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Tag: digestion

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By admin 0 Comments Diet, Gut Health , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Enzymes and Their Role in Biological Functions

Enzymes’ function is to help trigger bodily processes ranging from digestion to blood clotting to growth. What is the best way to support enzyme production?

Enzymes

Enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts. They cause and speed up crucial chemical reactions and help the body complete necessary chemical reactions. They are vital for many biological processes, including digestion, metabolism, and molecule building and breaking down. This includes breaking down food, facilitating growth, and forming blood clots. Too little of a certain type can lead to serious health implications like a fatal buildup of toxins. Individuals missing a certain kind of enzyme or having too little of it can develop serious health conditions.

Function

They help speed up chemical reactions in the body (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2025). They facilitate chemical reactions in everything from digesting food to muscle growth. Enzymes facilitate this by binding to a cell, creating the reactions needed. With enzyme binding, chemical reactions can occur without destroying the cell. (Nemours KidsHealth, 2023) Each cell in the body has thousands of enzymes to help facilitate all the complex reactions to maintain health. (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2025)

Factors Affecting Production

In healthy individuals, the body produces the enzymes it needs. However, metabolic disorders can occur if the body does not produce enough of a certain type. (Kennedy Krieger Institute, 2025) These disorders can be serious and are usually caused by a genetic malfunction that impacts production.

Types

There are thousands of different types. Digestive enzymes, for example, aid in the breakdown of food and convert it into energy. Common enzymes that are critical for health include (Nemours KidsHealth, 2023)

Amylase

  • Digestive helps break down starches.

Aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransaminase (ALT)

  • Help the liver convert sugar into energy.

Creatine Kinase (CK)

  • Helps muscles create energy.

DNA Polymerase

  • Facilitates growth by allowing DNA to duplicate.

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase

  • Keeps red blood cells healthy by preventing damage to the cell.

Lipase

  • A digestive enzyme that helps break down fats and oils.

Protease

  • Digestive helps break down proteins.

Thrombin

  • Causes blood to clot.

Deficiencies

If the body doesn’t make enough of a certain enzyme, it cannot undergo the bodily processes that the enzyme helps facilitate. This can lead to a variety of symptoms. Some are minor, like not being able to eat lactose. Others are serious, like developmental delays caused by the build-up of toxins. (Kennedy Krieger Institute, 2025) Usually, these deficiencies are caused by genetics.

Types

There are various deficiencies. Some are very rare, while others can lead to conditions such as: (Nemours KidsHealth, 2023)

Lactose Intolerance

  • This is caused by not having enough of the enzyme that breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk, leading to gas and bloating.

Tay-Sachs Disease

  • An often fatal disease caused by a missing hexosaminidase, which is responsible for breaking down fats

Gilbert’s Syndrome

  • This is caused by a missing enzyme that removes waste product (bilirubin) from the blood, leading to bilirubin buildup and
  • Jaundice or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes

Galactosemia

  • This leads to slow growth and trouble gaining weight, which is caused by the missing galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT), which helps break down a sugar called galactose.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

  • This is caused by having too little phenylalanine hydroxylase, which breaks down a protein called phenylalanine, causing brain damage.

Morquio Syndrome

  • This is caused by having too few enzymes that break down glycosaminoglycans, a type of sugar molecule.
  • This leads to bone and growth abnormalities.

Wilson’s Disease

  • A liver disease is caused by a missing protein that helps break down copper in the body.

Enzyme Production Support

Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet of fruits and vegetables to support enzyme production. Avoid processed foods, especially those that are very fatty (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2025). The body produces all the necessary enzymes unless the individual has a genetic condition. Supplements aren’t usually required, but they can help with lactose intolerance or digestion in cystic fibrosis patients. (Nemours KidsHealth, 2023)

One supplement type, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), is available. PERT is an FDA-regulated prescription medication prescribed to patients with serious illnesses such as cystic fibrosis. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2019)

Injury Medical Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Clinic

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal issues.

