Enzymes act as an energetic catalyst, and every function of human organs and glands require this energy to work. We receive energy from the nutrients in our blood. These nutrients are put there through food digestion, then carried throughout our bodies by the vital energy created from enzymes. However, a lack of enzymes can create illness, lower resistance to infection, and cause all types of stresses and physiological environments. These risk factors can shorten one’s lifespan and result in chronic physical conditions. 

According to some European sports medicine reports, most elite athletes in Germany are familiar with enzyme therapy. In addition, the top Austrian athletes—runners, wrestlers, boxers, handball players, and skiers—utilize enzyme capsules as a precaution to accelerate their recovery process after sustaining sports-related injuries.  

What Are Enzymes? 

Enzymes are a delicate lifelike substance found in all living cells—whether animal or vegetable. Enzymes are energized protein molecules necessary for life. They catalyze and regulate almost all biochemical reactions that occur within the human body.  

They cannot be seen with even the most powerful microscope, but their presence and strength can improve blood and immune system functioning. Our bodies naturally produce both digestive and metabolic enzymes as necessary. Surplus enzymes can be stored by some organs for later use or converted into fuel for the brain. Every organ, tissue, and cell in our bodies rely on the reaction of metabolic enzymes and their energy factor.  

Plant Enzymes 

Plant enzymes are grown from foods such as wheat and soybeans in a laboratory setting. They are nonpathogenic aspergillus species free of mycelium contamination. In other words, they do not harm the liver. Removal of all the aspergilla and fungi leave only the enzymatic activity. These aspergillus enzymes have a strong record of safe use in the food industry, and are classified as food by the FDA. The plant enzymes I utilize are of the highest quality. These enzymes are to be taken with meals to promote digestion of all nutrients. They can also be taken after or between meals to feed and fortify our bodies. 

Plant enzymes are not sloughed off as if the body has no need for them. They exit only after there is no more activity left in them. Since they are natural foods that function as energetic catalysts, these plant enzymes are different from other supplements. Some enzymes can be stored in the organs for future work or to rebuild cells.  

Enzymes for Athletes 

Injury is a common problem for athletes—especially elite professionals and Olympians. However, sports medicine doctors know they cannot prevent injuries, so they look for methods to heal athletes as quickly and effectively as possible.  

Karate fighters experience considerable injuries, so European doctors chose them as a test group for a double-blind study using oral enzymes and placebos. Those who took enzymes three times a day before their events healed 50 percent quicker than those taking the placebos. German Olympic team doctors performed similar tests with various types of athletes. The results were comparable for 82 percent of athletes, and they also noticed a significant decrease in muscle  soreness after particularly strenuous events.  

Athletic Injuries and Surgeries 

Professor Raas from the University of Innsbruck, who is responsible for the health of Austrian athletes in the winter Olympic Games, also confirmed those results. He found that a considerable portion of the success achieved by the athletes under his care would not have been possible without enzyme preparations. As such, Professor Raas advises that even casual athletes take enzymes daily to lessen the effects of a potential injury.  

Another benefit of enzymes is their ability to regulate metabolism. The fewer enzymes in our bodies, the lower our energy levels will be. Fortunately, those with chronic fatigue can reduce this symptom through enzyme supplementation. Doctors have also found that oral enzymes taken before a surgery can accelerate healing, which allows patients to leave hospitals quicker and resume their daily routines sooner.   

Enzyme Use in Sports 

I believe enzymes will also help athletes in their body-building efforts. If an adequate number of metabolic enzymes are not working in the muscle tissue, there would be minimal (if any) muscular growth or activity to create that growth. Enzymes are the catalyst that digest nutrients and convert them into energy to help muscles move and grow.  

Athletes have more need for enzymes than non-athletes. Research has shown that enzymes are lost in perspiration, and the body uses up enzymes at a faster rate during exercise. This is especially true for MMA fighters, as they often push their bodies past endurance normal levels. I have worked with athletes of all shapes and forms—including biathlon and triathlon athletes, marathon runners, football players and basketball players, even greyhound dogs and racehorses. But it was not until last year that I started working with an MMA fighter. It was amazing to see his response to Enzyme Therapy. 

In summary, enzymes are energized amino acids, directly proportional to the immune system. These amino acids are especially crucial for athletes’ immune systems. Athletes use enzyme therapy to improve their speed, strength, and stamina, while reducing their recovery time from injuries. With a high-quality enzyme program and nutritional planning, steroids are not necessary for both elite and casual athletes to achieve their goals.  

The Natural Apothecary Shoppe is located at 6608 Gateway Avenue, Sarasota. For more information on enzyme supplements, call 941 554 8623 or visit https://naturalapothecaryshoppe.com/