Heartburn is an issue for many people today. The modern diet includes spicy and fried foods, lots of coffee and tea, and sodas by the case. All of these components can induce or worsen heartburn. Obesity is also linked to heartburn, which is only encouraged with the aforementioned foods. While changing our diets to include healthier enzyme-rich foods is ideal, it isn't always possible in our busy lives. Supplementing with enzymes may be our best option.
Papaya Enzymes
Papain is a digestive enzyme found in the tropical papaya fruit. It is beneficial in aiding the proper digestion of proteins and can reduce fat and carbohydrates so that the stomach environment has a healthy acid level. Papain has also been called vegetable pepsin because its properties are very similar to the enzyme called pepsin that is created by the stomach for digestion. In addition, the papaya fruit has been used to treat constipation and help remove parasites from the intestinal tract.
Eating raw papaya with a meal can help to eliminate heartburn. Since this isn't always an option, papaya enzymes can be purchased in supplement form. They are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased at most vitamin or health food stores. Papaya tablets provide the best results when taken directly after a meal. Papaya juice is also available in many health food stores and is touted to reduce burping and gas along with acid reflux.
Pineapple Enzymes
A member of the bromeliad family, pineapple is one of the few edible forms of a bromeliad today. Pineapples are chock full of enzymes, most notably, bromelain. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme that is able to break down proteins and promote proper digestion. It is also an anti-inflammatory enzyme. Bromelain not only works individually, but enhances the effects of other enzymes such as trypsin and pepsin.
Fresh pineapple juice contains large amounts of digestion aiding enzymes. Eating a couple of slices of pineapple after a meal is very helpful, or taking the supplement form is also beneficial. Bromelain is available by itself as a supplement, but taking the pineapple supplement will allow all the enzymes in the pineapple to work synergistically for the best results.
Broad Spectrum Enzyme Supplements
A broad spectrum enzyme supplement can be very beneficial for heartburn, especially in the case of enzyme deficiencies within the body. Most supplements will contain the necessary enzymes to correct a deficiency, including amylase, lipase, lactase and pepsin. Amylase is for the digestion of carbohydrates, lipase for fats, lactase for milk sugars, and pepsin for proteins as previously noted. If any one of these enzymes is missing, the body cannot properly handle the food element, and heartburn may occur. Taking these supplements before or during the meal is more advantageous than taking the enzymes afterward.
References
- "Enzymes: The Key to Health;" Howard F. Loomis; 2005
- "Enzymes & Enzyme Therapy;" Abram Hoffer, MD, Anthony J. Cichoke, DC; 2000
