The Best Digestive Enzyme Supplement

What Is Digestion?

The human body is an amazing piece of machinery, and an understanding of what it means to digest food will help you understand why you need the best digestive enzyme supplement. As soon as you place food in your mouth, the digestive system begins initiates a plethora of complex biochemical processes that turn food into useful nutrients. Digestive enzymes play a critical roll in this process, as they break down larger food molecules into a form of nutrients that is absorbable.

The digestive process has very distinct stages that are carried out by the system of the digestive tract. If any of the processes carried out at each stage is defective, it will unbalance the entire digestive system, causing many uncomfortable, and degenerative condition such as indigestion, burping, gas, reflux, GERD, IBS, etc.

What Are Enzymes?

Enzymes are energized protein molecules, found in all living cells. The are the “regulators” of every biochemcial reaction that occurs within the human body. In terms of digestion, they break down protein, fats, and carbohydrates into usable nutrients.

There are three categories of enzymes: metabolic enzymes, digestive enzymes, and food enzymes. The human body can produce both metabolic enzymes and digestive enzymes, while food enzymes must be consumed by ingestion.

Metabolic Enzymes regulate the chemical reactions within the cells that allow for detoxification and energy production. These amazing enzymes enable such actions such as thought, movement, smell, and hearing. Every cell in our body, from your feet to the tip of your head depend on metabolic enzymes for energy. While metabolic enzymes are produced in every cell, the majority of these enzymes are produced by the pancreas, gallbladder, and liver.

Digestive Enzymes are secreted in the digestive tract in order to break food down into usable nutrients, and to separate waste. The usable nutrients are absorbed into the blood stream, and you know what happens to the waste. Digestive enzymes the body is capable fo creating are ptyalin, pepsin, trypsin, lipase, protease, and amylase. The body does not make cellulase, meaning the body can not digest dietary fiber on it’s on. You must ingest Food Enzymes in order to get the cellulase necessary to digest fiber.

Food Enzymes (which is what we’re talking about when we talk about enzyme supplements) come from eating raw food. Raw foods contain enough naturally occurring enzymes, including just enough digestive enzymes to digest that particular food. The process of cooking food (to over 118 degrees) destroys all of its enzymes. This is the reason why some many people are now enzyme deficient, as almost all food is cooked or processed in some why, and is the reason everybody should be using an enzyme supplement.

How Do Digestive Enzymes Work?

During each stage of digestion, a specific enzyme which functions best in that particular environment works to break down food into usable nutrients. Below is a simplified view of the process:

Mouth: As soon as you place food in your mouth, your salivary glands begin excreting salivary amylase which begins breaking down polysaccharides, which are large starchy food molecules. When amylase enzymes complete their task, these starches are broken down into maltose and dextrin.

The Esophagus: The food is then swallowed which takes the food from the mouth to the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Food moves through the esophagus by peristalsis, which is a wave of muscle contractions that pushes the food down the tube. At the end of the esophagus is the lower esophageal sphincter(LES), which closes to prevent food from re-entering the esophagus.

Stomach: After you swallow, food travels into the stomach where hydrochloric acid mixes with pesinogen to create pepsin. Pepsin, a proteolytic (protein-breaking) enzyme, begins to break down proteins into amino acids. Hydrochloric acid also  kills many microorganisms and pathogens, and creates chyme, a fluid / food mixture which stimulates the pancrease to excrete the digestive enzymes necessary to further break down protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Small Intestine: Once the partially broken down food leaves the stomach, it enters the upper section of the small intestine called the duodenum. At this stage, most of the proteins and carbohydrates are still in tact, as well as 100% of the fats. As chyme (Assuming that enough hydrochloric acid and sodium bicarbonate is present: see hypochlorhydia) passes the pancreas, it produces the pancreatic enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin. These particular enzymes function best in the alkaline environment of the intestine, and digest additional types of proteins. Pancreatic amlyase finishes the job of converting starches into maltose, and lipase begins transforming fat into glycerol and fatty acids.

As food leaves the duodenum, it enters the jejunum, where most absorption takes place. The jejunum contains villi, which are small, finger-like projections that massively increase the surface area of the jejunum. Amino acids, sugar, fatty acid particles, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and water are small enough to soak into the villi of the jejunum and drop into the blood stream. The blood takes all these nutrients to all the other parts of the body to provide fuel to do their jobs.

Large Intestine

All remaining particles move into the large intestine, also known as the colon. Many important processes take place in the colon, including absorption of water and sodium, and maintenance of fluid balance throughout the body.

