Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes

MtherGoos · 09-07-2010, 06:37 PM

I asked this on the P3 thread, but didn't get any answer, so I'm hoping maybe somebody can help me with this. This is the only part about the Protocol so far that I don't understand.

Can you explain more about the probiotics to me?

I'm not on P3 yet, but planning ahead. When do you start taking them and exactly what do they do? Why do you need them? Does it cause problems if you don't take them? What about the digestive enzymes? What do they do? Sorry for the stupid questions, I tried googling them, but didn't find the info very helpful as it pertains to an HCG way of eating.

Thanks for your help!!

dawnyama · 09-08-2010, 05:11 AM

I don't believe anyone answered your ?s because I believe it was answered a few posts before yours!! Here is what sassy had to say about it"

"LOL I jumped right into 3000+ calories my first day of P3!! First I'd suggest you start taking probiotics/enzes as the increase of fats can cause your digestive tract some discomfort. Some people start by doubling or tripling their protein portions then slowly adding in the fat. YMMV, the transition really is different for different people."

HTH!!

paulabob · 09-08-2010, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtherGoos

Can you explain more about the probiotics to me?

I'm not on P3 yet, but planning ahead. When do you start taking them and exactly what do they do? Why do you need them? Does it cause problems if you don't take them? What about the digestive enzymes? What do they do? Sorry for the stupid questions, I tried googling them, but didn't find the info very helpful as it pertains to an HCG way of eating.

I didn't answer cause I'm not sure why people take probiotics on P3 unless they have active candida. It fights the bacteria caused by carbs...although perhaps excessive fats disturb the bacteria balance in the gut. Anyways, some have found it helpful! I always have a candida flare...but my probiotics are not high quality and I've been ignoring them in favor of my coconut oil.

The digestive enzymes are for people that don't produce enough HCL in their stomachs. Probably all of us were producing less just because we ate so little in P2. The enzymes are great for people with any stomach issues helps get the pH right in our stomachs to digest all the new food.

Someone once posted calories to ramp up to during the first days of P3. I think next time I'll try that...I think slow is key at least for my body.

Speaking of supplements I did just purchase some biotin and will be taking it during my next round. I want to keep my hair!

dawnyama · 09-08-2010, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulabob

I didn't answer cause I'm not sure why people take probiotics on P3 unless they have active candida. It fights the bacteria caused by carbs...although perhaps excessive fats disturb the bacteria balance in the gut. Anyways, some have found it helpful! I always have a candida flare...but my probiotics are not high quality and I've been ignoring them in favor of my coconut oil.

The digestive enzymes are for people that don't produce enough HCL in their stomachs. Probably all of us were producing less just because we ate so little in P2. The enzymes are great for people with any stomach issues helps get the pH right in our stomachs to digest all the new food.

Someone once posted calories to ramp up to during the first days of P3. I think next time I'll try that...I think slow is key at least for my body.

Speaking of supplements I did just purchase some biotin and will be taking it during my next round. I want to keep my hair!

Probiotics are NOT just for those with candida!!! If you have been on any type of antibiotic you need to take probiotics.

sassy_red · 09-08-2010, 12:52 PM

One can argue it's mostly the enzymes (which work to break down individual types of food material) that most people need going from a very low-fat diet to one much (MUCH!) higher in fat, but don't knock the probiotics. They're good for keeping you regular, keeping your digestive track moving along and making sure things like bloating and gas don't arise. A probiotic supplement is particularly helpful for people who have candida overgrowth (there's a whole forum here on LCF on the subject or Google it as it's a multi-faceted issue) or like Dawn mentioned have been on antibiotics or steroids before that threw your internal flora and digestive track out of whack.

Basically, it's the same thing you see on the Activia commercials, promoting that it makes you regular and helps regulate your digestive track. Of course while on protocol we can't have yogurt (

) but there's no reason we can't have the effects anyway.

