Digestive Enzymes and your pets' health

Digestive enzymes: The first line of defense

Raw foods are healthier than cooked foods because they provide the body with a balance of non-synthetic vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes that work synergistically to support body at optimum levels of health and well-being. Cooking foods destroys many of these naturally occurring ingredients, which decreases the productivity of the digestive tract and causes imbalances in the system. Supplementation of whole food vitamins and enzymes can help prevent the aging effects that cooked foods have on our pets bodies.

Enzymes are necessary for the breakdown of foods, detoxification of the body and hundreds of other metabolic reasons. Adding digestive enzyme supplements to your pets’ diet can assist your pets’ body by replenishing the enzymes that help process fats, carbohydrates and protein, easing the burden placed on the digestive system. The prebiotic, FOS, feeds the native bacteria that naturally replenish these essential enzymes.

Signs of poor digestive health in dogs and cats include:

-bad breath

-gas

-increased stool volume

-hairballs

-excessive shedding, itching and allergies.

Not all enzyme supplements are created equal. Many supplements are made with fillers such as lactose, sugar or preservatives which may increase digestive upset. Many supplements are also manufactured with inadequate levels of prebiotics and probiotics, decreasing the effectiveness of the product. It is important to have Fructo-oligosaccharides added to the enzyme supplement to provide food for the naturally-occurring intestinal flora in conjunction with the enzymes. Also, many digestive enzyme supplements are extremely bitter in taste and difficult to get your pet to agree to eating.

Hero’s Pets recommends In Clover Optagest for ideal health and benefit. It is virtually tasteless, free of all fillers and preservatives, clinically proven to have sufficient levels of enzymes and FOS, and is made in Boulder, CO.

Astragalus, Royal Jelly and Allergy Management

ASTRAGALUS AND ALLERGY MANAGEMENT

Hay fever (Allergic rhinitis) and conjunctivitis, (inflammation of the eyelid) are the most common manifestations of allergic reactions. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction to pollens and spores which are carried by the wind. Some of these sources would be ragweed, grass pollen, tree pollen and fungus. In addition to individual sensitivity and geographic differences in local plant populations, the amount of pollen in the air can be a factor in whether hay fever symptoms develop. Hot, dry, windy days are more likely to have increased amounts of pollen in the air than cool, damp, rainy days when most pollen is washed to the ground. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis resemble a cold, but they are not caused by a virus. When you inhale an allergen, your immune system springs into action, releasing substances known as IgEs into your nasal passages, along with inflammatory chemicals such as histamines. Your nose, sinuses, or eyes may become itchy and congested. Scientists aren't sure what causes your immune system to overreact to an allergen.

Astragalus is a plant native to Asia and has been valued by the Chinese for centuries for its immune-enhancing and adaptogenic properties. As an adaptogen, it may modify and improve the body's response to stress through action on the adrenal cortex. Experiments have reported that Astragalus promotes regeneration of cells in the bronchi after viral infection. Astragalus can be safely taken for months without the risk of suppressing immunologic function. It is often used as a gentle and effective remedy for seasonal hay fever and other allergies.

Note: Astragalus should not be used to individuals currently on immunosuppressive medications.

ROYAL JELLY

Royal Jelly contains every essential nutrient necessary to support vital mammalian metabolic functions.

Royal jelly is considered to be one of the nature’s most valuable gifts. This substance is produced by honeybees, and is the exclusive food for the worker bees for the first three days of their life only, but for the entire life of the queen bee. The queen bee is known to live up to 40 times longer than any other hive member… in some cases she’ll live to eight years of age. The only difference between the queen bee and other bees is her nutrition. This fact has led many scientists to research and share the amazing nutritive qualities of the only food she consumes… royal jelly.

Royal jelly has 22 amino acids, including essential aminos, which makes it a complete protein. It offers beta glucans, unsaturated fatty acids, B vitamins, and enzymes.

Royal jelly supplies the required daily nutrients with high biologic value, and in perfect balance. It can be used on prophylactic basis to prevent illness, and adrenal disorders, and on a medicinal basis to aid in recovery from trauma, injury, or diseased states.

Stop by Hero’s Pets to pick up an organic Astragalus and Royal Jelly supplement, and any additional allergy supplementation needed. See our ad above for contact information and location. We are on the Southeast corner of Wadsworth and Bowles.

Article written by Retta Dunn