What is Cellulase?

When we eat plants, we take in a large amount of plant cells surrounded by a fibrous complex called a cell wall. A major component of this cell wall is cellulose. Humans do not manufacture the cellulase enzyme we need to digest this type of fiber and must rely on fermentation by the flora in the large intestine.

This process allows us to break down a small portion of these plant fibers, but the rest act as bulking agents that are eliminated in the stool. Of course some creatures are much more efficient than we are at this type of cellulose digestion: the cow, for example, has a ruminary stomach that is divided into four chambers and can hold massive amounts of cellulose-digesting microbes to break down the grass and hay that make up such a large part of its diet. This is why they can get big and strong from eating grass.

Similarly, if we eat lots of juicy, healthy greens, sprouts and herbs, we want to make sure that we can digest them by having enough cellulase available. It would be a shame to waste the money we spend on fresh fruits and veggies.

Cellulase is produced naturally by different symbiotic fungi, protozoa, and bacteria that have the ability to catalyse cellulolysis (the breakdown of cellulose). In reality there are different types of cellulases whose activity is pH-dependent: some are more active in an alkaline environment while others are more active in an acidic or neutral one.

Continue reading: “The Health Benefits of Cellulase”

What is Beta-Glucanase?

Beta-Glucanase represents a group of carbohydrase enzymes which break down glycosidic bonds within beta-glucan. These glucans also create up to 60% of the cell wall of many forms of fungal organisms such as C. albicans and candidal biofilm (the common experience of candida in the gut).

Beta glucans are a polysaccharide made of glucose molecules linked together into long chains that humans cannot readily digest. In more familiar terms they are cellulose plant fiber, cereal bran fiber, and parts of certain types of fungi, yeast, and bacteria. As a kind of indigestible fiber, they may become viscous in the intestinal tract and slow peristalsis (intestinal contractions).

Beta-glucans are health-promoting in that they act as intestinal fiber, which may help reduce high serum cholesterol levels and help create regularity through bulk formation. Water-soluble fibers may also help to regulate blood sugar and reduce the likelihood of developing colon related diseases.

Due to these important benefits, it is important to include foods with beta-glucans in the diet, but it is equally important to have enough of the beta-glucanase enzyme. Why? Because Beta glucanase hydrolyzes these glucans, reducing viscosity and helping to restore natural peristalsis. This enhances the digestive process, increasing the overall nutritional value of your food.

Continue reading: “The Health Benefits of Beta-Glucanase”

What is Protease?

Protease (also known as a proteolytic enzyme, peptidase or proteinase) is a type of enzyme that functions mainly to help us digest different kinds of proteins. They break down the bonds by a process known as hydrolysis and convert proteins into smaller chains called peptides or even smaller units called amino acids.

Commonly found in plant sources like papaya and pineapple, proteases also play a key role in many physiological processes. Proteins have a complex folded structure requiring these types of enzymes to disassemble the molecule in very specific ways. Without proteases the intestinal lining would not be able to digest proteins, causing serious consequences to your health.

Continue reading: “The Health Benefits of Protease”

A high-stress lifestyle coupled with improper eating habits can wreak havoc on a woman’s delicate hormonal balance. Even healthy women following a good diet may find glitches in their hormones.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance may include PMS, osteoporosis, weight gain, altered sex drive, allergies, uterine fibroids, urinary tract infections, changes in the skin, fatigue, anxiety, water retention, hair loss, facial hair growth and even depression. By keeping hormones in balance, women can find it easier to maintain a healthy weight, keep a regular menstrual cycle, as well as exude optimal energy levels.

Here are nine suggestions to help you naturally balance your hormones.

1. Keep Stress Levels Low

Studies show that women who participate in a daily meditation or yoga experience less hormonal swings than those who do not mediate stress in some fashion. Rest is also important. Many women have such hectic lifestyles that they give their body little time to re-adjust from life’s demands. This disrupts the natural hormones cycles in women. Find small ways to incorporate rest and relax throughout the day.

2. Get Enough Sleep at Night

Sleep is when our body recovers from any imbalance it may have suffered throuought the day. Lack of sleep swings hormones into over-drive. If possible, try to go to bed by 9pm every night. If 9pm doesn’t work for your schedule, try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.

Continue reading: “9 Ways to Balance Your Hormones Naturally”

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for oral health and detoxification. It involves the use of pure oils as agents for pulling harmful bacteria, fungus and other organisms out of the mouth, teeth, gums and even throat.

The most effective oil pulling is done by placing around a tablespoon of cold pressed organic sesame oil into the mouth and swishing the oil around the mouth for approximately 10-15 minutes and then spitting it out.

Other oils such as extra virgin cold pressed coconut, sunflower and olive oil have been used, although sesame oil is considered one of the best oils for this practice. I recommend alternating oils every couple of days to get the full benefit. Putting high quality organic oils into the mouth has a multi-effect outcome.

Firstly, the oils mix with the saliva, turning it into a thin, white liquid. Lipids in the oils begin to pull out toxins from the saliva of the mouth. As you swish the oil around the mouth, teeth, gums and tongue, the oil continues to absorb toxins, and usually ends up turning thick and viscous and white. Once the oil has reached this consistency, it is spit out before the toxins are reabsorbed into the body.

Continue reading: “The Health Benefits of Oil Pulling”