|
Bromelain
FACTS
Bromelain,
an enzyme derived from pineapple juice, has powerful
anti-inflammatory and protein-digesting properties.
An excellent digestive aid, bromelain enhances
the absorption of nutrients from foods and supplements.
Bromelain can also be taken to reduce pain
and inflammation following injury, and in at least
one respect offers a decided advantage over nonsteroidal
and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
and naprosyn. Such drugs work by inhibiting prostaglandins,
hormone-like compounds that can cause inflammation
in many parts of the body. Paradoxically, protaglandins
actually have a protective effect on the stomach
lining, which is why NSAIDs can cause problems
ranging from mild stomach upset to the more serious
bleeding ulcers. In contrast, bromelain blocks
inflammation by stimulating the production of
plasmin, a compound in the body that breaks down
fibrinogen, a substance involved in localized
swelling. Although bromelain works well in reducing
pain and inflammation, it does so without the
gastrointestinal distress typical of NSAIDs.
Bromelain
is also growing in popularity among athletes who
suffer frequent wear-and-tear injuries. Because
of its effect on fibrinogen, bromelain may also
prevent an even more serious problem: Blood clots.
Fibrinogen is necessary for the proper clotting
of blood do that we don't bleed to death when
we are injured, but abnormally high levels of
fibrinogen can cause blood clots to form spontaneously,
which can lead to heart attack or stroke. In fact,
high levels of fibrinogen have been associated
with an increased risk of heart disease.
Smokers
have higher than normal levels of fibrinogen and
are at greater risk of having a heart attack.
In one study of patients with heart disease, bromelain
was shown to break down fibrinogen and prevent
blood cells from sticking together. According
to another German study, a dose of 1,000 to 1,400
mg. per say of bromelain helped to completely
relieve angina, or chest pain, in 14 heart patients.
Some patients saw results in as quickly as 3 days;
others, within 90 days. It you gave a history
of heart disease, you may want to talk to your
physician or natural healer about adding this
supplement to your daily regimen. Bromelain is
also included in many formulas for cardiovascular
health.
POSSIBLE
BENEFITS
Aid
digestion.
Reduces
swelling and pain due to inflammation.
Prevents
blood clots.
THE RIGHT AMOUNT
To
aid digestion, take one or two tablets after meals.
To
reduce inflammation, take up to three 500-mg.
tablets daily.
For
cardiovascular health, take one 500-mg. tablet
daily.
Personal
Advice
Look
for "Gelatin Digestion Unit" (GDU) on
the label (450-600 GDU should be stated on the
label).
Click
Here for a viewer question regarding this article.
Click
Here to send a question or comment regarding this
article.
Find more information at www.applepublishing.ca
|