MtherGoos · 09-08-2010, 01:25 PM

So I should go ahead and start taking it on P2, and it can't hurt, only help? Then when I move on to P3 I'll already be ready for it?

On 2 previous occassions, when I've tried a really low fat and low cal diet, when I would eventually fall off the wagon and eat other food, I would experience horrible pain. Sort of like heartburn from hell, and one time it even lasted for several days. Is this the kind of thing that the digestive enzymes and probiotics will help when I get to P3?

Thanks for taking the time to explain this all!!

sassy_red · 09-08-2010, 02:36 PM

Generally low-fat and low-calorie diets are very high in carbs and sugars, the perfect breeding ground (internally) for an overgrowth of Candida albacans, or yeast. The more yeast in your system, the more you're prone to numerous different symptoms both externally and internally.

I'm on my iPhone so can't do much but search, either on the web or this site, for Candida overgrowth and it's effects on the body. That's one of the reasons low-carb diets work to help this: the low-carb, sugar-free diet starves the yeast and forces it out of your body, but you need the beneficial flora (probiotics) to take it's place.

Both enzymes and probiotics are an excellent thing to add to your weightloss plan. Enzymes allow your foods to be broken down farther to get all the nutrients available, and the probiotics allow your body to work correctly in order to absorb these nutrients and eliminate everything else. Definitely in the transition between P2 to P3 they're very nice to have.

MtherGoos · 09-08-2010, 04:53 PM

Thanks Sassy!! Really appreciate all the help and great info! I'll order both this week.

sassy_red · 09-08-2010, 05:03 PM

If you head over to this week's HCG thread (for week 9/6/2010) you'll see a couple articles about probiotics and Candida. It's good reading and a decent place to start with information. I think they're on page 11, posted as quotes by Deb.

MtherGoos · 09-10-2010, 12:52 PM

One more quick question. I did find the Probiotics in some stores here in town, but I haven't been able to find the digestive enzymes. Does everybody usually just order them online, or have you found any regular stores that carry them?

sassy_red · 09-10-2010, 12:54 PM

I usually find them in the health stores (whatever's in your local mall, there's usually something). The bottle I have it's a probiotic/enzyme blend which I keep in the refrigerator (not necessary but it keeps the probiotic a while longer).

Good luck in your hunt!

julieboolie · 09-13-2010, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtherGoos

So I should go ahead and start taking it on P2, and it can't hurt, only help? Then when I move on to P3 I'll already be ready for it?

On 2 previous occassions, when I've tried a really low fat and low cal diet, when I would eventually fall off the wagon and eat other food, I would experience horrible pain. Sort of like heartburn from hell, and one time it even lasted for several days. Is this the kind of thing that the digestive enzymes and probiotics will help when I get to P3?

Thanks for taking the time to explain this all!!

Hi, just wanted to respond to this. What your describing actually sounds more like a gall bladder attack. Do you still have yours? Before I found Atkins I followed a low fat diet and the FDA's suggestions for years in trying to lose weight. Apparently that low-fat diet caused gall stones to form since I wasn't eating enough fat for the bile to have a job. It made stones instead. Then when I went on vacation and have a bacon and cheese omlette my gall bladder tried to secrete bile to digest that fat and couldn't, they were all stones, and then tried to pass a stone. Thought I would die!! Like a heart attack, and the pain was AWFUL, radiated around my back, shoulders, ribs etc. Just awful (and I have 2 kids!). So, just a thought, if you're going from low fat to high fat and get that kind of pain, check with your Dr. Sounds a lot like gall bladder to me (hope it's not though!)

