<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Due to an ulcer, I took these products for years. Same with a friend of mine - he took them for 12 years. Both of us are having significant digestive problems (indigestion, pain...) from long term use. I have trouble digesting practically any meal without enzyme capsules for support! He is having to replenish his stomach's normal flora (normal bacteria) with Lactobacillus capsules and powder, in addition to all kinds of enzymes and hydrochloric acid supplements. But he has improved tremendously. Hydrochloric acid (HCL acid) has many important functions in the body and these products block it's production. On a rare occasion, it most likely is harmless and helps temporarily for some. But it is harmful to many if taken frequently. HCL acid helps w/digestion and vitamin absorption in addition to many other things. Incompletely digested food obviously causes numerous unpleasant problems like many with CD have after ingesting gluten. It also leaves toxins laying in our GI systems that can lead to bowel disease. Pharmaceutical companies make a fortune off these - so don't expect them to inform you of these potential long term side effects. If you are having indigestion, there are many possible reasons. You could be intolerant to some food or it could have hidden glutens. Masking the symptoms doesn't solve the problems. If it's related to dairy or beans/legumes, you may need enzymes to assist you with digestion. There are numerous products (try a healthfood store for GF ones) to help with that. If it seems like it's with all foods - you may need to see a naturapath or GI doc and try a short term diet to rest your GI tract. General enzymes are available from Prevail and Nature's Way, etc. that assist the body in breaking down most componenets in foods (they will say Lipase for fat, Cellulase for plant fibers, Lactase for dairy, etc... on the label). But make sure the enzymes are plant based - not animal based. It's more natural to the body. (FYI - Stress can also encourage indigestion!) ** Lots of carbos (breads, pasta, etc.) can be too difficult to digest and cause these problems, too. That is too common and unrecognized by most people. Our bodies are NOT meant to ingest lots of refined carbos, dairy products and sugar - though we love them. They are hard on our adrenal glands, encourage weight gain and most lack much nutrition. Think about what people ate years ago before food was so refined, preserved and processed. Lots of fresh veggies, some grains and fruits. Sounds good to me! ** One last suggestion, read up on food-combining. Some people do better if they don't mix proteins and carbohydrates in the same meal. This could just be a temporary change - for a few months. Sometimes, I do much better that way. Others do fine and really benefit from the Zone type diets. Not all diets are good for everyone - as those with CD know! Try books like "Fit for Life" available in most bookstores. I'm a nurse but this info is not intended to be medical advice. Just things I've learned through my experience and journey into better health with my Naturapath's guidance. Hope it helps! I don't use Zantac and Alka Seltzer by the box each month - a box may last past the expiration date now! I've banished Zantac from my home. ** Remember - these annoying little digestive problems are our body's signal that something is WRONG. It's NOT normal nor is it something to just mask. It might backfire in the long term! Take care of your body! Kimber