Author: Melissa Hunt

Papaya and pineapple enzymes are both classified as proteolytic enzymes, meaning that they digest proteins. Papaya enzymes are extracted from the leaves and fruit of the papaya plant and are collectively known as papain. Pineapple enzymes, or bromelain, are isolated from the stem of the pineapple plant and the juice of the pineapple fruit. Both enzymes are reputed to provide a wide variety of health benefits.

Papain Health Benefits-

Papaya enzymes contain several proteinases, or proteolytic enzymes, with anti-microbial and anti-ulcerative properties. As such, papaya enzymes are believed to help relieve a variety of gastrointestinal complaints, as well as stomach ulcers and pancreatic enzyme deficiency. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine of India, papain is used to treat bronchitis, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, kidney stones and parasitic infestations. In Western medicine, papaya enzymes are often used to remove diseased or dying tissue associated with infected wounds, cysts, diabetic ulcers, lesions and burns. In Africa, papaya enzymes are used to treat cancer and heart disease, as well as a variety of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis.

Bromelain Health Benefits-

Pineapple enzymes are also used to treat digestive problems, as well as frequent heartburn, sometimes in combination with amylase and lipase, enzymes that digest starches and fats. In Europe it is approved to use bromelain to control post-operative inflammation and congestion associated with surgeries involving the sinus cavities or throat. Like papain, bromelain is also used as a debridement agent to slough dead tissue from burns and other types of injuries. Applied topically, pineapple enzymes are thought to reduce pain and swelling. Other reported health benefits of bromelain include decreased pain and inflammation associated with sinusitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Supplement Forms-

Since it would be necessary to consume large amounts of papaya or pineapple to get any medicinal effect, both enzymes are available in supplement form. Papain is prepared as a powder, and bromelain is available in capsule form or as chewable tablets. Topical applications of papain and bromelain are available to health professionals.

Dosage-

The usual dosage for powdered papain is .25 tsp. dissolved in water taken just before meals. For bromelain, the German Commission E recommends a range of 80 to 320 mg, 2 to 3 times per day for 8 to 10 days. The level may be increased to 500 to 2,000 mg in 2 doses per day to aid digestion, to treat arthritis or to speed the healing of wounds.

Precautions-

Papaya enzymes should not be taken during pregnancy due to an increased risk of miscarriage. In addition, papain may interfere with anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications. Bromelain also interferes with blood clotting and blood-thinning drugs, as well as a number of sedatives and antibiotics. Consult a health care professional before supplementing with papaya or pineapple enzymes if you are currently taking any medications.

Gas is a symptom caused by air in the digestive tract, while bloating refers to a feeling of enlargement or swelling of the abdomen. These common digestive symptoms often occur together, resulting in intestinal cramping and discomfort. There are a number of effective herbal remedies for gas and bloating, many of which can be found in your own spice cabinet or local grocery store.

Fennel Seed-

A key ingredient in gripe water, fennel seed is an excellent herbal ally for fighting digestive complaints. Its active compounds–anethol and fenchone–act as carminatives, preventing gas and helping dispel it more quickly. Fennel seed also helps stop muscle spasms in the stomach, making it useful for the cramping and nausea that sometimes occur with gas and bloating.

To make a tea from fennel seed, simply add 1 cup hot water to 1 tbsp. crushed fennel seeds, cool and drink. The crushed seeds may be ingested or strained based on personal preference. Fennel seed can also be chewed after large meals for its digestive effects.

Anise Seed-

Prized as a digestive aid and breath freshener in India, anise seed is an excellent remedy for gas and bloating. It is often chewed after meals for its sweet flavor and digestive effects. Like fennel seed, anise seed contains anethol–a compound with diuretic and carminative properties. According to the National Institutes of Health, anise seed may be useful for preserving foods due to its ability to kill bacteria like E. coli. Its mild diuretic properties make it effective for treating bloating and water retention, while its muscle relaxant effects help ease tension in the digestive tract to fight gas and cramping.

Anise seed may be brewed into a delicious tea by adding 1 cup hot water to 1 tbsp. bruised anise seeds. As with fennel tea, the seeds may also be consumed for their healing properties. For an extra potent brew, add a tablespoon of ginger root powder and fennel seeds.

Peppermint-

A fragrant herb with an invigorating flavor, peppermint is a powerful remedy for gas and bloating. It contains menthol, which has anesthetic, muscle relaxant and anti-nausea properties. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, peppermint calms muscle spasms in the stomach and intestines, making it easier for gas to pass through the digestive tract. In addition, peppermint may be helpful in relieving other digestive symptoms like nausea, abdominal cramps and hiccups.

Peppermint can be brewed into a tea by adding 1 tbsp. dried peppermint leaves to 1 cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes and straining. Because it can relax muscles in the esophagus and stomach, peppermint may cause a worsening of acid reflux in people with frequent heartburn or GERD.

