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The Health Benefits of Bromelain
By Dr. Edward Group on 06/18/2011
Originally isolated in the late 1800s, bromelain can play a key role in digestion, and perhaps more importantly, its properties have prompted many practitioners to use it as an agent in wound healing and the prevention of infection and inflammation for decades.
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.
What Does Bromelain Do?
Put simply, bromelain breaks down protein. This has fairly obvious benefits when you consider that many of the foods you eat contain high amounts of protein and they have been thoroughly cooked, destroying most of the naturally-occurring enzymes. As a proteolytic enzyme it assists the body’s own digestive mechanisms in reducing very large, complex protein molecules into smaller peptide units or individual amino acids.
These smaller components are crucial for your own production of muscle, neurotransmitters, and other protein-based molecules that your body produces. Many of bromelain’s benefits; however, are actually based on absorption of the intact enzyme in the small intestine; it is this absorption makes possible its systemic effects such as reducing inflammation.
The Health Benefits of Bromelain
Traditionally societies in South America have used pineapples to reduce digestive upset and reduce inflammation.. Here are some of the other amazing health benefits of this enzyme, as well as the studies that support the benefits of bromelain:
- Swelling & Inflammation
Bromelain was approved in Europe as an effective remedy for swelling and inflammation after surgery. Research shows that the bromelain enzyme may lower swelling, stop bruising, speed up healing time, and reduce pain in individuals following surgical procedures.
One double-blind study of over 150 women who received episiotomies (surgical cuts in the perineum) during childbirth, found that women given high doses of oral bromelain over a period of 3 days, beginning 4 hours after delivery, showed a huge decrease in swelling, inflammation, and pain. Ninety percent of women taking the supplement showed excellent recovery compared to 44% of women in the placebo group.
- Arthritis & Sinus Pain
Bromelain is one of the most popular supplements in European countries such as Germany, where it is commonly used for arthritis and sinus pain. Some research suggests that bromelain was as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications in lowering pain and inflammation related to arthritis.
- Topical Applications for Burns
Due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory capacities, bromelain is currently being studied for topical applications for burns. Recent lab studies on animals show that bromelain helps slough off dead tissue from third-degree burns. Other studies show its effective topical use in people with second- and third-degree burns.
- Insect Bites & Stings
Bromelain may be applied topically to lower swelling and reduce pain associated with insect bites and stings.
- Reduced Inflammation After Sports Injuries
Studies shows that bromelain may speed up healing time after a physical or sports injury. Taking it has been linked to reduced inflammation related to sprains, strains, bruises, tendinitis, as well as other minor muscle injuries.
- Osteoarthritis
Bromelain may also help relieve mild pain related to osteoarthritis. In fact, it is a common ingredient in most natural supplements for arthritic pain relief.
- Varicose Veins & Hemorrhoids
This enzyme has been used in alternative medicine for the reduction of chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and other conditions of the veins.
- Sinusitis
There are several studies that suggest bromelain may help reduce coughing and lessen mucus related to sinusitis, as well as reduce the swelling and inflammation that goes with hay fever. The German Commission E approved the bromelain enzyme for aiding imbalances of the ear, nose and throat that occur after surgery. It is also approved for reducing general sinus infection swelling.
- Indigestion & Heartburn
Because of its protease capacities, this enzyme may reduce indigestion and heartburn. Studies show that it is particularly effective when used in combination with other enzymes like amylase (which digests carbohydrates) and lipase (which digests fat). Other studies show its ability to reduce bloating, gas and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
- Helps Balance the Acidity of the Stomach
Research shows that Bromelain can help balance the acidity of the stomach, as well as the alkalinity of the small intestine. A recent lab study confirms that the antibacterial effects of this enzyme may help ease bacteria-related diarrhea associated with E. coli infections. Another study suggests that it may be an up-and-coming alternative remedy for IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)
- May Boost Overall Immune Strength
Bromelain may boost overall immune strength in the human body. One German clinical study of 16 breast cancer patients found that oral supplementation of bromelain could help stimulate immune function in women. Other studies suggest that it may also boost the amount of certain immune system hormones, called cytokines (made in our white blood cells). Recent studies suggest that bromelain may help relieve some of the standard cancer side effects related to lowered immunity.
