RenegadeRows
Well-known member
Bingo!
Are Digestive Enzymes... really... necessary?
- Thread starter Outstanding
- Start date
Bingo!
ccnAbolic
Member
Not a rep and only speaking from experience: The bromelain and ginger in OT definitely help with protein breakdown and moving things through the GI quickly, respectively. I think MSM and Bilberry play a role as well. Strangely, the Bromelain is listed in the "flex support" rather than digestive on the bottle but trust me, it plays a role. Bromelain=meat tenderizer.
I will also echo RenegadeRows statement that it is the only one I can take on an empty stomach without heartburn or vitamin burps.
Lastly, I gets no beanfarts when I take digest platinum. It digests different types of fiber/carbs/proteins/etc.
SouthernCharm
Well-known member
sorry outstanding for the hijack
but you boys might need something to help with digestion after participating in this...
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but you boys might need something to help with digestion after participating in this...
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Outstanding
Well-known member
Hijacking approved
Also, something else slightly off-topic, does any use or see the value in using once or twice a year, a nice (internal digestive tract) cleanser?
Outstanding
Well-known member
Whacked
Well-known member
ccnAbolic
Member
Now makes "digest platinum". Hate to sound like a broken record but anyone with digestive issues should really give them a try. None of the other products mentioned in this thread come even close on the actives. Some people may not need this product though especially if their current ones are working as these are a lil pricier.
bdcc
Legend
I will throw my thoughts into the mix.
ccnAbolic- do you have any form of ulcer? Betaine HCL is contraindicated in those who have ulcerative tissues and can cause extreme pain. If you do have ulcerative tissue there is a doctor that has studied fresh white cabbage juice's role in stomach ulcers. The patients had complete healing from stomach ulcers and hospital bed time was less than a quarter of the time than it was for those treated with traditional anti-ulcer medications. The 'vitamin U' is the active responsible and I can attest for it's potency.
For those who are healthy I highly recommend the HCL test that Charles Poliquin has written about. There was a rebuttal written from a GI doctor which was featured on TNation but the results that people with poor digestion have seen is enough for me to believe in it (myself included).
As far as I am aware there is no negative feedback loop for digestive enzymes (protease, lipase etc) but the HCL supplementation can be used to replace the deficit from low levels and taper the supplements off as your own production increases. Gentian root is supposedly good for this as are many bitter herbs. If anyone knows more about feedback loops with supplemental enzymes I would love to hear it.
Regarding gas from beans. I remember reading notes from a nutrition seminar where there was a genuine study on flatulence from eating a certain type of bean. As far as I remember participants were fed a certain dose of pulses per day and all flatulence seemed to stop at the 6 week mark. My memory on it is very vague as I only read cliff notes and can't remember what type of bean(s) was used.
Outstanding- I am a huge fan of intestinal cleansing. I have experimented with a few of these, including colonic hydrotherapy and have had varying levels of success. I used to use laxatives before photoshoots to relieve any bloating caused by constipation. I am confident that it makes a difference if you suffer from it. Psyllium husks are extremely good but start at a low dose as they absorb water and can cause further discomfort and constipation if dosed too highly too quickly.
Probiotics seem to improve regularity caused by dysbiosis but probiotic supplements are very hit and miss. A lot of them don't even specify the genus or species. Saccharomyces Boulardii have been studied for their ability to their ability to reduce diarrhoea when taken multiple times per day.
ccnAbolic- do you have any form of ulcer? Betaine HCL is contraindicated in those who have ulcerative tissues and can cause extreme pain. If you do have ulcerative tissue there is a doctor that has studied fresh white cabbage juice's role in stomach ulcers. The patients had complete healing from stomach ulcers and hospital bed time was less than a quarter of the time than it was for those treated with traditional anti-ulcer medications. The 'vitamin U' is the active responsible and I can attest for it's potency.
For those who are healthy I highly recommend the HCL test that Charles Poliquin has written about. There was a rebuttal written from a GI doctor which was featured on TNation but the results that people with poor digestion have seen is enough for me to believe in it (myself included).
As far as I am aware there is no negative feedback loop for digestive enzymes (protease, lipase etc) but the HCL supplementation can be used to replace the deficit from low levels and taper the supplements off as your own production increases. Gentian root is supposedly good for this as are many bitter herbs. If anyone knows more about feedback loops with supplemental enzymes I would love to hear it.
Regarding gas from beans. I remember reading notes from a nutrition seminar where there was a genuine study on flatulence from eating a certain type of bean. As far as I remember participants were fed a certain dose of pulses per day and all flatulence seemed to stop at the 6 week mark. My memory on it is very vague as I only read cliff notes and can't remember what type of bean(s) was used.
Outstanding- I am a huge fan of intestinal cleansing. I have experimented with a few of these, including colonic hydrotherapy and have had varying levels of success. I used to use laxatives before photoshoots to relieve any bloating caused by constipation. I am confident that it makes a difference if you suffer from it. Psyllium husks are extremely good but start at a low dose as they absorb water and can cause further discomfort and constipation if dosed too highly too quickly.
Probiotics seem to improve regularity caused by dysbiosis but probiotic supplements are very hit and miss. A lot of them don't even specify the genus or species. Saccharomyces Boulardii have been studied for their ability to their ability to reduce diarrhoea when taken multiple times per day.
ccnAbolic
Member
bdcc, I do not have ulcers. I have been skewered like a roasted pig on multiple occasions by the GI doc. 