A diagnosis of acid reflux no longer means saying goodbye to some of your favorite foods. Certain fruits and vegetables, for example, because of their acidity, have commonly been restricted in the diets of acid reflux sufferers. Yet the American College of Gastroenterology, in 2013 clinical guidelines, advises against routine global elimination of any foods, because there is a lack of research showing these restrictions improve symptoms. Because they’re low in fat and calories and high in fiber, fruits and vegetables may even be beneficial in acid reflux management. However, you should still limit or avoid any foods that worsen your acid reflux symptoms.

Safe Fruit Choices-

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscular ring located at the top of the stomach, does not stay tightly closed. If something causes your LES to relax, or if your stomach gets very full or distended, your acidic stomach contents are more likely to splash up into the esophagus and cause classic heartburn symptoms. Acidic foods are thought to worsen symptoms by irritating the already inflamed esophagus, so limiting acidic foods such as oranges and grapefruit and replacing these with lower acid fruits such as bananas, melon or prunes may seem to be prudent diet advice. However, the American College of Gastroenterology recommends an individual approach instead of blanket diet restrictions. Instead of avoiding any fruits you have heard can worsen your symptoms, eat a variety of fruit — including your favorites — and let your symptoms guide you.

Safe Vegetable Choices-

You may also be wondering which vegetables might improve or worsen your acid reflux symptoms. For example, tomatoes are considered acidic and are often restricted with acid reflux, while celery, lettuce and spinach are examples of better tolerated, less acidic vegetables. Certain vegetables such as broccoli, cucumber or cabbage can be gas forming, and this could lead to a distended stomach that is more likely to cause regurgitation. However, any vegetable — cooked or raw — is acceptable to eat as long as you tolerate it. But how it’s prepared may matter. Because fat can slow stomach emptying and make stomach contents more likely to regurgitate, large amounts of fat found in salads loaded with cheese and dressing, vegetables drenched in butter or oil, and fried vegetables may not be well tolerated.

Fiber and Obesity Factors-

With the exception of juices, most fruits and vegetables are great sources of fiber and are encouraged as part of a healthy diet. According to an April 2009 review published in “Nutrition Reviews,” preliminary research indicates that a high fiber intake is associated with a reduced risk of acid reflux and its more severe form, gastroesophageal reflux disease. Weight loss helps control acid reflux symptoms, and eating more fruits and vegetables is often recommended as part of a weight management strategy. While fruits and vegetables have great potential to help, as they are low in calories and can make you feel full, there is little data available on the direct relationship between fruits and vegetables and obesity management.

Next Steps and Precautions-

Acid reflux symptoms are typically managed with lifestyle measures and medications that reduce stomach acid production. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, losing weight and elevating the head of the bed during sleep are the lifestyle changes most supported by research. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables daily is encouraged as part of a healthy diet that may also support weight loss. The only fruits and vegetables you need to restrict are those that worsen your symptoms. If your acid reflux symptoms are severe or frequent, see your doctor. If untreated, acid reflux can lead to serious health problems.

Gas is simply air in the digestive tract — a normal and expected consequence of digestion. Most gas enters the body via swallowed air or is created as intestinal bacteria munch on food particles, and the majority of this gas leaves the body through belching or flatulence — the passing of gas through the rectum. Unfortunately, sometimes this gas causes pain, discomfort, bloating and embarrassment.

Gas that occurs in the stomach or upper abdominal area is usually caused by swallowed air. Treatment of stomach gas pains is directed at releasing trapped air, while swallowing less air is the key to preventing stomach gas.

Go ahead and burp — perhaps discretely if around other people. The trapped air needs to escape your body through burping or flatulence, and expelling this air can help improve your symptoms. If needed, move your body to help release trapped air. Go for a walk, sit upright or stand instead of lying down.

Try peppermint tea to relieve your symptoms. According to an August 2006 review in “Phytomedicine,” peppermint has carminative properties — which means it prevents or relieves flatulence. Other herbs such as chamomile, ginger, anise and fennel are touted for gas relief but insufficient evidence is available to understand their specific role in improving stomach gas.

Try over-the-counter (OTC) anti-gas remedies. Simethicone, the active ingredient found in many anti-gas medications, works by helping the body release the trapped air via burping or flatulence. If gas is a common problem, talk to your doctor about the best OTC gas remedies for you.

To prevent stomach-related gas pain, implement strategies to reduce the likelihood of swallowing air. Eat and drink slowly, chew food well, and avoid gulping. Avoid drinking through straws, sucking on hard candy or chewing gum. Avoid carbonated beverages such as sodas, carbonated waters and beer. Don’t smoke or use chewing tobacco as these habits can also cause you to swallow more air.