Replenishing pepsin naturally

[AmyCa]

I'm revisiting the digestion lectures now, and a question has come up: While there are a number of natural ways to increase HCL production, such as digestive bitters, I'm not sure if they will help people who also have low levels of pepsin. Is there a way to encourage the body to naturally increase pepsin production, or are these people destined to be dependent on HCL + Pepsin capsules?

[Nori]

The two ingredients that combine to make pepsin are HCl and pepsinogen, from the parietal and chief cells, respectively. The hormone stimulating those cells to produce is gastrin, partially dependent upon adequate thyroid hormone, histamine, and zinc.  Since the parietal cells do double duty to provide intrinsic factor as well, they often are the source of the problem (it takes enormous energy to pump out that Hydrogen ion, after which the chloride ion follows, which is why, as we age, this function falls off the plate for many!).

I think that the stomach when given the right support can remember how to behave, so that supplements will not be needed forever, except in the case of achlorhydria (zero stomach acid).  But I also would add that 1) being in the parasympathetic mode, 2) chewing thoroughly, and 3) choosing real food all can be supportive measures that have profound effects on digestion.