Epepsin enzyme is a type of digestive enzyme. Enzymes found in the stomach have a very important role in the process of digestion and absorption of protein in food. Klack or excess of the enzyme pepsin can causedisturbance digestion.
As soon as food enters the mouth, the stomach produces gastric juices. This fluid consists of water, mucus, electrolytes, digestive enzymes, and hydrochloric acid, also known as stomach acid. This hydrochloric acid functions to convert pepsinogen, a substance made by cells in the lining of the stomach wall, into the enzyme pepsin.
Pepsin Enzyme Function
The main function of the pepsin enzyme is to break down the protein structure in food into amino acids. The body performs this process to facilitate the absorption of nutrients in the intestines. This protein breakdown process only occurs if the acid level or pH in the stomach is in the range of 1.5 to 2. The pepsin enzyme will not work if the gastric pH is above 4.
Due to Excess or Lack of Pepsin Enzyme
The enzyme pepsin plays an important role in the digestive process. Therefore, if the levels are less or even too much, it will cause the digestive system to work not optimally.
Problems in the digestive system that can arise due to excess or deficiency of the enzyme pepsin are:
stomach ulcer
When the amount of gastric acid and pepsin enzymes present in the stomach is excessive, the protective mechanisms of the stomach and intestinal walls will be problematic. As a result, the mucosa or walls of the stomach and small intestine will be eroded and unable to defend themselves from stomach acid.
This is what causes peptic ulcer disease. Stomach ulcers don't always cause symptoms. If there is, it is usually in the form of pain in the pit of the stomach, burning and burning stomach, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, and bleeding in the stomach.
To treat peptic ulcers, the main focus is to reduce the acid in the stomach. This is done by taking drugs that block stomach acid, drugs that protect the lining of the stomach and small intestine, stop smoking, avoid alcohol consumption, and stay away from foods that can increase stomach acid.
Impaired protein absorption
The pepsin enzyme functions to convert proteins into amino acids. Lack of the pepsin enzyme will certainly interfere with this process and ultimately inhibit the absorption of nutrients from foods that contain protein. Over time this can lead to malnutrition.
Symptoms of malnutrition can include chronic diarrhea, weight loss, hair loss, swelling in the body, frequent infections, bleeding easily, and wounds that are difficult to heal.
In addition to the two diseases above, disorders of the pepsin enzyme or gastric juices are also said to increase a person's risk of developing other diseases, such as gastritis or gastric inflammation, thyroid disorders, eczema, anemia, and osteoporosis.
To overcome the lack of the enzyme pepsin, several ways that can be done are:
- Taking supplements or medications that can increase the amount of the enzyme pepsin.
- Undergoing a special diet that can increase the production of the enzyme pepsin.
- Take supplements that can help launch metabolism.
- Live a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking or drinking alcohol, exercising regularly, and reducing stress.
Whatever the cause, health problems due to problems with the pepsin enzyme are conditions that need to be checked by a doctor. The doctor will determine the diagnosis and provide treatment according to the cause of the disorder.