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Posted 2/25/2011 12:28 PM (GMT -5)
I started taking a digestive enzyme capsule before meals one week ago.  I felt better (no cramps) the first day and a half.  Then the cramping returned so I upped the dose to two capsules before each meal and have been feeling a little better but still some cramping this morning.  Does it take a week or more for the body to adjust to taking digestive enzymes.  My daughter said they should work instantly, but I'm not sure.  Thanks for any info you might have. 
Posted 2/25/2011 1:26 PM (GMT -5)
I have to take digestive enzymes to help my chronic pancreatitis, but mine are prescription. The
dosing on them are 2 with a snack and 4 with a meal. they really don't don't do anything for CD
symptoms, they are designed to help the pancreas rest.
Posted 2/25/2011 3:50 PM (GMT -5)
I was led to believe that taking digestive enzymes would help me get more nutrients from my food and therefore help with gaining weight.  Is this not true?
Posted 2/25/2011 7:17 PM (GMT -5)
They should help break down food, but they can't force your intestines to absorb. If your disease is active, you'll probably still have discomfort. I find digestive enzymes helpful, but not always 100%.
Posted 2/25/2011 8:43 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the additional information.  I think I;ll continue taking them for awhile longer since I am feeling a little better on the whole.  My cramping is really minimal and short-lived.  I just keep trying to get back to my "old Normal"
Posted 2/25/2011 9:24 PM (GMT -5)
I, for one, have found digestive enzymes to be very beneficial with my CD. There's all kinds of different enzymes. I take a brand called "Theramedix." They have a whole host of different enzymes for different purposes. And depending on the enzyme, some you take on an empty stomach, and others you need to take with food. The two I take from "Theramedix" are their PRX and their DGX and they both serve two different purposes.

You have to get these through a health practitioner and the Theramedix web site can show you who in your area is trained to work with them. I couldn't gain any weight for two years until I started with the enzymes. The ones I take are pretty pricey, but they sure have done wonders for me.
Posted 2/25/2011 9:35 PM (GMT -5)

Hi nancy, I  don't know if you have seen my posts about papaya's. they have natural digestive enzymme in them. DE's never did me much good.I had japaneese lady gi at the time 2006. I told her of the job I had blackjack dealer, and the gas is a real problem, not so much noise, but smell. she said eat 3 wedges of fresh papaya every week. I started immediately. But I eat 1-2 slices every day, within 2 days my gas had no odor and neither did bm's. so it was like this huge cloud being lifted. but it took quite a while to get used to, because when for that last 35 of my 40 years with, cd my gas and bm's odor could kill. JMHO I can not go more than 1 day without papaya's I feel it in my gut, and they're cheap. I just bought 1 today, for 59 cents a pound. maradal papaya. the hawaiian papaya's are small and $$. I either fresh or fresh in oatmeal or fresh on pancakes, or fresh with sqeezed lime and a little salt.

AG

Posted 2/26/2011 2:53 PM (GMT -5)
Squattie-Thanks for the info on the enzymes you use.  Looked up the formulation and seems more comprehensive than mine.  When I need to reorder I'll try your brand.  I can get it from Amazon.

Artist Guy-Thanks for the info on papaya.  I don't have a problem with gas or odor, but if I do, I will give it a try.

 

Posted 2/27/2011 2:32 AM (GMT -5)
Papaya, kiwi, pineapple and mangos are all natural digestive enzymes, if you eat a bit of any of the mentioned right after each meal they help break your food down for you so it's less work on your intestines (the whole point of digestive enzymes), however if you cannot tolerate those particular fruits in their natural state then there are many brands of digestive enzymes that are desgined to work the same way the natural fruits I mentioned work....it may just be that you have to try a brand that doesn't cause you any discomfort, and/or try drinking lots of water with it. Lots of IBDers and even IBSers find relief from using digestive enzyme supplements.
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