- May Stop Blood Platelets From Clotting
Several laboratory and animal studies suggest that bromelain may stop blood platelets from clotting. This is exciting research in the direction of its effects on heart health.
- May Help Bronchitis, Pneumonia & Urinary Tract Infections
Animal studies suggest that bromelain possesses anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects, and it may be effective for bronchitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections.
Printer-friendly versionAbout the author
Dr. Edward F. Group III has his Naturopathic Doctorate, Clinical Herbalist, Holistic Health Practitioner, Clinical Nutritionist certifications, and is a Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition and the American Board of Functional Medicine. He founded Global Healing Center Inc. in 1998 which has earned recognition as one of the largest alternative, natural and organic health resources on the Internet.
A dynamic author and speaker, Dr. Group focuses solely on spreading the message of health and wellness to the global community with the philosophy of full body cleansing, most importantly colon cleansing, consuming pure clean organic food, water, air, exercise and nutritional supplementation. Visit GlobalHealingCenter.com to learn more about living green and healthy!
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Comments
Tom CHHC
However, bromelain is not for everyone. If you are allergic to bee stings, you may have the same reaction to bromelain. Some supplement manufacturers print this warning on the bottle, but others do not.
Charlotte
This is very interesting and would like to know where I can purchase bromelain and what dose daily.
I have been on Nexium for 4 years and I stopped taking it because of all the side effects.
Thanks in advance for all the wonderful information which I receive daily from Healthiertalk and wouldn't know what to do without your newsletter.
Charlotte
Gertrude "Trudy"
The parts you left out about bromelain are the most important ones--the lifesaving parts. Bromelain is an anti-thrombotic, meaning it not only dissolves blood clots so they don't cause strokes or heart attacks, it also dissolved my coronary blockage in less than 1 month, safely, without knocking the clot loose. Bromelain is also an anti-ischemic, meaning no more mini-strokes and it is also a safer, faster, more effective, less side-effect blood thinner than coumadin. It brought my blood thickness of 2.8 out of 3.0 down to 1.0 in 3 weeks flat. It benefits by being balanced with Vitamin-K-rich dark leafy greens/other vegetables and fruits you can't eat on coumadin. Bromelain also selectively inhibits prostaglandins, preventing the ones that cause djd and rheumatoid arthritis pain and swelling and inflammation without inhibiting the prostaglandins that fight colds, flu, sore throat, etc. No Rx med on the market today can do that. Bromelain is also an apoptotic, meaning it is one of the few things that can weaken the tough, resistant cell walls of cancer cells, then it causes the cell inside the wall to implode, causing cell death. In studies it was specifically noted to be effective to kill Lewis lung cancer cells--a formerly hopeless situation. As an antithrombotic, it not only dissolves blood clots safely but prevents blood from being as likely to form such clots again. It dissolved my coronary blockage in just 6 weeks so from "need stent or bypass NOW" I went to "doing so well you don't need annual checkups any more." Bromelain also inhibits homocysteine formation of bumps inside artery walls, which means less scraping by blood platelets against the "speed bumps" so less artery wall damage so less plaque formation as bandaids needed. In plain terms, this means lower blood pressure, reduction of atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, less angina, better blood flow to the brain and heart and all organs in between. Blood thinner--better than coumadin. Faster, more effective, less unstable, and you not only can but should eat all the vitamin-K-rich dark green leafies and other vegetables and fruits that you can't dare eat on coumadin. Bromelain brought my 2.8 out of 3.0 thickness blood down to 1.0 in 3 weeks, my blood pressure of 201/104 down to 180/30 in 3 weeks, my coronary blockage is gone, and I am off all meds and pain meds. I no longer have "mini-strokes" of ischemia. I have less angina (so long as I take ubiquinol form of CoQ10) and my joint pain and spine pain no longer confine me to a wheelchair fulltime. Pretty good for an age 65 heart patient with formerly crippling DJD arthritis and spinal stenosis.
