Category Archives: Digestive Enzyme

Digestive Enzyme, Polyzyme Forte, VeganZyme

Let’s break it down: why are digestive enzymes so important?

When it comes down to it, there’s a whole host of things you may have heard you need to ensure your digestive system works like clockwork – or as close to it as possible. For every kind of ‘good bacteria’ there’s a plethora of probiotics and for every antioxidant there’s a Vitamin A, B or C. Well, like it or not, you should add to that list digestive enzymes. Chances are, you’ve heard of them. But are you familiar with them? Do you know what they are?

Why are digestive enzymes so necessary?

Frankly, the clue’s in the word ‘digestive; that is, they’re crucial to the digestion process. The reality is we don’t just eat food to sate hunger; we really do so to give the body what it needs to generate energy – those all-important energy-creating nutrients. And these nutrients have to be broken down once they’ve been extracted from the rest of the food we eat (which is ultimately excreted from the body). It’s here that digestive enzymes come in.

Continue reading Let’s break it down: why are digestive enzymes so important? →

Colon cleansing, Digestive Enzyme, Fivelac, Threelac, Thyme Formula

Beating the Beastly Yeast: how to tackle Candida the natural way

If you live in the United States and, while watching, hearing or reading the news, you perk up whenever health issues are mentioned, you’ll surely be aware of the drug-resistant illness that in the last few weeks has infected more than 75 people in the US1. Affecting – and potentially damaging – the bloodstream, wounds and ears, it’s predicted (in the very worst case scenario) to cause organ failure, especially for the most ‘at risk’ category; among them diabetics, premature babies and those on paralysis or with weak immunity1.

That’s because it’s an outbreak of Candida auris, one of the broad family of Candida yeasts, many of which (should they get out of control when inside the human body and result in ‘Candida overgrowth’) can cause serious ongoing health issues. In fact, since 2013, outbreaks of Candida auris have been reported in 14 separate countries, including the UK – yes, it’s not just a nasty thing confined to the US, unfortunately1.

Candida – the beastly yeast?

Highlighting these recent infections of this particularly unpleasant Candida strain shows just how common it doing us ill actually is – in fact, so common is Candida that on occasions most people probably don’t realise it’s the cause for them feeling below par or very ill. A wide array of Candida species (the most common of which is probably Candida alcibans2, 3) can cause us real trouble if they’re allowed free roam in our bodies – potentially fungal infections like candidiasis, candidemia and oral flush4.

Yet the truth is that when the Candida levels in your body (most pertinently in the skin and the mucous membranes of the gut and vagina) are kept in check, thanks to a healthy immune system, Candida is very rarely a problem. Indeed, different strains of Candida are among the organisms that a new-born baby will acquire from their mother via birth or through breastfeeding or early food5 – moreover, one specific species, Candida cylindracea, supports effective digestion owing to the positive enzymatic properties and pH levels it possesses6.

Candida overgrowth – symptoms and causes

However, should Candida be allowed to run riot in parts of your body and multiply to the extent it results in overgrowth, perhaps the most immediate consequence is that it’ll imbalance and disrupt the body’s gut microbiota. This is when the balance of bacteria in the intestines tips hazardously in favour of ‘bad bacteria’ and harmful micro-organisms like Candida over ‘good bacteria’ and health-preserving probiotics.

As a result of this then, Candida overgrowth effects can regularly include gastrointestinal (and gastrointestinal-related) issues like abdominal pains, indigestion and excessive gas; irritability, tiredness and trouble concentrating; anxiety and mood swings; skin infections, eczema, psoriasis and acne; oral or vaginal thrush7 and promotion of leaky gut syndrome8. Moreover, overgrowth can see Candida-derived problems occur all over the body, thanks to the yeast potentially infecting the blood, genitals, skin and the throat and oesophagus9, 10.

