Acid reflux is an uncomfortable phenomenon that you may experience either occasionally as a result of certain types of food, or on a regular basis. You may have heard that taking supplemental papaya enzymes can help prevent or treat symptoms of acid reflux. Unfortunately, however, there's no evidence to support this claim.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up out of the stomach and into the sensitive esophagus through a circle of muscle called the cardiac sphincter. Normally, the cardiac sphincter allows food to enter the stomach but blocks the backward movement of food and acid, explains Dr. Lauralee Sherwood in her book "Human Physiology." Certain conditions, including pregnancy and obesity, as well as certain meal types -- particularly greasy or spicy meals -- can increase your risk of acid reflux.
Enzymes
In general, enzymes -- papaya or otherwise -- can't affect your acid reflux, because enzymes in the stomach interior have no effect upon stomach acid production or upon the function of the cardiac sphincter. Enzymes are molecules that take part in chemical reactions and help speed them up. For instance, the cells of your digestive tract produce and secrete digestive enzymes that help you break down your food, explains Dr. Gary Thibodeau in his book "Anatomy and Physiology."
Papaya Enzymes
Papaya enzyme supplements contain papain, which is an enzyme produced by papaya fruit cells. Papain is a proteolytic enzyme, meaning it can break down protein. Enzymes are very specific in their function; enzymes that break down protein don't engage in any other kind of chemical reaction. As such, papain can't affect acid production in the stomach, nor does it neutralize the acid in any way. In fact, stomach acid breaks down papain, rendering it nonfunctional.
Alternatives
If you have acid reflux, there are a variety of treatment options. For occasional or mild symptoms, over-the-counter antacids can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce symptoms. For more severe or regularly occurring acid reflux, you might try an H2 blocker or proton pump inhibitor, both of which decrease the amount of acid your stomach produces. Some of these medications are available over the counter, while others are by prescription only, and require a visit to the doctor.
References
- "Human Physiology"; Lauralee Sherwood, Ph.D.; 2004
- "Anatomy and Physiology"; Gary Thibodeau, Ph.D.; 2007