The large intestine also contains about 700 species of healthy bacteria that perform a variety of functions. Undigested polysaccharides (fiber) are metablized by bacteria. The bacteria also produce large amounts of vitamins, particularly vitamin K and biotin, for absorption into the blood.

At this point, all digestive enzymes have performed their function. It is important to note that the entire process requires incredible synergy, all they way from chewing, until food waste exits the body. It’s common sense that eating slower, and taking proper care of our digestive tract, will ultimately lead to improved health. I

If you suffer from frequent bloating, gas, upset stomach, cramping, diarrhea, or vomiting, it is likely that a digestive enzyme supplement will make a big difference in your health.

What is the Best Digestive Enzyme Supplement To Take?

The perfect enzyme blend must help your body properly break down a wide variety of nutrients into an absorbable form. For this purpose, it is important to understand what each enzyme helps your body to digest:

• Amylase – Converts starch into sugars
• Bromelain – A multiple protease enzyme (see below) that breaks down protein into amino acids
• Glycoamylase – Starches / Polysaccharides
• Invertase -  Converts sucrose (table sugar) into fructose and glucose
• Lactase – Breaks down lactose (mlik)
  
• Lipase – Fats
• Maltase (acid maltase) – Converts Maltose (what amylase breaks polysaccharides into) to glucose
• Papain – breaks down proteins
• Peptidase – breaks down proteins
• Protease -breaks down Protein

As you can see, it takes several enzymes to begin and complete the digestion of food into usable nutrients. There are many more enzymes, but I believe this list of enzymes in the right activity levels will properly break down all of the food we eat from their macronutrient (carbs, fat, protein), into there usable components. Since protein, particularly animal protein, is the hardest food to digest, I believe a variety of enzymes provide the best approach to proper digestion.

Another thing to consider when choosing the best digestive supplement for you, is the activity level of the enzymes in the supplement. The label should show, or the company should offer the activity levels of their ingredients following the National Standard for Evaluation of Plant Enzymes, which are as follows:

1. Alpha-Galactosidase – GALU (Galactosidase Units)
2. Amylase – DU (Dextrinizing Units)
3. Bromelain – GDU (Gelatin Digesting Units) or FCCPU
4. Catalase – Baker Units (Named after the Author)
5. Cellulase – CU (Cellulase Unit)
6. Glucoamylase – AG (Amyloglucosidase Units)
7. Hemicellulase – HCU (Hemicellulase Units)
8. Invertase – INVU (Invertase Activity Unit)
9. Lactase – LacU (Lactase Unit)
10. Lipase – FCCFIP (Federation Internationale Pharmceutique)
11. Maltase – DP (Degrees of Diastatic Power)
12. Nattokinase – FU (Fibrinolytic Units)
13. Pectinase – AJDU (Apple Juice Depectinizing Units)
14. Phytase – PU Phytase Units
15. Protease-HUT (Hemoglobin Unit Tyrosine base)
16. Xylanase – XU (Xylanase Units)

The definitions of these units is some pretty complex science. For the extra inquisitive person, here’s a link to what they mean: http://www.pcflabs.com/products/pdf/EnzymeActivityUnitDefinitions.pdf

Watch Out for Watered Down Formulas

Many times you will see an enzyme product that has 30 ingredients packed into a 300 – 500 mg capsule. Sadly, these formulas are designed by people who get their expertise from books and not real world experience. On paper this ingredient list looks like a great thing, but, unfortunatley it means there isn’t enough of each ingredient to be useful.

The Best Digestive Enzyme Supplement Must Contain Prebiotcs and Probiotics

Prebiotics – As I explained the large intestine, I mentioned that over 700 species of bacteria that are present there. Prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial microorganisms already in your colon. I think I digestive supplement that does not include these in their formula isn’t supporting the body maximally.

Probiotics – Probiotics are “live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” (Microorganisms are tiny living organisms—such as bacteria, viruses, and yeasts—that can be seen only under a microscope.) Modern scientific research has suggested the probiotics may be beneficial in treating:

• To treat diarrhea (this is the strongest area of evidence, especially for diarrhea from rotavirus)
• lactose intolerance
• preventing colon cancer
• reduce recurrence of bladder cancer
• lowering cholesterol
• lowering blood pressure
• improving immune function and preventing infections of the urinary tract or female genital tract
• reducing inflammation
• improving mineral absorption
• treating irritable bowel syndrome
• Treat atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children

The Best Digestive Enzyme Supplement

When used as I recommend in my article “Why Everyone Needs Digestion Plus“, I believe Arbonne Essentials Digestion Plus provides all of the enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics necessary to achieve optimal digestive health, and get all the related benefits. Its super convenient powder form makes it stable enough to be carried around in your purse, or pocket. The product will not be effected by sunlight, or reasonable temperature fluctuations.

