Are you dealing with the unpleasant effects of gas, bloating, or food intolerances?

Digestive issues can turn mealtime into misery. Enzyme supplements are easy and effective, but do you know what to take? Or how to take it?

Let’s explore Houston Enzymes’ products and some tips for getting started.

What Enzyme Products Should You Use?

Houston Enzymes’ formulations target specific foods and issues, but also combine some enzymes for a broader approach.

1. For multiple food intolerances, use a strong broad spectrum enzyme

TriEnza 

TriEnza® is a combination of enzymes for multiple digestive intolerances.   

TriEnza supports digestion for the 3 main types of foods: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

But TriEnza goes beyond the basics and provides digestive support in all these areas:

• Food proteins
• Gluten
• Casein in dairy
• Carbohydrates
• Lactose intolerance
• Polyphenolic vegetables and fruits
• Fats in foods and supplements
• Fiber  

TriEnza was reformulated in 2019 to bring you better support for digesting a wide range of foods.

The changes made to TriEnza should result in a product better able to:

• Break down gluten, dairy casein, soy, and meat protein.
• Support digestion of the sugars sucrose and maltose, which will also be helpful for the gut microbiome.
• Help with occasional gas and bloating through fiber breakdown.

TriEnza is available in capsules, chewables, or powder: 
https://www.houston-enzymes.com/enzymes/trienza

2. To target the breakdown of proteins including gluten, casein, and soy

AFP Peptizyde 

• Breaks down gluten, casein, soy, and other proteins.  
• High in the DPP IV enzyme.  
• May be used as an alternative to the GFCF diet (gluten-free, casein-free diet), or used with GFCF if you are wanting to address other proteins still in the diet.
  
  

AFP Peptizyde® is a blend of protease enzymes that break down only proteins, including gluten and dairy casein.

AFP Peptizyde is available in capsules:
https://www.houston-enzymes.com/enzymes/afp-peptizyde

3. These products mostly target carbohydrates, but have some enzymes for proteins and fats too

Zyme Prime 

• Breaks down carbohydrates, fats, starches, and sugars.
• Helps with gas and bloating. 
• May help with undigested food in the stool.  
• Great for lactose intolerance.  

Zyme Prime™ helps some with proteins (but not a GFCF alternative). Tends to firm stools when used alone.

Zyme Prime is available in capsules:
https://www.houston-enzymes.com/enzymes/zyme-prime

ZyCarb 

• ZyCarb™ is a variation of Zyme Prime that shouldn’t be as stool-firming.
• Breaks down carbohydrates, starches, and sugars.
• Helps with gas and bloating.
• May help with undigested food in stool.
• Great for lactose intolerance.
• Includes some of the No-Fenol in it (about 1/3 of the main enzyme).  
• No cellulase so no concern about taking it with time-released meds.   

ZyCarb helps with the foods previously mentioned for both Zyme Prime and No-Fenol, and also some for fats and proteins (not a GFCF diet alternative). If you want something more stool-firming, try Zyme Prime instead of ZyCarb.

ZyCarb is available in capsules: 
https://www.houston-enzymes.com/enzymes/zycarb

4. For polyphenols and fiber

No-Fenol 

• Targets breakdown of the fiber in fruits and vegetables
• Supports digestion of polyphenolic foods
• Tends to soften stools (should not cause diarrhea)

Xylanase is the major component of No-Fenol™, and is an enzyme used to breakdown the structural components of plant cell walls, which are primarily complex carbohydrates. 

All plants contain some degree of polyphenolic compounds, with brightly colored fruits and vegetables at the higher range.

The research literature indicates that some phenolic compounds are modified by the addition of carbohydrate groups to their structures, which may inhibit their crossing into cells and being metabolized.

Available in capsules:

https://www.houston-enzymes.com/enzymes/no-fenol

5. For fats

Lypazyme 

• Breaks down triglyceride fats in foods
• Supports the keto diet
• Helps gas and bloating from fats and oils
• Contains 3 types of lipase enzymes

Lypazyme is a combination of 3 different lipase enzymes. Lypazyme is unique in the use of multiple forms of lipase to ensure complete breakdown of the triglyceride fats found in foods and many supplements. 

Lypazyme may help with the gas and bloating from high-fat meals and supplements (such as fish oil).

Lypazyme is available in capsules:
https://www.houston-enzymes.com/enzymes/lypazyme

6. For microbiome support
 

Biomuve

• Helps maintain regularity and healthy bowel movements
• Supports a healthy microbiome
• Breaks down fibrous foods for digestive support
• Combination of enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics

Biomuve® is a blend of xylanase enzyme, probiotic bacteria, and prebiotic botanicals that promote regularity and healthy gut bacteria. 

