Green Penny Pincher

(FTW = For the win!)

"papaya" by mars! via flickr.com

We’ve all been there – something was too delicious and you took one (or two, or three) too many bites, and regretted it in one digestive way or another afterward.  If you’ve never been there… I don’t believe you!

I used to have a big problem with indigestion and acid reflux.  I also, admittedly, often run into problems from eating too fast – partly due to being busy, partly due to years of bad habit.  I used to carry Tums with me everywhere, and Zantac for the really bad days.

These days, I keep two things in my bag at all times.  The first is Gas-X strips (these things are marvelous for the occasional gas pain/gas bubble) and chewable Papaya Enzyme, or Papain, pills.  Of course, fresh papaya not only contains these enzymes but also tastes great, but doesn’t fit in my purse quite as neatly.

Used for thousand of years in its native South America, papaya contains enzymes that aid digestion, particularly the breakdown of tough foods like meats.  It is even sold as a powder for use as a meat tenderizer.  Meat tenderizer, or powdered papaya enzyme, can be used topically for reactions to skin toxins like bee stings or jellyfish bites!  (Note:  Rinse off within 10 minutes.  Also,  I am not a doctor.  Please consult your doctor for further advice.  Green Penny Pincher will not be held liable, blah blah blah…)

Some Uses

• Acid Reflux
• Constipation
• Too-Full Feeling
• Gas Relief
• Heartburn

Side Effects

• Lowers blood sugar
• May raise heart rate
• DO NOT TAKE IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO PAPAYA!
• Patients with a LATEX ALLERGY may also have a reaction to papaya

Dosage depends on potency of tablet, personal experience, and severity of condition.  Most versions are chewable and pretty tasty, though some have more of a chalky taste than others.  I have purchased these tablets at health food stores, pharmacies, and big-box stores.  Keep an eye on the label for other additives – the most recent ones I bought were artificially flavored – unnecessary, as papaya tastes great!   If you have any worries about this product, speak with your doctor.  Avoid prolonged contact with skin.