Betty Wedman- St Louis, PhD, RD
Digestion of carbohydrates and protein is very dependent on brush border enzymes in the small intestine (1). Deficiencies in these enzymes are common post surgery in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients. Symptoms of gastro-intestinal need for digestive enzyme replacement are: intestinal gas, abdominal discomfort, flatulence and diarrhea.
Adding the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardi and a bifidobacterum + lactobacillus probiotic may improve digestion, absorption and gut health (2).
These dietary supplements can be ordered from Emerson Ecologics 1-800-654-4432 using the codes below. Set up an account and tell customer service I am your nutritionist.
- Saccharomyces boulardi SACC2 60 capsules (take 1 or 2 per day)
- Vital 10 (5+billion) VIT56 100 capsules (take 1 to 3 per day)
Open the capsules and stir them into a shake or applesauce daily.
References
- Nelson-Dooley C & Olmstead SF. The critical role of brush border enzymes in digestion, absorption, and mucosal health. ProThera, Inc. Practitioner Newsletter, August 2016.
- Soo I, et al. Can J Gastroenterol 2008; 22:237-42.