Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Digestive Enzymes

kbtoyssni

Recommended Posts

kbtoyssni Contributor
kbtoyssni
Posted

Yesterday my chiropractor suggested that maybe I don't have celiac, and it's a digestive problem instead. He was going to give me some digestive enzymes that you take for two weeks, and then he thought I should try eating gluten again to see if it made any difference. I AM NOT willing to take that risk - I didn't even take the enzymes because they're manufactured in a facility that contains wheat.

The reason why he suggested this is because I don't have an official diagnosis. I did an elimination diet and reacted very badly when I re-introduced wheat and barley. I started eating gluten for about a week to try to get positive blood work, but I don't think it was long enough, and I wasn't willing to keep eating gluten just to get an official diagnosis because at that point I just wanted to get better. And now, nine months after going gluten-free, I feel better than I have in ten years.

So my question is, have any of you tried digestive enzymes? How do they work and why would my chiropractor think they would work for me? What sort of digestive conditions do they help for? Would they help me even if I do stay on a gluten-free diet? I'm wondering if he thought I had mainly digestive symptoms, but my symptoms were mostly fatigue, join pain, brain fog, etc. The stomach pain was minor compared to my other symptoms.

I am not going to start eating gluten again, I'm just curious about why he would suggest this.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Rachel--24 Collaborator
Rachel--24
Posted

Digestive enzymes can be very helpful. However, they cannot stop or prevent the autoimmune response that occurs with gluten consumption. Even if you dont have Celiac....you are obviously gluten intolerant so you would still be experiencing an autoimmune reaction from gluten.

The enzymes can aid in breaking down your food for easier digestion. Since most of us with gluten intolerance have impaired intestines the enzymes can help with digestion. Also some of us may lack some of the enzymes needed for breaking down various foods. The more food is broken down and completely digested the less large food molecules are left to possibly create an allergic response. When undigested food particles leave the digestive tract (as is the case with leaky gut) then the immune system may launch an attack on these and create secondary food intolerances.

Hope that makes sense.

plantime Contributor
plantime
Posted

I tried digestive enzymes. They did absolutely nothing to stop any celiac reactions. They did help food digest better, and I eliminated much easier, but that is all.

loraleena Contributor
loraleena
Posted

I use enzymes and they help me digest in general - less bloating and gas. Not gluten though. You do sound at least gluten intolerant. If you feel terrible on gluten, then that is all you need to know.

Guest cassidy
Guest cassidy
Posted

I take digestive enzymes all the time, but I'm not at all under the impression that they will help with celiac or symptoms when glutened.

I had issues with partially digested food coming out (sorry - gross) and digestive enzymes help your body digest your food. I also have stomach aches from safe food sometimes. I've only been gluten-free for 6 months so I assume that my body is still healing. I feel that the enzymes help make it easier for my body to digest my food and that it probably needs all the help it can get right now.

I had negative blood work but a very positive dietary response. I never tried to reintroduce gluten to see if I had a problem, because I glutened myself on accident enough times. I have no question in my mind that I have celiac.

Also, I have taken the enzymes after being glutened, again just to help my body digest in general and I never noticed an easier time with my symptoms from being glutened.

A lot of doctors don't like to believe that someone has celiac, so maybe your doctor is hopeful. I wouldn't take them if they are produced in a facility that contains wheat, and I certainly wouldn't try gluten again.

kbtoyssni Contributor
kbtoyssni
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for the info everyone! Sounds like it might be worth try as a general digestive aid. I do take acidopholis which seems to help me, and this sounds like it might be similar.

But there's no way I'm eating gluten again. I've been accidently glutened enough times to know I don't want to eat gluten on purpose.

  • 2 weeks later...
Carolita Rookie
Carolita
Posted

Which enzymes do you recommend?

I'm still new at this and would like to buy some b/c I feel like I'm not digesting food very well. I'm already on a gluten free diet but I some times feel sick of my stomach mainly from gas.

Your help is appreciated,

Carol :)

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


BRUMI1968 Collaborator
BRUMI1968
Posted

I take DigestGold, but they are enormously expensive. They are about 25.00 a bottle, and that bottle only lasts three weeks or so. I've bought cheaper ones, and find they work not quite as well, but nearly so. I probably only need to take one at this point, and I'm still swallowing two - so that might make more sense. Anyway, they are gluten-free, and potent, and cover all the bases. It has twice as many enzymes as another brand I've taken.

