Description

Phenols are compounds with a specific chemical structure (an aromatic ring plus a hydroxyl group) that are found in fruits, vegetables, some grains and nuts, flavorings and spices. A salicylate is a type of phenolic compound. Phenols and polyphenols have anti-oxidant qualities and protective functions which make some of them beneficial and desirable to consume for most individuals.

An important chemical process that occurs in body tissues is called sulfation. Sulfation is the movement of sulfate (sulfur plus oxygen) ions from one body tissue to another. Sulfating molecules change that molecule's character and behavior and how they act in the body. Connective tissue is sulfated for structural reasons and neuron tissue is sulfated to provide a protective sheath. Sulfation also causes molecules to vary in activity, solubility, and mobility. For the body to work properly, these sulfation processes must occur as they are required.

So what is the relationship between phenolic compounds and sulfation? Phenols and salicylates use up a lot of sulfate in the body in order to be broken down. In other words, the phenols and salicylates compete for the body's sulfate stores. In certain individuals, breaking down phenolic compounds can provide a benefit by supporting the sulfation mechanism.

Phenol Assist is an enzyme product designed to help digest part of the cell wall structure of plant cells, the structure of fruits, vegetables and grains. Doing so opens the cell and allows the process of phenol digestion to begin. When you slice open an apple or a pear and let it sit out for a while, you will notice a browning of the tissue occurring. That browning process is the result of the natural enzyme present in fruits, "phenolase," oxidizing the fruit tissue. This process cannot occur until the cell wall is broken and oxygen gets into the cells. Phenol Assist gets this process going and therefore supports sulfation by reducing the phenolic load on the body's sulfation capacity.

Phenol Assist contains a variety of enzymes to accomplish the cell wall digestion, and other enzymes to assist in the total digestion of fruits, vegetables, grains, and spices. Below is a brief description of the enzymes present:

Suggested Use: One capsule with meals consisting of phenol containing foods.
Start with ¼ to ½ capsule and gradually increase this dose to the amount that provides optimal digestion of foods.

The dose can be adjusted according to the specific needs of the individual. With small meals or snacks smaller doses may be sufficient to provide adequate digestion of these foods. Avoid mixing with food or beverages that will be heated above 130° F, as the activity of the enzymes will be adversely affected.

Directions For Use

It is generally recommended that enzyme supplements be taken at the beginning or early on in the meal to assure appropriate digestion. The capsules may be swallowed whole or opened and mixed with food or drink.

It is recommended that Phenol Assist be used in conjuction with Kirkman's Phenol Assist Companion. See the individual write-up for that product under enzyme products for details.

A chart outlining phenolic and salicylate content of foods follows:
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VERY HIGH Apricots Berries and Cherries Orange and Tangerine Pineapple Red grapes Tomatoes Peppers Mint Anise (licorice) Olives Dill

HIGH TO MODERATE Apples Grapefruit Peach and mangos Watermelon Broccoli and spinach Carrots Lettuce and chinese vegetables (except iceberg/low) Most nuts and seeds Onion

LOW TO NEGLIGIBLE Bananas Pears Cabbage Celery Potatoes Fats and Oils Sugars Soy Milk

 

Supplement Facts