Point is, I first read about all these features of bromelain online before I tried it--anti-ischemic, anti-thrombotic, apoptotic for cancer cells, blood thinner, blood pressure reducer, plaque reducer, anti-atherosclerosis/arteriosclerosis, and so on. Web sites several years ago used to be freely open about these attributes of bromelain. Not any more. Why? My cardiologist had me all set for a stent or bypass and a lifetime supply of coumadin, HCTZ, ACEI, beta blockers, and yearly exams before I tried bromelain. Now, he not only doesn't need to see me annually (because I am doing so well, he said), he hasn't made a dime off me in years! My BP is still 130/80, I don't require diuretics or ANY pain meds or coumadin/HCTZ/ACEI or beta-blockers (the last-named cited in 1997 from New England Journal of Medicine as being useless except that they are 58% more likely to cause heart attacks than to prevent them!). All that and I still smoke...! My question is--how come websites used to be open about these other lifesaving attributes of bromelain (which is how I got the information in the first place), but now all you find is its digestive and inflammation-relief properties--which are capabilities easily provided by a number of other substances. Almost all you find, that is--because it was recently that I easily located online all the other attributes I named here. So why didn't you, sir, include these more critical functions of bromelain, rather than restricting yourself to digestion and joint relief aspects? Wouldn't you LIKE to eat anything you want and still remain blood thinned to the level of a teen?
Mike Jarboe
In what form do I take Bromelain, and what is the most 'cost effective' way to get it, and WHERE?
Karola
I take super papaya enzyme plus after every meal puls other suoer enzymes
the first one has 3mg bromlin, Alpha Amylase 3mg,Papain 45mg,Lipase 1.5mg, papaya friut 15.mg
other enzymes 50mg Bromlin from pinaple and a lot of other stuff. My question is how much Bromlin do I have to take for it to help me?????????????????
Felicia
Thank you for the post. Back in September I had Pneumonia for the first time... ever since then (3 months later) every single day I have problems breathing (due from what I believe to be severe inflammation, doctors say theres def inflammation but are acting like its no big deal) I am on 3 different steroids for the inflammation and have become a vitamin junkie.... which I just added Bromelain to the mix. I got mine from Vitamin World. Another list of everything im taking.... Vitamin A 10,000 IU. Vitamin D 400 IU. Bromelain 500 mg. Vitamin E 200 IU. Vitamin D3 1000 IU. Mega Red Krill Oil. Papaya Enzyme 45 mg. Vitamin C 1,000 mg. Xanax .25 mg (because all of this has made me develop bad anxiety.... never had it before now). Did 3 rounds of anti biotics, and a round of prednisone, fluticasone nose spray and 2 different inhalers. Also had a round of acupuncture.... im at my witts end!
LindaP
Will bromelein be effective for bursa symdrome? or, will turmeric acid be better?
Anonymous
Ive had urethritis for about 7 weeks. It could be classed as a persistent case. I got it after catching a non-specific infection. For the past week or so, I've been taking bromelain and it's been the best week of healing so far. It seems to have reduced inflammation. As for the side effects; I've been taking it with NSAIDs (ibuprofen) and the only thing I've noticed is a bit of belly ache. I cut myself shaving the other day and the bleeding stopped normally, despite being on a mixture of at least 2 anti inflammortories. I also take saw palmetto, which is believed to have an effect on the urinary tract and could also have anti inflammortory properties. As well as these, I take omega tablets, which are also anti inflammatory.
Hoping to be 99% better in a couple more weeks of leaving things be and taking bromelain.
g m
Trudy, your so right about web sites not saying what herbs
are good for what anymore. The gov. has stopped a company from telling what an herb is good for. It can still be done on
a blog like this one. Thank you for your insight into Bromelain which is an excellent vitamin. I take 240 mg twice a day.
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