But what about the causes? Well, some of the most common and guilty of Candida promoters are:

  • Weakened immunity – unfortunately, a large number of medical conditions and medications can weaken the immune system11, 12, 13
  • Antibiotics – attack all bacteria (‘good’ as well as ‘bad’), thus upsetting the gut microbiota balance and allowing Candida to thrive4
  • Diabetes – a hallmark of diabetes, high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia), inhibits the immune system and the digestive and urinary systems4, 14
  • Alcohol – chronic alcohol drinking can lead to the growth of certain Candida species
  • Other potential causes include kidney failure and haemodialysis treatment; organ transplantation; poor diet and pregnancy15, 16

Tackling Candida

Thankfully, should you suspect – and especially if you have it confirmed by a medical professional – that you’re suffering from Candida overgrowth, there’s certainly something you can do about it. Your best advised treatment is a natural remedy – and why not in the shape of easy-to-take and highly effective supplements? All three of the following and many more are available through The Finchley Clinic (indeed, check out the ‘Candida Cleansing’ section of our website for all the Candida supplements we sell)…

Threelac

Threelac – a probiotic that’s revered for managing candida and yeast infections, containing three forms of spore-forming lactic acid bacteria that work to purge your intestinal tract of parasites and dysbiotic microorganisms; also highly recommended is its sister product Fivelac.

Active-Digestive-Enzymes

Active Digestive Enzymes – actually designed to be taken in conjunction with Threelac and may help a Candida-focused cleanse by improving food absorption to reduce the amount of ‘food’ such parasites feed on in the tract.

thyme-formula

Thyme Formula and Thyme Formula A – botanical products specifically designed to help manage Candida overgrowth throughout the body.

 

References:

1. Whyte C. ‘Deadly, drug-resistant Candida yeast infection spreads in the US’. newscientist.com. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2125283-deadly-drug-resistant-candida-yeast-infection-spreads-in-the-us/. 20 March 2017.

2. Kim J. and Sudbery P. ‘Candida albicans, a major human fungal pathogen’. J Microbiol. April 2011; 49 (2): 171-7.

3. ‘Candidiasis’. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/. Last update: 6 Oct 2016.

4. ‘Candida infection of the skin’. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000880.htm. Review date: 12 July 2014.

5. Jenkinson H. F. and Douglas L. J. ‘Chapter 18 Interactions between Candida Species and Bacteria in Mixed Infections. Polymicrobial Diseases’. Washington (DC): ASM Press. 2002.

6. Fieker A., Philpott J. and Armand M. ‘Enzyme replacement therapy for pancreatic insufficiency: present and future’. Clin Exp Gastroenterol. 2011; 4: 55–73.

7. Global Health Trax. ghthealth.com. 2016.

8. Schulz J. and Sonnenborn U. ‘Yeasts in the Gut: From Commensals to Infectious Agents’. Dtsch Arztebl Int. Dec 2009. 106 (51-52): 837–842.

9. ‘Yeast Infections’. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/yeastinfections.html.

10. Aubyn G. and Tagoe D. ‘Prevalence of vaginal infections and associated lifestyles of students in the University of Cape Coast, Ghana’. Asian Pac J Trop Dis. Aug 2013; 3(4): 267–270.

11. Maksymiuk A. W., Thongprasert S., Hopfer R., Luna M., Fainstein V. and Bodey G. P. ‘Systemic candidiasis in cancer patients’. Am J Med. Oct 1984; 77 (4D): 20-7.

12. Fichtenbaum C. and Aberg J. ‘Candidiasis and HIV’. HIV InSite. http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-00&doc=kb-05-02-03. Feb 2006.

13. ‘Medications that Weaken Your Immune System and Fungal Infections’. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/infections/immune-system.html. Last update: 25 Jan 2016.

14. Casqueiro J., Casqueiro J. and Alves C. ‘Infections in patients with diabetes mellitus: A review of pathogenesis’. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. Mar 2012; 16 (Suppl1): S27–S36.

15. ‘Invasive Candidiasis Risk & Prevention’. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/invasive/risk-prevention.html. Last update: 2 March 2016.

