Let’s get better together: Digestive enzymes
Hi! I’m Caroline, a certified Health Coach and Yoga Instructor, living with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency and hEDS. Welcome to the space where I share what has helped me feel better. I’m glad you’re here and hope this helps you feel better too. In today’s post I’m discussing my journey with digestive enzymes. Remember, any supplement info or experience I share is purely anecdotal and personal. Please talk to your doctor or healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.
I am so thankful for my digestive enzymes. They make my life easier and my whole body happier. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is a disorder of the pancreas that causes the pancreas to either stop releasing digestive enzymes or to release less than what is needed to properly digest food. A few issues EPI is associated with are: chronic Pancreatitis, Cystic Fibrosis, Pancreatic Cancer and Type 1 Diabetes. I have a hereditary history of pancreatic issues in my mother’s parents so it’s not surprising my pancreas was slightly more prone to this disorder. Whatever has caused EPI for you, the main treatment is PERT or pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy i.e. Digestive Enzymes.
I take Creon provided by Abvie. ZenPep and Pancreaze are two other prescription enzymes. Digestive enzymes help you breakdown Fat, Fiber, Protein, and Sugar. EPI causes issues especially with breaking down fat so it’s important to pay attention to your levels of fat soluble vitamins. With enzymes, absorption improves and this makes it easier to maintain weight, increase energy and live a healthier life. If you’re having trouble getting your enzymes covered by insurance, look on the company’s website for coupons and additional programs to get enzymes paid for through insurance. Abvie has an offer that allows me to get my enzymes for $5 with insurance. The other brand of enzymes I’ve used and find helpful is Enzymedica Digest Gold. If you’re uninsured or can’t get affordable prescription enzymes, OTC enzymes are helpful. I have been told Pure Pancreatic Enzyme Formula is excellent too but haven’t tried them myself.
Enzymes are taken right before you eat and last about an hour in your gut. Your medical professional will prescribe dosage depending on your level of need. Some signs your enzymes are working include: solid stool, daily waste elimination, decrease in gas/bloating/discomfort, improved appetite, increased weight if under weight due to malabsorption, muscle development, increased energy, mood stabilization, and better sleep. What I love about enzymes is that they start working right away. They are a quick fix for this issue.
In the two years I have been on Creon I have also been working to heal my gut and nervous system. I have gone from two pills with meals to one and I can eat small snacks without enzymes. My goal is to one day not need them at all but for now, I’m enjoying life with them.
I hope this was helpful and would love to hear from you: connect with me through email at cohelocoaching@gmail.com or on TikTok at @cohelocoaching