Biomuve contains Actazin®, an extract from kiwi fruit which is a natural source of prebiotics, fiber, and enzymes. Actazin may also nurture the probiotic bacteria provided by Biomuve.

Biomuve includes DE111®, a probiotic blend of Bacillus subtilis, which may help support regularity in the digestive tract.

Xylanase is added to Biomuve as an enzyme that can break down hemicellulose to release nutrients from foods with a high fiber content. Xylanase can also help break down soluble fiber in vegetables, grains, and legumes.

Biomuve is available in capsules:
https://www.houston-enzymes.com/enzymes/biomuve

More about how to choose the best product 

Still don’t know where to start?

If you are unsure as to which enzyme product is needed, use a broad spectrum enzyme product such as Zyme Prime or TriEnza. 

Adjusting to Zyme Prime is not difficult. Zyme Prime is mild and low in proteases (protein-digesting enzymes). Zyme Prime should not cause discomfort and is a good starter product for the sensitive gut.

If desired results are not observed using Zyme Prime, either increase the dose, add another product (AFP Peptizyde or No-Fenol) or switch to TriEnza.

TriEnza contains multiple types of enzymes for proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and polyphenolic foods. TriEnza is higher in proteases than Zyme Prime. 

TriEnza has DPP IV activity and, like AFP Peptizyde, may be an alternative to the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet.

Considering the gluten-free, casein-free diet?

Many of our customers use the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet which avoids the gluten protein found in wheat and the casein protein found in dairy. At times when maintaining the diet is too difficult, or you are looking for digestive support for gluten- and casein-connected behaviors and mood, consider AFP Peptizyde. AFP Peptizyde contains a blend of enzymes, including the DPP IV enzyme, that break down gluten, casein and other proteins.

AFP Peptizyde was one of our original products that was invented as an alternative for the GFCF diet. AFP Peptizyde and TriEnza include high amounts of enzymes for digestive support for gluten and casein, as well as other proteins. TriEnza is a combination product which includes some of the enzyme activity of AFP Peptizyde, plus other enzymes for other types of foods.

It’s best to start these high-protease products with low and slow dosing. If you are already on the GFCF diet, you should not change the diet until fully adjusted to enzymes. 

These products are not used for celiac disease. No enzyme product is available for celiac disease, or for “cheating” on a celiac diet, in any form. 

Loose stools, low weight, picky eater, carb craver, gas & bloating?

For concerns like loose stools, low weight, picky eater, or carb craver, consider using Zyme Prime or ZyCarb.

Zyme Prime is excellent for firming stools and breaking down carbohydrates. ZyCarb is similar, but less stool firming. 
  

Is occasional constipation a problem?

If your diet plays a role in occasional constipation, try No-Fenol or ZyCarb.

No-Fenol breaks down fiber which, when incorporated into the intestinal chyme, help soften the stool. No-Fenol can be used alone or in combination with other enzyme products to counter their stool-firming tendencies.

For those who wish to add probiotics to help with occasional constipation, use Biomuve.

Fats or oils causing digestive discomfort?

Lypazyme is formulated to help break down triglyceride fats while still in the stomach. Faster fat breakdown prevents the delay in stomach emptying usually associated with high-fat meals.  

Lypazyme is helpful when supplementing with fish oils and other sources of beneficial fats.

As with any supplement, results can vary with the individual and there is always the exception.

Most consumers can use the above as a guide for choosing a product. The great thing about enzymes is that they are not harmful at any level of dosing, so you can experiment to find the best combination for your particular needs.

Still confused? For a targeted approach, use one of these products. You can also combine them for your needs.

What if you want a broad spectrum product?

Try TriEnza. You can also add one of our other products to TriEnza if you want more of a particular enzyme.  

How long before you see improvements?

Digestion

Digestion should improve by the time you are taking a full dose. If you don’t see results, you may need to adjust the dosing. 

Behaviors

Behaviors related to digestion may improve within a month, two months at the most. 

Still not seeing results? 

• Did you try increasing the dose?
• Are you matching the right product to the food it breaks down?
• Are you taking the enzymes near the beginning of the meal?
• Are you taking the enzymes with each meal that has your problem food?
• Do you need to add another product to address all food issues, or switch to a broad spectrum product?
• Are you storing your enzymes properly, in the cupboard, on a shelf, and NOT in the humidity of the refrigerator? (The freezer is fine.)
• Have you called or emailed us for help after trying all of the above?  
• Still no success—consider that enzymes may not be the appropriate product for your situation.

Dosing 

How much?

Dosing is based on the size of the meal, not your age or body weight.  

If eating a small meal—you may find less than the recommended dose to be adequate. Try a half-dose and go from there. A half-dose may be adequate for younger children too.

If eating a larger meal—you may need to take extra enzyme to see desired results.

For children or sensitive adults, you may want to start low and increase slowly using our chart. 

How often?

