I have been trying to help my stomach, it's been bad for years, I have had many people tell me I need to take digestive enzymes which I have begun taking, how do you know when you are taking the correct amount? do you go to heartburn or indigestion and then back off some or will that be to much?

I am assuming you have reflux heartburn? please be specific.

if so Increase the dosage until you get results. You may need betaine HCL also. If you end up taking ton of the stuff and get no relief then perhaps the cause is not lack of enzymes and HCL. These enzymes will not hurt you.

other things can cause heartburn including hiatial hernia.

Have you tried 1 tablespoon of coconut oil 3x day on an empty stomach?

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I think I have some candida/stomach issues, my stomach is usually kinda bloated, been that way for over 30 years, almost as far back as I can remember. I used anti-acids for years and then discovered enzymes and baking soda...haven't needed anti-acids since and have been taking enzymes (both animal and veg.) and was wondering if one per meal is enough or is there some way to judge if you are taking/getting enough or can you take to much? Will your body get used to them and depend on them? Basically how do you know when you have proper digestive enzyme levels in the stomach?

How good is your everyday diet? General principle according to the system I work in is simple and not highly flavoured, using fresh, natural ingredients. Mainstay of the diet is wholegrains and vegetables, mostly cooked, then some pulses (beans / lentils), a few nuts, and a small amount of animal products (not dairy) if that's your thing (it's not mine). With your symptoms you should be avoiding anything irritating like hot spicy or greasy fried food. Also refined flour and sugar products should be absolutely minimised.

If your everyday diet is not sorted out, then you are likely to have digestive problems.

Avoid overeating and avoid overfilling your stomach with liquid while eating. Sit down and relax at proper mealtimes and don't eat too late at night.

This means buying basic ingredients and preparing them yourself. Cheap, healthy and joyful!

You could also try gently massaging the point about 1 inch above your navel.

Another possible factor is stress. Are you feeling stressed?

Stressed...in this economy... It's hard not to be, and I agree it probably has something to do with my situation along with bad eating habits, antibiotics and the like.

I am trying to eat more healthy foods, cut out some of the bad and add probiotics and enzymes to my diet and hopefully help my stomach some, I just really have no idea how much enzymes are needed and I don't want to over do it, or for that matter under do it.

I appreciate all the help and suggestions!

Tomatoes are THE primary cause of indigestion. If you are a tomato eater, try eliminating tomatoes from your diet. I eat one or two pieces of candied ginger on the rare occasion when I have indigestion. Or, I consume a ginger ale, that works, too.