I have GERD and a hiatal hernia. As far as HCL, I think it splits down the middle. I believe based on experience and what I've read, that some people do have low stomach acid and can benefit from HCL. Those people see results where other meds/supplements fail and sing the praises of it.
Poloquin's suggestion of doing a test is a good idea though. I just don't like the way some other sites claim it's the cure-all for stomach problems when, in fact, some people simply produce too much acid and won't benefit from HCL. For me, it was not good. Same for spearmint. While it is great for eso****eal sparms, it is terrible for heartburn, yet included in many heartburn remedies.
So, it goes something like this: I have a hiatal hernia which allows stomach acid into my eso****us and causes irritation of the LES. Betaine aggravated this condition. In addition, I produce too much stomach acid, which further aggravates things. Unfortunately, I am stuck with taking a PPI daily. Beleive me, I have tried to get off of them with no success. It's not just the rebound effect either, I just have a condition that necessitates them. In another thread, someone had gone to the ER and been prescribed PPI's for what sounded like a LES irritation. I advised them to run it for two weeks and get the heck off them asap or they might get stuck on them for life. Unfortunately, I feel doctors stick people on these things indefinitely all too often.
So, just wanted you to see the path I've taken with this because I believe it is very important for people to experiment and find out what works for them as well as not believe everything their doctor or homeopath tells them. Everyone is different and trial and error is the key.
Fortunately, I have been able to cut my PPI dose in half by including enzymes, probiotics, and ginger into my diet. The key for me has been to get it out of my stomach and into the small intestine asap and the aforementioned supps help. In addition, adding certain acidinc fruits (which once digested become alkalizing fruits) helps move things along as well...
I have GERD and a hiatal hernia. As far as HCL, I think it splits down the middle. I believe based on experience and what I've read, that some people do have low stomach acid and can benefit from HCL. Those people see results where other meds/supplements fail and sing the praises of it.
Poloquin's suggestion of doing a test is a good idea though. I just don't like the way some other sites claim it's the cure-all for stomach problems when, in fact, some people simply produce too much acid and won't benefit from HCL. For me, it was not good. Same for spearmint. While it is great for eso****eal sparms, it is terrible for heartburn, yet included in many heartburn remedies.
So, it goes something like this: I have a hiatal hernia which allows stomach acid into my eso****us and causes irritation of the LES. Betaine aggravated this condition. In addition, I produce too much stomach acid, which further aggravates things. Unfortunately, I am stuck with taking a PPI daily. Beleive me, I have tried to get off of them with no success. It's not just the rebound effect either, I just have a condition that necessitates them. In another thread, someone had gone to the ER and been prescribed PPI's for what sounded like a LES irritation. I advised them to run it for two weeks and get the heck off them asap or they might get stuck on them for life. Unfortunately, I feel doctors stick people on these things indefinitely all too often.
So, just wanted you to see the path I've taken with this because I believe it is very important for people to experiment and find out what works for them as well as not believe everything their doctor or homeopath tells them. Everyone is different and trial and error is the key.
Fortunately, I have been able to cut my PPI dose in half by including enzymes, probiotics, and ginger into my diet. The key for me has been to get it out of my stomach and into the small intestine asap and the aforementioned supps help. In addition, adding certain acidinc fruits (which once digested become alkalizing fruits) helps move things along as well...
Outstanding
Well-known member
I have had this happen before, to the point I swore off psyllium husks and just went straight for another fiber product that included soluble fiber.
TonyMaserati
Member
Just started taking Primal Defense. I need to increase my good bacteria in my small intestine, as I may have a Candida infection.
I would notice clearer skin and less dryness when I ate a lot of yogurt. Never made the connection. Makes sense now.
For me I think I'll always take probiotics now.
I would notice clearer skin and less dryness when I ate a lot of yogurt. Never made the connection. Makes sense now.
For me I think I'll always take probiotics now.
StackedCop
Well-known member
I don't know how I missed this thread!?!
Breifly read thru the posts (will re read in a moment)
I do not believe I seen Acidophilus listed? I've been supplementing with Acidophilus for almost a year and boy oh boy of I don't take it for a few days I feel like complete aS$!
Ok I'll be reading...
Breifly read thru the posts (will re read in a moment)
I do not believe I seen Acidophilus listed? I've been supplementing with Acidophilus for almost a year and boy oh boy of I don't take it for a few days I feel like complete aS$!
Ok I'll be reading...
bdcc
Legend
Enzymes are very different depending on the brand. Typically I would stick with what the bottle says to be safe.
Logic would point to taking them with any meal where you would need digestive support. I used to take them with all high protein solid meals. Alternatively you can add in something that is naturally high in enzymes as well. Some people use apple cider vinegar.
Before you start experimenting I would double check that your enzyme does/doesn't contain Betaine HCL. If it does you would want to be aware of the dosage and not take it at random dosages.
fightbackhxc
Well-known member
so what brand of enzymes do people feel to be high quality?
ccnAbolic
Member
NOW Digest Platinum and Garden of Life Omega-Zyme Ultra are the best of the best and are plant-based but are expensive. Now Super Enzymes are a cheap alternative but the Betaine can irritate you if you have erosions, ulcers, etc. Both are very high in Protease and Lipase.
blackhorse
New member
when i was a child i had digestive problems and almost died. until i was 20 yrs. of age i weighed 125 lbs.,once i started eating right and taking the right supps i gained weight and was on the right track. at about the age of 49 i started having SEVERE pain in the chest and abdomen. after some research i began to use Wobenzym N ,one and a half hour before meals, and Daily Essential Enzymes by Source Naturals. this has proven to help me immensely.