10 Not-So-Obvious Signs of Enzyme Deficiency1. Skin rashes and irritations. Incomplete digestion can lead to food sensitivities that manifest

as skin problems.2. Fatigue and drowsiness. When so much energy goes to trying to compensate for a lack

of digestive enzymes, is it any wonder that a body feels unbearably tired after eating?3. Bad breath. Our mouths are just the beginning of a long digestive journey.

Adequate enzymes, every step of the way, help keep breath fresher.4. Irritability. We all know how cranky babies get with colic. Adults with indigestion get just

as irritable.5. Insomnia. Indigestion is noisy and painful. A happy, calm tummy is crucial for a good

night’s sleep.6. High cholesterol. All the way back in 1958, Stanford researchers realized that low enzymes

and high cholesterol were linked.7. Weight gain. Fat utilization is improved with enzymes, leading to less of it

being stored in obvious places – hips, belly, upper arms, thighs.8. Food allergies. Without adequate protein-digesting enzymes, undigested food particles

leak through the intestinal wall, triggering food allergy symptoms.9. Inflammation. Inflammation from injuries or arthritic conditions have been

shown to respond well to the anti-inflammatory effects of bromelain.Sinusitis. An increased incidence of sinusitis might be related to chronic inflammation in nasal mucous membranes.

10 Easy Ways to Improve Digestion1. Take Prairie Naturals Digestive Enzymes at the beginning of every meal.2. Eat less.3. Chew better and longer.4. Eat more raw fruits and vegetables.5. Sit down to eat.6. Breathe deeply and relax before beginning a meal.7. Be thankful for what you are about to eat.8. Eat an abundance of fibre-rich foods.9. Drink more water (between meals).10. Go for a walk after a meal.

Eat More Raw Foods for Better DigestionEating enzyme-rich, fresh raw fruits and vegetables is definitely the best prescription forgood digestion. Ironically though, improving your diet can cause some temporary indigestion.Remember, it takes time for your body to adjust, especially when drastically changing yourdiet to include the extra fibre consumed by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. Fibre-rich foods can cause gas and bloating until your body adjusts. Fortunately, digestive enzymes– especially Enzyme-Force with Fibrazyme™ can help with the transition. Bon apetite!

10.

EnzymesYour Natural Prescription

for Digestive Health

Pharmacist RecommendedRoseMarie Pierce, B.Sc.Pharm

Do You Need Enzymes? Most of us know all too well the obvious symptoms of indigestion such as bloating,tummy aches, constipation and gas. But you’ll be surprised to know that the following

10 less obvious symptoms of enzyme deficiency might also indicate the need forsupplemental digestive enzymes and betaine HCl.

Serra-ForcePrairie Naturals Serra-Force is an enteric-coatednatural enzyme capsule that:• Provides extra strength, pain relief• Reduces inflammation & related pain• Functions as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent• Alleviates chronic sinusitis• Improves elimination of excess mucus• May enhance cardiovascular health by breaking down fibrin and blood clots• Does not cause ulcers and stomach bleedingNon-GMO • 100% VEGAN • Safe & Effective • Available in 60 & 120 VEGAN Capsules

Rapid & ReliableConstipationRelief

Kiwi Colon-Zyme

Each Vegetable Capsule Contains:Colon Enzyme Blend ______________________________________________ 204.18 mg Amylase Blend (Bacillus subtilus/Aspergilus oryzae, whole cell) _______________ 7500 DU Protease Blend (Aspergillus oryzae/Bacillus blend, whole cell) ______________ 25,000 HUT Peptidase (Aspergillus oryzae, whole cell) _____________________________ 250 DPP IV Glucoamylase (Aspergillus niger, whole cell) ______________________________ 50 AGU Beta Gluconase (Aspergillus niger/Trichoderma longibrachiatum, whole cell)______ 100 BGU Acid Stable Protease (Aspergillus niger, whole cell) ________________________ 25 SAPUKiwi (Actinidia deliciosa, Kiwi Fruit, Actazin™) ______________________________ 200 mg (providing 1800 AU/g Actinidin)

Enzyme-Force

EnzymaticPain

Reliever

Serra-Force

Medicinal Ingredients 1 V-CapsuleProprietary Digestive Enzyme Blend ___________ 600 mgProtein-Digesting Enzymes

Protease blend (pH 2-10) ______________________ 50,000 HUTPapain ______________________________________ 50,000 PU

Carbohydrate-Digesting EnzymesAmylase ___________________________________ 11,250 DUGlucoamylase __________________________________ 50 AGUAlpha-galactosidase ___________________________ 125 GALULactase______________________________________ 500 ALUInvertase (sucrase) ______________________________ 200 SUPhytase________________________________________ 5 FTU

Fat-Digesting EnzymesLipase blend _________________________________ 2,000 FIP

Fibre-Digesting EnzymesCellulase____________________________________ 1,200 CUBeta-glucanase_________________________________ 25 BGUHemicellulase __________________________________ 30 HCUPectinase ____________________________________ 45 AJDUXylanase______________________________________ 300 XUFibrazyme™ enzyme blend __________________________ 500 MU

