Protease

🧪 What Is Protease?
Protease is a digestive enzyme found in the stomach, pancreas, and intestines. Its general role is to help break down proteins into smaller peptides during digestion. Protease activity is also present naturally in certain foods such as papaya (papain) and pineapple (bromelain). Some individuals may notice digestive discomfort when consuming protease-rich foods or supplements.

🤔 Why Might a Sensitivity or Low Response to Protease Occur?
A sensitivity or reduced response to protease may occur for several reasons related to digestion, enzyme balance, or overall system function:

• Stomach lining sensitivity: Protease activity is strong, and individuals with a sensitive stomach lining may notice discomfort when exposed to concentrated protease (especially in supplements).

• Digestive enzyme fluctuations: Natural enzyme output shifts based on diet, stress, and system demands, which may create temporary imbalances in protease activity.

• Pancreatic strain: Because protease is produced partly in the pancreas, any increased digestive demand may influence its output.

• Histamine responses: Some protease-rich foods (like fermented items) may contribute to histamine-related reactions in sensitive individuals.

• Supplement sensitivity: Concentrated protease supplements may feel more intense than food-based sources, creating temporary discomfort.

🛠️ What Can I Do About It?
💊 Consider using a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme that includes gentler, plant-based proteases such as bromelain or papain.
🍗 Choose proteins that are generally easier for the system to work with, such as eggs, fish, tofu, or slow-cooked meats.
💧 Maintain hydration to support natural digestive processes.
🔥 Support stomach acid balance with gentle measures, such as small amounts of bitters before meals (if tolerated).
🌱 Encourage overall gut comfort with fermented foods or probiotics (if tolerated) and by reducing highly processed food intake.

💊 Supportive General Supplements

• Plant-based digestive enzymes – Such as papain or bromelain for gentler protease support.

• Betaine HCl – Used by some individuals to support the general digestive environment.

• Probiotics – Support digestive balance and overall comfort.

• L-Glutamine – Helps support the intestinal lining.

• DGL licorice or aloe vera – Traditionally used to soothe the digestive tract.

🌟 Why Might a Sensitivity or Low Response to Protease Occur but Not Other Digestive Enzymes?

• Protein-specific demand: Protease supports protein digestion, and individuals may notice its absence more when consuming higher-protein meals.

• Pancreas-dependent: Protease relies strongly on pancreatic involvement, whereas other enzymes may have different production pathways.

• Supplementation patterns: Some individuals may react more strongly to protease supplements than to amylase or lipase.

• pH environment: Protease is more sensitive to shifts in stomach or intestinal pH, which may reduce its activity even if other enzymes function normally.

• Dietary habits: A diet higher in protein may create noticeable digestive differences compared to diets lower in protein.

🍽️ Foods That May Feel Harder to Tolerate When Protease Response Is Low

• Dense animal proteins

• Heavily fermented foods

• Protease-rich fruits (pineapple, papaya)

• Concentrated enzyme blends

• Meals high in both protein and fat

🍽️ Foods That May Offer More Support

• Papaya or pineapple (gentler, natural proteases)

• Herbal digestive supports such as ginger, fennel, or peppermint

• Balanced meals with moderate, not excessive, protein

• Meals that incorporate alkaline-forming foods

• Cooked foods over raw, as they require less digestive breakdown