Enzyme Supplements: One Satisfied Customer

By April Miller

Two years ago, Chris Tardio, the owner of a local business, was overweight, tired all the time and feeling run down. On the advice of a friend, he visited a health food store, where he discovered systemic enzymes.

He's been taking capsules daily ever since and says he has lost 20 pounds without changing his lifestyle or diet, his allergy symptoms have lessoned, and even the whites of his eyes are brighter.

Impressed with the results, he wanted to share his discovery with others. Mr. Tardio now sells systemic enzyme supplements through an online company he started, called Quality Enzymes. He also offers anti-aging supplement and vitamins.

"I want to get awareness about enzymes out there," he said. "In other parts of the world, people have been taking enzyme supplements for years.”

The body produces enzymes naturally to speed up chemical reactions. They act as an anti-inflammatory agent and help maintain a healthy immune system. But according to an article by Mr. Tardio's mentor, Dr. William Wong, a leader in the field of enzyme study, as the body ages, the amount of enzymes produced diminishes. Without enough enzymes, scar tissue and excess fibrin can build up.

You can get enzymes from food, but, according to Mr. Tardio, only if the food is raw. Cooking and baking destroy digestive enzymes. For those not interested in a raw food diet, enzyme supplements are an alternative.

The supplements are not FDA-approved and the touted benefits have yet to be proven, but Mr. Tardio has faith.

"The FDA approves drugs every day that are more dangerous than enzymes," Mr. Tardio said. "Aspirin alone hurts thousands of people a year." He suggested that anyone with concerns do some research and visit his website www.qualityenzymes.com.

Mr. Tardio believes in the safety of enzymes so much that he lets his 5- and 12-year-old daughters take them daily. When met with skepticism, he simply points to his health changes as proof.

"Everyone has to do what's best for them, but I know how I feel when I wake up in the morning. I feel ready to do anything. Before I started taking enzymes I never had that kind of energy."

To learn more about enzyme supplements, call 447-3543 or visit www.qualityenzymes.com.

This is an article printed in The Rye Record July 2007.