Chiropractic Care and Metabolism: The Hidden Link

References

National Human Genome Research Institute. (2025). Enzyme. Retrieved from https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Enzyme

Nemours KidsHealth. (2023). Enzymes. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/enzymes.html

Kennedy Krieger Institute. (2025). Metabolic disorders. https://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/conditions/metabolic-disorders

Johns Hopkins Health. (2025). Digestive enzymes and digestive enzyme supplements. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/digestive-enzymes-and-digestive-enzyme-supplements#:~:text=You’re%20better%20off%20building,your%20diet,%20especially%20fried%20foods.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). FDA approves new breakthrough therapy for cystic fibrosis. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-breakthrough-therapy-cystic-fibrosis

By admin 0 Comments Diet, Gut Health , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dates: Why You Should Include Them in Your Diet

Can adding dates to one’s diet be nutritious and provide various health benefits for individuals looking for a naturally sweet snack?

Dates

Dates are a type of dried fruit from the date palm tree. Dates are a healthy source of fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, niacin, folate, vitamin A, beta-carotene, lutein, and selenium. They can be a healthier alternative to refined sugar because they have a low glycemic index and do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. They are a rich source of nutrients, including:

  • Fiber: High in fiber, which promotes good digestion and helps keep you feeling full.
  • Potassium: This is essential for heart health and muscle function.
  • Magnesium: supports bone health and energy production.
  • Antioxidants: which protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
  • Vitamins: a good source of vitamins B6, K, and A.

Consuming them in moderation is recommended, especially for individuals who are trying to lose weight or have diabetes. They are high in sugar, so individuals need to be mindful to avoid or limit additional sources of sugar. Nutritionists and dieticians recommend a modest dose of two large or three small dates, which is around 50 grams and provides half the sugar and calories.

Benefits

Lower Cholesterol

Research has shown that eating dates may also help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, further research is needed as the current evidence is still inconclusive. (Mirghani H. O. 2024) A recent meta-analysis also showed no significant effect on LDL cholesterol but reduced total cholesterol in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Pitted dates generally don’t contain added sugars but can still contain a significant amount of natural sugars in sucrose, glucose, or fructose. Although their high sugar level may prevent individuals from eating dates as a healthy snack, a key difference between dates and sugary drinks, snacks, or other processed foods is that they contain high levels of fiber. Because of the fiber, which slows glucose absorption in the bloodstream, they also have a low glycemic index, which causes a smaller spike in blood sugar levels. (Mirghani H. O. 2021) Using dates as a sweetener can also be a healthier alternative to refined sugar and can be used in recipes to replace sugar. However, portion control is important.

Support Gut Health

Since dates are high in fiber, they can help the gastrointestinal tract but should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced, healthy diet. However, they are recommended to be eaten with other fiber-rich foods, specifically those with lower sugar, that includes:

  • Leafy greens
  • Non-starchy vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Legumes
  • Nuts
  • Seeds

Adding these foods to a diet can also benefit the microbiome. Dates and other fruits can improve the ratio of beneficial gut microbiota. (Eid N. et al., 2015) Eating too many dates could also cause diarrhea, but eating a few daily can help constipation.

Alternatives

  • Other dried fruits, such as prunes, figs, and apricots, are alternatives, but fresh fruits are an even better choice as they are much lower in calories.

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop highly effective treatment plans through an integrated approach for each patient and restore health and function to the body through nutrition and wellness, functional medicine, acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, and integrated medicine protocols. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. The clinic can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.

Personalized Medicine and Wellness

References

Mirghani H. O. (2024). Effect of dates on blood glucose and lipid profile among patients with type 2 diabetes. World journal of diabetes, 15(6), 1079–1085. https://doi.org/10.4239/wjd.v15.i6.1079

Mirghani H. O. (2021). Dates fruits effects on blood glucose among patients with diabetes mellitus: A review and meta-analysis. Pakistan journal of medical sciences, 37(4), 1230–1236. https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.4.4112

Eid, N., Osmanova, H., Natchez, C., Walton, G., Costabile, A., Gibson, G., Rowland, I., & Spencer, J. P. (2015). Impact of palm date consumption on microbiota growth and large intestinal health: a randomised, controlled, cross-over, human intervention study. The British journal of nutrition, 114(8), 1226–1236. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114515002780

By admin 0 Comments Diet, Gut Health , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sparkling Water and Weight Loss: Does It Really Work?

