Enzyme therapy

In enzyme therapy, enzymes (proteins that break down a host of molecules and help digest food) are given either orally, by injection, or sometimes rectally.

What is Enzyme therapy used for?

Enzyme therapy is primarily recommended to assist in correcting digestive ailments, and, in correcting digestion, many other illness can be addressed. Some research shows that enzyme therapy has utility in treating some cancers. It is thought that enzymes can dissolve the coating on cancer cells so the immune system can attack them. Also, enzyme therapy seems to reduce inflammation and improve tissue healing. Even healthy people are said to benefit, because the supplemental enzymes take the strain off the pancreas of making its own enzymes. Also, this organ may not make enough enzymes. Low enzyme levels are said to affect digestion, and the undigested particles that pass into the blood can lead to immune dysfunction, allergies, and a host of other ailments.

General information about Enzyme therapy

The dosages of the pills or capsules prescribed vary with the condition being treated and the product type. For some ailments, very large quantities of enzyme supplements are prescribed -- up to 20 a day. The enzymes are derived either from animal (called pancreatic enzymes) or plant sources. If enzymes are needed to treat a chronic illness, often they are prescribed in conjunction with recommendations for a dietary change and lifestyle modifications. Enzyme therapy may be covered by some insurance policies when it is prescribed as treatment for a medical condition.