Autoimmune Self-Help

	The Role of Enzymes and Autoimmune Disease   Enzymes are required for every single chemical action that takes place in your body. These specialized protein molecules supply us with energy, assist in the digestion of food, purify our blood and rid the body of waste products. All of your muscles, bones, organs, tissues, and cells are fueled by enzymes.   There are two main groups of enzymes - metabolic and digestive. Metabolic enzymes are produced by the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and other organs. These enzymes speed up the chemical reaction within cells for detoxification and energy production. Digestive enzymes are secreted along the digestive tract to break down food into nutrients and waste.   The pancreas and other glands produce digestive enzymes. They are also present in raw foods.  Even though the body can manufacture digestive enzymes, it is strained to produce enough if we are not getting them from our food sources, supplements, and by chewing our food properly, which allows enzyme-rich saliva to be incorporated into the food.   Unfortunately, cooking and processing foods destroys enzymes and most people only chew their food about 25% of the amount that is needed. Stomach acid, in other words hydrochloric acid (HCL), is ineffective at breaking down food that hasn’t been chewed properly. To add to the problem, 50% of people with autoimmunity don’t have enough HCL in their stomachs in the first place.   When enzyme-free, undigested food enters the small intestine, everything falls upon the poor overworked pancreas. The pancreas is forced to draw reserves from the entire body in order to provide enough enzymes for digestion. This problem is so significant that studies show virtually all Americans have an enlarged pancreas by age 40. With this kind of strain on the insulin-producing pancreas, it is amazing we all don’t have diabetes.   If you are eating food that has been cooked or processed in any way, you need to chew your food properly and take digestive enzyme supplements with every meal.   Digestive Enzymes   Protease, Papain (from papaya), and Bromelain (from pineapple) digest proteins and reduce cytokine production. Amylase, glucoamylase, and pectinace are for digestion of starches and carbohydrates. Lactase is for digestion of dairy. Cellulase breaks down fiber. Maltase digests sugars. Lipase digests fats. Hypercoagulation   Digestive enzymes, besides being anti-inflammatory, play yet another vital role in preventing autoimmune dysfunction. Research has found that 80% of people with autoimmune disease suffer from a condition known as hypercoalgulation.   Hypercoagulation causes fibrins (or small fibers) to begin coating the inside walls of your blood vessels, capillaries, and arteries. It is believed that this process is set in motion by pathogens, or germs, like viruses, bacteria, and mycoplasmas. These germs can add insult to injury by causing your oxygen-carrying red blood cells to stick together, which causes further clogging.   With our blood vessels clogged by fibrins and sticky red blood cells, the body has a reduced ability to deliver oxygen to the cells.  This is a tremendous problem because people with autoimmune dysfunctions, like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, need more, not less oxygen than the average person.   So what do digestive enzymes have to do with hypercoalgulation? Taking digestive enzymes between meals and at bedtime can actually clean up the fibrin and sticky red blood cells from the inside of the blood vessels.   Additionally, because of their ability to digest foreign proteins, digestive enzymes work to clear out bad bugs like viruses.   Announcing Essential Enzymes E-Club   Do you suffer from occasional digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating, gas, constipation, heartburn, or diarrhea or a more serious condition such as IBS, colitis, or Crohn's Disease? The E-Club is an enzyme-based monthly nutrition plan designed to save you money while ensuring that you always have a supply digestive enzymes. By joining the E-Club, you will receive a monthly shipment of digestive enzymes at a discounted price.   Supplemental digestive enzymes deliver maximum value when taken on a consistent basis. If you are serious about seeking benefits from supplemental digestive enzymes, the E-Club provides high quality supplementation at a cost effective price.   Click here to learn details about the E-Club benefits, services, and how to take advantage immediately of your membership discount. October is Lupus Awareness Month     4Checks.com proudly supports the Lupus Foundation of America. Set your heart a-flutter with these lovely Butterfly designs. This series includes checks, address labels, a contact card and a matching leather checkbook cover. Use the coupon below to receive additional savings, when you order your Lupus Awareness checks.   Recommended Reading: Fatigue Be Gone! Over 80% of American women suffer from fatigue. This 8-step process will help you jump start your engine and place you on the fast track to recovery. Simple, affordable, and extremely effective!   Click here to order your copy of Fatigue Be Gone today! Lessons from the Miracle Doctors - Jon Barron Conquering Autoimmunity - Free Download   A How-To Guide for Those with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Sclerois, Lupus, Epstein-Barr, Arthritis, Crohn's and Other Inflammatory Diseases.   Click here to download your free copy of "Conquering Autoimmunity" The Diva Diet This step-by-step guide helps you create delicious, healthy recipes that can reduce inflammation and assist you in better managing your autoimmune disease symptoms. Packed with over 100 recipes created specifically for individuals with autoimmune disease.   Click here to order your copy of The Diva Diet today! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee or your money back!