doubting whether the size of the product will be ok for your child, we are happy to send you a sample.