Good
health starts with good, healthy food. The old saying tells us the whole is
greater than the sum of its parts. The synergy between the interactive
nutrients in foods creates nutritional power. But sometimes the food contains
an essential nutrient so special and effective, it is viewed as having healing
qualities. Bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme found in pineapple, is such a
nutrient.
Pineapple
is a native South American fruit that was spread by the local Indians
throughout South and Central Americas and into the West Indies. It was brought
to Spain in 1493 when Columbus discovered Americas’. During the 15th and 16th
centuries, pineapple was spread to the rest of the world by European sailors. Pineapple
is essential to traditional Hawaiian folk medicine.
Dr. Edward Group, DC and NP, explains
that bromelain is a protein-digesting (proteolytic) enzyme complex found in the
fruit and, in higher concentrations, in the stem of the pineapple (Ananas
comosus). It is able to hydrolyze or break down a wide variety of protein
types in a range of both acid and alkaline environments.
It breaks down protein, which is a benefit considering that as a
proteolytic enzyme, bromelain assists the body’s digestive process in reducing
very large, complex protein molecules into smaller peptide units or individual
amino acids. These smaller components are essential in the production of
muscle, neurotransmitters, and other protein-based molecules in the body.
The enzyme bromelain is known to reduce swelling in the sinuses and nose. It is used as a treatment for hay fever, ulcers, removing dead and damaged tissue after a burn, preventing edema (the collection of water) in the lungs and for cancer prevention. It contains chemicals which hamper tumor cell growth. Bromelain is supportive of a muscle function, slows blood clotting, improves the absorption of antibiotics and helps the body get rid of fat.
Some individuals use bromelain to prevent muscle soreness, for osteoarthritis, to reduce pain and improve knee function. Bromelain is a great natural replacement to harmful anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin. Bromelain has been used to treat:
- Allergies
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Asthma
- Autoimmune diseases
- ACL tears
- Cancer
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Sinus infections
- Sprained ankles
- Tendonitis
Ways to add bromelain into your diet
- Eat the fiber-rich core of a
juicy, ripe pineapple as well as the flesh. Pineapple flesh is also good but doesn’t contain
the high bromelain content of the core.
- Juice the core of the pineapple or
toss it into a smoothie along with vegetables like cucumber.
- Drink fresh pineapple juice is an
effective remedy against inflammatory diseases. It is suggested 4 ounces
of pineapple a day to helps prevent digestive issues, while 8 ounces treats
illnesses such as constipation, ulcerative colitis, or inflammatory bowel
disease.
- Taking a natural bromelain
supplement, or proteolytic enzyme with bromelain, is effective for
treating some specific inflammatory or chronic disease. Take the supplement
with meals to improve digestion, however take it on an empty stomach for
all other health conditions.
Bromelain aids in digesting proteins, helping the body absorb
nutrients more efficiently, and healing the gastrointestinal tract. A recent
study, of individuals prescribed bromelain for post-operative pain, swelling
and redness, reported “significantly lower” pain compared to the control group taking
a generic pain killer. Be careful when eating extra pineapple or taking a
bromelain supplement when taking blood thinners because bromelain helps prevent
blood clots.
The Evidenced-Based
Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal reported a study showing
that bromelain reduces allergic sensitization, and that allergic airway disease
was markedly decreased. The research suggests that bromelain helps to modulate,
or strengthen, the immune system.
The University of
Cologne, Germany, researchers recently took 12 patients who had already had
sinus surgery and treated them with bromelain for 3 months. While surgery for sinusitis
can often be ineffective for treating sinusitis, the addition of bromelain led
to these benefits: Total
symptom scores improved, Total rhinoscopy scores improved, Overall quality of
life was enhanced, and No adverse effects were reported.
The Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine journal reviewed research on 42 patients
with osteoarthritis, degenerative spine, or painful joint conditions. The
patients were given 650 mg capsules of bromelain 2 – 3 times each day on an
empty stomach. The study found that pain decreased close to 60% for acute
situations, while pain decreased than 50% for chronic disorders.
Some studies have shown that bromelain is extremely useful after
surgery and physical injuries by reducing swelling, bruising, healing time, and
pain. It can reduce the soft tissue inflammation from tendinitis, sprains and
strains, and minor muscle injuries. Studies demonstrate reduced inflammation
after dental, nasal, and foot surgeries. Bromelain has been used to treat sinus
and nasal swelling following ear, nose, and throat surgery or trauma.
Test tube and animal studies display evidence that suggests
bromelain can kill some viruses and bacteria. However, more research and human
studies, are needed to see whether it works in human trials. Preliminary
research suggests it has anti-tumor properties and may increase the
effectiveness of chemotherapy, however, more research is needed.
Traditionally, bromelain has been topically applied to reduce
swelling and discomfort associated with insect bites and stings. It has been
used in alternative medicine to promote cardiovascular health, and to treat hemorrhoids
and vein conditions. Several studies reveal that bromelain helps reduce
coughing and lessens mucus resulting from sinusitis.
Research studies reveal that bromelain helps balance stomach
acidity, as well as small intestine alkalinity. Research also suggests that it
may be natural remedy for IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). A lab study demonstrated
this enzyme may help eliminate harmful organisms causing diarrhea. Several studies
have suggested that bromelain may stop blood platelets from clotting which can have
a natural positive effect heart health.
Precautions:
Bromelain breaks down blood clots and may increase the risk of bleeding during
and after surgery-stop taking bromelain at least 2 weeks before surgery. Individuals
who are allergic to latex, wheat, celery, papain, carrot, fennel, cypress
pollen, or grass pollen may also be allergic to bromelain. Pregnant women
and people with bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, and liver or kidney
disease should not take bromelain supplements. Supplementation is generally
recommended for no longer than 8 to 10 consecutive days--side effects are
generally mild and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive menstrual
bleeding. Bromelain may increase the number of antibiotics absorbed by the
body.
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pineapple.html
