Can Digestive Enzymes be Used with Gastritis Sufferers?

There is some concern and controversy about using certain types of digestive enzymes with gastritis. The issue is specifically about taking strong enzymes that help digest proteins (proteases), and it may be best for gastritis patients to look for enzyme formulas that have little or no proteases in them.

On the other hand, there are clinical studies indicating that taking proteases can have a beneficial effect on the healing of ulcers and tissues damaged by gastritis. So the issue is not completely clear.

One reason that people take protease enzymes, besides for improved digestion of proteins, is that that appear to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing. That’s generally considered a good thing. But they also tend to clean up the debris from inflammation and infection, leaving behind exposed, sensitive tissue.

If you have a bad scrape or wound that gets infected, but is scabbing over and generally nasty inside, the best treatment may involve a cleaning out of the wound. This is not going to feel good. The underlying tissue is irritated and inflamed. The nerves are “raw” and sensitive. The cleaning up process may even cause some bleeding, and any topical medication can sting.

Taking proteases with gastritis may be beneficial in the long run when carefully done, but can result in stabbing pain, stomach ache, irritation, and even a little bleeding. It is probably best to start with a low/no protease formula at first to improve the overall digestive process without the irritation from a strong protease formula. You can then add in a proteases separately (so you can control the dosage).

If you have discomfort, reduce the dose or stop them for a few days, then start again slowly. Pain is a warning sign! It’s not always inappropriate to go through an uncomfortable process as you heal, I’d strongly recommend “toughing it out” if you experience pain or bleeding, unless you are under the close supervision of your doctor and are proceeding with his informed approval. Healing often takes time, especially with chronic conditions. It may take patience and perseverance to finally achieve your desired results.