Day 32: Enzymes & Friends

I am back!  Ate great, didn't sit down all day, and tomorrow will be the same.  The Hip Chicks (our event planning company) has a big event tomorrow, so getting ready for that and being a mom, just no rest for the weary!  ;O)

I found some good info reading online and in magazines about natural approaches to weight loss.  Of course, eating well and exercise.  I have decided that I am not going to use the ever tempting weight loss pills.  So I am reading up on what natural things I can do to assist my body in shedding it's "tons o' fun" which has happily settled all over my body.  :o)

Here is some good information that I dug up and thought I'd share the wealth of knowledge about some vitamins, enzymes and even laughter.  So read up, and thin down!

Calcium and Vitamin D when taken together can curb your cravings for fatty foods, as well as quadruple your weight loss results if you are calcium deficient according to a 2009 British Journal of Nutrition study. Many women are either calcium and/or vitamin D deficient.  I know at my last doctors appointment I found out that I am Vitamin D deficient, which is common in colder climates, like this frozen tundra we call home.

On to Enzymes.  [Information taken from Natural Health Magazine November 2009] Enzymes can ease digestive woes such as acid reflux, heartburn, cramping, gassiness, and bloating; reduce inflammation of the joints and muscles.  Some people experience weight loss after take digestive enzymes.  Digestive changes are often noticed with the first dosing!  While anyone can benefit from from digestive enzymes, research suggests people with conditions like lactose intolerance, cystic fibrosis, autism, pancreatitis, celiac diease, gluten intolerance, or chronic pain can experience dramatic benefits.  Be aware that thus far, enzyme supplements have not been shown to "cure" any disease or condition.

There is an important difference between probiotics and enzymes. Probiotics, like acidopholus and bifidus, are live organisms that produce enzymes to help our digestive tract function normally, while enzymes are proteins our body creates.  Taking the two together can actually make each do it's job better.

WHAT TO BUY: Houston Enzymes HN-Zyme Prime or Houston Zyme Prime  You can also get these enzymes in your food.  Pineapple, contains the enzyme bromelain, which has been shown to ease inflammation and relieve pain.  Sprouts have many health benefits.  I recommend to read more on them. Papaya, contains the enzyme Papain, which has a mild and soothing effect on the stomach and is helpful in protein digestion.

A small note on laughter:  we all know it is good for us, it makes us feel better, but it truly does make you feel better.  It can lower your glucose levels!  A 2003 Japanese study showed that after watching a comedy show glucose levels had dropped.  It can also boost your immunity and increase your pain tolerance, as stated in a UCLA study in 2007.  Not to mention the great effects it has on your heart.  It can improve your HDL (good cholesterol) levels and reduce your levels of inflammatory compounds known as C-reactive proteins.  So find a funny friend to hang out with, talk to on the phone, or start watching some funny TV.

Hope you find this helpful!  I have and am excited to start to put it into practice!

Weight: 203