Further, many digestive enzyme products come in a gelatin capsule, which is not hypo-allergenic, and not vegan certified.

Finally, the taste of the product is somewhat sweet, and super mild. It’s incredibly easy to take, you just add to water, a meal, or into your protein shake!

One thing to note is that Arbonne doesn’t list the enzyme activity label on the package, so I contacted nutrition product management, and got the information:

• Amylase – 5000 DU
• Invertase 500 SU
• Bromelain 500,000 PU
• Protease 4.5 – 20,000 HUT
• Papain 500,000 PU
• Acid Maltase – 14 MaltU
• Protease 3.0 – 50 SAPU
• Glycoamylase – 10 AGU
• Lactase – 1200 ALU
• Alpha-galactosidase (controls gas and bloating) – 175 GaIU
• Peptidase – 2500 HUT
• Neutral Bacterial Protease – 5,000 PC
• Protease 6.0 – 2500 HUT
• Lipase – 900 FIP (enough to digest 72 grams of FAT!)

Retail Price: $49.00

Health/Toxics: Phthalates

Phthalates, called “plasticizers,” are a group of industrial chemicals used to make plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) more flexible or resilient and also as solvents. Phthalates are nearly ubiquitous in modern society, found in, among other things, toys, food packaging, hoses, raincoats, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, wall coverings, lubricants, adhesives, detergents, nail polish, hair spray and shampoo.

Phthalates have been found to disrupt the endocrine system. Several phthalate compounds have caused reduced sperm counts, testicular atrophy and structural abnormalities in the reproductive systems of male test animals, and some studies also link phthalates to liver cancer, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control’s 2005 National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. Though the CDC contends the health hazards of phthalates to humans have not been definitively established, for some years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has regulated phthalates as water and air pollutants.

The Environmental Working Group has focused on phthalates since 1998, when bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was found in Beauty Secrets, found that dibutyl phthalate was present in the bodies of every single person tested for industrial pollutants.

In 2003, EWG published its seminal Body Burden study, finding 210 industrial and consumer product chemical, among them, a half-dozen phthalates, in nine adult Americans who had agreed to submit their blood and urine to laboratory analysis. In 2007 EWG published a Parents Buying Guide, a safety guide to help parents find children’s personal care products that are free of phthalates and other potentially dangerous chemicals.

In July 2008, as a result of pressure from EWG and other health groups, the U.S. Congress passed legislation banning six phthalates from children’s toys and cosmetics. Legislators in Washington, Vermont and California have restricted phthalate use in children’s goods, and several major retailers, including Wal-Mart, Toys-R-Us, Lego, Evenflo and Gerber say they will phase out phthalate-laden toys.

EWG advocates a cumulative assessment of the human health risks, especially to infants, of phthalates. As well, EWG is working for passage of a new federal Kid-Safe Chemicals Act to reform the nation’s toxic chemical law to assure that chemicals are safe for babies, children and other vulnerable groups before they are allowed on the market.

Phthlate free products are available here

Research

• 7.12.07 Water pollution caused by cosmetic chemicals, cleaning supplies and plastics
• 7.11.02 Not Too Pretty
• 11.28.00 Beauty Secrets

Expert Testimony and Communications

• 5.1.08 EWG supports California proposal to get toxics out of children's products
• 2.21.08 Risks of Plastic Chemical Add Up for Infants
• 2.20.08 EWG Supports Maryland Bill for Safer Children's Products
• More Expert Testimony and Communications »

Products Targeted to Children Contain Hazardous Chemicals and Ingredients Not Found Safe for Kids

Shampoo and Conditioner

Keeping hair clean and healthy should not expose kids to potentially harmful ingredients. When choosing hair care products for your family, avoid harmful preservatives, "fragrance," and petrochemicals possibly contaminated with cancer-causing impurities.

Avoid these ingredients:

• DMDM Hydantoin - Allergen and irritant that can form cancer-causing contaminants
• Fragrance - Allergens that may contain neurotoxic or hormone-disrupting chemicals 
• Ceteareth and PEG compounds - Petrochemicals that may contain cancer-causing impurities 

Body wash and liquid soap

Let's keep our kids clean - and free of harmful chemicals. Avoid unnecessary ingredients like antibacterial agents, suspect preservatives, and "fragrance" in your children's products. Bar soaps often contain fewer chemicals of concern than body washes and liquid hand soaps.

