Bromelain
| Basics |
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Bromelain is a naturally occurring mixture of enzymes derived from the pineapple plant. The enzymes are proteolytic, or protein digesting, and milk clotting. Its protein-digesting properties have caused it to be used in the leather industry and to tenderize meats.
Bromelain is not essential; hence deficiencies of this plant-based enzyme do not exist. Athletes who suffer frequent wear-and-tear injuries use bromelain.
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| Remedy For |
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Minor injuries.
Sinusitis.
Post-surgical healing.
Urinary tract infection.
Angina.
Asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Thrombophlebitis.*
Digestive disorders.
Inflammation.
Atherosclerosis.
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| Prevention |
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Tumor.
Blood clots.
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| Usage Directions |
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Assessing the right dose of bromelain is complicated. Today, bromelain is measured in MCUs (milk clotting units) or GDUs (gelatin dissolving units). One GDU equals approximately 1.5 MCU. Some doctors of natural medicine recommend as much as 3,000 MCU taken three times per day for several days, followed by 2,000 MCU three times per day. Much of the research, however, uses smaller amounts, more like the equivalent of approximately 2,000 MCU in divided amounts in the course of a day
As a digestive aid it should be taken with meals and for all other uses, in an empty stomach. It can be used externally, like papain, as a paste applied immediately to stings to deactivate the protein molecules of insect venom.
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| Sources |
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Bromelain is found in both the fruit and stem of the pineapple, but the enzyme in supplements comes from the stem. It comes in tablets and capsules, most of which range in dosage from 250 to 1,000 mg.
It is primarily produced in Japan, Hawaii, and Taiwan.
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| Possible Side Effects |
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Bromelain appears to be essentially nontoxic, and it seldom causes side effects. However, it may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, and heavy menstrual bleeding. One preliminary report indicates increased heart rate with the use of bromelain.
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| Overdose |
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Acute overdose:None
Chronic overdose:None
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| Caution |
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Since bromelain acts, as a blood thinner and little is known about how bromelain interacts with blood-thinning drugs, individuals should avoid combining drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin), aspirin, and anticoagulants with bromelain, in order to reduce the theoretical risk of excessive bleeding.
Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with liver or kidney disease has not been established.
People allergic to pineapple should not take bromelain.
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