Pepsin

🧪 What Is Pepsin?

Pepsin is a digestive enzyme produced in the stomach that helps break down dietary proteins into smaller peptides. It’s activated by stomach acid and plays a vital role in protein digestion and nutrient absorption.

🤔 Why might a Pepsin deficiency occur?

A pepsin deficiency often occurs when stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) is too low to activate pepsin. Without enough acid, pepsin remains inactive, and protein digestion becomes less efficient.

Possible contributing factors include:

• Low Stomach Acid (Hypochlorhydria): May result from aging, stress, poor diet, or long-term use of acid-reducing medications.

• Antacid or PPI Use: Medications like proton-pump inhibitors reduce stomach acid, lowering pepsin activity.

• Poor Eating Habits: Overeating, eating too quickly, or irregular meal timing can interfere with normal acid and enzyme release.

• Stress: Chronic stress can suppress stomach acid and enzyme secretion.

🛠️ How to Support Pepsin Function Naturally

• 🍎 Support Stomach Acid Production: Try diluted apple-cider vinegar before meals, include bitter foods (ginger, arugula), and avoid excessive water during meals.

• 🚫💊 Be Mindful of Long-Term Antacid Use: Work with a healthcare provider before changing medications that affect stomach acid.

• 💧 Stay Hydrated: Drink water between meals, but avoid over-hydration during meals to maintain proper acidity.

• 💊 Consider Digestive Enzyme Support: Formulas with pepsin and betaine HCl may help assist protein breakdown.

• 🍗 Choose Gentle Proteins: Opt for eggs, fish, or cooked legumes when digestion feels sluggish.

• 🧘‍♀️ Manage Stress: Deep breathing, mindfulness, and light exercise can help normalize digestive function.

💊 Nutrients and Supplements That May Help Support Pepsin Activity

• Betaine HCl: Helps maintain stomach acidity needed for pepsin activation.

• Probiotics: Support gut balance and overall digestive efficiency.

• DGL Licorice / Aloe Vera: Help soothe and protect the stomach lining.

• Zinc Carnosine: Supports mucosal integrity and healthy stomach function.

🌟 Why Might Pepsin Be Low While Other Digestive Enzymes Seem Normal?

• Low Stomach Acid: Pepsin depends directly on acid for activation; other enzymes (pancreatic or salivary) do not.

• Medication or Stress Effects: These may selectively suppress pepsin more than other enzymes.

• Reflux or GERD: Pepsin can move into the esophagus, reducing stomach availability.

• Digestive Imbalance: Gut dysbiosis can impair protein digestion, revealing pepsin-related challenges first.

🚫 Foods to Limit When Pepsin Activity Is Low

• Fatty or Fried Foods – harder to digest.

• Processed or Packaged Foods – may burden the gut.

• Dairy – often difficult to break down with low acid.

• Spicy Foods – can irritate the stomach lining.

• Caffeinated / Carbonated Drinks – may aggravate reflux.

• Citrus or Highly Acidic Foods – can irritate sensitive stomachs.

✅ Foods That Support Pepsin Function

• Ginger – stimulates stomach acid and digestive flow.

• Bone Broth – provides amino acids for gut repair.

• Fermented Foods – like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir support gut microbiota.

• Leafy Greens – bitters such as dandelion, arugula, spinach promote healthy acid levels.

• Apple Cider Vinegar – supports pre-meal acidity.

• Lean Proteins – chicken, turkey, and fish are easier to digest.

• Oats & Whole Grains – offer fiber that supports balanced digestion.
  
  

*For educational purposes only.