Digestive Enzymes

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I find all the scientifically unsupported treatments for Asperger's and other autistics to be unfortunate. However, I have just started taking digestive enzymes, namely, Glutenese, Vitamin World's Multiple Enzyme Formula, and a probiotic treatment.

However, I am taking them, not because I buy into the wheat/casein argument for persons on the spectrum of autisms, but because I would like to improve the health of my gut. Does anyone have any positive, negative, or neutral experiences with similar treatments?

I've had BAD acid reflux since I was a newborn. Finally, I got it treated, but the standard-and EXPEN$IVE-drugs, Nexium and Prevacid, didn't work all that well. Somebody on Craigslist suggested papaya enzyme, and it works. I take one pill in the morning, swallowed whole not chewed, and it works all day. I also have wheat and dairy allergies. The best solution, if you're looking to lessen symptoms, is simply a wheat and dairy free diet. I have done this, and it's tough to stick to since wheat and milk are so widely used in the Western diet, but it helps symptoms such as wheezing and (bad) acne.

I also have found that eliminating beef helps digestion and the chronic constipation I used to have. It seems that aspies and auties generally can't tolerate anything that comes from a cow (which rules out Jello, since it's ground cow hoof). Cow allergies are extremely common, this is likely the origin of India's sacred cow (ancient Hindus likely thought that problems tolerating cow products were the result of the revenge of cow gods) and of other cultures shying away from cow products, including the French.

Strangely, I find pig products easier to take, despite the fact that I refused pork for ten years. Pigs carry trichinosis, but modern pigs have fewer occurrences thanks to antibiotics. Trich is hard to kill by cooking, which is why anti-pork edicts were once common. Mexicans, who eat lots of pork, once had the butcher cut off a thin slice to reveal the trich cysts. In the Middle East pig prohibition was universal, and still exists today. Muslims especially are deathly afraid of pigs. Jews are less so, since for centuries Jews in Europe carried ham to foil antisemitic attackers.

Lamb and goat are supposed to be excellent meats. East Indians' meat diets consist almost exclusively of lamb and goat. Most supermarkets have a little lamb meat. Goat is much harder to find; not even kosher butchers carry it unless you're in New York or LA. You might try an exotic meat market if you have one near you.

Thanks. I will try the papaya enzyme. I do sometimes have acid reflux - but while I am sleeping. I wake up almost gagging. I only began having that problem a year or so ago.



I am not sure if I have a problem with wheat, but I am lactose intolerant, so I always take lactase pills when I have dairy.

What kind of probiotic are you using? Do you have to do pill form since you mostly can't do dairy?

If you are feeling brave, or for anyone else who might be interested, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff called kefir. It is a fermented milk drink that tastes sort of like yogurt and contains all sorts of lovely enzymes. The kind that I've found to be most readily available in grocery stores is the Lifeway kind. They also have organic kinds if you are into that. It really helps with having a healthy feeling gut.

The requisite wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir

Like many others on here, I am also attempting to follow a gluten-free diet, for a suspected sensitivity tied to more than AS (rash, joint issues, etc.) So far I do feel calmer and like there is less buzzing in my brain. I'm not sure what I think of the science, or why this works, but I do know that this diet seems to be helping me.

EDIT: I looked again, and supposedly kefir can sometimes be the best kind of milk product for people who are generally lactose intolerant, due to the enzymes it contains...

Last edited by delia43 on 20 May 2008, 10:48 pm, edited 4 times in total.

Actually, I just checked, and the multiple-enzyme formulation I am taking includes papain, which is the papaya enzyme.

I am taking Vitamin World's Maximum Acidophilus Probiotic. It is a capsule, and the manufacturer claims it has 10 billion "multi strain active cultures."



Yes, I had kefir a long time ago. I will see if one of the health food stores near me carries it. Just today, I was looking for the Rice Dream product, but the health food store which carried it, no longer does (for some reason).

As I said, I am skeptical about the connection between enzymes and behavior, and I am a pretty even-tempered person as is, but I will see what happens. Mostly, I just want to resolve my GI problems.