Avoid these ingredients:

• Triclosan - Linked to thyroid disruption, produces toxic byproducts in tap water
• DMDM Hydantoin - Allergen and irritant that can form cancer-causing contaminants
• Fragrance - Allergens that may contain neurotoxic or hormone-disrupting chemicals

Toothpaste

Fluoride is great for teeth, but it can be harmful if swallowed. High doses cause ugly blotches to stain teeth, and have neurotoxic effects. The American Dental Association recommends fluoride-free toothpaste for children under 2. For children under 6, the Centers for Disease Control recommends "child-strength" toothpastes with around 0.08% fluoride (0.075% W/V fluoride ion or sodium monofluorophosphate 0.35% or sodium fluoride 0.12%), or about 1/2 of what's found in regular strength toothpaste. Low fluoride children's toothpaste is common in the E.U. but hard to find in the U.S. If your children use a fluoride toothpaste, make sure they use a pea-sized amount and thoroughly spit and rinse.

Avoid these ingredients:

• Fluoride - Neurotoxic agent that can discolor teeth at high doses
• Triclosan - Linked to thyroid disruption, produces toxic byproducts in tap water
• PEG compounds - Petrochemicals that may contain cancer-causing impurities

Sunscreen

Stay safe in the sun! Our survey was administered in the summer so 3/4 of our parents reported using sunscreen on their children. Infants under 6 months don't belong in the sun. For older babies and children, use sunscreen that provides UVA and UVB protection, and reapply often. Our Sunscreen Investigation can help you choose safer and more effective products for you and your children.

Avoid these ingredients:

• Oxybenzone - In sunlight, can produce allergy- and cancer-causing chemicals
• DMDM Hydantoin - Allergen and irritant that can form cancer-causing contaminants
• Triethanolamine - Allergen and irritant that can form cancer-causing contaminants

Baby wipes

Wipes should leave babies clean - not exposed to traces of harmful chemicals. Choose wipes with fewer potential health concerns. Avoid wipes with added "fragrance" or preservatives like 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (or Bronopol) and DMDM Hydantoin.

Avoid these ingredients:

• 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol (or Bronopol) - Allergen and irritant that can form cancer-causing contaminants
• DMDM Hydantoin - Allergen and irritant that can form cancer-causing contaminants
• Fragrance - Allergens that may contain neurotoxic or hormone-disrupting chemicals

Lotion and moisturizer

Soft, smooth skin has a healthy glow - take care not to use harmful chemicals to moisturize your baby's skin. Avoid harsher soaps to keep your child's skin from drying out. Choose moisturizers free of harmful preservatives, "fragrance," and petrochemicals laced with impurities.

Avoid these ingredients:

• DMDM Hydantoin - Allergen and irritant that can form cancer-causing contaminants
• Fragrance - Allergens that may contain neurotoxic or hormone-disrupting chemicals
• Ceteareth and PEG compounds - Petrochemicals that may contain cancer-causing impurities

Diaper cream

A baby's delicate skin is more easily penetrated by many chemicals in diaper creams and other products. Our survey shows parents using diaper cream typically apply it to their children once a day. Safer diaper creams are free of BHA and "fragrance," and do not contain boric acid or sodium borate, ingredients that the cosmetic industry's own safety advisory panel says are unsafe for infants.

Avoid these ingredients:

• BHA - Banned in other countries because it can cause skin depigmentation
• Boric Acid and Sodium Borate - Industry authorities caution against use on infant or damaged skin
• Fragrance - Allergens that may contain neurotoxic or hormone-disrupting chemicals

Baby powder

Just like auto exhaust or secondhand smoke, tiny airborne particles from baby powder can damage a baby's delicate, developing lungs. Parents who use baby powder on their children typically apply it daily. It's best to avoid using baby powder altogether. If you must use it, choose powders without suspect preservatives, "fragrance," or sodium borate, an ingredient that the cosmetic industry's own safety advisory panel says is unsafe for infants.

Avoid these ingredients:

• DMDM Hydantoin - Allergen and irritant that can form cancer-causing contaminants
• Sodium Borate - Industry authorities caution against use on infant or damaged skin
• Fragrance - Allergens that may contain neurotoxic or hormone-disrupting chemicals

Play makeup

Dressing up can be fun, but it shouldn't pose risks. Many children like to wear cosmetics or nail polish. Make sure they're using safer products, and applying them appropriately, sparingly, and infrequently.

