DEAR DR. BLONZ: I visited a naturopath who advocates for plant enzyme supplements for just about everyone. After closely reviewing my health profile, she suggested that these supplements will help me digest certain foods, although I don't have such problems that I know of. Her message was that the human body produces limited enzymes, and taking these supplements spares what the body makes and will contribute to short- and long-term health. I looked up this style of medicine but didn't find much information, and I was hoping you might provide some. -- D.S., San Diego
DEAR D.S.: My understanding of naturopathy is that it centers around the healing power of nature, attempting to use "natural" remedies to treat the whole person, with the idea that the body is a self-healing organism. In theory, a naturopath would attempt to find the cause of a problem rather than simply treat the symptoms. The practice is also firmly vested in the use of preventive actions.
Our bodies' enzymes include amylases to digest carbohydrates, lipases to digest fats, and proteases to break down proteins. Enzymes are produced in response to the foods we eat and released in the digestive system's area designed for that particular breakdown.
When would it make sense to take supplementary enzymes? There are everyday situations in which it is reasonable to use them. For example, many adults no longer produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to help digest the carbohydrate lactose, found in milk. By taking lactase supplements with lactose-containing milk products, these foods can be enjoyed without the annoying side effects. Another enzyme supplement contains alpha-galactosidase, which helps break down specific carbohydrates found in legumes (beans) and other vegetables that cause intestinal gas.
There are medical situations in which dietary enzymes might be prescribed. For example, the pancreas produces most of our digestive enzymes, so if a medical problem develops that affects its ability to either produce or deliver its enzymes to the digestive tract, the body will be unable to absorb various essential nutrients. In that case, the patient would need to take enzyme supplements. Patients who undergo gastric-bypass surgery may be prescribed vitamin supplements and enzymes to compensate for the reduced length of time that food is digested and absorbed.
But what about those of us who don't have any specific enzyme-related malady -- could supplementary enzymes help us, as well? There is a theory that we derive benefits from extra enzymes -- it states that our lifespan is intertwined with our ability to produce them. The idea is that we can manufacture only a fixed amount of enzymes, and as soon as we run out, the game, so to speak, is over. If this theory were proven correct, we could extend our lives by taking supplementary enzymes. Unfortunately, there is little objective clinical evidence to support this.
Send questions to: "On Nutrition," Ed Blonz, c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106. Send email inquiries to questions@blonz.com. Due to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.