Digestive enzymes & probiotics

[chimbley_sweep]

We all know that the general rule is that one can get too much of anything, even the things that are thought to be good for us when it comes to foods and supplements.

However, does this count for probiotics and digestive enzymes as well? Is it, by any means, possible to get too much from any of those?

[shelley]

Certainly it's possible, it's just not a serious concern. The goal is to get off of all supplements at least part of the time.

[chimbley_sweep]

I see. I have been taking a lot of digestive enzymes lately, and I tend to rely on them when I´m cheating(which has been rather often lately, I´m afraid). Is there a possibility that my body can get resistant or "depend" on them if I continually take them?

[shelley]

Studies haven't said so - they are just proteins so the body shouldn't compensate, it should just break them down and leave it at that. It is known that the body will compensate for straight HCL (stomach acids) compensation after awhile.

[Monique]

Hi Shelley

I just want to thank you for helping me with a "problem" I had. It really got me thinking. Thank you, you're a true star!

I was thinking about digestive enzymes, now this may be a stupid question, but if you ingest them in pills, wont the stomach acid "destroy" them? THe reason I ask is because I have seen brands advertise that "our enzymes are the best, they pass the stomach acids and dissolve at certain ph in the small intestine" something like that.
Is that true?

Thank you S!

[shelley]

Enzyme-based digestion actually begins in the stomach, although the majority happens in the small intestine due to it having the better pH for enzymatic activity. Plant-based enzymes begin in the stomach, pepsin and bromelain for protein, etc. The pancreatic enzymes work best in the small intestine. Either way, the point is to digest one's foods completely. Companies that make claims like that can't really substantiate them and usually make them so they can charge more money, Garden of Life being the best example of that sort of thing. All the buyer has to know is whether the enzymes are pancreatic or plant. Pancreatic are the better buy.

[LILA1963]

Why r the pancreatic the better buy ??

Also, I purchased a new brand of enzymes:
Multi-Enzymes Super strength
and was wondering about the ingredients in general and what u thought Shelley ... ESPECIALLY the ones in bold ...

Betaine Hydrochloride
Amylase
Protease
Bromelain
Pancreatin (Hog pancreas)
Papain
Pepsin (Hog stomach)
Bile (Ox gallbladder)
Lipase
Cellulase
Dibasic calcium phosphate
Microcrystalline cellulose
Croscamellose sodium
Silicone dioxide
Stearic acid
Mangesium stearate
Cellulose gum
Glycerin
Trisodium citrate

Thanks a bunch