Dr. Willian H. Philpott has carried out pioneering investigations into the efficacy of pancreatic enzyme supplementation for people with food allergies. The pancreas is one of the prime but least often identified target organs for the allergic/intolerance process. It is also an important endocrine gland for the secretion of the hormone insulin.
Gastric digestion occurs in an acidic pH (1.8 to 2.0), whereas the small intestine functions in an alkaline medium (pH 8.0 to 9.0). The stomach secretes hydrochloric acid to achieve this acidic pH; the small intestine and pancreas produce bicarbonate to neutralize this and achieve the alkaline effect.
In addition, the pancreas secretes important digestive enzymes: proteolytic carbozymes (such as trypsin, chymotrypsin and carboxypeptidase) to digest protein, lipase to digest fats and pancreatic amylases to digest starches. These enzyme processes are known to be regulated by tissue hormones called kinins.
Lack of proper digestion may cause food to retain its antigenic characteristics – thus it will still have a wheat, milk, banana, etc. character and be capable of generating an antibody response when it reaches the bloodstream. This will aggravate or precipitate food allergy and intolerance in susceptible individuals.
Philpott’s approach was to minimize or defeat pancreatic deficiency where it existed. This was achieved by supplementing acids and alkalis to achieve the correct pHs, and by pancreatic enzyme replacement. His recommended regimen in full is as follows:
With main meals: 30 minutes before each meal take two tablets of pancreatic enzyme extract.
At the commencement of the meal: if the gastric acid (by saliva test) is shown to be low, take betaine hydrochloride or similar acidic replacement. This is best taken in conjunction with gastric enzyme pepsin and pancreatic concentrate.
After the meal: take two more tablets of pancreatic enzyme extract.
Thirty minutes after the end of the meal: take a further tablet of pancreatic extract, a tablet of bromolain with papain, and a half teaspoon of alkali salts mix (sodium and potassium bicarbonate).
At bed time: take five tablets of pancreatic enzyme extract and two bromolain with papain tablets.
At 2. a. m: take five tablets of pancreatic enzyme extract, 2 tablets of bromolain with papain.
This programme needs to be maintained for two to four months and then reduced according to the patient’s needs.
The approximate amount of acid or alkali needed for each individual can be judged by taking readings of saliva pH before the meal, 30 minutes after the meal and one hour after the meal. Normal saliva pH is 6.4 to 6.8. If it is below 6.4 before a meal this means the patient is producing too much gastric acid; accordingly this acid should not be supplemented. If the saliva is higher than 6.8, the betaine hydrochloride will be necessary.
Patients with proven pancreatic insufficiency will need an aggressive nutritional programme to restore the balance of lost nutrients, which may have taken place over many years.
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A Note On Betaine (from Life Extension)
What is Betaine? There is confusion about the terms TMG, betaine, and betaine HCL. TMG stands for “Trimethylglycine”, which is the chemical term for betaine. TMG is sometimes sold under the name “anhydrous betaine” (TMG without water), “betaine monohydrate” (TMG with one water molecule), “glycine betaine”, or “oxyneurine”. Betaine has a pH between 5 and 8, which is neutral. It is more than twice as soluble in water as Betaine HCL, has a lower molecular weight, and is manufactured differently. Good quality betaine comes from sugar beets through a complex extraction method, that does not introduce any harmful solvents.  Betaine HCL (betaine hydrochloride) is betaine with hydrochloric acid. It is sold as a digestive aid due to its strong acidity. Betaine HCL is usually synthesized, whereas TMG is made from sugar beets. There are no published studies on whether betaine HCL can function as a methyl donor to lower homocysteine and elevate SAMe. Although this is theoretically possible, its extreme acidity (a pH of 1) makes it an unlikely candidate for chronic use. Some clinicians have tried to use betaine HCL to lower homocysteine, but found that compliance was low, with most patients refusing to continue taking it. Several companies have been marketing betaine HCL as TMG (betaine HCL is cheaper), so one should be careful. Fortunately, the acidity of betaine HCL makes it easy to recognize. Simply open the capsule, or chew the tablet, and see if it burns your tongue. If it does, it is probably betaine HCL. Real TMG is somewhat sweet, not acidic. If the TMG is part of a multivitamin formula, look at the dose. If it is 50 mg or less, it is probably betaine HCL. Remember that 500 mg is the suggested dose of TMG, while 50 mg is the suggested dose of betaine HCL. There are companies mislabelling TMG, so always use the taste test. If you want to lower homocysteine, raise SAMe, and increase methylation, make sure you are purchasing pure-grade TMG. And remember, TMG should always be taken with its vitamin co-factors for the best effect – preferably in the morning. |