In this edition of the AHS Journal, we will begin with an article from Bill on the crucial nature of digestive enzymes in our diet. This is an introduction to digestive enzymes, and will continue with more information about the subject, in future newsletters.

This is another one of those subjects of which Bill gets rather passionate. If the subject comes up in conversation while he is present, you will see him scan the vicinity for a Soapbox from which to deliver his message. Well, we do not have any soapboxes handy, but we have allowed him space in this newsletter.

In addition, this month, we are pleased to have another article from Dr. Mark Force in regards to springtime being an appropriate time to cleanse the liver. His information hit home with me, and I now have to focus on this personally. We are grateful for Dr. Force's informative essays.

In May, we began a series of articles on "The Benefits of Herbal Medicine". The first article introduced information about the benefits of herbs. The following newsletters will explain more about the various uses of herbs, along with information regarding specific types. In this edition, the first segment on this topic summarizes the various forms of herbs. The second part is about herbal teas, and the last section directly addresses the herb St. John's Wort.

We recently received a kind note from one of our readers. She had a thoughtful observation about our May newsletter. She felt our herb article and silica article seemed to contradict each other.

Even though, the information on herbs stressed the importance of keeping active ingredients intact, she was concerned that we were advocating the opposite when stressing the importance of one specific, individual mineral - Silica.

For those of you who may have had similar concerns, we offer the following explanation:

Silica is an inorganic substance, much like calcium, iron and other minerals, and does not have "active" ingredients. It is not found in combination with enzymes, catalysts and other nutrients.

Our bodies do require a variety of minerals, and it would be great if a high quality, high absorption silica could be found in combination with other minerals, from the standpoint of convenience alone. However, it is not necessary in order to acquire benefit from Silica.

With that said, it is important to note that some minerals do work better in combination with others, such as calcium works better with magnesium present. Again, the focus needs to be on absorption and utilization, as is the case with quality brands of colloidol minerals.

In contrast, unaltered, unheated, and unprocessed organic substances (such as herbs and other foods) contain naturally present catalysts, enzymes, nutrients, and other active ingredients needed to help absorb the full spectrum of benefits that the food (or herb) supplies.

I would like to thank our reader for taking time to contact us. We truly appreciate the comments and suggestions we receive.

For your good health. . . .

Back to the top of the page

While attempting my best Dr. Carl Sagan impersonation, I will say that our bodies contain "billions and billions" of enzymes. Enzymes are more important to our bodies than eating, thinking, or even breathing. That may sound like an exaggeration, but the truth is that without enzymes, the body could not sustain life.

All plant and animal cells produce enzymes, made from protein molecules (long chains of amino acids held together by peptide bonds). Enzymes are catalysts, which are required for chemical reactions to take place. Without them, no living cell could function or survive; life could not occur.

Enzymes are what help seeds to sprout, fruit to ripen, and leaves to change color. In animal and human life, they are responsible for building, detoxifying and healing the body, along with regulating biochemical functions such as growth, nerve function, fighting disease, hormone regulation, and the function of organs, glands and tissues. These metabolic actions occur because of enzymes.

Human life needs digestive enzymes to gain the benefits of nutrients from food. Metabolic enzymes are needed to use nutrients for building bones, blood, teeth, nerves, organs, tissues, etc.

All enzymes have a life force or energy, sometimes referred to as "energy factor". This life energy, which is actually separate from the chemical make-up of the enzyme itself, is what triggers the chemical reactions between enzymes. This energy force is what enables your body to digest and assimilate food.

Science has shown that only living organisms can make enzymes containing this life force. Scientists have not duplicated the energy factor, measured as a type of radiant energy. Chemicals, used to serve as catalysts, work by chemical reaction alone. Whereas, enzymes use both chemical and biological reactions.

Often, the analogy used to explain the "energy factor" concept is a light bulb. The energy factor - electricity - is necessary for the light bulb to be of any useful purpose. Without it, there is no light. An enzyme is also useless without its energy. It remains only a powerless protein molecule.

