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IBS Tales Home > Treatment Reviews > IBS Supplements > Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzyme are proteins which are used by the body to break down food into nutrients which are then digested. The human body produces around 22 different digestive enzymes, each of which acts on a different type of food. Enzymes are also found in fruits, vegetables, meat and other foods. A number of these enzymes, produced from plans and animals, are sold as supplements.

Some nutritional practitioners believe that patients are often lacking sufficient digestive enzymes because of poor diets and other factors. Mainstream doctors may also prescribe digestive enzymes, especially in cases such as lactose intolerance, where an enzyme such as Lactaid can be used.

Enzymes are used to treat a variety of digestive complaints, including irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, bloating and heartburn. Digestive enzymes generally come in tablet form and are swallowed with water, although some are sold in powder or other forms. Irritable bowel syndrome sufferers may be advised to take them just before a meal to help break down the food properly.

Digestive enzymes side effects

The most common side effects of digestive enzmes are diarrhea, abdominal cramps and nausea.

REVIEWS OF DIGESTIVE ENZYMES

Review by Julia

I've tried many supplements (peppermint oil, peppermint leaf, activated charcoal, gripe water, Gas-X) and diets (gluten-free, dairy-free, caffeine-free) to try to curb my IBS symptoms, which primarily consist of constipation, bloating and flatulence. Few things have helped, and most only slightly relieve the symptoms without preventing the issue.

I spent my days wondering what I could do to relieve my discomfort and feeling guilty for eating anything because I knew I would feel terrible afterwards. I reverted to laxatives which I became unresponsive to after a while and they wouldn't work at all.

Finally I stumbled upon digestive enzymes and decided to give them a try, and they have significantly reduced my issues. I usually take one before lunch and dinner and I have been feeling 100% better! The bloating has become much rarer and my constipation is gone. I never knew I could feel this way, as in normal! I definitely recommend digestive enzymes to anyone who struggles with these IBS symptoms.

Review by Margaret

I have had GI cramping interrupting my sleep for a decade. I got an IBS diagnosis two months ago. I have been on the specific carbohydrate diet for months but I've still had cramping. I found that pasteurized dairy gave me 'soft' cramping which kept me physically relaxed but mentally awake. When I started taking Pancreatin with milk and cheese the cramping went away and I have been sleeping better. I have been taking lactase pills with yogurt for years and they definitely help.

Review by GB

I am a 59 year-old woman who has recently discovered that eating can be good again. I have been diagnosed with IBS, diverticulosis, and a huge hiatal hernia. I have had heartburn and terrible flatulence for years, resulting in my social life being curbed. My doctor has given me Regulan and Prevacid/Nexium routines, but they did not help.

I heard a man talking about digestive enzymes on the radio and I ordered some from his company. I was skeptical, but desperate. Now, I don't know how I lived without them. My stomach is quiet and I rarely experience the old burning. The flatulence has not gone away, but is decidedly less so I can go out in public again. I'm a believer in digestive enzymes now.

Review by Kelcey

I am a 47 year-old woman who suffers from bouts of IBS. I struggle with gas, bloating and constipation alternating with occasional diarrhea. I love fruits and veggies but they are some of my trigger foods. Since adding digestive enzymes to my diet I can eat these foods in moderation with much less discomfort. I have also found that herb tea containing fennel is also very helpful.

Review by Angel

I am a 33 year-old female who has been suffering from IBS with diarrhea since I was in high school. I have been to multiple gastroenterologists, have had two colonoscopies, an upper GI and lower GI, and also had my gallbladder removed. I am always told they don't know what is wrong with me. I used to have a sensitivity to milk and dairy but outgrew that. I do have a few trigger foods. But I still had problems.

One day a friend told me to try digestive enzymes. I was skeptical but I figured hey, what have I got to lose? So I went to my local health store, explained my problem and they suggested two enzymes to try, one with food and one after I ate. The two enzymes I use are Super Strength Multi-Enzyme Formula. I take two pills with a meal and then I take three chewable super papaya enzyme plus after a meal. They are pleasant tasting and give you good breath!

Well, I hope my story helps someone. They were a little pricey but then I found a place online that offered them for less. Oh my gosh, what an improvement! I no longer have the pain, and no diarrhea! I still go a lot but not with the urgency and I don't have to worry about scoping out the bathroom wherever I go. It's wonderful!

Do you suffer from IBS? Have you tried digestive enzymes? Please contact Sophie to send in your review.

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