Avoid these products:

• Lipstick - can contain harmful impurities that children swallow in small amounts
• Nail polish containing dibutyl phthalate and toluene - Linked to hormone disruption and cancer
• Cosmetics in powder form - Children can inhale these powders, damaging their lungs
• Fragrance - Allergens that may contain neurotoxic or hormone-disrupting chemicals

Shop here for safe baby products

Arbonne personal care products are
formulated without:

• • Animal products or animal by-products
• • Formaldehyde-donating preservatives
• • Petroleum-based ingredients
• • Benzene
• • Mineral Oil
• • Petrolatum
• • Phthalates
• • Toluene
• • PABA

Hormone Balance and Natural Progesterone

How We Were Designed

A woman’s body has two main reproductive hormones. Estrogen and Progesterone. Estrogen is the growth hormone responsible for proliferation of the cells in the lining of the uterus enabling a fertilized egg to implant. Progesterone is the counter hormone that

should be found in the second half of the cycle. It is released into the body when a woman ovulates. It is responsible for sustaining the newly fertilized egg that has implanted in the uterine lining.

Progesterone also functions to:

·   Increase Libido

·   Stimulate new bone building

·   Normalize blood sugar levels

·   Help prevent breast cancer

·   Prevent endometrial cancer

·   Facilitate thyroid hormone function

·   Help use fat for energy

·   Act as natural antidepressant

·   Maintain proper cell oxygen levels

·   Aids in embryo survival

Estrogen and Progesterone work perfectly together in the body when in proper proportions. What is more and more common, however, is that these hormones become off balanced, often in favor of estrogen, leaving many of us progesterone deficient. In fact, the late John Lee, MD, a leading researcher and authority on natural progesterone, estimated that North American women by the age of 35 are not making much, if any, progesterone and are “estrogen dominant.”

The Women’s Health Initiative Study published in the Journal of American Medicine, July 2002, found that traditional synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) greatly increased the incidence of breast cancer, heart attacks, blood clots, and pulmonary embolus within the first year of therapy. The results were so overwhelming that the FDA ruled it was unethical to continue the study. It was putting women at too much risk for serious and possibly fatal side effects.

One of the best treatments for osteoporosis happens to be progesterone. It’s much better than estrogen in this regard.  And because progesterone reduces the level of insulin-the number one hormone that causes the accumulation of fat in most people--it can be used to help control weight.

Dr. Michael E. Platt

Some Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

·   PMS

·   Irritability

·    Depression

·    Anxiety

·    Hot Flashes

·    Irregular Periods

·   Mood Swings

·   Fatigue

·   Infertility

·   Osteoporosis

·   Sleep Disturbances

·   Thyroid Dysfunction

·   Unexplained Weight Gain

·   Migraines

·   Dry Skin

·   Hair Loss

·   Fluid Retention

·   Vaginal Dryness

·   Night Sweats

·   Lack of Concentration

·   Loss of interest in sex

·   Heavy or painful periods

·   Fibromyalgia

·   Fibrocystic Breasts

·   Breast Cancer

·   Difficulty losing weight

·   

How do hormones become unbalanced?

Stress--North American women are on the go, go, go. The body perceives crisis, signaling not to ovulate, thus no progesterone is made. Additionally the adrenals are called upon to create cortisol, which uses progesterone as a building block, furthering the downward cycle.

RX’s--Birth Control Pills, Hormone Replacement Therapies etc (Please not that Progestins used in traditional HRT are NOT the same as natural progesterone)

Diet--Many animals are fed estrogen as a growth hormone to get them fattened up for market more quickly, which is then passed on to the consumer and stored in the fat cells. Sugar and refined starches also act as false estrogens, disturbing hormonal balance. Too much soy in the diet can also contribute to estrogen dominance.

Environment--Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and most household cleaning products are extremely toxic. In addition, petroleum-based personal care products containing mineral oil, petrolatum or animal by-products can contribute to hormone imbalance by leaching toxins through the skin.

A 1996 Johns Hopkins study concluded that women low in natural progesterone have an 80% higher risk of developing breast cancer and that the risk of developing other malignant cancers increases ten-fold.

What can be done to achieve hormone balance?

A few simple changes can drastically improve your quality of life...

1.  Eat organic as much as possible. Look for meat and dairy products that are free of hormones and antibiotics. Lower your consumption of sugar, refined carbohydrates (pastas, white bread and white rice, alcohol), and trans-fatty acids (hydrogenated oils, margarine, fried foods). Eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily.

2. Eat at least 3 meals a day; protein at every meal; eggs, fish, lean meat, whey protein, vegetarian protein such as dried peas, beans.

3. Never use plastics in the microwave or hot foods in styrofoam. It is debated that when heated, plastics release cancer-causing and hormone-altering gases called Dioxins.

4. Use cleaning products that are non-toxic.

5. Garden organically -avoid garden chemicals and growth promoters.

6. Supplement with natural Progesterone cream on clean bare skin. Look for USP grade Progesterone in a cream base free of mineral oil, petrolatum or other ingredients that could prevent transdermal absorption. Ideally the balancing cream should be dispensed through an airtight, metered-dose pump container to avoid contamination, minimize oxidation to maintain potency and regulate the dose.

