I have heard that they have helped a lot of people, but I have also read (in some books) that you shouldn't take them. Any thoughts? What are the best brands? I already take acidophilus. My main problem is chronic gas,and I occassionally have cramps and diarrhea. I can't use those pills that are supposed to "clean out" your system (like colon cleanse) because they give me horrible cramps and diarrhea.

Try drinking some green tea. It has properties in it that help with intestinal problems. It helps me greatly.
You might have irritable bowel syndrome or IBS for short. I was diagnosed with it about 8 years ago. Everytime I get upset or stressed, I get diarrhea. I now meditate to help with letting go of the stress.
If this is really affecting your quality of life, I would say go to your doctor with this.

Hi, thanks for the reply.I do have IBS, I was diagnosed years ago. Nothing has ever helped with the gas, so that is my main complaint. The diarrhea doesn't happen very often, but the cramps come several times a month. I have tried all sort of prescription meds and have had all the tests. The doc says there is no treatment for colonic gas.

Natatie,
About Gas -- go to the top of this page and do a Google search on the WEB --Controlling Intestinal Gas --
There are a number of sites to read but a very good one is the one Compiled by William Norton.

I take disestive enzyme with every meal and I think it helps both gas and digestion.
I use Essential Enzyme by Source Naturals-- I buy it online. It is a pretty complete digestive enzyme.

I have found that cramping is usually caused by a lack of magnesium in your diet even though it is in alot of foods.. I take the chelated type -- 3 times daily to increase absorption. Taking it once daily -- you don't absorb enough --- less than 10% of what you take. So, taking it 3 times increases the absorption and you have less problems with it --- many type of magnesium supplement can cause a laxative effect.

The chelated minerals are bonded to a protein amino acid -- usually glycinate and being an amino acid it is readily absorbed!!

As you may know magnesium is used as a laxitive in many OTC meds ---like in Milk of Magnesia, Epson salts, and Magnesium Citrate.
But, when taken as a mineral supplement -- the dose is only 400 mg daily ---so, start off slowly to make sure you are not extremely sensitive to it and it does not act as a laxative in small doses -- with IBS we don't need that problem.

Also, a extremly good homeopathic remedy for cramping and spasms of any type of muscles is--- Magnsia Phos-- taken as needed but it will not correct the lack of systemic magnesium. But, it works great if you're having cramps. It is now days available in health food stores.

God Bless~~~Harry

:I take Papaya Supplements..mostly I like chewables since they taste so good. I didn't notice much of a difference though. What helps me is if I eat fruit on an empty stomach only in the morning. I found I feel better not mixing protein & carbs..I guess I never will eat a sandwich again! :D