The other thing I take is Betain-HCI. It is "supposed" to increase your stomach acid, though I've read things that say it doesn't. I don't know if it helps. But I'm doing the regimine my nutritionist put me on.

It certainly improved the quality of my stool, and, I imagine, how much I am getting out of my foods.

I plan to wean off them in another four months - see if I can make all the good stuff on my own.

Carolita Rookie
Carolita
Posted
I take DigestGold, but they are enormously expensive. They are about 25.00 a bottle, and that bottle only lasts three weeks or so. I've bought cheaper ones, and find they work not quite as well, but nearly so. I probably only need to take one at this point, and I'm still swallowing two - so that might make more sense. Anyway, they are gluten-free, and potent, and cover all the bases. It has twice as many enzymes as another brand I've taken.

The other thing I take is Betain-HCI. It is "supposed" to increase your stomach acid, though I've read things that say it doesn't. I don't know if it helps. But I'm doing the regimine my nutritionist put me on.

It certainly improved the quality of my stool, and, I imagine, how much I am getting out of my foods.

I plan to wean off them in another four months - see if I can make all the good stuff on my own.

Thank you for the information. Where do you buy them? Do you get them on line or a local store? I'm planning to go look for them tomorrow. Hopefully I can find them.

Thanks again,

Carol :)

  • 3 weeks later...
Super Bellybutton Rookie
Super Bellybutton
Posted

How fast did it take for you guys to get results?

I'm taking some right now that are gluten-free (namely those without the malt diastase). They seem to help with my blood sugar a little though.

BRUMI1968 Collaborator
BRUMI1968
Posted

What I noticed right away was that my stool was no longer accompanied by undigested food bits. Yuck, I know, but that's what I noticed right away.

I buy the Digest Gold at the food co-op, but I think "super Supplements" carries them as well. Enzymedica also has a website.

Good luck.

Lymetoo Contributor
Lymetoo
Posted
Which enzymes do you recommend?

NOW brand is gluten free! good quality and NOT expensive. Available at any good health food store and probably online.

Maybe www.Lame Advertisement.com ?? My favorite place is vitacost, but they don't carry it.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. lil-oly
      - lil-oly replied to Jmartes71's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      Gluten tester

      Hey there, have you been tested for allergies? You may not only have celiac disease but be allergic. I have celiac disease and am allergic to Barley, wheat and rye.
    2. JudyLou
      - JudyLou replied to JudyLou's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      11

      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      Thanks so much!
    3. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to JudyLou's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      11

      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      I have osteopenia and have cracked three vertebrae. Niacin is connected to osteoporosis! Do talk to your nutritionist and doctor about supplementing with B vitamins. Blood tests don't reveal the amount of vitamins stored inside cells. The blood is a transportation system and can reflect vitamins absorbed from food eaten in the previous twenty-four...
    4. JudyLou
      - JudyLou replied to JudyLou's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      11

      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      Thank you so much for the clarification! Yes to these questions: Have you consulted dietician? Have you been checked for nutritional deficiencies? Osteoporosis? Thyroid? Anemia? Do you take any supplements, or vitamins? I’m within healthy range for nutritional tests, thyroid and am not anemic. I do have osteopenia. I don’t take any medications, and the...
    5. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to JudyLou's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      11

      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      @JudyLou, I have dermatitis herpetiformis, too! And...big drum roll... Niacin improves dermatitis herpetiformis! Niacin is very important to skin health and intestinal health. You're correct. dermatitis herpetiformis usually occurs on extensor muscles, but dermatitis herpetiformis is also pressure sensitive, so blisters can form...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,155
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Beccad611
    Newest Member
    Beccad611
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • lil-oly
      Gluten tester

      By lil-oly · Posted

      Hey there, have you been tested for allergies? You may not only have celiac disease but be allergic. I have celiac disease and am allergic to Barley, wheat and rye. 
    • JudyLou
      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      By JudyLou · Posted