7. Supplement your diet with natural, top-quality vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and digestive enzymes to aid in digestion.They must meet the USP standard of a 30-minute disintegration time or they will pass through the digestive tract unused.

8.     Use personal care products that can be trusted to be pure, safe and offer beneficial properties. Find skin care, hair care, makeup and cleansing products that are of premium quality that contain no harmful ingredients:

·       No mineral oil,

·        No SD40 alcohol

·        No animal-derived ingredients (collagen, lanolin, elastin)

·        No chemical fragrances or dyes

·       No Parabens,

·        No Phthalates,

·        No Propylene Glycol

·        No Paraffin,

·        No PABA,

·       No DEA

Protein Shakes and Yellow Pea Protein

Glance through the window of any fitness center, and you will probably witness scores of gym-enthusiasts imbibing protein shakes. Many people understand the reason for such behavior: protein aids in building muscle composition and strength. Women can supply their bodies with a powerful resource by jumping on the protein shake bandwagon.

Benefits

One of the most popular reasons women increase their protein intake is to lose weight. Normally, women's bodies must burn carbohydrates for energy. When a woman chooses to eat a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates, her metabolism begins to burn fat. This is called Ketosis. Once the body has reached ketosis, many women also report a decreased appetite.

Significance

Protein is so important to the human body that it is scientifically classified as a "macronutrient." A macronutrient is something women's bodies need in large amounts to thrive. In contrast, micronutrients, like minerals and vitamins, are only required in minor amounts. Women's bodies have the ability to store macronutrients like carbohydrates and lipids; however, women cannot store protein. For this reason, women need to make sure they get enough protein in their diet every day.

Function

Another key function of protein in women's bodies is restoration. Women's muscles and tissue use protein to heal and replenish. It is a myth that protein builds muscle, only exercise can do that; however, protein is needed for muscle repair. When women exercise their muscles they develop microscopic tears in the tissue. Protein is needed to repair these tears, thus strengthening the muscle.

Health Effects

Protein is important to women for other bodily functions as well. Women's bodies need protein to generate healthy skin and nails. Protein also helps women's bodies create hormones and vital enzymes that keep them running efficiently. Women's bones use protein to grow strong and healthy. Even women's hearts need biochemical material that is created with the aid of protein.

Why Shakes

Protein shakes usually contain a high percentage of the nutrient in the form of soy, whey or casein. Many fitness experts recommend whey protein because it is known to contain the highest biological value (BV). BV is determined by the amount of human protein in grams that can be replaced by 100 grams of supplemented protein. Protein contained in shakes is believed to be more quickly digested than the protein contained in food, because it takes women's bodies longer to break down solids into their components. As a result, drinking a protein shake after a workout speeds the protein to its much needed destination within women's muscles.

Considerations

Despite the benefits of protein to a woman's body, experts caution against excessive amounts. Protein can deplete a body's store of calcium, which is vital to a woman's bones in order to prevent osteoporosis. Also, high amounts of protein can cause women's bodies to produce excess ammonia, but to date there are no extensive studies regarding the long-term effects of too much ammonia in women's systems. Women should consume no more than two servings, or 6 oz., of protein shakes per day.

Pea Protein is a natural, vegetable-based protein powder derived from yellow peas (Pisum sativum). Yellow peas are more commonly known as "split peas" and are used extensively in food preparation such as in soups & purees. Most commercially available protein powders are derived from soy, rice, eggs, or dairy, which are often problematic for those with allergic dietary concerns. We've chosen Pea Protein because it is a plant-based, hypoallergenic protein that yields a high biological value (65.4%). The BV is an accurate indicator of the biological activity of protein. It measures the actual amount of protein deposited per gram of protein absorbed. High BV proteins are a better choice for increased nitrogen retention, supporting immune system function, and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor stimulation).* They are superior for reducing lean tissue loss from various wasting states than proteins with a low BV score.*

Benefits of Pea Protein

• Non-GMO
• Hypoallergenic
• 100% Gluten Free
• Perfect for Vegans
• 100% Cholesterol Free
• 100% Plant-Based Protein
• Highly Soluble & Easy to Digest
• Source of Beneficial Amino Acids
• Environmentally Friendly Source of Protein
• Highly Suitable for Sustainable Agriculture 

To find Protein Shakes with Yellow Pea Protein click HERE
 

http://www.ehow.com/way_5156923_types-protein-supplement.html

Read more: What Are the Benefits of Protein Shakes for Women? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5143970_benefits-protein-shakes-women.html#ixzz1FApcAax9

The Dangers of BPA

If you’ve been paying any attention to the headlines lately, then you’ve probably heard the uproar about bisphenal A (BPA). If you’re worried about BPA showing up in in unlikely places, like your canned chicken noodle soup, for instance, then you’re not the only one.

