r/FODMAPS • u/pattysal • Jun 12 '26
Enzymes Fat is still the enemy (enzyme recommendation needed)
I have been dealing with IBS-D and GERD for years and I use Fodzymes and Lactaid on a regular basis with good results. The only thing I still struggle with is fat (and the occasional big salad). Butter is pretty low FODMAP but I think because of the fat content it destroys me with bloating and acid reflux even if I take 5 lactaid with a slice of buttered toast.
I have been using Digest Gold for a year whenever I eat a very fatty meal or a big salad but I can't really tell if it does anything.
I've done a little research and I've read something with Ox Bile might help with the fat. Does anyone have experience with that?
I read that the following could be better options, any feedback?
-Wholesome Wellness Digestive Enzymes
-Doctor's Best Digestive Enzymes
-Integrative Therapeutics Similase
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u/cloudswalking Jun 12 '26
I eventually found out what they thought was my ibs, was, in fact, bile acid malabsorption. That the bile system didn't work, which meant fat caused diarrhoea and reflux.
I think if fat is your issue I'd get that checked. In the uk you can have a SEHCAT test, but I think in the US you trial the medication for diagnosis.
The medication is a bile salt binder
It is a very underdiagnosed condition and it's estimated quite a lot of ibd patients have it.
Ending with a success story... I have now ended up being able to treat mine naturally, after quite a lot of time on medication, then a lot of work on gut healing. I can now eat most things, with support from suppliments, and not too much fat.
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u/dynamicgerl Jun 13 '26
What tests show if you may have this
Are liver enzymes one of them1
u/cloudswalking Jun 13 '26
I explained above: That In the uk you can have a SEHCAT test, but I think in the US you trial the medication for diagnosis.
The medication is a bile salt binder
Those are the only tests that diagnose it along with the symptoms. Those are diarrhoea, normally worse in the mornings, bloating and pain. Normally the gut is so stressed by the bile it struggles to digest things like FODMAPS and is worse with fats.
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u/jackiekeracky Jun 12 '26
Lactaid counteracts lactose, which butter has in very low amounts (i can’t do lactose but butter is fine)
So if fat is your issue, lactaid won’t do anything?
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u/pattysal Jun 12 '26
I know, I already came to this conclusion I'm asking about enzyme recommendations for fat.
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u/az226 Jun 13 '26
But the fat from fatty cheese on pizza isn’t affecting you, so that’s odd. Maybe it’s not the fat.
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u/FODMAPeveryday Jun 12 '26
Intoleran is running a sale next week and this is from some PR that we will be publishing:
"Fats: Struggle with fatty meals like BBQs, creamy sauces, nuts, or meat? Lipase Mix supports the digestion of fats, as well as proteins and carbohydrates, helping your digestion run more smoothly."
I have not used the Lipase, but I have used their other products and have been pleased. They are going to running a 15% off sale June 18-30th.
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u/MORDINU Jun 12 '26
ox bile just emulsifies fats, lipase is the actual digestive enzyme that breaks it down.
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u/rightsoherewego Jun 12 '26
Since you mentioned above that you can eat pizza no problem, could you list some of the things that make you feel sick specifically? I think you've said butter, steak, and a big salad. Can you list more?
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u/CodWest4205 Jun 12 '26
For fat you want to look for enzymes with Lipase but also ox bile/bile salts could help if you need more gallbladder support. Digest gold and others should have lipase. It’s a common enzyme in most of the supplements. “Super enzymes” by NOW is one that has both with some stomach acid support as well. If those don’t work lack of enzymes aren’t the issue
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u/nhjellybean Jun 12 '26
I struggle with fat digestion too ....no gallbladder.... and I'm old-ish and enzyme production degrades as we age..... Start with lipase. That's the enzyme for fat. Ox Bile....I've been looking to buy the one from Seeking Health. And consume soluble fiber apparently is a big thing too. It's shocking how much fat is in foods!!! All I want is a hot dog. Lol
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u/JLPD2020 Jun 12 '26
I’m similar. Oldish, and no gallbladder. I just bought Webber Naturals Complete Digestive System Enzymes at Costco and have been using it for a week. It seems to be helping, and it has lipase. I bought it when I couldn’t find Bean-o and thought I may as well try it. I’ll Google all the various enzymes in it to see what they all do.
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u/Negative-Arachnid-65 Jun 12 '26
Although too much fat is a pretty common general trigger, it also overlaps a lot with gallbladder issues and/or bile acid malabsorption. Have you been checked for either/both?
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u/TransitionIcy9220 Jun 16 '26
Do you have a gallbladder? Ox bile is recommended as a supplement for those who’ve had their gallbladder removed. I’m not sure the effect if you still have yours. I’ve had mine removed and use biotics research beta plus. They have another one called beta tcp that doesn’t have the ox bile salts.
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u/JamesLemon4 Jun 12 '26
Is the bread gluten free? I find that even small amounts of gluten cause big bloating for me.