Because it is important to understand the significance of the energy factor, it is also important to know that this life force can be destroyed, such as when heated above a certain point.

Although there is some disagreement as to the exact temperature when enzymes will die, it is widely agreed to be between 110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the "dead zone". Since this is a relatively low temperature in relation to cooking, the consequence is that foods cooked in excess of this temperature no longer have useful enzymes.

This can be proven, as an example, by trying to sprout soybeans after they have been placed in boiling water. Compared to soybeans that have not been heated, these soybeans retain no enzymatic activity, and therefore, cannot sprout.

Once food has been heated past the dead zone, it is enzymatically "dead". The life force or energy factor is destroyed. If our food is enzymatically dead, the body is unable to effectively breakdown the food into useful nutrients.

Fortunately, our body is a rather clever organism. If it detects that we have consumed food without an adequate supply of digestive enzymes with which to process it, our body will convert some of our "metabolic" enzymes into digestive enzymes for the task.

However, there is an unfortunate side to this clever method of resolving the immediate issue. The problem is that we have a limited supply of metabolic enzymes from which to recruit. Oops!...

We are actually born with an abundant supply of metabolic enzymes. Newborn babies have 100 times more enzymes than that of the average older adult. These metabolic enzymes enable our bodies to grow and function.

As we age, we have a smaller supply, and consequently our metabolisms slow down, and we notice more aches and pains. Our bodies do not absorb as many nutrients. The more rapidly these metabolic enzymes are used, the more rapidly we age.

Some researchers believe, with an appropriate supply of enzymes in our food and supplements, each one of us has the capability of living (on average) to 120 years old.

The body uses some metabolic enzymes for digestion; however, only 25% of the digestive enzymes needed come from the body. The other 75% must come from raw, unprocessed food - such as raw vegetables, fruits, unprocessed nuts, and even raw meat.

Yes, that probably sounds a tad disgusting. Please know that I am not advocating you go out and chew on the hind-quarter of Bessy the Cow. Just understand that raw meat is enzymatically alive, and were it not for the concern over quite deadly bacteria, it would be healthier than when cooked.

Food grown in an optimum environment will contain more than enough enzymes to digest itself. Nevertheless, sadly, with modern farming methods, mass production techniques, and storage methods, most food is sorely lacking adequate levels of enzymes.

In most modern cultures today, people fail to eat enough live foods. We live in a society where it is quicker and much easier to run to a fast-food restaurant regularly for lunch and/or dinner. Breakfast is often a bowl of boxed cold cereal laden with sugar, along with a cup of coffee - if there is breakfast at all.

Do not think we can open a can of corn, eat (without heating it), and think we are getting enzymes from a raw vegetable. Anything in a can HAS been heated to a high temperature, by virtue of the canning process itself - even if it was not heated on your stove - thus killing beneficial enzymes.

Without enzymes, the body can neither assimilate the nutrients essential for life, nor regulate metabolic activity. Our eating habits eventually place a gigantic workload on the pancreas and other organs of the body, as they try to produce enough digestive enzymes (more than the usual 25%) to handle what we have just eaten. This means there are fewer resources available for the body to rebuild and replace damaged cells, and the immune system weakens.

Until recently, many within the scientific community believed that the digestive enzymes in the body are constant and last forever, that they could be used and reused. It was the popular opinion that enzyme levels became low because of illness.

Researchers now know that the opposite is true; illness occurs because of low enzyme levels. Many scientists believe the lack of enzymes is the major cause of most degenerative diseases.

So what can we do about this? Take enzyme supplements with every meal. For young people, digestive enzymes will help maintain healthy digestive and immune systems, as they aid in making total use of the nutrients that are consumed.

For the more mature person, the results can be dramatic. Digestive enzymes will encourage the body to heal. Poor health symptoms may decrease as energy levels increase. In addition, many will notice a gradual reduction of body fat.

I usually notice several people perk up with interest when I mention that last point. It is true. With good digestive enzymes introduced into your diet, it is very common to notice a loss of fat.

