Various things...Catching up

[Guest guest]

I really am paying attention to the posts, if I don't put my 2 cents

in it's because you all are doing a good enough job without it.

Diarrhea:

Seems like this is the main issue lately. It does seem to be a side

effect of most enzyme supplements high in protease activity to have

looser stools, maybe not really diarrhea, but looser than most

parents would like. It seems to be more prevalent with those who are

taking enzymes and are staying GFCF. Many things could be at issue

here: Yeast, for one. A die-off, which proteases could help with,

could be causing some of the problem. Magnesium supplementation can

also cause more frequent BMs. Opioids can decrease gut motility

(lomotil, loperamide are anti-diarrheal agents, and are opiate

receptor agonists), so if enzymes, especially those with DPP IV

activity, are being taken, opiate withdrawal could result in enhanced

gut motility causing more frequent BMs. Also, as the enzymes go

throught the gut, they tend to liquefy fibers and other debris that

may have hung around for awhile. For those on Peptizyde and ZP, and

having problems with loos bowels, I would suggest cutting down on

Peptizyde and maintaining or increasing ZP. For those kids who seem

to have distended abdomens and prior problems with constipation, and

with enzymes are now seeing smearing, it could well be the enzymes

working on the fecal impaction in a gradual manner. Removing the

impacted feces may result in more normal BMs.

If possible, try adding more fiber and bulking agents to the diet,

the enzymes should also help with digesting the fiber.

The glutamine in Peptizyde shouldn't be causing diarrhea, it is used

to help with diarrhea.

Supplements with berberine (goldenseal, for example) are also good

anti-diarrheals.

If all else fails, try cutting back on all enzyme supplements.

Possibly, maybe, once the child gets to a certain level of

improvement the dosage can be backed down to where the frequent and

messy BMs are less severe.

Meanwhile, let's keep trying things and putting suggestions on the

board. One thing we haven't suggested is the use of sodium bicarb,

I'm wondering if a more alkaline, albeit temporary, environment with

a meal might not be helpful?

Devin