Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics

[Lukalovescats]

Just got my daughter's results back from Enterolab and it's official. With the fecal fat score being elevated, should I have her take digestive enzymes and probiotics like I do to help with the absorbtion. Our house is completely gluten free and she hasn't had anything (that I know of) since April minus one slip up. She's quite disappointed with the confirmation. Even though I'm celiac and her sister is gluten intolerant, I guess she was still hoping to buy school lunches. Of all the things to miss...

Here's her results

Fecal Antigliadin IgA 22 (Normal Range <10 Units)

Fecal Antitissue Transglutaminase IgA 10 Units (Normal Range <10 Units)

Quantitative Microscopic Fecal Fat Score 381 Units (Normal Range <300 Units)

Fecal anti-casein (cow's milk) IgA antibody 8 Units (Normal Range <10 Units)

HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 1 0201

HLA-DQB1 Molecular analysis, Allele 2 0503

Serologic equivalent: HLA-DQ 2,1 (Subtype 2,5)

[ShayFL]

Some digestive enzymes arent a bad idea. Make sure they have lipase in them to help her digest fat. She doesnt need go take them with a light meal of say fruit and yogurt. But a larger meal, especially if fatty.

Also, she is likely deficient in fatty acids since she isnt absorbing fat real well. Some fish oil caps would help. Or flax oil if you are vegan.

[Nathan's mom]

My son has been gluten-free for almost 18 months. I did try enzymes with him (mainly to see if they would help with other intolerances that I felt were affecting behavior). I think the enzymes were too harsh on his intestines. I did read in an Enzyme book that some can clean the intestines (along with helping to break down foods) which is likened to cleaning a scrapped knee (some irritation before feeling better). Anyway, we made a decision to scrap the enzymes. Who knows? They may work for her - we used Enzymedica brand. I would just caution in using a small amount to begin with. I don't know how old your daughter is but if she is old enough she can give you information on how they are making her feel.

My son has just in the last month had poop that looks normal. It is no longer huge and yellow colored. It is well...more normal - brownish and regular size. BTW he is still 4 so I can check out his poop still

I read a study (sorry I can't post a link to it) that stated how long it takes for the intestines to heal. I do remember it said that for kids 6 and under it can take up to 2 years for the intestines to heal 95%. Wow!! I just thought my son was a slow healer. He is now able to tolerate just about any food and his behavior just keeps improving. We have been 100% gluten-free since his diagnoses so it was just a case of needing more time.

Hope that helps!

Debbie

[ShayFL]

I agree to start slow on the enzymes....empty out half a capsule. Absorb Aid can be emptied into the food where she wont have to take a pill. And you wont waste any. Just sprinkle half a capsule onto cold/warm food (not hot....cuz it will kill the enzymes). It has no real taste mixed with food.

[Lukalovescats]

Thanks for the suggestions. We'll try 1/2 the capsule, I was giving her a full one the last day or so, but she's been complaining of stomach cramps. Hard part is she's 12 and has anxiety. I can't tell if she's eaten something she shouldn't have, if it's the anxiety, or if it's hormones. We'll try the fish oil capsules as well. I'm vegetarian, but she loves her meat. She'll be fine with that.

[momof2sn]

Thanks for the suggestions. We'll try 1/2 the capsule, I was giving her a full one the last day or so, but she's been complaining of stomach cramps. Hard part is she's 12 and has anxiety. I can't tell if she's eaten something she shouldn't have, if it's the anxiety, or if it's hormones. We'll try the fish oil capsules as well. I'm vegetarian, but she loves her meat. She'll be fine with that.

When my daughter was first diagnosed I wanted to try digestive enzymes as well and our doc said no, because it would make the intestines lazy, basically they would become dependant on them and not do the job on their own...the intestines that is. He said just to follow the gluten free diet and the body would heal on its own.

Are the stomach cramps due to her bowel movements or the lack of??

Shealey

[ShayFL]

because it would make the intestines lazy, basically they would become dependant on them and not do the job on their own...the intestines that is.

This is false information. First off, most of the digestive enzymes come from the pancreas, stomach, gallbladder and liver. The intestines neutralize them after they have done their part and absorb nutrients....that is their job.

If an organ is not producing enzymes properly, taking supplemental enzymes can give that organ a much needed "rest" and also get the body "absorbing nutrients" again, so the body can heal, and eventually wean off the supplements and let the new healthier organs take over.

