Omeprazole is a medication for when your stomach produces excess acid. It goes by the brand name of Prilosec and is available as an oral suspension, a delayed-release tablet or a delayed-release capsule. When you have an acid reflux disorder, you may be on a diet that excludes foods that can aggravate your condition. Plant sources of supplemental enzymes commonly derive from pineapple and papaya, and, even if these particular foods do not sit well with you, the isolated enzymes can be safe to consume. However, follow the advice of your health-care provider before adding plant-based enzyme supplements to your diet.
Omeprazole
The active ingredient in omeprazole reduces the amount of gastric acid your stomach secretes. It does this by inhibiting an enzyme complex that resides in the cells lining your stomach and functions to pump acidic hydrogen ions into your gastric juice. With the enzyme complex inhibited, your stomach cells cannot complete the process of gastric acid production. Side effects of omeprazole can include allergic reactions, headache and digestive upset, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Another potential side effect is pancreatitis, an inflammation of the organ that supplies you with the bulk of your digestive enzymes.
Plant-Source Enzymes
Plant-derived enzymes for use as a dietary supplement commonly include papain from papaya and bromelain from pineapple. Papain includes a group of enzymes that predominantly break down protein molecules. They also, to some extent, digest starch and fat. Bromelain is a collection of proteolytic enzymes, which digest proteins. These enzymes can help you digest your food if your pancreas, for some reason, does not secrete sufficient digestive enzymes. For example, bromelain remains active in a moderately acidic environment and can therefore help to break down proteins in parts of your stomach and small intestine. Side effects from consuming plant sources of enzymes are generally rare, unless you have an allergy to the plant source.
Interactions
Omeprazole is not reported to interact adversely with supplemental digestive enzymes, according to Drugs.com. In some cases -– for example, if the drug negatively affects your pancreas -– plant-based enzyme supplements might help you overcome any digestive-enzyme insufficiency you may experience. However, the formulation of supplements you consume can matter.
Considerations
Most enzymes in the foods you eat become denatured and inactivated in the acidic environment of your stomach, at which point your body digests them, as it does any other food protein. Unless your plant-based enzyme supplements are active at a low pH or are coated for protection as they travel through your stomach, they might not reach your small intestine in an active state.
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