Digestive enzymes

[Akoto]

I recently bought a big thing on whey from Costco but I didn't notice that it had "digestive enzymes". I'm using it to help my muscles recover and I take 1 scoop a day after an hour bike ride.

Are there any health risks associated with these? I'm also trying to lose weight.

 

[CFC]

The point of adding digestive enzymes (in theory) is to help you break down the protein more easily. The idea being that it will assist recover, not hinder it. In reality it's doubtful that it makes much difference, but I've never read about any health risks...

 

[GrymReefer]

CFC pretty much covered it. Remember though that it could be a give or take situation because majority of protein powders that are mass produced for the sake of price convenience can contain quite a hefty amount of sugar. Sugar is a major factor in the maintenance of so called "bad" bacteria within the digestive tract. So in a sense the powder may add productive digestive enzymes, but this factor could be offset by rudimentary and unfavorable production methods resulting in the maintenance of "bad" bacteria.


Weight loss in a simplified form is just calories in< calories out. You must exceed your caloric intake via caloric expenditure. Bike riding is a great example on increasing your TDEE (total daily energy expenditure) If you need help with dieting for weight loss don't hesitate to ask. That's the whole learning process.

 

[Akoto]

Can you elaborate more on what "bad bacteria" do to make them bad?

 

[GrymReefer]

The so called "bad" bacteria are toxins produced as by-products associated with various daily metabolic equations. They trigger inflammatory responses and disrupt the synthesis of many key micronutrients. Remember your G.I tract is essentially the majority of your immune system. Once things go hay wire within the epicenter of your immune system it turns into a cascading effect throughout the body. There is supposed to a balance between good bacteria and bad bacteria. This fragile harmony is what maintains your intestinal flora and what helps alleviate health issues associated with intestinal dysfunction.