Can digestive enzymes help me?

Question

I just recently read an article talking about digestive enzyme capsules helping treat eczema. I have had eczema since I was 6 months old (now 26) and have recently been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. My question is, would digestive enzyme capsules help with both my eczema AND IBS? And if so, can anyone recommend what kind to get and where? I have found several on GNC's website. Anyone have any experience with these? Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Well, digestive enzymes certainly help with food absorption and can help if you have allergies or intolerances to food, and while this sounds like it would only effect the IBS, it would make sense that getting proper nutrients and lessening fermentation in the bowel would help your skin as well. The type and amount of digestive enzymes depend on the type of food you typically have problems with. If you have problems digesting proteins or fats, you may want to focus more on a lipase and pancreatin based supplement taken at the beginning of each meal. Personally, I prefer the brand Thorne's product, Bio-Gest. It's a full spectrum enzyme that will help you break down plant and animal foods. If you are focusing on breaking down starch or plants, you may find that papaya chewables are sufficient and these can be taken after your meal. I think the Bio-Gest is a better source personally because it helps with all food types. A cheaper but ok brand is Source Naturals Daily Essential Enzymes. It might be an ok place to start, but didn't help me as much as the Thorne brand. If you have acid problems (as in too much or heart burn), stick to the instructions on the label. Enzymes can increase acidity - which certainly helps break down proteins but can cause slight nausea if you take too much. Just listen to what your body tells you, and if you feel nauseated at all, eat some carbohydrates to help soak up the excess.

There are many, many other supplements that help with what you describe, but I'm sticking to the specific one you are inquiring about. Something you may want to consider if you have inflammation and dry or poor skin quality is Fish Oil or Cod Liver Oil. Both are amazing for the skin, but Fish Oil is better at reducing inflammation. I noticed vast improvements in my skin after a week of taking Fish Oil - although the enzymes did help some as well.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

I have heard of people recovering from cancer having success with drinking kombucha. I drink it every day for general health. It has many enzymes, probiotics, and amino acids. It helps with body alkalinity. Enzymes are good, too. I take the GNC ones, and I have had good success. I recently went from being a vegetarian to eating elk meat that a friend killed and processed. I was worried I'd have digestive issues, but I just took enzymes before I ate it, and no problem at all. Hope this helps. By the way, you want to do some research on Kombucha before giving it to your mom. Ask your doctor if he thinks it is a good/bad idea. Most likely he will say no, because it is not a "western medicine" remedy...GT's Kombucha is widely available (Wild Oats, Whole Foods, and some independent health food stores carry it).

Answer 3

My mom has psoriasis and I started her on evening primrose oil and it is helping a bit. I myself have some dry, itching thing on my lower legs that white vinegar takes care of. I apply it every day and it works better than the expensive medicines.

Answer 4

I use Altrum enzymes (and other supplements):
http://www.altrumonline.com/redirect.cgi?zo=1463115&page=altrumstore/deu

Answer 5

Check this out - http://www.drnatura.com/colonix_program.php.