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

Do Digestive Enzymes Cause Nausea?

jlynn

By jlynn
in Coping with Celiac Disease

 Share

Recommended Posts

jlynn Rookie
jlynn
Posted

Hi everyone, I need some opinions. I was recently diagnosed with celiac sprue. I have been taking these Digestive Enzymes for about two months now with no problems. I have been gluten-free for three weeks. In the last week and a half, after taking them, I get terrible tummy ache and nausea. I even threw up two days ago. It says Gluten Free on the bottle. Do you think that my body is absorbing them differently after going gluten free? Does anyone else take them or get sick from taking them? Are they crucial to recovery? Thanks for comments!!

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Guest cassidy
Guest cassidy
Posted

If they make your stomach hurt I would stop taking them. Several people have posted that they haven't been able to tolerate digestive enzymes, so you may be absorbing them differently and that may be causing a problem.

I take Digest Gold from Enzymedia (something like that) and they really help me.

I would think there are many more people that don't take them than people that do take them, so they aren't necessary for your recovery.

Trust your body, you may not understand why you can't tolerate them now, but I would definitely stop taking them if they are making you sick. You might try a probiotic or kefir (if you can handle dairy). Probiotics helped me a lot in the beginning.

Hope you feel better.

jlynn Rookie
jlynn
Posted
  • Author
If they make your stomach hurt I would stop taking them. Several people have posted that they haven't been able to tolerate digestive enzymes, so you may be absorbing them differently and that may be causing a problem.

I take Digest Gold from Enzymedia (something like that) and they really help me.

I would think there are many more people that don't take them than people that do take them, so they aren't necessary for your recovery.

Trust your body, you may not understand why you can't tolerate them now, but I would definitely stop taking them if they are making you sick. You might try a probiotic or kefir (if you can handle dairy). Probiotics helped me a lot in the beginning.

Hope you feel better.

Thank you cassidy!!

lorka150 Collaborator
lorka150
Posted

Personally, I wouldn't stop.

My naturopath, combined with the instructions written on my enzyme, explained you have to ease in slowly, and for the first while, cycle your doses.

I was nauseated from them a little, and it did go away. Also, take your dose(s) with a meal.

kbtoyssni Contributor
kbtoyssni
Posted

This may be asking the obvious, but have you checked that they are gluten-free? I take acidopholis, and when I moved to a different state I bought a different brand and completely forgot to check their gluten-free status. And then I got sick... I'm currently auctioning off an almost-new bottle of gluten acidopholis to the highest bidder!

  • 8 years later...
hayley3 Contributor
hayley3
Posted

I know this is an old post but I bought Digest Gold and it makes me vomit everytime I take them.  I also did the same thing with a Garden of Life Product...So I am stumped trying to figure out why.  It takes several hours before it happens but this is the second time I tried to take them. 

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

Digest Gold should not make you vomit so it is either an ingredient that does not agree with you or you may not need them.  These are gluten free supplements.

 

I know this sounds like a dumb question but are you making sure to take them only with meals?  They should never be taken away from food.  I took them for a number of years as I had pancreatic insufficiency and they did me a world of good!  I rarely need them now, after healing.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


hayley3 Contributor
hayley3
Posted

lol Gemini that's not a dumb question.  I used to take some digestive enzymes and they said that if you take them between meals it digests inflammation so I didn't take them right away after I ate...so that might be it.  The company, I just talked to them, said to open up the pill and take a smaller amount.   However, right now I'm afraid to take them, after spending a couple hours vomiting last night.

 

But it did feel like my stomach was burning....so you might have the clue to my mystery...hehe  When I get up the nerve to try these again, I will do so but I wonder how I would be able to take a smaller portion..unless I sprinkle it on my food.

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

Geezaloo.......digestive enzymes DO NOT digest inflammation, they digest food!  Let me tell you this....I went to a lecture given by the founder of Enzymedica. Don't get me wrong, I like their product and it is very good BUT as far as gluten is concerned and other dietary issues, the guy said some things that made my blood boil.  They have a product called Gluten Ease, which they claim can help people digest gluten better.  Well, it does just that because it is formulated with enzymes to break down carbs better BUT it is NEVER to be used by those with Celiac so they can eat small amounts of gluten.  It may help if you are accidentally glutened but it will not shut off the autoimmune reaction.......only time improves that.  The guy was clueless on real medical issues but their product is very good and that's why I used it.  I ran it by my doc and she said it contained everything needed for those who are a bit challenged in digestion.  I told the owner of the company that hosted the lecture that they needed to stick to proper use of their product and not try and be a doctor.   <_<

 

I needed enzymes because I had a lot of trouble digesting fats in the beginning of my diagnosis.  My gut was totally trashed and that can result in lower pancreatic enzymes being produced.  So, I used these enzymes and they really helped.  But you need to take them with your meal so they can do their intended job. They just give your body the added boost in enzymes to break your food down completely.  I only need them now when I eat a high fat meal, like fried food.  If you are having trouble digesting your food, you will know it.  Pain, bloating and then vomiting are common symptoms.  But if your gut burned and then you got sick, stop taking them and try them out again with a hard to digest meal, like meat or dairy.  Are you sure you actually need them?

hayley3 Contributor
hayley3
Posted

I have a lot of muscle weakness...my muscles are disintegrating basically.  I read that SIBO can cause problems with digestion of fatty acids and amino acids and I see bits of stuff not digested in the BM so figured it would be a good idea.   When reading about how to heal the gut, they say that adding in a digestive enzyme is a good idea too.

