Enzymes for IBS-C/constipation

[Sheeniejay]

It's pretty clear to me - if I have vegetables or things like lentil/chick pea pasta (so, legumes based), I get chronic constipation. I take probiotics, don't eat dairy (whey allergy/severe intolerance), no sugar (also intolerant), healthy diet, exercise etc etc but still this awful issue. I was fine until about 2 years ago when, after a year of recurring intestinal overgrowths, my entire ability to process certain foods has altered. No one has suggested enzymes might help but when I read the lit, it seems clear that I am struggling with certain food groups which certain enzymes might normally handle. I would like to try an enzyme supplement but am cautious - I don't want to throw money away, obviously! Any personal experiences and recommendations would be appreciated.

[Hidden]

HI Sheeniejay

It sounds like you maybe intolerant to galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) in Legumes. Dark beans like red kidney are also high in fructans, it would be interesting to hear what vegetables you 'clash' with. Onions, leeks and garlic are very high in fructans too.

It is a pity to lose legumes as they are an amazing balance of proteins, carbs and fibre. Try tinned version, the GOS is a lot lower or cook them from raw for 5 mins then rinse before finishing the cooking. GOS is water soluble. Do not batch cook and eat cold potatoes, beans, rice, lentils (to name a few), it increase the starch and soluble/insoluble fibre elements exponentially while they languish in the fridge!! (so studies reveal)

As for pancreatic enzymes...I have some experience here. I have an intermittent problem with my blood sugar control. I have a very healthy fasting level of 4.5 mmol/L averagely but occasionally I get a sudden drops, often after eating, and my body produces a large rush of insulin!

After dispelling cancer risks with an MRI I had my enzyme levels checked. Blood tests are available commercially but the shortcoming is it will only give you your level apparent at the time. There is also a stool test that your GP could offer you if they are supportive, otherwise again you can buy it. Try Medichecks. Most clinicians I have used are happy with this company if it has proved more convenient for me at the time. Many tests are available for home completion.

I have tried Solgar and Enzymedica's enzymes which are available on Amazon. But they are very low 'dose' for my needs but it might be a starting point for you. Creon 10,000 is a prescription based enzyme support. I start my trial soon...unfortunately they are made from Pig's part which is very difficult for this vegan to resolve!! There are no synthetic or plant based versions yet available on the open market.

Are you stools dark and oily? Often a sign of fat malabsorption and can related to enzymes.

If you are constipated try taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (to start) in a cup of water 20 minutes before meals. increase over a week or two to 2 tbps. Careful though, ACV is high in histamines and get the organic version as there are no sulphites in it which is a preservative which can me inflammatory to some, like me!

All the above was supported by my GI, dietician or robust scientific research which Spent many an hour reading!! 😊

Good luck...

[Sheeniejay in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I live in the Netherlands so getting stool tests for microflora analysis is quite easy. I am tested regularly to check for intestinal overgrowths of Candida and moulds and to check my good bac levels. In fact, following a recent overgrowth (after being clear for 16 months!), and antifungals, I am waiting for results to check it's gone. The same place does test for enzymes but it's a separate test which I have never looked into but worth discussing with my orthomolec doctor. He thinks too alkaline intestines, brought on by stress & low vit c in diet is the issue behind ovrergrowths.

What are your post- eating symptoms? I am wondering if we are both having the same issue.

I am going to try Doctor's Best digestive enzymes as it's got xylanase and others which are s'pposedly good for veggie issues. I hate leeks, onions & garlic so can't comment! I tend also to stay clear of beans - I just eat the pasta from chickpeas & lentils so I don't actually know if I would get the same/worse - I just made an assumption. I have eaten tinned chickpeas in the last few months but I can't remember what happened!

Good to hear your recommendations re enzymes, if this sample pack does not help.

No fatty, oily stools & stool tests show zero fat traces every time.

[Hidden in reply to Sheeniejay]

I had SIBO and my symptoms were gas, both ends, cramps, very varied stool consistency, myalgia and brain fog to name a few..thankfully all gone now!

the trouble with pasta in my opinion is it is a highly processed foodstuff. Mostly the grains are thrashed to death, the outer husk is discarded and so it be comes a 'refined' flour.

This is like sugar and it hits you quickly unlike the slow release properties of a whole grain. If you want to eat pasta I would look for a brand that claims whole grain which can be checked against the fibre levels. Anything below 20% of the carb value is highly processed.

So no fat - then your lipase levels should be ok. Still leaves pepsin and amylase of the major enzymes...

[Sheeniejay in reply to Hidden]

Good point re the pasta. Had not considered that. I'll try your suggestion & let you know what happens with my first brush with enzymes!

[Hidden in reply to Sheeniejay]

Good luck

[HealthAnxietyGuy]

You can use some magnesium as it's a laxative. You may also want to try Metamucil psyllium husk capsules. Psyllium is good for both constipation and diarrhea. Just make sure you drink a lot when taking it. Start low dose and move up. Good luck!