Have you heard about enzyme supplements and wonder if you need one? Chances are you might—especially if you eat a lot of cooked and heavily processed foods. Without the natural enzymes obtained from raw, whole foods, the body has a hard time breaking down the food you eat and absorbing its nutrients. As a result, undigested or partially digested food in the intestines can ferment and cause gas, bloating, heartburn, indigestion and other problems. The following quiz will help you determine if you may benefit from adding a natural digestive enzyme supplement to your diet. Put a 1 next to each question if the answer is Yes, 0 for No.

1. Do you experience stomach pain after eating a high-protein meal?

2. Are you excessively tired or fatigued after eating a high-protein meal?

3. Do you have thin, fine or brittle hair?

4. Do you have white lines or ridges in your nail beds?

5. Are you intolerant to cold temperatures or have a sensation of always being cold?

6. Do you have low muscle mass? 

7. Do you have occasional swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or knees?

8. Do you have high blood pressure?

9. Do you have skin issues such as dermatitis?

10. Do you have irritability or anxiety?

11. Do you heal slowly from wounds?

12. Do you have frequent abdominal gas, bloating or flatulence?

13. Do you have frequent belching?

14. Do you have abdominal discomfort or bloating after eating starches, vegetables, beans or grains?

15. Do you commonly have diarrhea?

16. Do you have dry skin?

17. Do you have brittle fingernails?

18. Do you suffer from occasional or mild depression?

19. Do you have greasy or oily stool?

20. Are you frequently constipated?

21. Do you have dandruff or an itchy scalp?

22. Do you have problems concentrating at work or school?

23. Do you have dry mouth or excessive thirst?

24. Do you have frequent urination?

25. Do you crave fatty foods?

OVERALL SCORE: If you scored 13 or more, you may benefit from a quality digestive enzyme supplement. Look for a formula with high amounts of Protease, Amylase, Lipase and Cellulase.

BREAKDOWN SCORE:

• A score of 5 or more for Questions 1 to 11 indicates possible difficulty with the digestion of proteins. Look for an enzyme supplement with a high amount of PROTEASE.
• A score of 3 or more for Questions 12 to 15 indicates possible difficulty with the digestion of carbohydrates, starches and fiber. Look for an enzyme supplement with a high amount of AMYLASE and CELLULASE.
• A score of 5 or more for Questions 16 to 25 indicates possible difficulty with the digestion of fat. Look for an enzyme supplement with a high amount of LIPASE.

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Sure, good digestion has a lot to do with what you put on your plate. But it’s also about making sure your body has the tools it needs to break down your food and support healthy elimination. That’s why natural digestive care expert Brenda Watson developed the H.O.P.E. Formula. In addition to a sensible diet and regular exercise, this 4-part daily nutritional program is the key to improving digestion and living healthier every day.

High Fiber. Studies show that people who eat at least 25-35 grams of fiber every day are less likely to suffer from constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders. Fiber adds bulk to the stool, helps absorb toxins in the intestines and ‘sweeps’ the colon free of waste and debris. A high-fiber diet has also been linked to weight loss, lower cholesterol and heart health. Sources: fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans & legumes; fiber supplements.

Omega Oils. Fish-derived Omega oils such as Omega-3 EPA and DHA help nourish and support the cells of the colon to promote optimal digestive health. They also help to soothe and lubricate the bowel to ease elimination and promote regularity. In addition, research links these beneficial oils to improved heart and brain function, as well as healthy skin and joints. Sources: Smaller, cold-water fish; some leafy green vegetables; Omega oil supplements.

Probiotics. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract that work to crowd out disease-causing microorganisms that can contribute to poor health. Experts agree that daily supplementation with a high-potency, multi-strain probiotic formula can help support a balanced intestinal environment, improve digestion and promote bowel regularity. Sources: Fermented foods such as yogurt & kefir; probiotic supplements.

Enzymes. Digestive enzymes are found in raw foods and help the body break down the food you eat and absorb needed nutrients. Because cooking and processing can destroy the natural enzymes in food, daily supplementation is essential. Plant-based enzyme formulas provide the greatest benefit, as they are effective over a broader range of pH levels in the body. Sources: Raw whole foods; digestive enzyme supplements.

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