For many individuals, enjoying a variety of fruits and vegetables can be challenging due to sensitivities to polyphenolic compounds (commonly called "phenols") and salicylates. No-Fenol™ was developed by Dr. Devin Houston, CEO of Houston Enzymes, in response to requests for a product that would support the digestion of fruits and vegetables, especially those high in polyphenolic compounds. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how No-Fenol works and how to use it effectively to expand your dietary options.
Understanding Phenol and Salicylate Sensitivities
All plants contain some degree of polyphenolic compounds (sometimes called "phenols"). The polyphenol structure itself is found everywhere in nature, and is essential to many of life's processes. Some individuals have difficulty in the processing of foods high in polyphenolic compounds.
Common foods high in polyphenols include:
- Berries (blueberries, strawberries, cranberries)
- Apples and grapes
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Dark leafy greens
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower)
- Red wine and tea
- Dark chocolate
Symptoms of phenol/salicylate sensitivity may include:
- Red ears or cheeks
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Behavioral changes
- Digestive discomfort
- Hyperactivity or mood swings
How No-Fenol Works
The research literature indicates that some polyphenols, when produced in the plant, are modified by the addition of carbohydrate groups to their structures, which may inhibit their availability for absorption. Enzymes, such as alpha-glucosidases, found in gut bacteria can de-glycosylate (removing the carbohydrate group) the polyphenols which then supports absorption of the compound.
Key Enzyme Components:
- Xylanase (Primary Component): The major component of No-Fenol, and is an enzyme used to breakdown the structural components of plant cell walls, which are primarily very complex carbohydrates.
- Hemicellulase: Breaks down hemicellulose fibers in plant cell walls
- Beta-glucanase: Dissolves beta-glucan starches
- Phytase: Deactivates phytic acid
No-Fenol may help digestion by breaking down the fibrous plant cell walls of fruits and vegetable, allowing the polyphenols and other cell nutrients to be released during digestion.
Product Information
What's Inside:
- Proprietary Enzyme Blend 288mg containing Xylanase 32,000 XU, CereCalase® (1500 MU) 75mg, Hemicellulase, beta-glucanase, phytase
- No-Fenol capsules contains microcrystalline cellulose and medium chain triglyceride (MCT) powder as filler. The MCT is derived from palm or coconut oil, and the cellulose is derived from European Spruce trees.
- Capsule made from hypromellose and water
Free From:
- Sugar, Starch, Dairy, Soy, Casein, MSG, Salicylates, Wheat, Yeast, Gluten, Artificial Colors or Flavors, Preservatives, Animal Derivatives
How to Use No-Fenol
Dosage Instructions
One (1) capsule at the beginning of each meal. Capsules may be opened and contents mixed with food or beverage. However, dosing can be individualized based on your needs:
- Standard dose: 1 capsule with phenolic foods
- Frequency: Not necessarily with every meal. Some have found satisfactory results with once or twice per day dosing, indicating that optimal dosing may be dependent upon many factors.
- Flexibility: No upper limit has been established for enzyme dosing, and animal studies found no toxicity at dosing as high as 80,000 FXU per kilogram of body weight per day for 13 weeks.
Administration Tips
- Take at the beginning of meals for optimal effectiveness
- Capsules can be opened: You may open the No-Fenol capsules and mix with food or drink.
- Use care not to inhale enzyme powder when opening capsules
- Compatible with other enzymes: No-Fenol may be taken with other Houston Enzymes products.
When to Use No-Fenol
- Before eating fruits and vegetables high in polyphenols
- When dining out and uncertain about food preparation
- During periods when you want to expand your dietary variety
- No-Fenol is suggested primarily for those with known intolerances to phenolic compounds.
Storage and Safety
Storage Instructions
- Keep container closed and store at room temperature or in freezer, but do not place in refrigerator due to humid conditions.
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not use if tamper-proof seal is broken
Safety Considerations
Who should be cautious:
- This product may not be appropriate for those with known allergies to enzyme proteins, though non-specific mold allergies do not necessarily preclude use of fungal enzymes.
- Those with known anaphylactic allergic reactions to fungal proteins should NOT ingest fungal-derived enzymes.
Drug Interactions:
- No-Fenol can be taken with most medications. However, caution should be exercised when using sustained-release medications that use cellulose as part of the time-release mechanism, as it may affect dosing.
Medical Consultation:
- Consult your medical doctor for further advice, and err on the side of caution.
- Always consult healthcare providers if pregnant, nursing, or have medical conditions
Success Stories and Expectations
Many families have reported success with No-Fenol in allowing them to reintroduce previously problematic foods. The initial feedback from families indicates that this product has been successful in allowing them to add healthier options back into the diets of their kids without any complications.
What to expect:
- Gradual improvement in tolerance to phenolic foods
- Reduced sensitivity symptoms
- Expanded dietary options
- Better overall digestive comfort with fruits and vegetables
Complementary Products
Consider pairing No-Fenol with other Houston Enzymes products for comprehensive digestive support:
- TriEnza: Also check out our TriEnza Chewable which has some of the main enzyme from No-Fenol, plus other enzymes for carbs, fats and proteins.
- Other Houston Enzymes digestive supplements as recommended by your healthcare provider
Getting Started
- Start slowly: Begin with one capsule with your most problematic phenolic foods
- Monitor your response: Keep track of symptoms and improvements
- Adjust as needed: Work with your healthcare provider to optimize dosing
- Be patient: Give your body time to adjust to the expanded diet
- Maintain a food diary: Track which foods work best with No-Fenol support
No-Fenol represents a breakthrough for individuals with phenol and salicylate sensitivities, offering the potential to enjoy a more varied and nutritious diet. By supporting the breakdown of plant cell walls and the processing of polyphenolic compounds, No-Fenol can help unlock the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables that were previously off-limits.
Remember that individual responses may vary, and it's always best to work with a qualified healthcare professional to develop the most appropriate approach for your specific needs.
FDA Disclaimer:
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.
