Bromelain

                an anti-inflammatory agent  

by Rosa parks

What Is Bromelain ?

Bromelain is the name of a group of powerful protein-digesting, or proteolytic, enzymes that are found in the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus). Discovered in 1957, and widely studied since then, Bromelain is particularly useful for reducing muscle and tissue inflammation and as a digestive aid. Supplements are made from enzymes found in the pineapple stem.

Health Benefits Of Bromelain
Bromelain is a natural blood thinner and anti-inflammatory. It works by breaking down fibrin, a blood-clotting protein that can impede good circulation and prevent tissues from draining properly. Bromelain also blocks the production of compounds that can cause swelling and pain. When inflammation is reduced, blood can move more easily to a traumatized area, easing pain and speeding healing.
Specifically, Bromelain may help to:

Treat sprains, strains, and muscle aches and pains. Bromelain reduces swelling, bruising, redness, and tenderness that can result from tissue injuries or muscle aches and pains, or from surgery. In a 1995 German study, 59 people with strains and torn ligaments were given Bromelain for one to three weeks; researchers found that the supplement caused a significant reduction in swelling, tenderness, and pain, both at rest and during movement. The results were comparable to those of people taking NSAIDs such as aspirin.

 Bromelain also has an anti-inflammatory effect on the muscles and can help excess fluid drain from the site of a muscle injury. Can alleviate back pain and chronic joint pain associated with arthritis. In addition to easing the aching and stiffness of back muscles, Bromelain also seems to relieve pain in chronically inflamed joints. It has been found that in some arthritis patients, smaller amounts of corticosteroids (such as prednisone) were needed when Bromelain was taken at the same time.

Aids digestion and reduces heartburn, bromelain can enhance the effect of such digestive enzymes as trypsin or pepsin (especially when the pancreas is producing insufficient amounts of them). Bromelain can also ease the pain of heartburn and lessen the effects of diarrhea when these conditions are caused by a shortage of digestive enzymes.

Reduce the swelling and pain of gout. In some studies, Bromelain relieved the joint and tissue swelling and severe pain related to an attack of gout. If taken regularly, Bromelain may also prevent recurrent gout attacks. Ease chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, and respiratory allergies. In individuals with chronic bronchitis, Bromelain has been shown to suppress cough and ease congestion. Patients with sinusitis and allergies that affect the sinuses have also responded to Bromelain therapy; it helps reduce inflammation and fluid retention in the nasal membranes.

Relieve carpal syndrome tunnel. Bromelain reduces tissue swelling that causes the finger numbness, shooting pains, and weakness in the hand associated with this repetitive stress injury.

Lessen the swelling and accelerate the healing of cuts and scrapes, and insect bites and stings.

Reduce the symptoms of eczema. Bromelain taken with the flavonoid quercetin can relieve the red and often intensely itchy rashes of eczema.Read more:Nettle