Acid Reflux Supplements, Digestive Enzyme, Digestive Enzyme Supplements, Latero-Flora, Probiotics, Treat Acid Reflux, Vegan HCl, VeganZyme

Ease your digestion: tips to avoid acid reflux

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In some cultures, belching during or after consuming food is perfectly acceptable; a sign that you’ve enjoyed and are satisfied by a meal. The truth is that everybody’s liable to belch at some time or another, not least after eating. However, excessive belching isn’t good; not only isn’t it particularly endearing, socially speaking, but also if – in extreme cases – it’s accompanied by heartburn and even chest pain, it could signify you’re suffering from acid reflux.

A rather violent sounding disorder, acid reflux is a long-term condition that sees stomach contents (both food and gastric acids) splash back up into the oesophagus. If experienced regularly, it could irritate and even harm the oesophagus, potentially scarring this tube between the mouth and stomach and cause ulceration, swelling or haemorrhaging. Indeed, in the worst case scenario, it could put you on the road to developing oesophegael cancer.

So what measures can you take to put an end to acid reflux? In addition to seeing a health practitioner, here are some suggestions…

Balance your HCl levels

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) may sound a bit frightening, but it’s nothing to be worried about – it’s a mineral acid combing hydrogen, chlorine and water. In fact, your body naturally produces it and should you be successful in encouraging it to create more HCl, then it could prove an important step in reducing acid reflux symptoms. In order to balance your body’s HCl level you may consider switching ordinary table salt for high-quality sea salt; moreover, you may look to supplementation for help – see at the bottom of this article.

Switch up your diet

If you want to bring on acid reflux and exacerbate its symptoms, one of the best ways to go about it is to consume lots of processed foods and sugars – this, as much as (if not more than) anything else, helps to establish and maintain bacterial imbalance in the gastrointestinal system. So how instead can you generate bacterial balance? Well, obviously cut out a lot of those processed food and sugars and try to replace them with fresh, organic fruit and veg. Again, read to the end of this post for a specific probiotic supplement – available through The Finchley Clinic – that’ll augment the good work of those dietary adjustments.

Boost your enzyme intake

Enzymes are terrific for effective digestion and occur naturally in raw food; unfortunately the act of cooking these foods destroys them and all the health-providing goodness they offer – cooking anything above 47°C is enough to do so (to give you an idea, Gas Mark 3 is approximately four times as hot as that). Obviously, nobody would suggest you shouldn’t adequately cook the food you eat, but maybe you could introduce more fresh and/ or raw food into your diet (like fruit). Also, you might like to look at the supplement possibilities in this area – once more, check the bottom of this article for our suggestion.

Further tips to treat acid reflux

  • Organic apple cider vinegar – add raw organic apple cider vinegar with four ounces of purified water (resulting in a tablespoon’s worth) and consume it before each meal; it’s not idea for easing acid reflux symptoms, calming the stomach and aiding digestion in cases of low stomach acid
  • Organic aloe vera – another soother when it comes to acid reflux, aloe vera helps calm the stomach, ease diarrhoea and relieve the redness that comes not just with acid reflux, but also bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis
  • Cleanses – if you’re constantly suffering from acid reflux (and have the time and patience), it may be a good idea to try some body cleanses, such as a colon cleanse, a liver cleanse, a harmful organism cleanse and a chemical and toxic metal cleanse.

Supplements

As noted above, there are also some acid reflux supplements you might give a go to alleviate symptoms and tackle underlying digestive issues:

BioCarbonate (90 capsules) – an alkalising complex whose carbonates help to maintain the correct pH (acidity) for efficient enzymatic activity and digestion, thus may reduce hyper-acidity in the stomach.

Marshmallow Formula (60 capsules) – contains botanical marshmallow_formulaingredients which may help maintain normal intestinal permeability; it combines well with our products for candida balancing and may also be suitable for leaky gut, food intolerance and gut inflammation issues.

latero-flora-60-capsules

Latero-Flora (60 capsules) – a probiotic that helps balance the bowel with good bacteria; it nicely complements a well-balanced, natural diet thanks to safely assisting the maintenance of beneficial micro-organism colonies to improve gut health and digestive system function, thus may help to tackle the underlying causes of acid reflux.

