What is Bromelain?
Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme mixture found naturally in the stem, fruit, and juice of the pineapple plant. It has been studied extensively and may have significant, positive effects on multiple health conditions such as the following:
- Relieves constipation
- Relieves sinusitis
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Enhancing digestion
- Treating osteoarthritis
- Anti-cancer effects
- Weight loss
Sources
You can get bromelain by eating papaya, pineapple, kiwifruit and fermented foods, or you can take a supplement. Although it’s extracted from pineapple, eating pineapple or drinking its juice doesn’t supply a large enough dose to be effective.
Bromelain supplements can be purchased in pill or tablet form or as a cream for topical use. Bromelain is considered safe but can cause digestive issues like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, when taken in very high doses.
Be sure to read the fine print before buying supplements, checking for potency, quality, enzyme type and dosage instructions as all supplements are not created equal. You can get a high quality form of bromelain below.
Contraindications
Bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding and should also be avoided prior to undergoing surgery. Bromelain may be harmful to people with bleeding disorders and people taking blood-thinning (anticoagulant or anti-platelet) medication or supplements such as aspirin, Coumadin (warfarin), or ginkgo biloba.
Blood thinners include:
- Warfarin
- Aspirin
- Clopidogrel (Plavix)
- Diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others)
- Naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others)
- Dalteparin (Fragmin)
- Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
- Heparin
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
People with allergies to pineapples should not take bromelain. Allergic reactions may also occur in people with allergies to latex, carrot, celery, fennel, rye, wheat, papain, bee venom, or grass, birch, or cypress pollens.
In addition, pregnant women and people with peptic ulcers should not use bromelain. Those with other digestive disorders should consult their healthcare providers before taking bromelain supplements.
There is no standard dosage of bromelain. Taking 200 mg to 400 mg three times a day on an empty stomach is often recommended. For children, halve this dosage.
When used as a digestive aid, bromelain is usually taken with meals. When used for inflammatory conditions, it’s often taken between meals on an empty stomach in order to maximize absorption.
As always, talk to your physician before taking anything new about possible interactions with prescription medications.
Yours in health,
