Digestive Enzymes?

[markey]

I'm new to this, so I don't know if this has been discussed before, but what about those products that claim to breakdown gluten. . . .the gluten digestive enzymes. It would seem like if these worked, everybody would be talking about them and using them.

[sherylj]

I'm new to this, so I don't know if this has been discussed before, but what about those products that claim to breakdown gluten. . . .the gluten digestive enzymes. It would seem like if these worked, everybody would be talking about them and using them.

Markey, I am new also,,Joined today and am following so many of these posts. My "gut" reaction is that there is nothing to break down gluten so it is continues to be toxic for us celiacs. I will interested to see what other responses you get.

[Guest cassidy]

There are digestive enzymes and then there is something that claims to break down gluten. The thing that breaks down gluten isn't for celiacs but is more recommended for autistic kids who do well on a gluten-free diet but don't have celiac or gluten intolerance. I would stay away from that because it won't allow you to eat gluten.

Digestive enzymes in general are great. They help you break down all of your food so when your digestive system is healing, they make it easier for it to digest things in general. I took them a lot in the beginning and would find a difference in the quality of my bathroom visits directly related to how many digestive enzymes I took. I also find if I get a stomach ache (not from gluten) they help it go away. I like Digest Gold from Enzymedica the best. I do take more of them after I have been glutened because I figure it can't hurt.

So, if you are still healing, they may be worth looking into, but are definitely not a cure that will allow you to eat gluten or feel good if you do.

[burdee]

I self-diagnosed celiac disease almost 3 years ago, which was confirmed by Enterolab tests. Later tests showed I had dairy, soy, egg and cane sugar allergies. I also had a bad bacteria and very low good bacteria. Even after eliminating all my intolerances/allergies and treating for bacterial dysbiosis with probiotics, I STILL didn't feel good after eating. I STILL had lots of gas. I STILL had hard stools sometimes, despite using magnesium, lots of fluids, high fiber grains, fruits and vegies and daily exercise. I was taking a digestive enzyme supplement which gave me lactase for lactose, but I considered that part a waste of $$, because I already abstained from dairy to avoid food allergy reactions.

Recently I noticed TwinLabs Super Enzyme supplement on sale at a local organic grocer. I hesitated to try that, because it had betaine hydrochloride (the form of hydrochloric acid usually found in the stomach). I heard from friends who experienced acid pains from taking beta hydrochloride. However someone at the store told me the amount in that enzyme was much less than usual bh supplements and I could also take less than the recommended 2 capsules. Best of all he said I could bring the bottle back for refund, if I reacted badly.

After almost a week of taking those with almost every meal, I feel sooooooo much better after eating. Best of all, I'm slowly getting more regular! 1-2 X daily of softer stools, rather than 4-5X of hard stools. I only get bad acid burn if I take those on an empty stomach and don't eat soon enough. 30 seconds before the first bite is okay, but 5 minutes is too long. I suspect I've suffered low stomach acid for YEARS. Many people diagnosed with reflux are given antiacids. However if they have celiac disease damage (as I did) or multiple food allergies, they may have acid deficiencies. If you have tried eliminating all gluten, food allergie sources, improving good bacteria with probiotics and are still struggling with digestive discomfort, I'd recommend a good digestive enzyme with Betaine Hydrochloride.