 

Digestive Enzyme, Digestive Enzyme Supplements, Energy boosters

Shake off that wintry sluggishness through good diet, rest, exercise and probiotics

Let’s face it; it’s not unusual this time of year to feel a little lacking in energy; a wee bit done in; rather sluggish. But is it normal? Should you shrug your shoulders and put up with it? Scientifically speaking, there’s no reason why you should accept having less energy at one time of the year (when it’s colder and the days are shorter) compared to another (when it’s warmer and the days are longer) – and that’s not to mention it’s not healthy either.

Why might you feel sluggish? Well, maybe you’re working hard, not getting as satisfactory a work-life-rest balance as you might and perhaps you’re not eating as healthily or getting as much exercise as you could – the latter being very common this time of year. The following are all specific reasons you might feel sluggish – and alongside them are ideas to boost your energy.

Low hormone levels

Low levels of certain hormones can play a big role in keeping energy levels low. Why? Well, your ability to think clearly and act effectively is compromised when your body isn’t producing and, thus, not using enough testosterone, oestrogen, thyroid hormones and human-growth hormones1. To ensure your body’s creating a sufficient amount of hormones then to keep you full of beans, you should aim to live a healthy lifestyle. What does this mean? Steer clear of pesticide-affected fruit and vegetables, boost your Vitamin D intake and get exercise (yes, in the winter months), but remember to take the time to rest too.

The thyroid effect

Of all hormone deficiencies that can leave you feeling sluggish, an imbalanced thyroid may be most significant. The hormones this gland produces are necessary for almost every organ in the body. Moreover, one of the major hormones it creates and supplies is Triiodothyronine (or T3), which is directly responsible for metabolic rate and influences modest changes in energy levels and body weight. Getting enough iodine (either through diet or supplementation) is crucial to ensure the work your thyroid does is balanced effectively2, but again, so too is getting enough exercise and sleep.

Too little exercise

Wait a minute; the more we exercise the more tired we’ll get, right? Well, more physically tired for a brief time, yes; more sluggish, no. The reality is that throwing yourself into either vigorous or light exercise on a daily basis encourages body functions (not least digestion), increases the acceptance of glucose (food) by cells throughout the body and activates significant parts of the brain – those that enable us to feel better psychologically, especially when it comes to us feeling more or less energised3.

Not enough B12?

Speaking of glucose-conversion in cells, Vitamin B12 is of critical importance for this to take place in our bodies effectively. Also referred to as cobalamin, B12 plays a crucial role in the creation of red blood cells, which carry glucose (potential energy, if you will) and other nutrients to organs via the bloodstream. Unless they’re careful to manage an entirely balanced diet, vegans may find they’re not getting enough B12 from food alone (as the vitamin tends to be derived mostly from animals), thus energy supplements could prove a decisive option for sluggishness linked to B12 deficiency.

Gut matters

It’s not unusual to feel lethargic when you haven’t passed waste and feel like you need to but can’t (that is, when you’re suffering from constipation), yet if you haven’t properly digested the food you’ve eaten there’s a more specific biological reason why you might feel sluggish. Basically, it’s likely you aren’t absorbing as many energy-supplying nutrients as you need to. If your gastrointestinal system is deficient in the enzymes that help you digest food then you simply won’t get the vitamins, minerals and glucose your body requires to function as it should – inevitably then, you’ll experience low energy levels. Digestive enzyme supplements could help here4.

Reducing stress can also aid efficient digestion – when you’re in a stressed out, ‘flight or fight’ state, digestion automatically stops as your brain deems it a low priority. Rest and exercise can help lower stress levels and aid your body in reaching the opposite state, the parasympathetic (or relaxed) state that supports digestion.

