Digestive enzymes

[Gizmo6]

Hi, I have ibs c , acid reflux and some sensitivity to some foods. I'm wondering if anyone has found digestive enzymes to help. My acid isn't as bad as it was in the beginning 4 years ago. I put this down to slippery elm and diet. My constipation is up and down. I did Google enzymes but no clear answers.

[tomdickharry]

I have been on them for about 40 years. First Creon until I became allergic, then herbal ones. Without them my food does not get digested.

[Gizmo6 in reply to tomdickharry]

Really, I so pleased you found one that works. Can I ask which one you take please.

[tomdickharry in reply to Gizmo6]

I tried several brands and types, including those from Holland and Barrett, but, for me at least - you might be different - it's Source Naturals Daily Essential Enzymes from BigVits on eBay. Pricey at about £25 a pot of 240 and taking 3 per meal. The bonus is they contain enzymes not found in many other brands and allow me to eat cheese and the occasional few squares of milk chocolate.

[Gizmo6 in reply to tomdickharry]

Thank you, I found bottle of 90 at bigvits its enough to start me off to see how I react. I think they are around £9.

[tomdickharry in reply to Gizmo6]

I hope they work for you. Start low-dose and good luck. Don't forget that Holland and Barrett have their own range if you need different ones.

[xjrs]

I've always had problems with enzymes, in that they trigger my IBS pain even in tiny amounts. Pancreatic insuffiency (i.e. too low production of enzymes) is rare. You could talk to your doctor about pancreatic insuffiency for example they can conduct a fecal elastase test (to test if you are breaking down proteins correctly). Another thing to consider is whether you can maintain your weight which suggests that you are processing your food.

Alternatively you can give them a go. People can have problems with high amounts of proteases (which break down protein) in enzymes. I chose one that has lower amounts (Digest Basic: enzymedica.co.uk/catalogsea....

I broke open the capsule and had part of a capsule with food, but even that still gave me problems. There is a suggestion to try them for 2-3 months, but I couldn't get any where near that far with it.

[Gizmo6 in reply to xjrs]

Thank you very helpful reply. I do maintain my weight in fact I've been trying to lose weight with no luck just a pound a month. I eat carefully, do strength exercising as well as yoga but not much look loosing weight. I do have a sensitive digestion. I have a slight intolerance to lactose , as in I can have a drop of semi milk in a cuppa, I can have small amount of ice cream and I'm ok with greek yogurt small amount of cheese but I can't eat these constantly, But I can't have cream . I can't eat warm spices or onions not very good with garlic. So I'm constantly watching my diet as well as eating less, it can get overwhelming. So I thought about enzymes but read different accounts on there effectively. Ibs and acid reflux has a lot to answer for.