Many digestive problems are a sign of enzyme depletion. Nothing in the body works without enzymes. However, many individuals are deficient in these vital protein molecules. Stress, caffeine, and alcohol can destroy enzymes. Cooked and processed foods are among the most serious threats to our enzyme supply.
Raw foods contain enzymes that enhance digestion.
However, cooked foods, which make up the bulk of the modern diet, are devoid of enzymes, so the body must draw from its limited supply of digestive enzymes. As this supply is depleted, in order to accomplish digestion, the body must rely on metabolic enzymes. When this occurs, other bodily processes are compromised. Dr. Edward Howell, who spent over forty years studying the effects of enzymes on health, said Humans eating an enzyme-less diet use up a tremendous amount of their enzyme potential in lavish secretions of the pancreas and other digestive organs . This puts excessive stress on other bodily functions.