Pepsin

🧪 What is Pepsin?

A digestive enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. It’s activated by stomach acid and plays a key role in protein digestion.

🤔 Why do I have a Deficiency in Pepsin?

A pepsin deficiency usually happens when your body isn’t producing enough stomach acid (hydrochloric acid), which is essential to activate pepsin. Without enough acid, pepsin stays inactive and protein digestion is impaired.

Low Stomach Acid (Hypochlorhydria) – Without enough stomach acid, pepsin can’t activate. This is often linked to aging, stress, poor diet, or long-term use of acid-reducing medications.
Antacid or PPI Use – Medications like proton pump inhibitors reduce stomach acid, which in turn decreases pepsin activity.
Poor Eating Habits – Overeating, eating too fast, or irregular meal patterns can disrupt stomach acid production and enzyme function.
Stress – Chronic stress interferes with digestion and can suppress stomach acid and enzyme release.

🛠️ What Can I Do About It?

🍎 Support Stomach Acid Production – Try drinking diluted apple cider vinegar before meals, eating bitter foods like arugula or ginger, and avoiding excessive water during meals.
🚫💊 Avoid Long-Term Use of Acid-Reducing Medications – Consider reducing reliance on antacids or PPIs (with proper guidance) to avoid suppressing stomach acid and pepsin activation.
💧 Stay hydrated – Drink water between meals, but avoid excessive intake during meals to prevent dilution of stomach acid.
💊 Take Digestive Enzymes with Pepsin – Look for supplements containing pepsin and betaine HCl to help support protein digestion.
🍗 Eat Protein Smart – Opt for easily digestible proteins like eggs, fish, or cooked legumes, and avoid heavy meals when stomach acid is low.
🧘‍♀️ Manage Stress - Practice deep breathing, light exercise, and relaxation techniques to reduce stress and support digestion.

💊 Which Supplements Can Help with a Pepsin Deficiency?

Betaine HCl – Supports stomach acid levels, aiding pepsin activation.
Probiotics – Promote gut health and improve digestion.
DGL licorice or aloe vera – Soothe the stomach lining if irritation occurs.
Zinc carnosine – Supports stomach health and mucosal protection.

🌟 Why Might I have a Deficiency to Pepsin but Not Other Digestive Enzymes?

Low Stomach Acid (Hypochlorhydria) – Pepsin needs stomach acid to activate. Low acid means pepsin stays inactive, while other enzymes may still work fine.
Specific Enzyme Production Issues – Pepsin production is linked to stomach acid, so factors like stress or medications may affect pepsin more than other enzymes.
Reflux or GERD – Acid reflux can push pepsin into the esophagus, making it seem deficient while other enzymes remain unaffected.
Digestive Imbalance – Imbalances in gut health can affect protein digestion, highlighting pepsin deficiencies more than issues with carbs or fats.

🍽️ Foods to Avoid with a Pepsin Deficiency

Fatty and Fried Foods: Hard to digest and can strain digestion.
Processed Foods: Disrupt digestion and irritate the gut.
Dairy Products: Can be difficult to digest with low stomach acid.
Spicy Foods: May irritate the stomach lining and worsen reflux.
Caffeinated and Carbonated Beverages: Irritate the stomach and disrupt digestion.
Citrus and Acidic Foods: Can irritate the stomach if acid is low.

🍽️ Foods that Support a Pepsin Deficiency

Ginger: Stimulates stomach acid production and supports digestion.
Bone Broth: Rich in amino acids that help heal the gut and support digestion.
Fermented Foods: Foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir help promote gut health.
Leafy Greens: Bitter greens like dandelion, arugula, and spinach support digestion and acid production.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Can help increase stomach acid when taken before meals.
Lean Proteins: Easy-to-digest proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish.
Oats and Whole Grains: Provide fiber and help support overall gut health.