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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When was the last time you really thought about the health of your digestive system? If you’re like most people, keeping your insides in tip top shape probably isn’t at the top of your to-do list. But what if we told you that what goes on in your digestive tract can significantly impact the way you feel every day?

More than 70 percent of your natural immune defenses are found in your gut, which means that the more efficiently your body is able to digest the foods you eat, the healthier you will be. When digestive function is at its peak, food is broken down completely, valuable nutrients are absorbed, and waste and toxins are eliminated from the body through regular, healthy bowel movements.

In recent decades poor digestion has become a growing problem in the America, mainly due to the overconsumption of high-fat, processed foods loaded with refined sugars and preservatives. These foods can slow the digestive process and lead to a buildup of waste and toxins in the colon, resulting in digestive problems such as heartburn, gas and bloating, diarrhea and constipation, which may in turn contribute to weight gain, yeast overgrowth, low energy, brain fog and more.

Educating yourself about the benefits of healthy digestion is the first step toward taking back control of your body and your health. In addition to good eating habits and getting plenty of exercise, natural digestive care supplements can help establish and maintain optimum digestive function to help you achieve lasting wellness.

Like what you read here? Keep checking back with ReNew Life’s Digestive Care Blog for the latest news and advice about better health through optimum digestion!

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