Take enzymes with each meal you want to break down. The enzymes move out of the stomach with the food, so you’ll need to dose again with the next meal.

If you are eating between meals, you may or may not need another dose—it will depend on whether your stomach has emptied. If around 2 hours have passed since the last dose, it may be a good idea to dose again. 

Grazers can either take a dose every 3 to 4 hours, or sip on a drink mixed with enzymes. Make a fresh drink mixture every 4 hours or so. 

What do the capsules/tablets look like?

Pictured are the enzyme products’ capsules as well as a TriEnza Chewable tablet.

By most standards, these are considered to be small-sized products. If you are unsure whether the size of the product will be ok for you or your child, we are happy to send you a sample.  

Mixing with food and drink

There are a few rules for mixing enzymes with food or drink: 

• You may open the capsules and mix with food or drink if taking chewables is not an option.
• If you mix before eating, keep in mind some foods will be broken down, depending on what enzymes you use. For example, a product that breaks down proteins will turn yogurt to a liquid in a matter of minutes.
• It is safe to mix enzymes with food as long as temperatures don’t reach 140 degrees. If the food is cool enough for your mouth, it’s cool enough for enzymes.  
• Mixing with a liquid is fine for several hours – around 4 or so. There is no definite cut-off on the time, but keeping the liquid cool will help. Once enzymes are wet, they very gradually lose their potency. Keeping the mixture cold will slow down this loss.

Read our online article for ideas on mixing enzymes:
https://www.houston-enzymes.com/learn/resources/article/tips-for-mixing-enzymes-and-taking-away-from-home.

Safety

Enzymes have been used for decades and are safe   

• Enzymes are safe to take in capsule and chewable tablet form, as well as mixed in a drink or food.  
• Enzymes won’t affect your pancreas nor its out-put of enzymes.  
• Enzymes won’t digest the lining of your mouth, throat, or pancreas.
• Enzymes will not interfere with most medications or other supplements.  There may be some interference with No-Fenol and some timed-release medications.

Note: Enzymes are protein and therefore have the potential to be allergenic, though this is rare. If you have never used an enzyme product, use caution until you are sure you are not allergic to enzymes. Care should be taken not to inhale the enzyme powder or get it in eyes, as this increases the potential for an allergic reaction.

Our enzymes are purified from fungal and microbial sources 

Most of our enzymes are secreted from Aspergillus oryzae, A. niger, or Trichoderma reseei, which are non-toxic, non-pathogenic fungal strains. They are not related to Candida.

One of the enzymes in TriEnza is derived from Bacillus subtilis, a bacterium found normally in the human gut. The FDA, in 1960, issued an opinion letter that recognized substances produced by Bacillus subtilis as safe. The protease enzyme produced by Bacillus subtilis is purified from the bacteria by several methods involving protein precipitation, chromatography, and filtration. None of the bacterium is present in the purified enzyme product.

The enzymes undergo numerous purification steps, the first of which is filtration of the liquid enzyme from the solid fungal matter, then is further purified until only the enzyme proteins remain. There is no fungal material remaining.  

However, since anyone can become allergic to any protein, there is always a chance that some may not tolerate enzyme proteins, but this is rare, and typically evident from the first time an enzyme is taken. 

Storage

Keep them dry.

Moisture activates the enzymes, so keep them dry. In a cupboard away from humidity is fine. Keep the dry pack in the bottle to help absorb any moisture. 

Moisture activates the enzymes, so keep them dry. In a cupboard away from humidity is fine. Keep the dry pack in the bottle to help absorb any moisture.

Don’t put enzymes in the refrigerator—it is too humid.  

However, the freezer is good for enzymes because it is dry and cold. This helps preserve the enzymes even longer than the already long shelf life of about two years. The chewable tablets do especially well stored in the freezer if you live in a humid area (but not the refrigerator, which is humid).

Resources

Look around our site for articles, videos, FAQs and more. The following may be of special interest to you:

Webinars
https://www.houston-enzymes.com/learn/resources/webinar

How to introduce enzymes slowly
https://www.houston-enzymes.com/shop/how-to-start-enzymes-slowly

Tips for mixing enzymes and taking away from home
https://www.houston-enzymes.com/learn/resources/article/tips-for-mixing-enzymes-and-taking-away-from-home

Video for mixing enzymes, and other videos
https://www.houston-enzymes.com/learn/resources/video

Dr. Houston’s blog
https://www.houston-enzymes.com/blog

Conclusion

Enzymes help you enjoy the foods you love to eat. 

Take the first step to match the right product to your needs. Then remember to take your enzymes at the beginning of each meal you want to break down.

Want more personalized guidance?

Give us a call or send an email and we’d be happy to get you started.

Email: info@houston-enzymes.com
Toll free: 866-757-8627 
International: 479-549-4536  

Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.