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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 7/31/2009 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
I have been having alot of gas and bloating anytime I eat ANYTHING.  My doctor suggested I take Beano.  I tried it but it kinda upset my stomach a little.

I would like to hear your experiences with digestive enzymes, what brand you take, its effect good/bad, did you have to try different ones until you found the one you like, and is there one that is gentler on your system?  Also, did you find that it took a couple days for you to work thru any problems with the dig enzymes?  I have a very delicate gut, so if any of you do too and take a digestive enzyme that works well for you, please do share.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Gail*Nanners*

Posted 7/31/2009 11:23 PM (GMT 0)
I am also having a very hard time with gas lately. I have had crohn's all my life and NEVER had gas become an issue until this year. And it seems to just be getting worse and more offensive (really offensive). To make things worse, I am fully incontinent and have no control - it just comes on shootin out! My life has turned into an embarrassing nightmare.

I take digestive Enzymes when I remember to before each meal. I've tried a few and I think some work better then others. I currently take NSI Brand Mega Digestive Enzyme with Pancreatin 10x . I went to a supplement site and researched everybody's reviews and this seemed to be on top. Right now, in this severe gas episode I am going through, I can't tell if they help me or not. I just switched over to VSL#3 probiotic about week and a half ago so my gut is probably in war trying to battle it out, making the gas worse. My dr also thinks because I am flaring that the inflammation is causing an overgrowth of bacteria. She placed me on a special antibiotic for ten day course.

So with my research on how to treat the gas problem, this is my plan: Diet is first. I need to clean mine up, big time. As far as supplements go, I am going to start taking Kyolic Garlic Digestive Support, Oregano Leaf Pills and Peppermint Oil Pills (have to be the enteric-coating ones) Garlic are those bad buggers worst enemy. The Kyolic Digestive Form also has enzymes in it! Oregano is anti-bacterial, fungal. Peppermint helps alleviate gas and calms the system down. I will also up my VSL for the time being. I started with only 2/day so maybe its time to increase.

I hope this helps in anyway, Nanners! You may be a different case, as I know everyone of us is, but I am glad we can share our stories either way. Keep us updated with what you choose!
Posted 8/1/2009 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
I use the Prozymes from GI Pro Health ( http://www.giprohealth.com/prozymes.aspx ). Pricey little buggers, but they came highly recommended to me from someone who has trouble tolerating most supplements.

When I first started taking them, they really helped, especially when I ate fatty foods. As time went on, my gut improved enough that I usually only take one pill with dinner now.

When you start taking an enzyme, start with maybe half a capsule/pill. If you tolerate it okay, gradually increase the dosage until you get to the amount you find most effective for your system.
Posted 8/1/2009 12:00 PM (GMT 0)
I've used Ultra-Zyme by Nature's Plus for about 15 yrs. now. I needed it for mild digestion issues but then put my son on it when he was diagnosed.
Posted 8/1/2009 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys for your thoughts! I would like to hear more comments from others about their experiences with Digestive Enzymes. Spookhurst I like your suggestion because it was recommended by someone who has a delicate gut like me. And thanks for the suggestion about starting off on a lower dose and working yourself up, I will probably have to do that. Keep em coming guys!
Posted 8/1/2009 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
My Dr used to give me Levsin for gas and bloating, but it really didn't help me. Maybe it would help you?????
Posted 8/2/2009 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Nanners,

I take two different kinds of enzymes. They are both from the Theramedix line. You can look up Theramedix and see all the differnt ones they carry.

I take one called PRX and one called DGX. The PRX I take for breaking down yeasts, viruses and bacterias. It is a proteolitic enzyme (don't ask me what that means). But it has serrapeptase and nattokinase in it...helps to break down blood clots and I think even scar tissue (which I read somewhere a long time ago). I have a real sensitive tummy and will take one in the mornings on an empty stomach. It takes away the nausea that I usually wake up with. It also breaks down any proteins that are hanging around in my belly from whatever I ate the night before.

I take the DGX with the first bite of food at each meal. It helps break down proteins for better absorption of nutrients.

The web site is an interesting read. The only setbacks are: they are spendy, and you have to get them through a practitioner. However, they do have info to help you find a practitioner in your area who is well versed re their many different therapeutic enzymes.

I have a nutritionist (who also has crohns and hasn't had a flare up in over 8 years) who suggested those two enzymes for my individual needs. My mother takes them as well and does well with them. She is 80 years young!
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