Energy-boosting tips

So to reiterate, there are many things you can do to boost your energy and reduce the opportunity for you to become overly sluggish; even exhausted:

  • Diet – introduce into your daily intake organic raw vegetables, organic berries and nuts, herbs and seeds; aim to reduce the sugars you eat, but don’t cut down on calories altogether as you’ll need enough of them to burn to provide you energy
  • Exercise and sleep – try to exercise vigorously or lightly every day and look to get least 7-8 hours of sleep a night
  • Vitamin D – in addition to getting your fill of Vitamin B12, try to boost your levels of the  all-important Vitamin D by getting out in the sun (but not too much in the summer), the point being that sunlight provides Vitamin D, which can help to balance the serotonin and melatonin levels in your body, thus stabilising its circadian rhythms; in turn ensuring your energy levels are in tune with your sleep-wake cycle
  • Supplements – as noted above, supplements may help a great deal to banish that sluggish feeling; in their different ways the following (all available through The Finchley Clinic) are highly advised to augment the other lifestyle adjustments suggested:

detoxadine

Detoxadine (Iodine) (1floz) – a high-quality nascent iodine supplement (made ​​from dietary transformative iodine) that helps balance the body’s iodine levels and thus supports thyroid health.

Sublingual Unique B12 (90 veg tablets and powder) – provides an infusion of B vitamins directly into the bloodstream to nutritionally support the nervous system and aid cardiovascular function; also contains folic acid and Vitamins B6 and B7 (biotin).

veganzyme-180-capsules

VeganZyme (120 capsules) – a popular digestive enzymes supplement that can help enhance the body’s digestive process and increase the nutritional value of your food.

References

1. Tuin J., Sanders J. S., Buhl B. M., van Beek A. P. and Stegeman C. A. ‘Androgen deficiency in male patients diagnosed with ANCA-associated vasculitis: a cause of fatigue and reduced health-related quality of life?’. Arthritis Res Ther. 2013; 15 (5): R117.

2. Laurberg P., Cerqueira C. and Ovesen L. ‘Iodine intake as a determinant of thyroid disorders in populations’. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Feb; 24 (1): 13-27. doi: 10.1016/j.beem.2009.08.013.

3. Sharma A., Madaan V., and Petty F. D. ‘Exercise for Mental Health’. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2006; 8 (2): 106.

4. Balakrishnan M. and Floch M. H. ‘Prebiotics, probiotics and digestive health’. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2012 Nov; 15 (6): 580-5. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e328359684f.

Colosan, Digestive Enzyme, Oxy-Powder, Threelac and Fivelac

Mind over gut matters? How mental and gastrointestinal health are linked

Have you ever found yourself feeling low when suffering from diarrhoea? Or down in the dumps following a bout of abdominal pain or stomach cramps? Or has it struck you that you may feel more depressed than you’d expect along with a bit of digestive trouble? Well, research suggests this wouldn’t actually be surprising – and is probably very normal – because there are strong links between digestive and mental health.

Indeed, by studying gut microbiota (the community of micro-organisms found in the gut), experts have established significant connections between bacterial imbalance in this part of the body and mood and behavioural issues.

From the brain to the gut – and vice versa

There are three specific ways in which the brain connects directly with the gastrointestinal part of our bodies:

• The vagus nerve – this travels from the brain stem, via the neck and thorax, straight to the abdomen; it helps regulate heart rate, speech, sweating, and various gut functions via the supply of motor parasympathetic fibres to all organs apart from adrenal glands1

• The enteric nervous system – often called a ‘second brain’, owing to its capacity to autonomously communicate and connect with the central nervous system via the vagus nerve, this system can feature up to 600 million neurons2 that influence muscle activity in the gut wall and gland secretions of the likes of stomach acid, digestive enzymes and mucus3

• The gut-brain axis – by linking the brain’s emotional and cognitive centres with the intestine’s peripheral functions, this enables bidirectional communication between the central and the enteric nervous systems4.

Gut bacteria influencing mental health

So, owing to these direct links between the gastrointestinal part of the body and the brain, it’s been found that gut microbiota can – and does – influence brain chemistry, moods and behaviour5. How? Well, animal studies have shown there’s strong proof that micro-organisms in the gut activate the vagus nerve, thus have the ability to influence how the brain sets behaviour6. Could this be why sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – thus sufferers of symptoms like gas, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain and cramping – often experience depression and anxiety? Quite possibly.