  • 4 weeks later...
hayley3 Contributor
hayley3
Posted

So I did try the digestive enzymes with food.  One time I didn't vomit although my stomach wanted to, the next I vomited.  So no more enzymes for me.  Both times I ate a big meal and still I vomited.  It feels like it's burning in my stomach so not sure why I cannot take them.  It's very disappointing. 

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Does pineapple or papaya bother you? Look for the enzyme plant source. That might be the issue besides not taking them with plenty of food.

hayley3 Contributor
hayley3
Posted

No pineapple doesn't bother me.

Oliveoil15 Newbie
Oliveoil15
Posted

This post just validated my son complains of nausea every time I give him digestive enzymes ! Wow. Good to know others similar symptoms . I've stopped it anyway and just stuck with probiotics . Well what happens if there is an accidental gluten exposure ? Should I try a different digestive enzyme brand ?

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

This post just validated my son complains of nausea every time I give him digestive enzymes ! Wow. Good to know others similar symptoms . I've stopped it anyway and just stuck with probiotics . Well what happens if there is an accidental gluten exposure ? Should I try a different digestive enzyme brand ?

Plenty of fluids, rest and easy-to-digest food for a few days or a week encourages healing from an accidental healing works best for me (and most people on this forum based on my observation).

  • 4 weeks later...
hayley3 Contributor
hayley3
Posted

I think because I'm allergic to dairy I cannot take enzymes that have lactase in them because I can take Pancreatin without any problems which digests proteins, starches and fats, so I am happy that FINALLY my problem is solved!  So sharing this in case it helps someone else.  :-)

  • 3 years later...
CeeCeeee Newbie
CeeCeeee
Posted

I started digestive enzymes last week - 2 chewable after a meal ( following directions).  I don't get nauseous, but I feel like retching every time I take them.  Papaya and bromelain. So I guess I will have  to stop them,. I started because I have horrible GERD and don't want to take omazoprole.

  • 1 year later...
EmH Newbie
EmH
Posted

Digestive enzymes definitely cause nausea and vomiting in some people. The nausea doesn’t happen until later after you take them. Today I took two and now it’s night time and my stomach hurts and has gas and burping with nausea. I took Nauzene to settle my stomach, and praying to just fall asleep. I can confirm this from the last time I was taking a bottle and noticed the same symptoms starting at night. I looked it up and found out that digestive enzymes can cause nausea and then stopped taking them and it went away. Especially if you take them many days in a row. After I sporadically used the last bottle with mixed results I bought a new brand which I read reviews and people said it didn’t do anything bad to their stomach but now after taking them for a couple days the same nighttime nausea is back, so I’m going to give up on using enzymes for digestion. I haven’t looked up found the reason why this happens yet, but it definitely does for some people. You can google nausea from digestive enzymes to read more for yourself. I’m thankful I haven’t actually thrown up like others. Anyways, I hope this helps someone!

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

Can you share which brand caused you nausea? 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
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. Dakota01
      - Dakota01 commented on Scott Adams's article in Winter 2026 Issue
      1

      Are Gluten-Free Processed Foods Making You Sick? (+Video)

      This video is extremely informative and explains why I still get sick when I eat these so called gluten-free processed foods. I make every effort to stay away from all processed foods.
    2. Scott Adams
      0

      Why Celiac Diagnosis Still Takes Years—and How to Change That

    3. JoJo0611
      - JoJo0611 posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      0

      Awaiting Biopsy results

      I have had my endoscopy this morning with biopsies. My consultant said that it looked like I did have coeliac disease from what he could see. I now have to wait 3 weeks for the biopsy results. Do I continue eating gluten till my follow appointment in three weeks.
    4. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to emzie's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Stomach hurts with movement

      Hi @emzie and welcome to the forum. Perhaps could be residual inflammation and bloating that is causing sensitivity in that area. I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2013 and I remember some years ago my sister telling me around that time that she had a lady in her church, also a coeliac, who had real pain when she turned her torso in a certain...
    5. emzie
      - emzie posted a topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Stomach hurts with movement

      Hi! One of the usual symptoms I have with a gluten flare up has deviated a bit and I thought I'd search for advice/opinions here. Also to see if anyone goes through similar stuff. Monday all of a sudden I got really bad pain in my stomach (centre, right under the chest, where the duodenum would be located). I ended up having to throw up for 2 hours, my body...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,455
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Suelle
    Newest Member
    Suelle
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

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

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • JoJo0611
      Awaiting Biopsy results