Bromelain 2,400 GDU/g ____________________________ 50 mgBetaine HCL _________________________________________________ 50 mg

Enhanced &Full-Spectrum

Enzyme Activity

Each Vegetable Capsule Contains:Serratia Peptidase Enzyme(Enteric coated) 2000 IU/mg_____________________ 30 mg

Kiwi Colon-ZymePrairie Naturals Kiwi Colon-Zyme is a digestive aid capsule that:• Positively changes the way your bowels work!• Corrects one of the most common causes of constipation-inadequate

protein digestion• Contains Actazin™, a potent proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzyme• Has been clinically shown to provide rapid and reliable

constipation relief• Increases frequency and ease of bowel movements• Reduces bowel transit time• Normalizes consistency and volume of stool• Includes therapeutic levels of six select enzyme blends for relieving

constipation• Helps digest gluten and dairy proteins• Prevents gas and bloatingNon-GMO • 100% VEGAN • Safe & Effective• Available in 60 & 120 VEGAN Capsules

Enzyme-ForcePrairie Naturals Enzyme-Force is an all-purpose digestive aid capsule that:• Promotes better digestion of proteins, fats, carbs and fibre• Features amylases (for starch breakdown), proteases (for protein breakdown), and lipases (for fat digestion)• Includes Fibrazyme™ a fibre-digesting enzyme blend of cellulase, hemicellulase and phytase• Provides optimal enzymatic activity, potency, safety and efficacy• Noticeably reduces indigestion, gas, bloating, constipation and acid reflux• Acts quickly to improve digestion, increase energy and alertnessNon-GMO • 100% VEGAN • Safe & Effective • Available in 60 & 120 VEGAN Capsules

Fast-actingSolution to LowStomach Acid

Betaine-HCI Bromelain-Zyme

Better ProteinDigestion &

Anti-Inflammatory

Each Vegetable Capsule Contains:Bromelain (Stem Bromelain, Ananas comosus, Pineapple Stem) __ 350 mg

(providing 2,400 GDU/g and 3,600 MCU/g)Papain (Carica papaya, Papaya Fruit) ______________________ 50 mg

(providing 2,000,000 USP/g)Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa, Kiwi Fruit, Actazin™) _______________ 100 mg

(providing 1800 AU/g Actinidin)

Betaine HydrochloridePrairie Naturals Betaine HCl:• Provides hydrochloric acid (HCl) derived from beets• Alleviates digestive distress related to low stomach acid• Helps people over the age of 50 who have diminished HCl production• Acts quickly and safely to reduce symptoms including

reflux, gas and bloating• Protects the gastrointestinal tract from harmful bacteria and parasites• Reduces fatigue related to digestive disturbances• Supports the digestion of proteins and fats• Quickly and safely increases the stomach acid we require for

basic digestion• Helps to initiate the conversion of pepsinogen to pepsin• Encourages the flow of pancreatic enzymes and bile• Ensures the proper absorption of calcium, iron and vitamin B12Non-GMO • 100% VEGAN • Safe & Effective• Available in 60 & 120 VEGAN Capsules

Bromelain-ZymePrairie Naturals Bromelain-Zyme is an enzyme blend that is:• Made with bromelain from pineapple, papain from papaya,

actinidin from kiwi• Recognized as a powerful protein digestive aid• Effective as an anti-inflammatory for various forms of arthritis,

burns, and sinusitis• Useful against infections including bronchitis, pneumonia and

urinary tract infections• Essential to ensure the proper breakdown of the animal and

plant proteins we eat• Helpful for healing physical and sports injuries

and surgical procedures• Shown effective in combination with antibiotic therapy for sinusitis, bronchitis, cellulitis and skin infectionsNon-GMO • 100% VEGAN • Safe & Effective• Available in 60 & 120 VEGAN Capsules

Each Vegetable Capsule Contains:Betaine Hydrochloride (HCl)_________________________ 500 mg

Just imagine a 30-foot maze-likepassageway winding its way throughthe center of your body. This miraculousfood transport system is your digestivetract. The digestive tract, also called thegastrointestinal tract, has numerousconnecting points along its route wherefood is broken down into simplerchemical forms (nutrients) by specializedenzymes. Digestion and absorption ofmacronutrients (proteins, carbohydratesand fats) and micronutrients (vitaminsand minerals) are dependent on enzymes.