MtherGoos · 09-13-2010, 12:48 PM

Thanks for the info Julie!! I really appreciate it. I do still have my gallbladder. Did you have to have yours out? That's what it was like too, the pain was awful!! The only time it has happened was when I would transitition from a strict diet to eating something off plan or fattier. One time it lasted 3 days and I was about to go to the ER, when it seemed to lessen.

julieboolie · 09-13-2010, 02:27 PM

Yep, that's exactly how mine was. I did have it out, about 8 years ago now. I'd get it checked out if I was you. The pain of passing a stone is awful!! You do NOT want to experience that!! Sorry! But better to deal with it before it's really a bigger problem.

j4Christ · 09-19-2010, 07:08 AM

About probiotics and digestive enzymes...Since I am a cheapskate I decided to just deal w/ bathrooms issues once I got into P3 rather than spend $$ on the supps. Well, I am on P3D6 and Bernice has shown up ONCE and just barely

Believe me, I am eating plenty of fat and drinking at least 64 oz. of water (or more). Any thoughts?

paulabob · 09-19-2010, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j4Christ

About probiotics and digestive enzymes...Since I am a cheapskate I decided to just deal w/ bathrooms issues once I got into P3 rather than spend $$ on the supps. Well, I am on P3D6 and Bernice has shown up ONCE and just barely

Believe me, I am eating plenty of fat and drinking at least 64 oz. of water (or more). Any thoughts?

Are you still taking magnesium?

j4Christ · 09-19-2010, 07:45 AM

No, I never took mag. Everytime I take it I get VERY lightheaded, almost dizzy. I'm not uncomfortable and it's not unusual for Bernice to be shy with me, but after reading the stories of those going from P2 to P3 I was expecting a bit more of a "show"!!

paulabob · 09-19-2010, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j4Christ

No, I never took mag. Everytime I take it I get VERY lightheaded, almost dizzy. I'm not uncomfortable and it's not unusual for Bernice to be shy with me, but after reading the stories of those going from P2 to P3 I was expecting a bit more of a "show"!!

Maybe you need a big dose of caffeine or chocolate? Just some ideas. I had a horrible time on P2 bernice wise, and things went back to regular on P3 for me... Lindt makes a nice 85% and a 90% chocolate that I used in P3.

catzrule · 09-19-2010, 01:18 PM

Me too. Bernice is still shy with me, even in P3. Maddening I tell ya. I've never had a problem.

j4Christ · 09-20-2010, 05:25 AM

yea, the only time Bernice made a BIG show was when I took some smooth move tea and that was not really fun (she showed up at work and didn't leave

)

PB-now the choc. sounds like a good remedy even if it doesn't work!! I drink ALOT of coffee so I best stay away from an additional caffeine hit.

Was the warm lemon water suggested for helping with this issue? Or was it for something else?

Wouldn't hurt to try.

09-07-2010, 06:37 PM	#1
MtherGoos Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 572 Gallery: MtherGoos Stats: 300.6/259.4/150 WOE: Atkins 72 Start Date: 2/22/13	Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes I asked this on the P3 thread, but didn't get any answer, so I'm hoping maybe somebody can help me with this. This is the only part about the Protocol so far that I don't understand. Can you explain more about the probiotics to me? I'm not on P3 yet, but planning ahead. When do you start taking them and exactly what do they do? Why do you need them? Does it cause problems if you don't take them? What about the digestive enzymes? What do they do? Sorry for the stupid questions, I tried googling them, but didn't find the info very helpful as it pertains to an HCG way of eating. Thanks for your help!! __________________ "A year from now, you'll wish you had started today" Started Induction 2/22/13 at 300.6 Mini Goals ~ 260 ~ Weigh less than my DBF- Made it! 250 ~ Weight I need to be under to Zip Line in Vegas with my daughter! 240 ~ Weight I need to be under to go SkyDiving with my niece!