In future articles, we will provide more information on the benefits of digestive enzymes and the correlation between appropriate digestive enzymes and good health. This is a vitally important topic, and one that justifies continuing articles to share this valuable information.

I also will occasionally share some results of studies that support the current understandings of enzymes, and I will introduce a few eating habits of other cultures where they seem to instinctively know the value of "live" food. It is these cultural stories that make me appreciate the enzyme supplements that are available today.

We are currently evaluating several sources for digestive enzyme supplements from which we will select a preferred supplier. Once selected, we will notify our customers of the availability with a notice in this publication.

Gee... with all this talk about live enzymes and raw food, I think I have developed a craving for Sushi. :-)

Until next time...

RESOURCES:

"Food Enzymes", Tonita d'Raye, The Ten Minute Read Company, Keizer, Oregon, September 1997.

"Enzymes and Enzyme Therapy", Anthony Chichoke, D.C., Keats Publishing Inc., New Canaan, Connecticut, 1994.

"Live Food Juices", H.E. Kirschner, H.E. Kirschner Publications, Monrovia, California, 1990.

"Food Enzymes. The Missing Link to Radiant Health", Humbart Santillo, N.D., Holm Press, Prescott, Arizona, 1993.

Back to the top of the page

A common problem in the Spring is a need to balance the liver and gall bladder meridians. The acupuncturists of China have long recognized that the body must change and rebalance itself in relation to the seasons.

Spring is the season of the wood element in Chinese acupuncture. It is the time to spring forth with new growth, and it is the season that most stresses the gall bladder and liver meridians (both of the wood element) to function well. Many symptoms in the Spring relate to the imbalance of the wood element.

Following is a list of signs and symptoms commonly associated with liver dysfunction. They are muddy complexion with spots (especially along the jaw line); venous congestion (seen as bulging veins on face and neck); skin rashes; acne; jaundice; pasty skin; broken veins; broken capillaries; boils; arthritis; light colored stools; tendency to constipation, gas and bloating; indigestion with high fat or fried foods; can not tolerate raw onions or garlic; swollen abdomen or ankles; hemorrhoids; hypoglycemia; high blood pressure; and toxic headaches.

If there is a lack of chi (energy) in the liver, there is a tendency to worry, along with feelings of insecurity, depression, negativity, and constant fatigue.

If there is too much chi in the liver, there is a tendency to tension, anger, yelling, blaming others, resentment, and holding on to past slights by others.

The factors that lead to liver problems are: overuse of refined foods (especially white flour, sugar, and margarine); alcohol and/or drug abuse; exposure to environmental pollutants and/or pesticides; or a history of hepatitis, mononucleosis, or other infections affecting the liver. These are all important attributing conditions to consider.

Herbal and homeopathic regimens to cleanse and rebuild the health of the liver are wonderful for the health of your liver and you will love the results. Most people notice feeling more energy and a sense of well being. Digestion and elimination work better; there tends to be greater mental clarity; joints and muscles feel stronger, more flexible; and energy is more even.

** Editor's Note - We offer an excellent product formulated specifically to assist in cleansing the liver. A Frequently Asked Questions page on Liver Cleanse is available by clicking here

Dr. Mark Force

Back to the top of the page

"Various Forms of Herbs"
"Herbal Teas"
"St. John's Wort"

Various Forms of Herbs -

In continuing the article last month on "The Benefits of Herbal Medicine", it is important for us to remember that most herbs are far less likely to cause side effects, in comparison to pharmaceutical drugs.

However, some may still cause minor or even serious problems. Because of this, it is necessary to obtain as much information as possible about the use, and quantity used, for each herb. When used properly, herbs can be of tremendous benefit to our health.

Often, the more pleasant tasting herbs are less potent and can be used more frequently. Peppermint is an example of a pleasant tasting herb that can be enjoyed daily. The bitter tasting herbs tend to be medicinal, and may require careful use. Plant roots and bark are naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, which can be effective for cleansing the body of these problems. Some herbs are more effective when taken for short periods of time. Others need to be taken more regularly.

