Bromelain

Bromelain is the name of a group of powerful protein-digesting, or proteolytic,enzymes that are found in the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). It is used to help reduce inflammation in the body, speed the healing of wounds and bruises, and aid in the digestion of proteins. Preliminary studies suggest that it may also be beneficial in helping to fight cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The people of Guadeloupe introduced pineapple as a dessert and a medicinal plant to Christopher Columbus when he came ashore there in 1493. Bromelain, the bioactive ingredient of the pineapple was first isolated in 1891 and was introduced as a therapeutic supplement in 1957. Today, bromelain is used by arthritis patients to help reduce the swelling that causes joint pain. Bromelain has also shown promise in the treatment of pain, numbness, tingling, aching, and loss of motor and sensory function in the fingers resulting from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Bromelain is also used in fighting urinary tract infections when combined with trypsin, and because of its natural blood thinning action is helpful in preventing excessive blood platelet stickiness indicating it to decrease thrombopheitis and angina. Since it can reduce the thickness of mucus it could be helpful to people suffering from asthma and bronchitis.

Benefit of Bromelain

The health benefits of bromelain supplement also include help for colds, asthma, and excessive mucus production in the respiratory system. Patients who suffer from hay fever and other seasonal allergies may also benefit from bromelain's anti-inflammatory activity. Other recognized benefit of bromelain include reducing the painful symptoms of varicose veins, including dull aches, tired legs and feet, and itchy skin.

Specifically, Bromelain supplement may help to:

Bromelain And The Heart

More and more studies are pointing to inflammation in the cardiovascular walls as a likely contributor to heart attacks. Bromelain supplement  had been used for many years, previous to such findings, by several prominent European doctors for Heart disease. Now that supporting evidence is available, more and more alternative care practitioners are looking towards anti-inflammatory as possible non-toxic methods to preventing heart attacks.

Bromelain And Injuries

Bromelain supplement has been precursor as an anti-inflammatory agent, helpful in healing minor injuries, such as sprains and strains, muscle injuries, and sports injuries. Because of these properties, it is also sometimes used for treatment of traumatic and post-operative swelling.

Bromelain And Cancer

Bromelain supplement may increase the absorption of some drugs, including antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and certain blood pressure medications. Bromelain has been investigated for ant tumor effects. A small clinical study in Germany recently found that bromelain might help boost the immune system and help control infections. There is no evidence that bromelain increases survival. Further research may show whether bromelain can play any role in treating cancer and its symptoms. Bromelain supplement may also have antimetastatic effects. It has been examined in vitro to both oppose leukemia by promoting the normalization of blood cells and to reduce metastasis in lung-cancer cells

Bromelain And Urinary Tract Infections

Bromelain supplement enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics in people with UTIs. In a double-blind study, 28 individuals with a UTI received antibiotics plus either bromelain or a placebo. Signs of infection resolved in all of those who received bromelain, compared with only 46% of those given placebo.

Bromelain And Asthma

Bromelain supplement reduces the thickness of mucus, which may be beneficial for those with asthma,68 though clinical actions in asthmatics remain unproven.

Bromelain And Arthritis

Bromelain supplement has significant anti-inflammatory activity. Many years ago in a preliminary trial, people with RA who were given bromelain supplements experienced a decrease in joint swelling and improvement in joint mobility.

Bromelain And Eczema

Bromelain supplement taken with the flavonoid quercetin can relieve the red and often intensely itchy rashes of eczema.

Bromelain And Breast Engorgement For Nursing Mothers

Breast pain is a common reason cited by mothers who were nursing their infants but made the decision to stop. The analgesic effects of bromelain, when combined with trypsin, significantly improved the total symptoms of engorgement when compared to placebo. In the experiment, the complex with bromelain was more successful than treatments that contained Oxytocin and cold packs, which had no demonstrable effect on engorgement symptoms. If you are nursing, consult your physician before taking any nutritional supplements.

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