Re: Should I take supplemental digestive enzymes?

ZymeMax looks like a good combo...although I wouldn't fall back on it for probiotics. Usually the probiotics in combination formulas are not as effective. They won't hurt...but they're not the same quality as a 'pure' probiotic.

Hydrochloric acid is the acid produced in your stomach...also referred to as HCL or betaine HCL. Lots of people are also low in it as well...curiously even some people who experience acid stomach, refllux or heartburn. There are sophisticated ways of testing it involving pH, etc....but the easiest way is to get some HCL tablets from a health food store and try one...or two...or three. If at any point you experience a burning sensation you know that you need to take a dosage less than whatever caused the 'burn'. If just one causes this reaction use a digestive enzyme that doesn't contain it. You can neutralize the 'burn' with bicarbonate of soda...baking soda in water or Alka Seltzer Gold.

Part of the reason sufficient hydrochloric acid is important is because it signals the pancreas to release other digestive enzymes. It is essential in the digestion of protetin and also assists in destroying bacteria and parasites. If you tolerate it with no problem you should definitely include it.