Bromelain, found in pineapple, is an amazing enzyme that is well-known for its health benefits.
📌 supports digestion
📌 pain reliever
📌 reduces swelling
📌 anti-inflammatory
📌 reduce asthma and allergy symptoms
What is Bromelain?
Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme found naturally in the stem, fruit, and juice of the pineapple plant. Even though bromelain is extracted from pineapple, eating pineapple or drinking its juice will not supply a large enough dose to be effective. In order to obtain the benefits of this enzyme, it is specifically extracted from the pineapple, and used to create a supplement in the form of a capsule, powder, tablet, or cream to reduce inflammation and swelling as well as support digestion.
Bromelains Benefits and Uses:
The effects of Bromelain are abundant, here is what the research has shown:
Anti-Inflammatory – Bromelain has the ability to decrease the majority of pro-inflammatory mediators and is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Two contributors to inflammation, COX-2 (a molecule) and PGE-2 (a compound), have been found to be reduced by Bromelain. A particular inflammatory disease that Bromelain helps with is ulcerative colitis, which is an inflammatory bowel disease that is characterized by abdominal cramping and pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Reduces Pain and Swelling – Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Bromelain can be used as a natural alternative to taking over-the-counter pain medications for physical injuries as well as swelling. Clinical studies have shown it to be effective for pain relief, soft-tissue swelling, and joint stiffness often associated with osteoarthritis, and helps with muscle soreness after exercise, mild pain, and pain after surgery.
Fights allergies and asthma - Again, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Bromelain can help reduce allergy symptoms as well as sinus problems. Studies have shown that Bromelain assists in decreasing nose inflammation and difficulty in breathing, both which are symptoms in individuals with allergy and sinus issues.
Supports Digestive Health – Working as an enzyme, Bromelains job is to break down proteins into smaller units, called amino acids. This is the primary way Bromelain supports digestion. By breaking up these protein bonds, it supports our digestive system by making the process easier. Studies also suggest that Bromelain can decrease inflammation in the gut and colon, and that it can heal the tissues found within the gastrointestinal tract. All of this can lead to a reduction in bloating, gas, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. Furthermore, it has been found to be particularly effective when used in combination with other enzymes like amylase (which digests carbohydrates) and lipase (which digests fat).
How To Use Bromelain?
Bromelain should be taken on an empty stomach, unless you are taking it to improve digestion. Take it with meals if you’re using it for digestive purposes. The amount varies depending on your purpose, here are some suggested doses below:
To reduce inflammation such as in arthritis or just inflammation in general — 400 milligrams taken 1–2 times daily, away from food
To help with asthma and allergies — 1,000 milligrams daily of bromelain and quercetin, away from food
To improve digestion — 500 milligrams taken 3 times daily with meals; often when taking bromelain as a digestive enzyme it will come with other enzymes in the formula, further supporting the digestive processes
To reduce pain and swelling from injury or help with surgery recovery — 1,000 milligrams 3 times daily taken between meals
Bromelain Awareness Tips:
Although Bromelain is usually tolerated well and unlikely to cause side effects, individuals who are sensitive or allergic to pineapples may have an allergic reaction.
If you are on a blood thinner it is also recommended to avoid Bromelain because it can increase the potential for excessive bleeding.