It happens all the time with other types of organs as well. Some people get on supplemental thyroid hormones for awhile, but then their own thyroid kicks back in and they can get off of the drugs. If an organ CAN heal....it will. Taking the supplementals will only HELP them HEAL faster.

Also we are not designed to be producing the massive amounts of enzymes our poor organs must produce. It is a "back up" system to digestion. All of these organs have the primary job of secreting enzymes to repair our bodies. We should be getting most of our enzymes from our foods. Natural, raw and unprocessed foods contain ALL of the enzymes in them necessary for them to be digested by us. With the exception of foods that are not natural for us anyway like grains and legumes. These should never be eaten raw.

***If you are willing to eat a 100% raw foods diet, you wont need the enzymes.***

Enzymes are found in abundance in raw fruits and vegetables. When we cook raw food, the heat destroys the enzymes, causing the food we consume to be enzyme-deficient.

When we consume these enzyme-deficient foods, our deprived body will have to generate its own enzymes required to digest the food.

The more we depend on our internally-produced enzymes, the more stress we put on our body systems and organs. When our body enzymes are busy digesting our heavy meal that has no enzyme, their function of rebuilding and replenishing our worn-out and damaged cells are neglected.

[home-based-mom]

Natural, raw and unprocessed foods contain ALL of the enzymes in them necessary for them to be digested by us. With the exception of foods that are not natural for us anyway like grains and legumes. These should never be eaten raw.

***If you are willing to eat a 100% raw foods diet, you wont need the enzymes.***

Enzymes are found in abundance in raw fruits and vegetables. When we cook raw food, the heat destroys the enzymes, causing the food we consume to be enzyme-deficient.

Then why are cooked foods so much easier to digest than raw foods? Inquiring minds want to know!

[ShayFL]

Some cooked foods are easier to digest than raw foods. The starch foods are prime examples of this: potatoes, rice. Heat degrades the crystalline structure of starch, making it more accessible to the enzyme action in your digestive system. Raw starch is hard to digest, but probably won't harm you unless you consume such foods in gross excess (difficult to do).

Some foods contain antinutrient properties, toxins, and/or taste awful when raw, but are digestible/edible when cooked: large beans, especially kidney beans. Other raw foods have negative side-effects, such as severe flatulence (e.g., raw cabbage, lentil sprouts). Cooking such foods is one way to reduce/avoid side effects. (Other ways to avoid side effects include using spices, and fermentation.)

So while many foods are best eaten raw, there are some that are difficult or impossible to eat raw. (P.S. Some types of rice can be sprouted and eaten raw, but it is often very bitter and unpalatable.)

A natural diet would consist of mostly raw fruits, veggies, sprouted nuts and seeds, grubs and worms that could be dug up. The occasional bird egg cracked and enjoyed as is.

But who wants to eat like that????

I am by no means a raw foodiest, but I stand by saying that the doctor in question made a false statement.

[Pattymom]

I have been wondering about the enzymes and probiotics lately. We took my 7 year old to a naturopath, and he has been on some enzymes, moslty bromelein and a mixed veggie based enzyme, and acidophilus, as well as of gluten and dairy. REally improved his energy and some weight gain, no effecton ADD behavior.

I have also been giving my 3 year old the same enymes. she has been gluten free since Feb, and off dairy again for the last 6 weeks or so (when we took my son off and added enymes) she saw the Gi for the first time on Friday (who wants to put her bakc on gluten and scope her, surprise, surprise) and she had gained another 1/2 pound in the last month, which for her is great. I'm wondering if the enzymes really are helping. I"mnot sure what to do with her, she grew a bit in the beginning of gluten free, but leveled off. I"m thinking an enzyme deficiency of osme sort makes sense.

Also, The fish oil is a great help with anxiety, mood, and hormones. You need a good amount to help with the anxiety,but clinically it shows results close to zoloft in children. Two of mine have anxiety disorders. I hand it out to all my kids and myself every morning.

Patty

[momof2sn]

I have been wondering about the enzymes and probiotics lately. We took my 7 year old to a naturopath, and he has been on some enzymes, moslty bromelein and a mixed veggie based enzyme, and acidophilus, as well as of gluten and dairy. REally improved his energy and some weight gain, no effecton ADD behavior.