      Thanks so much! 
    • knitty kitty
      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      I have osteopenia and have cracked three vertebrae.  Niacin is connected to osteoporosis! Do talk to your nutritionist and doctor about supplementing with B vitamins.  Blood tests don't reveal the amount of vitamins stored inside cells.  The blood is a transportation system and can reflect vitamins absorbed from food eaten in the previous twenty-four to forty-eight hours.  Those "normal limits" are based on minimum amounts required to prevent disease, not levels for optimal health.   Keep us posted on your progress.   B Vitamins: Functions and Uses in Medicine https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9662251/ Association of dietary niacin intake with osteoporosis in the postmenopausal women in the US: NHANES 2007–2018 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11835798/ Clinical trial: B vitamins improve health in patients with coeliac disease living on a gluten-free diet https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19154566/   Nutritional Imbalances in Adult Celiac Patients Following a Gluten-Free Diet https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8398893/ Nutritional Consequences of Celiac Disease and Gluten-Free Diet https://www.mdpi.com/2036-7422/15/4/61 Simplifying the B Complex: How Vitamins B6 and B9 Modulate One Carbon Metabolism in Cancer and Beyond https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9609401/
    • JudyLou
      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      By JudyLou · Posted

      Thank you so much for the clarification! Yes to these questions: Have you consulted dietician?  Have you been checked for nutritional deficiencies?  Osteoporosis? Thyroid? Anemia?  Do you take any supplements, or vitamins? I’m within healthy range for nutritional tests, thyroid and am not anemic. I do have osteopenia. I don’t take any medications, and the dietician was actually a nutritionist (not sure if that is the same thing) recommended by my physician at the time to better understand gluten free eating.    I almost wish the gluten exposure had triggered something, so at least I’d know what’s going on. So confusing!    Many thanks! 
    • knitty kitty
      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @JudyLou,  I have dermatitis herpetiformis, too!  And...big drum roll... Niacin improves dermatitis herpetiformis!   Niacin is very important to skin health and intestinal health.   You're correct.  dermatitis herpetiformis usually occurs on extensor muscles, but dermatitis herpetiformis is also pressure sensitive, so blisters can form where clothing puts pressure on the skin. Elastic waist bands, bulky seams on clothing, watch bands, hats.  Rolled up sleeves or my purse hanging on my arm would make me break out on the insides of my elbows.  I have had a blister on my finger where my pen rested as I write.  Foods high in Iodine can cause an outbreak and exacerbate dermatitis herpetiformis. You've been on the gluten free diet for a long time.  Our gluten free diet can be low in vitamins and minerals, especially if processed gluten free foods are consumed.  Those aren't fortified with vitamins like gluten containing products are.  Have you consulted dietician?  Have you been checked for nutritional deficiencies?  Osteoporosis? Thyroid? Anemia?  Do you take any supplements, medicine, or vitamins? Niacin deficiency is connected to anemia.  Anemia can cause false negatives on tTg IgA tests.  A person can be on that borderline where symptoms wax and wane for years, surviving, but not thriving.  We have a higher metabolic need for more nutrients when we're sick or emotionally stressed which can deplete the small amount of vitamins we can store in our bodies and symptoms reappear.   Exposure to gluten (and casein in those sensitive to it) can cause an increased immune response and inflammation for months afterwards. The immune cells that make tTg IgA antibodies which are triggered today are going to live for about two years. During that time, inflammation is heightened.  Those immune cells only replicate when triggered.  If those immune cells don't get triggered again for about two years, they die without leaving any descendents programmed to trigger on gluten and casein.  The immune system forgets gluten and casein need to be attacked.  The Celiac genes turn off.  This is remission.    Some people in remission report being able to consume gluten again without consequence.   However, another triggering event can turn the Celiac genes on again.   Celiac genes are turned on by a triggering event (physical or emotional stress).  There's some evidence that thiamine insufficiency contributes to the turning on of autoimmune genes.  There is an increased biological need for thiamine when we are physically or emotionally stressed.  Thiamine cannot be stored for more than twenty-one days and may be depleted in as little as three during physical and emotional stresses. Mitochondria without sufficient thiamine become damaged and don't function properly.  This gets relayed to the genes and autoimmune disease genes turn on.  Thiamine and other B vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are needed to replace the dysfunctional mitochondria and repair the damage to the body.   I recommend getting checked for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.  More than just Vitamin D and B12.  A gluten challenge would definitely be a stressor capable of precipitating further vitamin deficiencies and health consequences.   Best wishes!    
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.