What enzymes do
Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions, sometimes as much as a trillion times. Digestive enzymes cut food into smaller pieces: starch into sugars, proteins into amino acids and fats into fatty acids. The body produces them itself in the mouth, the stomach, the pancreas and the small intestine.
Ten enzymes, three groups
Seven enzymes in this formula break down carbohydrates: amylase, glucoamylase, invertase, lactase, maltase, alpha-galactosidase and beta-glucanase. A protease-peptidase complex with DPP-IV activity breaks down proteins, three types of lipase break down fats and phytase breaks down phytic acid, a substance found in grains and legumes.
Two formulas from Smidge
Smidge has two enzyme formulas. This one contains only enzymes. HCl + Enzymes also contains betaine hydrochloride and pepsin. According to the maker, you can use this formula as a follow-up to, or together with, HCl + Enzymes.
Smidge Digestive Enzymes
For your health, it is important not only that you eat healthily, but also that your body can digest food properly, so that the nutrients are optimally absorbed from it. Your stomach produces stomach acid and various enzymes that contribute to proper digestion and to the absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and micronutrients. Smidge Digestive Enzymes is a formulation containing 10 different enzymes, made without flavourings, artificial colourings or preservatives. The supplement does not contain betaine hydrochloride (HCl) and pepsin; it focuses more on a wide selection of digestive enzymes. The product can, however, be used as a follow-up to, or in combination with, Smidge HCl + Enzymes.
The unique formula of Smidge Digestive Enzymes
Smidge Digestive Enzymes contains an extensive blend of special enzymes. The formula includes the special DPP-IV enzymes: these are proteolytic enzymes, the revolutionary discovery of which opened a new world for many nutrition experts. The formulation of Smidge Digestive Enzymes is particularly suitable for people switching to a GAPS or paleo diet, both diets in which food contains more healthy fats. People with stomach and reflux complaints also say they like to use this product. The formula consists of the enzymes amylase, glucoamylase (GA), invertase, lactase, maltase, alpha-galactosidase, beta-glucanase, phytase, lipase and protease-peptidase complex. The supplement contains three different types of lipase. In addition, Smidge Digestive Enzymes is free from allergens and from artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives. The product is not suitable for children under the age of three. For toddlers and adults with sensitive intestines, the powder from the capsules can also be taken separately, so that a smaller dose can be mixed with food.
About the intestinal flora
The intestinal flora is a collective name for all the microorganisms living in the gut. There are around 100 trillion of them in total! The body is, as it were, a host for these microbes. Some species are more desirable than others, and they can be divided into resident and passing intestinal microbes. When these are in balance with each other, we speak of homeostasis, a key process in our body. Not only are essential substances produced, such as vitamins and neurotransmitters, the microbiome also plays a key role in the digestion of food and therefore in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Our intestinal system is not only very complex, it is also just as unique as our fingerprint! The cooperation between the body and the intestinal bacteria is one of the most ingenious partnerships in our body.
How do bacteria and enzymes work?
Our intestinal system is populated by billions of microorganisms, each with its own task within the larger whole of our intestinal flora. For digestion to run smoothly, the body works together with these microorganisms. In a normal intestinal flora, these species are in balance with each other, a balance that is different for everyone. Enzymes are able to accelerate all kinds of processes in our body; they are, as it were, the workhorses of our body. Enzymes can sometimes speed up processes as much as a trillion times! In the same way, digestive enzymes act as a kind of catalyst in our intestinal system. They are little chemical factories in our body that we may well cherish.
Benefits
Contains a unique formulation of 10 different digestive enzymes. Contains three different types of lipase and the protease-peptidase complex with DPP-IV activity. Can be used in combination with, or as a successor to, Smidge HCl + Enzymes. Suitable for vegetarians and for people following a GAPS or paleo diet. The powder can be removed from the capsule and mixed with food. Does not contain betaine hydrochloride (HCl) or pepsin. Free from allergens.
The unravelling of our intestinal flora
We are gaining more and more insight into the workings and important functions of our intestinal flora, but in fact we still know very little about this mysterious organ in our body. The knowledge we have now is probably just the tip of the iceberg! For example, we are slowly beginning to understand the special ways in which bacteria communicate with each other via a mechanism known as quorum sensing. This mechanism allows bacteria, by secreting signal molecules, to be in constant conversation with each other and to attune their behaviour to each other. Among other things, they can tell how many of their own kind are present, and then trigger a synchronised response once a certain number is reached. Friendly bacteria communicate and work together via quorum sensing, a phenomenon that remains as fascinating as it is mysterious to many researchers.
Compiled with care
Smidge places great importance on quality. The products are carefully composed in small batches and no unnecessary ingredients are added. This makes the products versatile and suitable for everyone, including those who are hypersensitive or have allergies. The products are formulated on the basis of the latest insights. People following diets such as the GAPS diet or the paleo diet can also take Smidge products with peace of mind.
About Smidge
Smidge supplements, formerly Organic3, focus specifically on digestion and the gut. They are natural, sustainable and carefully formulated without unnecessary additives, making the products suitable even for the most sensitive of users. The name Smidge means a small quantity, underscoring the fact that they always produce their products in small batches in order to guarantee extra quality. The mission of the three founders is to use these products to provide essential nutrients that can support the digestive system and help maximise the absorption of nutrient-rich food. The company stems from the experience of the three founders, all of whom have overcome health problems themselves. They believe that good nutrition is the key to good health, and their vision, experience and research have led to unique products formulated to prevent unpleasant side effects and to achieve the best possible result. The founders of Smidge have a passion for the work of Dr Weston A. Price and Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride, which inspires them in creating their products.