I have also been giving my 3 year old the same enymes. she has been gluten free since Feb, and off dairy again for the last 6 weeks or so (when we took my son off and added enymes) she saw the Gi for the first time on Friday (who wants to put her bakc on gluten and scope her, surprise, surprise) and she had gained another 1/2 pound in the last month, which for her is great. I'm wondering if the enzymes really are helping. I"mnot sure what to do with her, she grew a bit in the beginning of gluten free, but leveled off. I"m thinking an enzyme deficiency of osme sort makes sense.

Also, The fish oil is a great help with anxiety, mood, and hormones. You need a good amount to help with the anxiety,but clinically it shows results close to zoloft in children. Two of mine have anxiety disorders. I hand it out to all my kids and myself every morning.

Patty

What dose of fish oil do you use?? Mom son would benefit from taking it. He is nearly 7.

Shealey

[Rachel--24]

I have been wondering about the enzymes and probiotics lately. We took my 7 year old to a naturopath, and he has been on some enzymes, moslty bromelein and a mixed veggie based enzyme, and acidophilus, as well as of gluten and dairy. REally improved his energy and some weight gain, no effecton ADD behavior.

Have you tried eliminating things like food dyes, additives and preservatives for the ADD behaviors?

Many kids with ADD make big improvements when those things are removed from the diet.

Heres a list of the main ones:

1. Synthetic colours (or food dyes) (especially red and yellow).

2. Artificial flavours: they are petroleum based additives: for instance vanillin or MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) which is found in two forms: naturally in food and as an added flavour enhancer, MSG is used in many processed foods such as stock cubes, soya products, crisps and Chinese food.

3. Anti oxidants and preservatives: BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) TBHQ (Tertiary Butylhydroquinone) which are petroleum based preservatives.

4. Salicylates: these natural chemicals found in fruits, vegetables, plants and nuts act as preservatives and insecticides. High levels of salicylates are found in almonds, apples, apricots, berries, cherries, chilli powder, cloves, coffee, cucumbers, currants, grapes and raisins, nectarines, oranges, paprika, peaches, peppers, plums, prunes, tangerines, tea, tomatoes, wine, oil of wintergreen (list from the Feingold Association of the United States). Salicylates are also found in aspirin.

5. Aspartame: an artificial sweetener found in sugar substitutes. While the Food and Drug Administration, which regulates the manufacture of food, drugs and cosmetics in America, states that aspartame is safe, several consumer associations claim that it can cause illnesses including cancer.

6. Nitrites and nitrates: common additives used in processed meat, fish and cheese.

7. Benzoates: they are flavourings and preservatives found in margarine, dry soup, salad dressings, condiments, sauces, soft drinks and some liquid medicine.

8. Sulfating agents (sulfites): they are found in corn syrup and are generally used in dried fruits and to keep food white.

[Pattymom]

I have four kids on four different types of fish oil. They all have specific preferences, and it was easier this way. My 7 year old takes Go fish, Brainy kids, omega 3 soft chews. he gets 2 a day, which is 200mg dha. My 9 and 12 year old take capsules, they each get 1000 my a day. my 4 gets a omega 3 gummy chew. I think it lists 250mg. They smell awful, but she happily takes them. for a while, we mixed teh plain oil in purreed pinapple everyday, that worked well too. it really improved moods and anxiety, both mine and the kids. We all notice when someone forgets to take it.

As far as the other dietary changes for ADD, we haven't eliminated all those things yet, I just got a book on the feingold diet, I"m not sure I can do all of that, given how hard it is to restrict his food already, plus he is the same weight he was a year ago, so I worry about restirciting ( he had neurological Lyme disease last summer which contributed to the ADD, during that time he lost nearly 10 lbs, so he is back up to 42 lbs, where he started a year ago) He has continued to grow in height. We do already avoid dye and processed food inherent in eating gluten and dairy free. We dont' eat any artificial sweetners. it was taking apples, his absolute favortie food out of his diet that scared me on the feingold diet. I still need to do more reading. I certainly didn't think we could go off gluten and dairy before we did it, and now it's second nature.

Patty

[Rachel--24]

it was taking apples, his absolute favortie food out of his diet that scared me on the feingold diet.

If apples are his absolute favorite it could definately be a sign that he'll benefit from the Feingold diet. Apples are one of the top foods to avoid.....and the kids do tend to have very strong cravings for these foods.

Good luck with it.

Epsom salt baths can also be very helpful.