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To get right into this topic, let's begin here: How do enzymes compare with a casein-free, gluten-free diet?

Some have wondered whether enzyme products can replace a casein-free, gluten-free diet. Enzymes are not a one-to-one equivalent for food elimination because enzymes accomplish much more than a restrictive diet. Remember that enzymes are specific to the foods they break down, so you need to have the right enzymes for the corresponding food type. If using enzymes instead of a restrictive diet is your goal, you need to look for a product specific and effective enough for this purpose. Many parents are using Peptizyde (and perhaps similar products) as an alternative to a casein-free, gluten-free diet and reporting that their children are showing immense improvement beyond what they saw on a restrictive diet, or even on a diet plus enzymes.

So, yes it is very possible. Each person will need to decide for him or herself whether this is the best course of action for their situation. Supplementing a restrictive diet with enzymes not only helps to reduce or inhibit the production of these potentially harmful peptides, but also to support digestion and ensure complete degradation of food such that they may not be problematic, and increase the availability of nutrients at the same time. Enzymes can be used with a restrictive diet to supplement the food elimination efforts.

Having an enzyme product that is at least as effective as a casein-free, gluten-free diet, or other diet type, has been critically important for those people who desire to try such a diet but cannot implement it round the clock due to circumstances beyond their control. In particular are those with older children or adults in their care, or those who do not personally provide full-time care for their child (as in divorce situations, or when other caregivers do not support an elimination diet).

In the case of Bio88+ (Plus), and many other "greens" products, if not all of them, if you are on a ‘gluten-free" diet because you are a celiac, you should not take anything which is in any way based upon wheat, rye, barley or oats – i.e., gluten containing grains. Any form of gluten can be an instant poisoning to your system.

There is a downside for people who must remain gluten-free. Gluten is a property of wheat, barley, oats and rye. Gluten is literally a poison to these people, especially to Ciliacs. Most "greens" products, dietary aids, are derived in part from whole grains including wheat, rye, barley and oats. If you are considering using a fruit/grain/vegetable derived greens product as a dietary supplement, make certain to do so only under the care of a physician.

Our next article, Part XIV, deals with doctors and some additional information not contained thus far in our series.

Disclaimer: These articles in no way should be taken as medical advice on any product or condition, nor do they constitute in any way medical advice endorsing any specific product, specific result, nor any possible cure for any condition or problem. They are meant as a source of information upon which you may base your decision as to whether or not you should begin using a greens product as a dietary supplement. If in doubt, or if you have questions, you should consult your physician and, if possible, consult a second physician for a possible different opinion. The author bears no responsibility for your decisions nor for the outcome of your actions based upon those decisions.
Copyright 2005, http://www.organicgreens.us and Loring Windblad.

About the Author

Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer. His latest business endeavor is at http://www.organicgreens.us The references for this series of articles is the author's personal knowledge and experience, the book "Enzymes for Autism and other Nurological Conditions".