Hi Maff,

I just wondered whether you had any thoughts regarding a slightly odd sensation whereby it feels like your stomach is emptying quicker as a result of taking digestive enzymes? This makes me ‘feel’ partially hungry as early as 1.5-2 hours after a meal.

As I need to control blood sugar, it’s important to know when I’m genuinely hungry and in need of a meal when my stomach is empty. I eat 6 small meals daily and take 4 digestive enzymes in total, one with the first 4 meals in between meals.

I’ve no doubt that they help with digestion, and combined with a few other supplements have ensured I’ve had regular bowel movements for a while, however this sensation is slightly discomforting.

Might it be better to take them before meals rather than during?
Perhaps lower the dose?
I previously had a stomach ulcer so I avoid HCL. I also tried ginger bitters in a base of coconut glycerine but didn’t find they helped. Would there be any alternatives I can try?

I am looking to try a different brand but all digestive enzymes seem to contain similar ingredients anyway.

Many thanks,

Hi,

Apologies for taking so long to reply...I'm now juggling the site and degree work again!

I think what you're describing is exactly what you'd expect when taking digestive enzyme supplements if you think about it. If they do their intended job they improve digestion and one result of this is that the digestive process would speed up.

Due to this you will get sugars from your food being released into your bloodstream faster which may be affected your blood sugar balance, which I know you have problems with. It is primarily blood sugar levels that determine feelings of hunger through various feedback mechanisms to the hypothalamus in the brain.

It may be a case of finding the right balance of enzyme dose and meal frequency/composition to avoid the uncomfortable sensation. I'd suggest reducing your enzyme dose first and see how you do.

Given your other problems (gut dysbiosis) it is important that your digestion is as good as possible to avoid feeding the \"bad bugs\" in the gut so as I said, balance is key. It's often a case of experimentation as I'm sure you know!