On a more positive note, the microbiota of the gut play a significant role in influencing the generation and application of serotonin and dopamine – serotonin being a ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter that (along with dopamine) is important in establishing happiness and well-being. Indeed, you may be surprised to learn that 90% of serotonin in the body is in the gut, ensuring it’s a key regulator of gastrointestinal motility7.

Improving gut flora through diet – and more

Owing to all the evidence then – and, frankly, just plain common sense – it’s in the interest of all of us to look after our gut as much as we can; a healthy digestive system results in a healthy mind – and vice versa. Indeed, the condition of gut microbiota and a healthy gastrointestinal tract can be positively enhanced by a good diet8. And that means plenty of fruits and vegetables, plus fermented foods like yoghurt and kefir. Gut microbiota (the sort that’s good for us) love probiotics.

In fact, a study conducted in 2014 found that, by receiving a strain of probiotics, a group of rats enjoyed something of a therapeutic effect on the depressive and anxious symptoms they were suffering from, as well as a ‘normalisation of their immune response’9.

And if, for any reason, you may struggle to imbed the above suggested food types into your diet then you can follow the example of the aforementioned rats by getting your gut-friendly nutrients via supplementation. You might find one or more of the following gut health supplements available through The Finchley Clinic suit you perfectly – they do for many of our customers:

oxy-powder-120-capsules

Oxy-Powder (120 capsules) – a great colon cleansing product, it offers a slow release of mono-atomic oxygen to ensure an inhospitable environment for harmful bacteria and other toxic matter, enabling free rein for the friendly bacteria needed for proper digestive and intestinal health

threelac-caps

Threelac (60 sachets or 120 capsules) – contains Bacillus coagulans (a probiotic organism that may help solve occasional digestion and stomach issues), Bacillus subtilis (may aid removal of bad flora from the intestines) and Enterococcus faecalis (a major lactic acid bacteria group genus that’s extremely good for the gut); Threelac works very well with other supplements we sell

Colosan (120 and 40 capsules and in powder form) – a magnesium oxide powder that doesn’t just cleanse the colon but oxygenates it too

active-digestive-enzymes

Active Digestive Enzymes (90 capsules) – aids general good nutrient uptake and could help someone looking to cleanse their colon of candida to improve food absorption; great for sufferers of lactose intolerance, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and gas, IBS and heart burn, and nicely complements Threelac.

References:

1. ‘The Vagus Nerve’. Loyola University Chicago Health Sciences Division. Stritch School of Medicine.
2. Furness J. B., Callaghan B. P., Rivera L. R. and Cho H. J. ‘The enteric nervous system and gastrointestinal innervation: integrated local and central control’. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2014; 817:39-71.
3. Purves D., Augustine G. J., Fitzpatrick D. et al. ‘The Enteric Nervous System’. Neuroscience, 2nd Edition, Sinauer Associates; 2001.
4. Carabotti M., Scirocco A., Maselli M. A. and Severi C. ‘The gut-brain axis: interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems’. Ann Gastroenerology. Apr-Jun 2015.
5. Dinan T. G. and Cryan J. F. ‘Melancholic microbes: a link between gut microbiota and depression?’ Neurogastroenterology and Motility. Sept 2013.
6. Forsythe P., Bienenstock J. and Kunze W. A. ‘Vagal pathways for microbiome-brain-gut-axis communication’. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 2014.
7. Reigstad C. S., Salmonson C. E., Rainey J. F., Szurszewski J. H., Linden D. R., Sonnenburg J. L., Farrugia G. and Kashyap P. C. ‘Gut microbes promote colonic serotonin production through an effect of short-chain fatty acids on enterochromaffin cells’. FASEB J. Apr 2015.
8. Dash S., Clarke G., Berk M. and Jacka F. N. ‘The gut microbiome and diet in psychiatry: focus on depression’. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. Jan 2015: 28(1):1-6.
9. Slyepchenko A., Carvalho A. F., Cha D. S., Kasper S. and McIntyre R. S. ‘Gut emotions – mechanisms of action of probiotics as novel therapeutic targets for depression and anxiety disorders’. CNS & Neurological Disorders Drug Targets. 2014:13.