09-08-2010, 12:52 PM	#5
sassy_red MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Central California Posts: 1,482 Gallery: sassy_red Stats: 230/192.2/145 - 5'8" WOE: HCG/Simeon's Protocol Start Date: 23 July '10 (R1P2) ~ 7 Sep '10 (R2P2)	One can argue it's mostly the enzymes (which work to break down individual types of food material) that most people need going from a very low-fat diet to one much (MUCH!) higher in fat, but don't knock the probiotics. They're good for keeping you regular, keeping your digestive track moving along and making sure things like bloating and gas don't arise. A probiotic supplement is particularly helpful for people who have candida overgrowth (there's a whole forum here on LCF on the subject or Google it as it's a multi-faceted issue) or like Dawn mentioned have been on antibiotics or steroids before that threw your internal flora and digestive track out of whack. Basically, it's the same thing you see on the Activia commercials, promoting that it makes you regular and helps regulate your digestive track. Of course while on protocol we can't have yogurt () but there's no reason we can't have the effects anyway. __________________ Sassy's HCG Journey R1P2 * Pre-load: 218.2 lbs ~ LDW: 204.0 - 14.2lbs lost!! R2P2 * Previous LDW: 204 ~ LDW: 192.2 - 11.8lbs lost!! 2010 Goal: 180 by Christmas!

09-20-2010, 05:25 AM	#20
j4Christ Major LCF Poster! Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,150 Gallery: j4Christ Stats: 160/156/110 5'2" w/ shoes	yea, the only time Bernice made a BIG show was when I took some smooth move tea and that was not really fun (she showed up at work and didn't leave) PB-now the choc. sounds like a good remedy even if it doesn't work!! I drink ALOT of coffee so I best stay away from an additional caffeine hit. Was the warm lemon water suggested for helping with this issue? Or was it for something else? Wouldn't hurt to try.

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09-08-2010, 05:11 AM	#2
dawnyama Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Irmo, SC Posts: 21,225 Gallery: dawnyama Stats: 154/???/115 5'4" WOE: Hhcg/Rwhatever P2 Start Date: 6/1/09	I don't believe anyone answered your ?s because I believe it was answered a few posts before yours!! Here is what sassy had to say about it" "LOL I jumped right into 3000+ calories my first day of P3!! First I'd suggest you start taking probiotics/enzes as the increase of fats can cause your digestive tract some discomfort. Some people start by doubling or tripling their protein portions then slowly adding in the fat. YMMV, the transition really is different for different people." HTH!!

09-08-2010, 01:25 PM	#6
MtherGoos Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 572 Gallery: MtherGoos Stats: 300.6/259.4/150 WOE: Atkins 72 Start Date: 2/22/13	So I should go ahead and start taking it on P2, and it can't hurt, only help? Then when I move on to P3 I'll already be ready for it? On 2 previous occassions, when I've tried a really low fat and low cal diet, when I would eventually fall off the wagon and eat other food, I would experience horrible pain. Sort of like heartburn from hell, and one time it even lasted for several days. Is this the kind of thing that the digestive enzymes and probiotics will help when I get to P3? Thanks for taking the time to explain this all!!

09-08-2010, 02:36 PM	#7
sassy_red MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Central California Posts: 1,482 Gallery: sassy_red Stats: 230/192.2/145 - 5'8" WOE: HCG/Simeon's Protocol Start Date: 23 July '10 (R1P2) ~ 7 Sep '10 (R2P2)	Generally low-fat and low-calorie diets are very high in carbs and sugars, the perfect breeding ground (internally) for an overgrowth of Candida albacans, or yeast. The more yeast in your system, the more you're prone to numerous different symptoms both externally and internally. I'm on my iPhone so can't do much but search, either on the web or this site, for Candida overgrowth and it's effects on the body. That's one of the reasons low-carb diets work to help this: the low-carb, sugar-free diet starves the yeast and forces it out of your body, but you need the beneficial flora (probiotics) to take it's place. Both enzymes and probiotics are an excellent thing to add to your weightloss plan. Enzymes allow your foods to be broken down farther to get all the nutrients available, and the probiotics allow your body to work correctly in order to absorb these nutrients and eliminate everything else. Definitely in the transition between P2 to P3 they're very nice to have.

