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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Millions of people struggle every day with constipation, but few realize that over time this condition can lead to even more serious health problems. Constipation slows down food transit time, allowing undigested food to sit and ferment in the colon. As a result, harmful toxins are released into the bloodstream through the intestinal wall. This can lead to a form of self-poisoning called autointoxication, which may in turn cause everything from headaches to immune disorders.

Ordinarily, a combination of factors ultimately results in constipation, including poor diet and nutrition (too many processed foods and refined sugars), a lack of dietary fiber, a lack of essential fatty acids, too little exercise, the use of certain medications (both prescription and over-the-counter), changes in daily routine, and not setting aside time to eliminate regularly. Fortunately, there are safe and effective natural solutions for relieving occasional constipation and restoring regularity.

All-natural herbal laxatives provide fast-acting relief for a constipated colon, with traditionally used ingredients such as cape aloe and rhubarb to stimulate bowel contractions, as well as magnesium to hydrate the stool and soothing herbs such as marshmallow and slippery elm to help lubricate the colon.

Once healthy bowel function is restored, maintaining regularity is essential. This begins with following a high-fiber diet, since fiber adds necessary bulk to the diet in order to help move food through the intestines and absorb and eliminate toxins. A daily Omega oil supplement is also recommended to keep the colon lubricated and ease elimination. Finally, taking a daily probiotic is the key to maintaining a balanced intestinal environment and promoting regular, healthy bowel movements.

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