Whole herbs, or parts of herbs, can be found in dried or powdered forms, and fresh cuttings. Fresh herbs are more potent and best when used immediately. The longer they sit, the more they oxidize and deplete the active ingredients. The root and bark of an herb, when dried properly, can retain the healing qualities for many years.

Herbal Teas -

Typically, when most of us think of herbs, we think of herb teas. Herb teas are popular as a healthy "non-caffeine" drink. (Be careful of "decaffeinated" teas. Chemicals are used to remove the caffeine, and they are not the same as naturally "caffeine free".) Some people enjoy the flavor of certain mild herb teas, such as chamomile, with their meals. Others appreciate herb teas for their medicinal properties, such as echinacea tea, for colds and viruses.

Herb teas can be made as infusions or decoctions. Infusions are usually prepared from the leaves, flowers or green stems of the plant.

Use approximately one teaspoon of dried herbs or 3 teaspoons fresh for each cup of water. Add hot water (not boiling - to protect the medicinal qualities of the herb), and cover for about five to ten minutes, allowing the tea to steep. Allow to cool before drinking (do not try to drink scalding hot liquids - it is very harmful to the mouth and throat linings).

Decoctions are sometimes used instead of infusions for herbal teas. This is because hard roots, seeds and bark have very strong cell walls, and more heat is necessary.

This can be done by putting 1 teaspoon of dried, or 3 teaspoons of fresh herbs, per cup of water in a pan and bring to a simmer. Again, do not boil. Simmer for twenty to thirty minutes. The potency increases by using powdered or chopped herbs, which releases more of the medicinal value from the cells.

Remember to use dark glass - to reduce light exposure - or ceramic containers to store the tea in the refrigerator. (Always avoid using aluminum cookware or storage containers, to avoid the unwanted introduction of aluminum into the diet. There is significant evidence to suggest aluminum's connection with Alzeimers.)

In both infusions and decoctions, tea left too long will tend to have a more bitter taste. If a stronger flavor is desired, increase the amount of herbs added to the water, instead of the steeping time.

Both the decoction and infusion methods can be used for making iced tea - after cooling to room temperature, refrigerate and add ice. Another popular iced tea method, particularly common to the southwest, is "sun tea". I prefer this method, because it usually has a milder taste.

	Using a large glass jar, add the herbs
		and water together.
	Place in full sunlight for a minimum of several
	    hours (depending on the intensity of the sun.
	It may be necessary to add more herbs than
	    usually required in the decoction or
		infusion methods, for a stronger flavor.
	Chill and add ice.

St. John's Wort -

St. John's Wort has received a lot of publicity over the past few years. The availability started slow, but now it is everywhere - health food stores to drugstores (to our website).

With so many people on antidepressants, such as Prozac, it is great to know that there are herbal remedies to help lift our moods.

For many years, this herb has been effective for skin irritations and inflammation. When used in a lotion form, it has encouraged wounds to heal more rapidly, and to improve varicose veins, bruises and minor burns. St. John's Wort oil is also beneficial for healing sunburns.

With this said about the external use, the internal use is what received the most media attention. Internally, its benefits are valued as being a mild sedative, which can aid in relieving nerve pain, along with lessening tension, anxiety, irritability, and depression. When these symptoms are triggered by menopause, St. John's Wort is especially helpful.

Besides the benefits, it is important to take note of the precautionary measures. Always stay with the recommended dose, unless otherwise directed by your professional health care provider.

Please be aware that large quantities of this herb may interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron, and other minerals. Also, too much may decrease the milk production of lactating women. Another very important recommendation is that people with seizure disorders should not take St. John's Wort.

On a closing note, St. John's Wort is beneficial to most people. Recent studies have suggested that this herb may also be useful in combating viral infections, from flu to herpes, and even HIV.

RESOURCES:

"Prescription For Nutritional Healing:
A Practical A-Z  Reference To Drug-Free
Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs
& Food Supplements",
James F. Balch, M.D., Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.
Avery Publishing Group, 1997.

"Alternative Medicine," Burton Goldberg Group. Future Medicine Publishing, Inc., 1994.

Back to the top of the page