The Mouth & StomachThe smell and sight of appetizing food is the first signal the digestive system receives to begin theamazing process of digestion. Even before the first morsel of food enters your mouth, the digestivejuices start flowing. With the first bite, ptyalin, an amylase enzyme in saliva, begins the breakdownof carbohydrates into glucose. Chewing food well (some experts recommend 100 times per bite)promotes better digestion even before food enters the stomach where the greatest active chemicaldigestion begins. Stomach muscle contractions assist the digestive process by kneading the partiallydigested food while gastric juices containing hydrochloric acid (HCl), pepsin, rennin and water beginthe protein-digesting process. Some fat, and to a lesser degree, carbohydrates (which have beenconverted to sucrose) are also partially digested at this phase of the digestive process. This potentmix of chemicals is so strong that the stomach's membrane lining secretes a protective mucous barrierto prevent these corrosive gastric juices from damaging the walls of the stomach. Without adequatemucosal protection, the stomach lining would be burned by its own acids, creating painful stomachulcers. Digestive activity in the stomach lasts from one to four hours per meal depending on thecombination and amounts of food ingested. Liquids pass through the stomach most quickly; next comecarbohydrates, then proteins, and finally fats. The secretion of intrinsic factor is another importantfunction of the stomach. This protein substance is absolutely necessary for the absorption of vitaminB12 during the next stage of digestion in the small intestine. The pyloric sphincter at the base of thestomach opens to release this mash of semi-digested food, called chyme, into the small intestine.

The Small IntestineThere is not too much that is "small" about the small intestine.In fact, this 20-foot section of the digestive tract is chargedwith accomplishing a huge task-the unlocking and absorptionof micronutrients from macronutrients. The activity of enzymefunction in the small intestine is supported by enzymes fromthe food we eat or enzyme supplements we take. Over thecourse of approximately three hours, the small intestine,with the aid of the pancreas, liver and gall-bladder, breaksdown proteins into amino acids, carbohydrates to simplesugars, and fats to fatty acids. As chyme enters the smallintestine, the pancreas, nestled below the stomach,contributes alkaline pancreatic juices necessary for thesuccessful completion of the digestive process. These juicescontain numerous enzymes. If fats have been eaten, thegall-bladder releases the bile it has stored. Bile is producedby the liver and is not really an enzyme, but rather a fatemulsifier that separates fat into small droplets that pancreaticenzymes break down for absorption. The small intestine iscomprised of three sections, the duodenum, jejunum and

ileum. Each of these sections absorbs different nutrients through the intestinal wall. For example,calcium, vitamin A, thiamine and riboflavin are absorbed by the duodenum. The jejunum absorbsfats and the ileum absorbs vitamin B12.

The Large IntestineBasically used as a holding tank for waste produced through the digestive process, the large intestine,also referred to as the colon, is largely an elimination organ, although vitamin K, water and someelectrolyte minerals are absorbed in this final section of the digestive tract. A great many bacterialive in the colon, some of them friendly and beneficial, and others, harmful and disruptive. Incompletelydigested food substances can be absorbed by the body as toxins or can feed noxious intestinalbacteria. Proper elimination of waste and bacteria from the colon is largely dependent upon a highfibre diet, adequate water intake, healthy intestinal flora and complete digestion of food. Fibre literallybinds toxins and aids their passage through the colon while water encourages smoother elimination.Fibre also encourages the growth of healthy intestinal flora (probiotics).

Having a clearer understanding and deeper appreciation of the way our bodies process and utilizethe foods we eat will ideally help us be more mindful of the choices we make that affect this dailymiracle that we simply call “digestion”. Bon appetite!

How Our Digestive System Works

References & SourcesBrien S, Lewith G, Walker AF, et al. Bromelain as an adjunctive treatment for moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. QJM. 2006 Dec; 99(12):841-50. Guo R, Canter PH, Ernst E. Herbal medicines for the treatment of rhinosinusitis: a systematic review. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2006Oct; 135(4):496-506. Review. Helms S, Miller A. Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Altern Med Rev. 2006 Sept; 11(3):196-207. Klein G, Kullich W. Short-term treatment of painful osteoarthritis of the knee with oral enzymes. A randomized, double-blind study versus diclofenac. Clin Drug Invest. 2000; 19(1):15-23. Klein G, Kullich W,Schnitker J, Schwann H. Efficacy and tolerance of an oral enzyme combination in painful osteoarthritis of the hip. A double-blind, randomised study comparing oral enzymes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2006 Jan-Feb; 24(1):25-30. Onken JE, Greer PK, Calingaert B, Hale LP. Bromelain treatment decreasessecretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by colon biopsies in vitro. Clin Immunol. 2008; 126(3):345-52. Rosenberg L, Lapid O, Bogdanov-Berezovsky A, Glesinger R, Krieger Y, Silberstein E, et al. Safety and efficacy of a proteolytic enzyme for enzymatic burn debridement: a preliminary report. Burns. 2004 Dec; 30(8):843-50.Secor ER, et al. Oral bromelain attenuates inflammation in an Ovalbumin-induced Murine Model of Asthma. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2008; 5(1):61-9. Cichoke A. The Complete Book of Enzyme Therapy. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group; 1999 Murray MT. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Rocklin, Calif: PrimaPublishing; 1998The Encyclopedia of Natural Healing. Burnaby, BC: Alive Publishing Group; 2000