The Unexpected Challenge of Going Gluten-Free
When I first removed wheat from my diet, I expected my digestive issues to go away. But despite my best efforts, I was still experiencing mild symptoms. Frustrated, I spoke with my nutritionist to understand what was going on. She explained that gut health is complex, and wheat wasn’t necessarily the only culprit—other foods could also be contributing to my digestive discomfort.
Exploring the Role of Digestive Enzymes
Because I couldn’t commit to a full FODMAP elimination diet at the time, my nutritionist suggested digestive enzymes as an interim step to help manage symptoms while I continued learning about my body’s needs. She explained that digestive enzymes come in two main types: those with added acid and those without. Since everyone’s digestion is different, she recommended trying both types to see which worked best for me.
She also mentioned a simple burp test to determine if I needed additional acid support—a topic I plan to cover in a future post. I wasn’t sure if I’d notice a difference, but after repeated use, I consistently experienced fewer symptoms, especially in situations where I previously struggled.
A Travel-Friendly Solution
At the time, I was about to embark on a two-week road trip, where I’d be camping and sharing bathrooms. I needed a practical and accessible way to manage my symptoms while on the go. My nutritionist suggested starting with Enzyme Medica’s Enzyme Gold (the version without HCl) as a first step. Given the time crunch, rigorous self-testing wasn’t an option, so I decided to give it a try.
The Results: A Noticeable Improvement
To my relief, the enzymes helped significantly. Throughout my trip, I experienced far fewer digestive issues and felt much more confident when eating out. Since I couldn’t always verify ingredient lists at restaurants, I was especially concerned about cross-contamination or having a server who wasn’t knowledgeable about gluten. While I did have one instance of gluten exposure, taking the enzymes helped me manage the effects and eased my anxiety about future exposures.
Beyond just the physical relief, having digestive enzymes on hand made my trip much more enjoyable. I wasn’t constantly worried about symptoms, discomfort, or navigating shared bathroom spaces. Instead, I could focus on the experience and enjoy my time away.
Continuing the process
Since that trip, digestive enzymes have become a regular part of my routine. I make sure to take them whenever I eat food prepared by someone else, especially in social settings where I can’t be sure about cross-contamination or ingredients. While many people are well-intentioned when accommodating dietary restrictions, they may not fully understand how prevalent wheat is in processed foods.
I started with Enzyme Medica’s Enzyme Gold because it was what my nutritionist recommended, but there are many enzyme options out there. It took some trial and error to find what worked best for me, and I know that everyone’s digestive system is different. This post isn’t meant to replace professional advice, but rather to share my experience in case it helps someone else.
Key Points
- Managing gluten intolerance isn’t always as simple as removing wheat—many factors can contribute to digestive symptoms.
- My nutritionist recommended digestive enzymes as a practical aid while I continued learning about my body’s needs.
- I found success with Enzyme Medica’s Enzyme Gold, which reduced my symptoms and helped me feel more confident while traveling.
- Digestive enzymes are now a part of my regular routine, especially when eating food prepared by others.
Reactions and Next Steps
What did you think when you read about my experience with digestive enzymes? Have you tried using them or other strategies to manage gluten intolerance? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s create a space where we can learn from and support each other!
If you found this post helpful and aren’t yet subscribed, please consider subscribing. I’ll email you occasional updates to help you navigate gluten-free living with confidence. Simply enter your email below and click subscribe!
Additional Information
At the time of writing this post, no financial compensation was derived from any of the sources, products, or people mentioned. I only share products that have personally helped me.
References: Cleveland Clinic. (March 3, 2025). Low FODMAP diet. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22466-low-fodmap-diet
Update History None.