Can individuals add sparkling water to their diet to help lower blood sugar and aid with weight loss?

Sparkling Water

Sparkling water is generally considered a healthy drink with health benefits. It is refreshing, increases hydration, improves digestion, and may even help with weight loss (Takahashi A. 2025) (University of Chicago Medicine, 2023). This is nothing new. A previous study suggested that carbonated water makes the body feel full. The carbonation in sparkling water can trick the stomach into feeling fuller, potentially reducing overall calorie intake by curbing snacking between meals, which could prevent overeating and weight gain. (Wakisaka S. et al., 2012) However, a new report suggests carbonated water may help with weight loss by enhancing glucose/sugar uptake and metabolism. (Takahashi A. 2025) But further research is needed.

Lower Blood Sugar Levels

The report compared the effects of carbonated water to hemodialysis, a treatment that filters blood for individuals with kidney failure. (Takahashi A. 2025) Hemodialysis turns the blood alkaline, enhancing glucose absorption and metabolism. (EurekAlert, 2025)

Researchers assume that the carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbed after drinking sparkling water and the CO2 supplied during hemodialysis behave similarly. Carbonated water may consume glucose in the blood near the stomach, temporarily lowering blood sugar levels. However, the researchers suggested that follow-up continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) studies to measure blood sugar levels before and after drinking carbonated water would be necessary to validate the effect.

This does not mean that after drinking sparkling water, there will be major changes to an individual’s weight. Something metabolically is probably happening, but it’s still barely being discovered. The impact of CO2 in carbonated water is not a standalone solution for weight loss. (Takahashi A. 2025)

Adding To A Diet

If sparkling water can help manage blood glucose, it could also affect how the body stores fat. Over time, high blood sugar levels can overwhelm the body, and excess sugar becomes stored as body fat instead of being stored properly for energy use, causing weight gain. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024) But for the most part, according to the research, the carbon dioxide in sparkling water may help to prevent this by stimulating glycolysis, or the process the body uses to break down glucose for energy and keep blood sugar levels low. (National Cancer Institute, N.D) (Takahashi A. 2025) Further research is needed to confirm and understand how sparkling water can proficiently and effectively work for weight loss.

Carbonated water alone is unlikely to contribute to significant weight loss. However, sparkling water can be a useful tool for weight loss as part of a healthy lifestyle (Takahashi A. 2025). A balanced diet and regular exercise are still essential for effective weight management.

Weight Gain

Some researchers have questioned whether sparkling water can lead to weight gain. A study on rats and humans found a link between drinking carbonated water and increased levels of the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin. (Eweis D. S., Abed F., & Stiban J. 2017) This could lead to increased appetite and higher calorie consumption, but more research is needed, as sleep, physical activity levels and hydration also impact hormones.

Individuals interested in including carbonated water in a balanced diet should check the labels for the caloric content, added sugars, and sugar alcohols, like xylitol or erythritol, which can cause gas or bloating. It is ideal if the label says water and carbonation; the fewer ingredients, the better.

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic

Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to build optimal health and wellness solutions. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and help mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.

Chiropractic Care and Metabolism: The Hidden Link

References

Takahashi A. (2025). Can carbonated water support weight loss? BMJ Nutr Prev Health. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjnph-2024-001108

University of Chicago Medicine. (2023). Is sparkling water good for you? What about hard seltzer? https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/health-and-wellness-articles/is-carbonated-water-good-for-you

Wakisaka, S., Nagai, H., Mura, E., Matsumoto, T., Moritani, T., & Nagai, N. (2012). The effects of carbonated water upon gastric and cardiac activities and fullness in healthy young women. Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology, 58(5), 333–338. https://doi.org/10.3177/jnsv.58.333

EurekAlert. (2025). Fizzy water might aid weight loss by boosting glucose uptake and metabolism. BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjnph-2024-001108

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/insulin-resistance-type-2-diabetes.html

National Cancer Institute. (N.D.). Glycolysis. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/glycolysis

Eweis, D. S., Abed, F., & Stiban, J. (2017). Carbon dioxide in carbonated beverages induces ghrelin release and increased food consumption in male rats: Implications on the onset of obesity. Obesity research & clinical practice, 11(5), 534–543. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orcp.2017.02.001