In Enzymes 101, we learnt that enzymes are proteins that function as 'catalysts' in the body. All biochemical reactions within the human body, including energy production, metabolism, reproduction, the immune system, and the digestive system utilize enzymes. There are thousands of different enzymes that regulate bodily functions and these body functions would not be possible were it not for enzymes. Simply put, without enzymes, life could not exist.

We also learned that enzymes could be grouped into three categories: metabolic enzymes, digestive enzymes and food enzymes. This article is dedicated to the topic of metabolic enzymes - the enzymes that work within the cells to regulate activities such as detoxification, nerve function, muscle contraction and energy production.

Think of these enzymes as the body's work force. Each of these enzyme "workers" is 'trained' to perform a specific function. Every organ and tissue has its own particular metabolic enzymes to do specialized work. The heart has special enzymes to ensure that the heart contracts to send oxygenated blood to all the tissues. The nerves have specialized enzymes to ensure that the signals are conducted to each part of the body. The eye has specialized enzymes that allow you to see the wonderful colors, shapes and scenery in our world. These enzymes are made within the body based on the unique DNA found in each cell type. Without these enzymes cell functions could not continue.

Literally, thousands of enzymes are required to carry on the work of the body, to repair damage and to heal the body in disease or injury. Although we still have not identified all of the enzymes that make life possible, scientists have now identified more than 5,000 metabolic enzymes.

Since good health depends on these thousands of enzymes doing their job, we must be sure that nothing interferes with the body making enough of them. Poor nutrition and toxins in the environment are the most common things that interfere with enzyme function. Eating a healthy diet and minimizing exposure to toxins is the first step in ensuring that the body can make enough enzymes.

Equally as important as making sure there is no interference is ensuring that these enzymes get the help they need to function optimally. This help comes from vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that act as co-enzymes or 'helper' enzymes (also referred to as co-factors). Without these co-factor 'helpers', enzyme activity is not optimized and in some cases the enzymes are not able to perform their job at all.

ALL aspects of health and life depend on the proper functioning of the body's metabolic enzymes !