Gut health plays a very important role in digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. While probiotics can be crucial in balancing the gut microbiome, some fruits can also have the same effect.
One of those fruits is papaya. This vibrant orange-yellow fruit contains papain, an enzyme that can help break down proteins, improving digestion and aiding in potentially removing intestinal parasites.
Health expert @juicewithkeya, who shares various juice recipes for optimal health, posted her go-to “parasite cleanse” juice recipe that’s made from just 4 simple ingredients. Read on to get all the details.
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Parasite-Cleansing Juice Recipe: Papaya Lime Pineapple
Ingredients: 1 large papaya, 1 whole pineapple, 2 limes, and 2 knobs of ginger.
Instructions: Chop up your ingredients and juice them together using a juicer.
Keya notes that some signs of parasites could include bloating, dry lips, weight gain, skin breakouts, and many more. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any potential gut health issues before self-diagnosing yourself.
Doctors Weigh In On Papaya's Potential Gut Health Benefits
To further understand papaya's role in gut health and how far juice recipes can take us in our health journey, we checked in with Dr. Ralph Waldo.
Dr. Waldo notes that papain, the enzyme in papaya, "helps break down parasites and improves digestion. The papaya flesh and seeds both contain papain, though the seeds have a higher concentration."
However, he warns, "While papaya can be beneficial in moderation, too much may irritate the intestines."
While these fruits can surely help promote a healthy digestion and gut microbiome, Dr. Waldo states that a variety of factors play a role in creating a healthy gut environment and digestive health. "In my practice, I’ve found natural remedies work best when part of a balanced approach to health. Staying hydrated, reducing inflammation through diet and exercise, limiting stress, and maintaining good sleep are most impactful. There is no single cure, only sustainable habits. Papaya and other natural remedies may help, but whole-person care creates real change."
The bottom line
When working with his patients, he observes their overall lifestyle to get to the bottom of their digestive issues. "Rather than recommending papaya as a cure, I evaluate the patient's home environment and habits to determine the underlying cause. Removing standing water, proper food storage, and hygiene are often more effective long-term solutions. Natural remedies provide temporary relief, but sustainable change requires addressing the source." Noted!
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