Digestive Enzymes Bad? - Acid Reflux / GERD Message Board

Alexlestat · 10-10-2006, 07:37 AM

Hi all,

I just have a quick question. I was researching digestive enzyme products like Digestrol last night and they seem to really help people with bloating, gas, IBS etc. I was diagnosed with duodenitis but the only symptom I have is constant bloating, which seems more like something else is wrong. The Losec Im taking isn't making things better or worse, I just have constant bloating. In any event, digestive enzymes seem to have some acidic ingredients in them, like Pepsin, Hydrochloric Acid, and Bile. I was just wondering why I've seen people here, on the Acid Reflux board, talk about how much digestive enzymes help if they're are carrying acidic ingredients in them. How do you take a proton pump inhibitor like Losec or Nexium and then take digestive enzymes at the same time if one of them is blocking exactly what the other is providing?
Any answer would be much appreciated.

PS. Also have any of you heard of Carafate? If so, good or bad opinion? Apparently its made specifically for people with duodenum problems.

Harry · 10-10-2006, 08:37 AM

As you know--- All digestive enzymes are not the same. You can buy them with just enzymes and not HCL--Betain, Ox bile or other irritating ingredients. You need one --That will just digest and not irritate your acid reflux problem. Some are very powerful-- but they come in all potencies and to digest all kind of foods that you may not need right then. You have to be careful and read the labels. There are Enzyme to digest Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates, lactose, cellulose and you may not be eating all those things at the same time.

A good one that I use is Essential Enzymes put out by Source Naturals-- I use it for full meals where I think I need some digestive help. I use others that are small with less enzymes for smaller meals.

Proton pump inhibitors just inhibit acid put out by cell in the stomach. They don't affect the bile put out by your gallbladder and your pancreatic enzymes or the friendly intestinal bacteria that help digestion.

Alexlestat · 10-10-2006, 06:21 PM

Thanks a lot Harry, I appreciate it.

I suppose, either way, I need to find out why the Losec isn't helping matters at all, or why my only symptom is bloating to begin with, before I start experimenting with the enzymes. Maybe I'll try a very mild one to begin with, as you suggested.

Much appreciated!