      By JoJo0611 · Posted

      I have had my endoscopy this morning with biopsies. My consultant said that it looked like I did have coeliac disease from what he could see. I now have to wait 3 weeks for the biopsy results. Do I continue eating gluten till my follow appointment in three weeks.  
    • cristiana
      Stomach hurts with movement

      By cristiana · Posted

      Hi @emzie and welcome to the forum. Perhaps could be residual inflammation and bloating that is causing sensitivity in that area.  I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2013 and I remember some years ago my sister telling me around that time that she had a lady in her church, also a coeliac, who  had real pain when she turned her torso in a certain direction whilst doing exercises, but otherwise was responding well to the gluten-free diet. As far as I know is still the picture of health. I often end up with pain in various parts of my gut if I eat too much rich food or certain types of fibre (for some reasons walnuts make my gut hurt, and rice cakes!) and and as a rule, the pain usually hangs around for a number of days, maybe up to a week.   When I bend over or turn, I can feel it.  I think this is actually due to my other diagnosis of IBS, for years I thought I had a rumbling appendix but I think it must have just been IBS.  Reading the experiences of other sufferers, it seems quite typical.  Sensitized gut, build up of gas - it stands to reason that the extra pressure of turning can increase the pain. When I am glutened I get a burning, gnawing pain in my stomach on and off for some days - it isn't constant, but it can take up a few hours of the day.  I believe this to be gastritis, but it seems to hurt irrespective of movement.   Anyway, you are doing the right thing to seek a professional opinion, though, so do let us know how you get on.   Meanwhile, might I suggest you drink peppermint tea, or try slices of fresh ginger in hot water? A lot of IBS sufferers say the former is very helpful in relieving cramps, etc, and the latter is very soothing on the stomach. Cristiana
    • emzie
      Stomach hurts with movement

      By emzie · Posted

      Hi! One of the usual symptoms I have with a gluten flare up has deviated a bit and I thought I'd search for advice/opinions here. Also to see if anyone goes through similar stuff. Monday all of a sudden I got really bad pain in my stomach (centre, right under the chest, where the duodenum would be located). I ended up having to throw up for 2 hours, my body was trying to get rid of something from all sides and it was just horrible. Since then I havent been nauseous anymore at all, but the pain has stayed and it always worsens the moment i start moving. The more I move the more it hurts, and when i rest longer it seems to dissapear (no movement). I've had this before, but years ago I think around when I first got diagnosed with coeliac, where each time I moved, my stomach would hurt, to the point where I went to the ER because doctors got freaked out. That only lasted 1 night though, and Now it's already wednesday, so 3 days since then, but the pain persists and remains leveled. it doesn't get crazy intense, but it's still uncomfortable to the point I cant really go out because Im afraid itll turn into a giant flare up again. I couldn't think of where I could possibly have been glutened at this bad of a level and why it hasn't passed yet. I went to the GP, and as long as I have no fever and the pain isnt insane then its fine which I havent had yet. Tomorrow im also seeing a gastroenterologist specialized in IBS and coeliac for the first time finally in years, but I thought I'd ask on here anyway because it still hasnt dissapeared. It also hurts when someone presses on it. Maybe it's just really inflamed/irritated. I'm just frustrated because I'm missing out on my uni lectures and I do a sports bachelor, so I can't get behind on stuff & next to that i'm also going to go to the beach with my boyfriend's family this weekend: ( 
    • Flash1970
      Shingles - Could It Be Related to Gluten/ Celiac

      By Flash1970 · Posted

      Hi. So sorry to hear about your shingles. There is a lidocaine cream that you can get at Walmart that will help numb the pain.  That's what I used for mine. It can't be put near your eyes or in your ears. I hope your doctor gave you valacyclovir which is an antiviral.  It does lessen the symptoms. If it is in your eyes,  see an ophthalmologist.  They have an antiviral eye drop that can be prescribed.  Shingles in the eye could cause blindness.  I was unsure whether you have celiac or not.  If you do,  follow the diet.  I believe that extra stress on your body does affect everything. Shingles can recur. If you start getting the warning signs of nerves tingling,  see the dr and start taking the valacyclovir to prevent a breakout. If I sound technical,  I am a retired pharmacist. 
    • Scott Adams
      celiac disease and braces

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      You are right to be proactive, as research does indicate that individuals with celiac disease can have a higher predisposition to enamel defects, cavities, and periodontal issues, even with excellent oral hygiene. While many people with celiac successfully undergo orthodontic treatment without complication, your caution is valid. It may be beneficial to seek a consultation with an orthodontist who is familiar with managing patients with autoimmune conditions or who is willing to collaborate with your daughter's gastroenterologist or a periodontist. They can perform a thorough assessment of her current oral health, discuss your specific concerns about recession and decay, and create a tailored hygiene plan. This second opinion could provide a clearer risk-benefit analysis, helping you decide if addressing the cosmetic concern of the lower teeth is worth the potential risks for your daughter, especially if they are not currently affecting function or her confidence. 
×
×
  • 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.