Getting Started with Enzymes

Getting Started with Enzymes

Topics:

Basic Guidelines for taking Digestive Enzymes

7 Tips for Starting Enzymes

Dosing and Adjustments

Which Product Do I Start With?

Getting Kids to Take Enzymes

Frequently Asked Questions about Enzymes

Basic Guidelines for taking Digestive Enzymes:

Match enzymes with the type of food being eaten.
Dose according to the amount of food eaten - not by age or weight.
Give enzymes at the beginning of each meal.

Getting Kids to Take Enzymes: Click here

7 Tips for Starting Enzymes:

Starting enzymes is typically easy, with results seen within a month, if not sooner. To get started, try our Tips:

1. Start low and go slow. See the HNI Dosing Chart for baby steps on introducing enzymes.

2. Introduce enzymes at the beginning of a weekend or holiday break, in case of any adjustment period.

3. One thing at a time. Don't begin other supplements or therapies at the same time so you know what effects you are seeing from enzymes.

4. Keep a journal of results or jot them on a calendar.

5. Inform teachers and therapists you are adding enzymes so they can respond appropriately to any changes.

6. Read Houston Nutraceuticals' FAQ page.

7. If any negatives are seen, drop back to a lower dose or stop enzymes. Consider retrying after several days. Call HNI or email with questions. You can speak directly to the scientist who formulates your enzymes.

Dosing and Adjustments:

The idea is to get the food broken down in the stomach - before it moves out of the stomach and into the intestine where it may be causing problems. If you forget until the end of the meal, go ahead and give the enzymes then, though it's preferable to do so earlier in the meal.

Wait several days for adjustments to an enzyme product before adding other enzymes or supplements so you can better judge what is effective.

Most results begin within one month; two months at the most.

Dosing chart for Houston Nutraceuticals enzymes.

Which Product do I Start With?

Match the product to the type of food it breaks down.

If stools are a concern, look at whether products tend to firm or soften stools.

Remember that enzymes are safe, cannot be over-dosed, and can be mixed with other enzyme products.

If using products from Houston Nutraceuticals:

Peptizyde or AFP Peptizyde -

Made up of a concentrated combination of proteases.
These break down food proteins such as gluten (in wheat), casein (in dairy), soy, corn, etc.
May be an alternative or companion to GFCF (gluten-free, casein-free) diet.
Highest per-capsule dosing of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV (DPP IV)
Peptizyde was developed first, then AFP was developed to offer a version that had less odor/taste. AFP has been a successful version of the original Peptizyde.
Can help to either mildly firm up or soften stools.
Comes in capsules, chewable tablets, and powdered form.

HN-Zyme Prime or Zyme Prime -

Choose either of these for breaking down carbs, starches, fats.
Also helpful for lactose intolerance, gassiness, and bloating.
Nice all-around product for anyone needing milder digestive support.
Tends to firm up stools.
Makes a good companion product to those who need Peptizyde or AFP (but not required).
Has some proteases for breaking down proteins, but to a much lesser degree than Peptizyde/AFP.

No-Fenol -

Supports proper digestion of hard-to-digest fruits and vegetables which are high in phenolic compounds (phenolic compounds are good for you).
These include apples, tomatoes, carrots, and grapes.
Phytase Present to increase availability of minerals and nutrients.

Children with Special Dietary Needs:

For some children, improperly broken down proteins in particular foods, such as wheat, dairy and soy may be an issue. Breaking down these proteins with a combination of proteases (enzymes that break down proteins) and another enzyme called DPP IV (breaks down casomorphin in dairy) has been helpful for many children. Peptizyde and AFP Peptizyde have the highest per capsule DPP IV activity.

Children may also benefit from increased breakdown of carbohydrates and fats which Zyme Prime can be helpful for. No-Fenol addresses the hard to digest fruits and vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions: Click here

Please address all health concerns with your doctor.