It seemed when I first heard about the dangers of BPA it seemed as if it was limited to baby bottles and plastic water bottles, Nalgene bottles in particular. Being one that tries to reduce my "carbon footprint" anyway, I bought a stainless steel bottle and thought that was the end of the story.

But, after more reading, I learned that BPA is in a lot of the things we use everyday. And, that’s disturbing to me.

What Is BPA?

Bisphenal A is a chemical compound that was originally discovered in 1891. It was shelved in favor of other chemicals at the time, but revived many years later when a polymer chemist discovered it could be used to form polycarbonate plastic.

The bad news is that the ester bonds that link the BPA monomers together are not very stable. Over time, these monomers break down, which releases BPA into whatever is surrounding it. Namely, our food and water.

An article published in Scientific American reports that when the plastic is heated (such as in the dishwasher or microwave) or used to store hot foods or liquids, the BPA leaks out 55 times faster than normal.

What Is BPA In?

The unfortunate thing in all this is that BPA is in a ton of stuff we use everyday. According to an article published in Fast Company Magazine, over 7 billion pounds of BPA was produced in 2007.

BPA can be found in:

• Canned Foods (as the chemical lining inside the can)

• Baby Bottles

• Cell Phones

• Water Bottles

• Computers

This graph, put out by the Environmental Working Group, shows the levels of BPA they found in several foods.

Courtesy of Environmental Working Group

The EWG reports that the three foods showing the highest levels of BPA is canned chicken soup, canned ravioli, and, most disturbingly, infant formula.

The Health Risks of BPA

According to Scientific American, BPA is essentially a synthetic hormone, acting much like estrogen, so it’s possibly affecting our bodies in a myriad of ways. (see my xenoestrogen blog)

The first is breast cancer. According to a new article just out in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health (and also released from The Breast Cancer Fund), there is evidence that suggests a link between increasing instances of breast cancer and BPA, especially when women are exposed to BPA at a younger age.

Their advice is that women who are pregnant or nursing limit or eliminate their exposure to BPA. Children especially are susceptible to the adverse health effects of BPA, since their brains and bodies are still developing.

BPA has also been shown to decrease sperm count in lab studies, as well as impact testes development. And in this article published in TIME, BPA might also be causing diabetes, aggressiveness, heart disease, and decreased sensitivity to chemotherapy in cancer patients.

The EWG lists these studies showing the adverse health effects of BPA:

• A study showing that BPA exposures lead to an error in cell division called aneuploidy that causes spontaneous miscarriages, cancer, and birth defects in people, including Down Syndrome (Hunt et al. 2003).

• An investigation demonstrating that low doses of BPA spur both the formation and growth of fat cells, the two factors that drive obesity in humans (Masumo et al. 2002).

• A study linking low doses of BPA to insulin resistance, a risk factor for Type II diabetes (Alonso-Magdalena et al. 2006).

• A preliminary investigation linking BPA exposures to recurrent miscarriage in a small group of Japanese women, made potentially pivotal by its concordance with lab studies of BPA-induced chromosome damage that could well cause miscarriage (Sugiura-Ogasawara 2005).

Why Aren’t We Protected From BPA?

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the FDA established safety guidelines for BPA back in 1987. But, their standards are woefully out of date. The so called “safe levels” that the industry is currently going by is over 25 times the amount known to cause birth defects. The levels need to be much, much lower than they are.

Another disturbing fact is that the U.S. National Toxicology Program’s 2001 assessment of BPA relied heavily on industry-sponsored research. Not surprisingly, the research put out by the chemical companies showed that BPA causes no adverse effects.

According to Fast Company, there are only five companies in the United States that make BPA: Bayer, Dow, Hexion Speciality Chemicals, Sunoco, and SABIC Innovative Plastics. Together, they rake in $6 billion per year manufacturing BPA. So, it’s entirely in their best interests to show that BPA is safe.

They consistently deny that there’s any adverse health effects of BPA. But, here’s an illuminating quote from the Fast Company article:

But consider this: Of the more than 100 independently funded experiments on BPA, about 90% have found evidence of adverse health effects at levels similar to human exposure. On the other hand, every single industry-funded study ever conducted — 14 in all — has found no such effects.

How To Avoid BPA

• Use glass or stainless steel for storing food.