09-08-2010, 04:53 PM	#8
MtherGoos Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 572 Gallery: MtherGoos Stats: 300.6/259.4/150 WOE: Atkins 72 Start Date: 2/22/13	Thanks Sassy!! Really appreciate all the help and great info! I'll order both this week.

09-08-2010, 05:03 PM	#9
sassy_red MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Central California Posts: 1,482 Gallery: sassy_red Stats: 230/192.2/145 - 5'8" WOE: HCG/Simeon's Protocol Start Date: 23 July '10 (R1P2) ~ 7 Sep '10 (R2P2)	If you head over to this week's HCG thread (for week 9/6/2010) you'll see a couple articles about probiotics and Candida. It's good reading and a decent place to start with information. I think they're on page 11, posted as quotes by Deb.

09-10-2010, 12:52 PM	#10
MtherGoos Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 572 Gallery: MtherGoos Stats: 300.6/259.4/150 WOE: Atkins 72 Start Date: 2/22/13	One more quick question. I did find the Probiotics in some stores here in town, but I haven't been able to find the digestive enzymes. Does everybody usually just order them online, or have you found any regular stores that carry them?

09-10-2010, 12:54 PM	#11
sassy_red MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Central California Posts: 1,482 Gallery: sassy_red Stats: 230/192.2/145 - 5'8" WOE: HCG/Simeon's Protocol Start Date: 23 July '10 (R1P2) ~ 7 Sep '10 (R2P2)	I usually find them in the health stores (whatever's in your local mall, there's usually something). The bottle I have it's a probiotic/enzyme blend which I keep in the refrigerator (not necessary but it keeps the probiotic a while longer). Good luck in your hunt!

09-13-2010, 12:48 PM	#13
MtherGoos Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Arizona Posts: 572 Gallery: MtherGoos Stats: 300.6/259.4/150 WOE: Atkins 72 Start Date: 2/22/13	Thanks for the info Julie!! I really appreciate it. I do still have my gallbladder. Did you have to have yours out? That's what it was like too, the pain was awful!! The only time it has happened was when I would transitition from a strict diet to eating something off plan or fattier. One time it lasted 3 days and I was about to go to the ER, when it seemed to lessen.

09-13-2010, 02:27 PM	#14
julieboolie Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sunny AZ Posts: 7,114 Gallery: julieboolie Stats: 272/147.6/140something Size 24/4-6-8/4-6 :) WOE: one day at a time!! LC! Start Date: July 14, 2003 - every day!!	Yep, that's exactly how mine was. I did have it out, about 8 years ago now. I'd get it checked out if I was you. The pain of passing a stone is awful!! You do NOT want to experience that!! Sorry! But better to deal with it before it's really a bigger problem.

09-19-2010, 07:08 AM	#15
j4Christ Major LCF Poster! Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,150 Gallery: j4Christ Stats: 160/156/110 5'2" w/ shoes	About probiotics and digestive enzymes...Since I am a cheapskate I decided to just deal w/ bathrooms issues once I got into P3 rather than spend $$ on the supps. Well, I am on P3D6 and Bernice has shown up ONCE and just barely Believe me, I am eating plenty of fat and drinking at least 64 oz. of water (or more). Any thoughts?

09-19-2010, 07:45 AM	#17
j4Christ Major LCF Poster! Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,150 Gallery: j4Christ Stats: 160/156/110 5'2" w/ shoes	No, I never took mag. Everytime I take it I get VERY lightheaded, almost dizzy. I'm not uncomfortable and it's not unusual for Bernice to be shy with me, but after reading the stories of those going from P2 to P3 I was expecting a bit more of a "show"!!

09-19-2010, 01:18 PM	#19
catzrule Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Connecticut Posts: 6,247 Gallery: catzrule Stats: 153.8/139.6/128 (5'3") WOE: Simeon's protocol - HCG Start Date: November 20, 2002	Me too. Bernice is still shy with me, even in P3. Maddening I tell ya. I've never had a problem.