Children on the autism spectrum have difficulty digesting their food properly. This means they do not absorb the nutrients from the foods they eat. This starves their brain of what it needs to function properly. Broad spectrum enzymes assist in the digestion of many foods including protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber.

Enzymes are naturally produced by the body unless the GI tract is not working properly. If so, digestion and absorption of nutrients and many other factors are effected. Enzymes can be very helpful when taken just before or with meals to help break down food particles, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The enzyme known as DPPIV helps break down the large proteins in wheat known as gluten, and casein in dairy.

When enzymes are taken away from food they can be helpful as little garbage collectors in the sense of cleaning up the toxic debris from various viral and bacterial issues.

Enzymes can be extremely helpful with the sensitive digestion needs of those with autism, ADHD, allergies, and more. By improving digestion there can be a reduction in inflammation in the GI tract, therefore, better overall health.

Keeping the gut healthy is crucial. The gut has receptors that make neurotransmitters for the brain such as serotonin which effects mood, appetite, and sleep, and GABA which acts to calm nerve function. Enzymes also act as little garbage collectors cleaning up toxic debris .

• Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) breaks down casomorphin (from casein) and gluteomorphins (from gluten)

• Proteases break down proteins

• Lactase breaks down lactose (found in dairy)

• Amylase for starch (carbohydrate) digestion

• Alpha-galactosidase breaks down beans and other fiber-rich foods

• Xylanase helps digest fruits and vegetables (phenolic foods)

• Beta-glucanase for fiber-rich vegetables and grains

• Lipase breaks down lipids or fats

• Bromelain and papain are enzymes derived from pineapple. They break down proteins. Note: Some people exhibit sensitivities to fruit or citrus, so watch for signs of this from your child.

Cellulase may interfere with some time-released, cellulose-based medications. Ask your doctor or check your labels for hydroxypropyl cellulose, or hypromellose. Some products come as “cellulose-free”.

Broad spectrum digestive enzymes are taken just prior to eating a meal for their assistance in digestion. This helps the body absorb nutrients for better health and well being. There are several great products available such as Trienza by Houston-Enzymes.  This formula has the added benefit of DPP-IV, a specific enzyme that breaks down the larger proteins in dairy and wheat products that can injure the gut lining and create toxins in the blood which make their way to the brain. This often triggers an allergic response to these foods. Trienza also comes in a chewable form.

The size of the meal often determines the dosage. Start slowly with half the recommended dosage and work your way up to the full amount over a 12-14 day period.

The beauty of broad spectrum enzymes is that they assist with so many different types of foods. We do not always know exactly what disturbs our digestion. This way we cover a multitude of possibilities with one product.

Please listen to my radio show interview with Dr. Devon Houston of Houston-Enzymes. It is show #44. You can find it here.

Devin Houston Ph.D.

Incorporator and CEO of Houston Nutraceuticals

Dr. Houston obtained a B.A. degree in Biology from Hendrix College in 1979. He then was awarded a B.S. degree in Medical Science in 1980 and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in 1987.

Dr. Houston’s graduate work focused on how the aging process affected certain enzyme systems.

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