• You should never heat plastics in the microwave, put them in the dishwasher, or pour hot food or liquid into them. Use glass or stainless steel for storing hot items.

• Don’t use #3 and #7 plastics for food storage. #1, #2, and #5 is safe.

• Avoid canned food if you can. Cook with fresh ingredients.

• Don’t use plastic baby bottles; use glass, or one of the new plastics that are BPA-free. 

• Original article http://www.thegreenestdollar.com/2009/03/the-dangers-of-bpa/

Xeno-estrogens

"The study of Xenoestrogen is new but it is going to become a major subject of discussion as more is learned. Aside for causing fat storage on the body, it has connections to cancer and other illnesses."

Definition: Xeno-
foreign, strange, different

They are a class of endocrine disruptor (chemicals in the environment that go into your body and act like hormones). Xenoestrogens are endocrine disruptors that act like estrogen. Estrogen is a fat storing and fat creating hormone.

They are industrially made compounds, that have estrogenic effects and differ chemically from normal estrogens produced by living organisms.¹

There is a concern that xenoestrogens may act as false messengers and disrupt the process of reproduction. Xenoestrogens, like all estrogens, can increase growth of the endometrium, so treatments for endometriosis include avoidance of products which contain them.

Another potential effect of xenoestrogens is on oncogenes, specifically in relation to breast cancer. Lately there is substantial evidence in a variety of recent studies to indicate that xenoestrogens can increase breast cancer growth in tissue culture.

 It has been suggested that very low levels of a xenoestrogen, Bisphenol A, could affect fetal neural signalling more than higher levels, indicating that classical models where dose equals response may not be applicable in susceptible tissue.^[17] As this study involved intra-cerebellar injections, its relevance to environmental exposures is unclear, as is the role of an estrogenic effect compared to some other toxic effect of bisphenol A.

http://www.endo101.com/xeno.htm (more about effects of xenoestrogens)

How to detox from xenoestrogens naturally.

Xenoestrogens are so pervasive in our world, that no one can avoid them. So, how can you detoxify your body and eliminate them as much as possible? Luckily, there are many natural xenoextstrogen detoxifiers to add to our diet or supplements.

Phytoestrogens are probably at the top of the list. Why would you want to put MORE estrogen into your body, you ask? It’s because phytoestrogens, found in plants, bind to the receptors that xenoestrogens bind to and keep them from accumulating in your body.

These weak estrogens, found in beans, leafy green vegetables and oils, are a very good way to detoxify and remove xenoestrogens naturally. Another good detoxifier and cancer preventive is Indole 3-Carbinol found in cruciferous vegetables like kale, cabbage and broccoli.

You can find Indole 3-Carbinol in capsules, but getting it from vegetables also gives you the rest of the plant’s nutrition. It helps your liver remove xenoestrogens and also provides vitamins and minerals that enhance your body’s immune system.

One thing that may NOT be good for reducing xenoestrogens is coffee. Some studies show that caffeine boosts estrogen levels at more than a single cup a day. Of course, there are many more foods and drinks that contain caffeine, so it would be wise to be aware of this when choosing beverages and meals.

By choosing natural foods and personal care products and avoiding plastics, it’s possible to cut way down on the xenoestrogens that enter your body, but you can’t eliminate them entirely. To avoid the weight gain and health risks they pose, use the tips in this article to detox naturally.  More to follow in the next post.

                 Korach, Kenneth S. (1998). Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology. Marcel Dekker Ltd. pp. 278–279, 294–295.

                Evidence of effects of environmental chemicals on the endocrine system in children PMID 12837917.

                Pugazhendhi D, Sadler AJ, Darbre PD (2007). "Comparison of the global gene expression profiles produced by methylparaben, n-butylparaben and 17beta-oestradiol in MCF7 human breast cancer cells". J Appl Toxicol 27 (1): 67–77. doi:10.1002/jat.1200. PMID 17121429.

^ Buterin T, Koch C, Naegeli H (August 2006). "Convergent transcriptional profiles induced by endogenous estrogen and distinct xenoestrogens in breast cancer cells".Carcinogenesis 27 (8): 1567–78. doi:10.1093/carcin/bgi339. PMID 16474171.

^ Darbre PD (March 2006). "Environmental oestrogens, cosmetics and breast cancer". Best Pract. Res. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 20 (1): 121–43. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2005.09.007. PMID 16522524.

^ Darbre PD, Aljarrah A, Miller WR, Coldham NG, Sauer MJ, Pope GS (2004). "Concentrations of parabens in human breast tumours". J Appl Toxicol 24 (1): 5–13. doi:10.1002/jat.958. PMID 14745841.