Author:
Sherry Torkos, B.Sc.Phm., R.Ph., is an internationally recognized pharmacist and health expert, lecturer, spokesperson, and authority on integrating conventional and complementary therapies to optimize health and prevent disease.
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As our lives begin to return to normalcy, many of us are looking forward to the pleasure of dining out again. However, eating out with gluten sensitivity means that we have to approach our meals with a level of awareness and caution.
Restaurants have been trying to offer some gluten-free items on the menu, but even the most meticulous establishments are hard-pressed to fully prevent the cross-contamination of gluten in your food. For restaurants and food manufacturers alike, truly preventing those tiny bits of gluten “dust” that can grab onto a piece of food and make their way into your sensitive digestive tract requires the utmost diligence.
ENTER DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
Individuals with gluten sensitivity may feel safer knowing they can take an enzyme as a precaution against cross-contamination and perhaps cut down the risk of accidentally getting “glutened.” There is a type of protein-digesting enzyme called DPP-IV (dipeptidyl peptidase IV), which specializes in breaking down many of the components of the gluten protein. GlutenEaseTM by Enzymedica, America’s #1 selling enzyme brand, contains the DPP-IV enzyme combined with a powerful blend of proteases and carbohydrate digesting enzymes called amylases, all formulated to work in the entire pH of your digestive system with the exclusive “Thera-blendTM” technology.
For some people, gluten sensitivity isn’t severe enough for a little cross-contamination to affect them very much, while for others, it could bring true discomfort through a serious response. There are three main categories of gluten sensitivity, and enzymes have a specific role in each one of them.
CELIAC DISEASE
For those with Celiac disease, diet is everything, and strict avoidance is at the core of the treatment protocol. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by consuming even the tiniest amounts of gluten, which results in damage to the small intestine and malabsorption of nutrients. Over 200 symptoms are associated with celiac disease, including diarrhea, gas, bloating, headaches, joint pain and much more. Ingesting gluten with this disease can lead to some pretty serious reactions. While diet is the only treatment for celiac disease, using enzymes high in DPP-IV may help break down troublesome gluten proteins from inadvertent exposure. It is by no means a “free pass” to veer from a gluten-free diet, nor is it intended to treat or prevent celiac disease. These specialized enzymes are simply a tool to help break down gluten should accidental ingestion occur.
GLUTEN SENSITIVITY
Gluten Sensitivity can be difficult to diagnose. Someone who has it can experience similar symptoms to those who have celiac disease; however, there is no autoimmune response. This is also referred to as non-celiac gluten sensitivity and can include symptoms such as foggy-head, abdominal pain, bloating, and much more. Many people figure out if they have gluten sensitivity through eliminating gluten completely from their diet and keeping a food journal noting how they feel. Enzymes can be of great benefit for these individuals. While it’s still important to avoid gluten, enzymes such as those in GlutenEase offer wonderful support, should some gluten make its way to the digestive system.
MINOR BLOATING AND GAS CAUSED BY GLUTEN
You know that feeling: you’ve eaten a slice of your favorite pizza or a plate of pasta, and then comes the bloated belly, indigestion and perhaps even some minor (or major!) gas. Here is where digestive enzymes truly excel! For those that experience gas & bloating and are sure they do not have celiac disease, enzymes can afford a bit of occasional dietary freedom to enjoy those small indulgences.
With all three categories of gluten sensitivity, GlutenEaseTM offers specialized support. It’s designed to support the digestion of gluten, casein and the entire meal, as well as offer some protection in the event of cross-contamination. Make sure to take it before your meal. Cheers!
Enzymedica offers a complete line of natural digestive enzyme solutions for various food sensitivities, pls visit https://enzymedica.ca/ for more information, receive your coupon today, and feel the difference right away with your next meal!
