Papaya is a tropical fruit rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and flavonoids, all of which offer a host of health benefits ranging from vision support to inflammation prevention, according to Cleveland Clinic. Papain, a digestive enzyme found in papaya, may help reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort as well, although more research is needed.
Papaya and Digestion
Gastritis, or inflammation of the lining of your stomach, is incredibly common. It affects 8 out of every 1,000 people in the United States, according to Cleveland Clinic. Without treatment, chronic gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers and related complications.
One of the most common types of chronic gastritis is caused by a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is another common cause of gastritis.
Foods don’t typically cause gastritis, and papaya in particular won’t cure it. But the unique concentration of micronutrients found in the fruit may help reduce related symptoms and lower your risk of complications, according to a study.
Papaya is a rich, natural source of an enzyme called papain. This enzyme supports healthy digestion, breaking down proteins into amino acids to be used by your body. Papain may also help reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to a study.
But most research on papain and its effects on gastritis symptoms is limited to animal studies. More studies on people are needed.
Whole Papaya vs. Papain Supplements
Papain is sold as a dietary supplement with the aim of treating heartburn and gastritis. Because chronic gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers, the belief is that supplementing with natural digestive enzymes may reduce a person’s gastritis symptoms and ultimately reduce their risk of stomach ulcers and related diseases.
However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements in the same way that it does medications, and there's very little evidence that papain supplements are effective.
“Papain may improve symptoms of gastritis, [but] rather than spending money taking a supplement, you might want to try eating the whole fruit,” says Andrew L. Rubman, ND, medical director of the Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines in Connecticut. “Fruit is generally good for digestion.”
Whole fruits — especially apples, bananas, berries, and citrus — promote the overall quality and balance of good bacteria in your gut, according to a study. Fruit also tends to be a healthy source of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and flavonoids, according to Cleveland Clinic.
“Flavonoids are also called phytochemicals,” Rubman says. “They help antioxidants work better and may reduce the damage done to the lining of the stomach from H. pylori or NSAIDs.” Besides papaya, all highly pigmented fruits are good sources for antioxidants and flavonoids, according to a study.
When to See a Doctor
Eating a nutritious diet that includes papaya can help support overall gut health. With that said, it’s not a substitute for the medical treatment of gastritis or a stomach ulcer, according to Cleveland Clinic. If you have one of these conditions, talk with your healthcare provider to get the treatment you need.
You can also support the healing of your stomach lining by avoiding excessive use of NSAIDs. These common, over-the-counter pain and fever medications include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve).
And if you have an H. pylori infection, follow your doctor’s care plan carefully. They may prescribe an antibiotic to stop the infection, or an antacid medication to ease inflammation and let your stomach lining heal.
