Navigating the world of digestive enzymes can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with specific digestive challenges. At Houston Enzymes, we understand that every person's digestive needs are unique. That's why Dr. Devin Houston, our enzyme biochemist with over 30 years of research experience, has developed a targeted approach to enzyme supplementation.
This comprehensive guide will help you identify the right Houston Enzymes product for your specific digestive concerns using our proven decision tree approach.
Understanding Your Digestive Challenges
Before diving into product recommendations, it's important to identify your primary digestive concerns. Different symptoms often point to specific types of food intolerances or digestive insufficiencies.
Common digestive symptoms include:
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Gas and bloating after meals
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Undigested food in stool
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Loose stools or constipation
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Discomfort after eating certain foods
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Food sensitivities or intolerances
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Difficulty digesting fats, proteins, or carbohydrates
The Houston Enzymes Decision Tree
Starting Point: New to Enzymes?
If you're new to digestive enzymes or have a sensitive gut, start here:
Best Starter Products:
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Zyme Prime - Mild, low in proteases, excellent for sensitive digestive systems
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TriEnza - Broad-spectrum option for multiple food intolerances
Zyme Prime is our gentlest introduction to enzyme therapy. It's specifically formulated to be mild and shouldn't cause any digestive discomfort, making it perfect for those just beginning their enzyme journey.
Decision Tree: Choose Your Path
Path 1: Protein & Gluten/Dairy Concerns
Do you experience issues with:
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Gluten-containing foods (wheat, barley, rye)
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Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
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High-protein meals
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Following or considering a gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet
→ Recommended Products:
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AFP Peptizyde - High DPP IV activity, specialized for gluten and casein proteins
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TriEnza - Broad-spectrum alternative with protein-digesting capabilities
Key Points:
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AFP Peptizyde contains three different proteolytic enzymes that work specifically on food proteins
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Both products include DPP IV enzyme activity, crucial for breaking down gluten and casein
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Important: These products are NOT for celiac disease - maintain your gluten-free diet if you have celiac
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Start with low and slow dosing for high-protease products
Path 2: Carbohydrate & Sugar Issues
Do you experience:
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Gas and bloating from starches
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Lactose intolerance symptoms
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Discomfort from beans, grains, or vegetables
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Loose stools or digestive upset from carbohydrates
→ Recommended Products:
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Zyme Prime - Excellent for carbohydrate breakdown, tends to firm stools
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ZyCarb - Similar to Zyme Prime but less stool-firming
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Both include lactase for lactose intolerance support
Choosing Between Them:
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Choose Zyme Prime if you tend toward loose stools
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Choose ZyCarb if you're prone to constipation or want a gentler option
Path 3: Fat Digestion Challenges
Do you struggle with:
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High-fat meals causing discomfort
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Gas and bloating from fatty foods
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Taking fish oil or other fat-soluble supplements
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Digestive issues after gallbladder removal
→ Recommended Product:
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Lypazyme - Contains three different lipase enzymes for complete fat breakdown
Special Benefits:
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Helps prevent delayed stomach emptying from high-fat meals
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Excellent for those following ketogenic or high-fat diets
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Supports absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
Path 4: Fruits, Vegetables & Fiber Issues
Do you have problems with:
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Colorful fruits and vegetables
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Polyphenol-rich foods
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Fiber causing digestive discomfort
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"Shiners" under the eyes after eating certain foods
→ Recommended Product:
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No-Fenol - Specialized for polyphenolic foods and fiber breakdown
How It Works:
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Contains xylanase enzyme to break down plant cell walls
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Helps release nutrients from high-fiber foods
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May help with polyphenol sensitivity
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Can soften stools when used with other products
Path 5: Constipation Concerns
If occasional constipation is your primary concern:
→ Recommended Products:
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No-Fenol - Breaks down fiber to help soften stools
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ZyCarb - Less stool-firming than Zyme Prime
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Biomuve - Combines enzymes with probiotics and prebiotics
Biomuve Special Features:
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Contains 1 billion CFU probiotics per capsule
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Includes prebiotic botanicals and Actazin® kiwi fruit extract
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Shelf-stable - no refrigeration needed
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Can be taken with or without meals
Path 6: Multiple Food Intolerances
If you have multiple digestive challenges:
→ Recommended Product:
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TriEnza - Our most comprehensive broad-spectrum enzyme
What TriEnza Includes:
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All protease enzymes from AFP Peptizyde (for proteins)
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Enzymes from Zyme Prime (for carbohydrates and fats)
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Half the enzymes from No-Fenol (for polyphenolic foods)
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DPP IV activity for gluten and casein support
Recent Formula Updates (2023):
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Removed cellulase and glucanase to preserve beneficial gut bacteria
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Increased lipase, lactase, and invertase activities
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Added alpha-galactosidase for better vegetable digestion
Dosing Guidelines
General Dosing Principles:
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Dosing is based on meal size, not body weight or age
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Start with recommended dose and adjust as needed
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Larger or more challenging meals may require higher doses
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No toxicity concerns with higher enzyme doses
Specific Product Dosing:
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AFP Peptizyde: 1 capsule per meal (start low for high-protease products)
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TriEnza: 2 capsules per meal (can start with 1 and increase)
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Zyme Prime/ZyCarb: 1 capsule per meal, up to 4 for larger meals
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No-Fenol: 1 capsule per meal
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Lypazyme: 1-2 capsules with high-fat meals
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Biomuve: 1-2 capsules twice daily, with or without meals
Combining Products
Can you take multiple Houston Enzymes products together?
Yes! Our products are designed to work synergistically. Common combinations include:
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Zyme Prime + No-Fenol: For comprehensive carbohydrate and fiber support
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AFP Peptizyde + Lypazyme: For high-protein, high-fat meals
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Any enzyme + Biomuve: For additional probiotic support
Important Safety Information
Who should use caution:
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Those with active stomach or duodenal ulcers
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Severe bowel inflammation (blood in stools)
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Hemophilia or bleeding disorders
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Within a week of scheduled surgery
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Known allergies to Aspergillus enzyme proteins
General Safety Tips:
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Don't inhale enzyme powder when opening capsules
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Start with lower doses if you're new to enzymes
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Consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns
Getting Started: Your Next Steps
Step 1: Identify your primary digestive concern using our decision tree above
Step 2: Start with the recommended product for your specific needs
Step 3: Begin with the suggested starting dose
Step 4: Monitor your symptoms and adjust dosing as needed
Step 5: Consider adding complementary products if needed
Still Unsure? Start Here
If you're still uncertain which product to choose:
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For sensitive individuals: Start with Zyme Prime
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For multiple issues: Try TriEnza
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For specific protein concerns: Begin with AFP Peptizyde
Remember, finding the right enzyme combination is often a process of experimentation. Our products are designed to be safe and effective, so don't hesitate to try different options or combinations to find what works best for your unique digestive needs.
Expert Support
Dr. Devin Houston's 30+ years of enzyme research has gone into developing each of these targeted formulations. Every Houston Enzymes product is backed by scientific research and real-world results from thousands of satisfied customers.
For additional guidance or questions about our products, don't hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable customer support team. We're here to help you achieve optimal digestive health through targeted enzyme therapy.
Ready to start your journey to better digestion? Choose your Houston Enzymes product today and experience the difference that expertly formulated, targeted enzyme therapy can make in your daily life.
