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Treatments > Supplement Guide > Supplements > Supplement Guide: Bromelain
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Supplement Guide: Bromelain

Pineapple, Ananas comosus

Origin: Group of enzymes found in pine­apple that break down protein. Dosage: Capsules and tablets; take 500 mg to 2,000 mg three times a day between meals.

Claims: Decreases pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis, and increases mobility.

What we know: There is some evidence that enzymes like bromelain have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects comparable to NSAIDs.

Studies: A 2005 study done in Germany showed that bromelain activated immune cells that fight infection.

 Bromelain can cause stomach upset and diarrhea and should be avoided if you are allergic to pineapples. It can also increase the effect of blood-thinning medicine. 

charlotte
14 Aug 2010, 02:56
This is for anti inflammatory effects and is from the blood type diet doctor. Apparently O blood types can develop rhuematoid arthritis better than most. I've been eating yogurt with probiotics to help calm the arthiritis and it has helped as it's anti inflmmatory and helps heal the gut. I haven't used bromelain yet but I will now. You have to follow this for a month apparently. Green tea is also good. I haven't been diagnosed with rhumeatoid arthiritis but I have a feeling over months I have had rhuematoid symptoms in feet then a breakout just recently. I have been allergic to dairy and grains gluten judging by my response over the past week and my life. I am probably am an O blood type who likes alot of exercise to kill stress which I have kind of lacked these past years. Of course you should seek a professional if you are taking other medications.
Glucosamine sulphate, 500 mg: 1-2 capsules away from food, twice daily
Bromelain (Pineapple enzyme), 500 mg: 1-3 capsules, four times daily between meals, gradually decreasing dose and frequency as symptoms improve
Ginger root (Rhizoma Zingiberis: Zingiber officinalis)
Cayenne pepper (Capsicum sp), 300 mg: 1-2 capsules with meals
Sprouted Food Supplement (Live Cell O): 2 capsules daily brocolli, cabbage, soy, kale

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS USABLE BY ALL GROUPS
Bromelain (Pineapple enzyme), 500 mg: 1-3 capsules, four times daily between meals,
Mr. Itaru's Green tea 1-3 cups daily

There are metabolic and intensinal health protocols too which may help here is a link http://www.dadamo.com/protocols/index.htm

Faith Baker
06 Jul 2010, 10:13
I have severe fibromyalgia and rheum. arthritis and started takeing D-ribose. It helped the pain in my feet somewhat. I also ordered at the same time a quercetin/bromelain supplement and started taking it a few days later with the D-ribose. I bought the quercetin w/bromelain because the bromelain makes the quercetin absorb better, plus bromelain is supposed to also be good for fibro. The pain in my feet, the neuropathy has gotten so much better that many days I don't have to take my methadone. Its been about 5 days now and I really think it helps. Believe me, when you are in pain, any little bit of relief is wonderful! Try bromelain pills if you don't have the time to deal with real pineapples. It works for me and worth trying.
Brenda K.
19 Jun 2010, 06:48
Brenda - I feel for you with your knee pain. I am 40 and just had a knee replacement. I am so glad I did it. You may want to consider having it done if all else has failed. Also, for weight loss if you are over 100lbs over weight try the lap band approach. My sister-in-law recently lost 140lbs. Her knees are so much better from losing the weight. Good luck!
g2b2
14 Jun 2010, 09:54
I have bone on bone arthritic knees and joint removal in one foot. In the last 2 weeks I have begun to include fresh pineapple juice in my diet. The effects have been nothing short of amazing. My knee now has movement and flexability not felt in at least 3 to 4 years. Get a juicer and try pineapple juice as soon as you can. Whatever the cost, juicing pineapple is certainly cheaper than the limits and the pain that arthritic knees can inflict on your life.
glenn bogue
04 Jun 2010, 05:51
I am an author who writes on weight loss and pain reduction. Eating foods you cannot digest is the source of weight gain and pain,
since these foods cause swelling in the the ubiquitous lymph system. #1 food eaten that cannot be digested? Cooked animal protein (including poultry) and roasted nuts.
If you truly wish to loose weight and be pain free - pls email me @ gpbogue@verizon.net.
Jo
26 May 2010, 05:03
It states that bromelain breaks down protein. Is this a good thing because I thought you needed a good amount of protein daily.
Sarah Milligan
25 Apr 2010, 18:30
Would a supplement of bromelain be just as good for arthritis as fresh pineapple.
If you only get bromelain from the core, then how effective is the rest of the pineapple?
Thank you, Sarah
Paula
19 Apr 2010, 13:40
Several antibiotics, sedatives and most anticoagulants are contraindicated with Bromelain. Check with your prescribing M.D. before taking any supplement if you are on these or any other meds, including NSAIDS. Also, take Bromelain or as I prefer, eat the pineapple 2 hrs. away from food because the enzyme will work on digesting what's in your gut before helping out your joints, so it needs to work alone.
BROMELAIN IS ONLY FOUND IN THE CORE OF PINEAPPLE!!! Slice the pineapple crosswise very, very thin to make the core chewable. Small pineapples are better because they have a smaller, softer core. If all else fails, put it in durable blender to make a smoothie or even in a juicer. Last word: your pineapple must be fresh, not canned! enzymes are alive and don't survive the canning process.
tony
06 Apr 2010, 17:49
In addition to Chronic Back Pain, I have type 2 diabetis. My back pain comes from sciatica and spinal stenosous. I take Celebrex, but I am concerned about the long range effect of taking this drug. I need an anti-inflammatory, I can barely walk short distances, having pain in my hips, groin, knees, etc. Another concern is the effect of the bromelian on the diabetis.

I am also experiensing a reduction in blood platelets for the past several years. The traditional medical establishment has no source or solution for this blood disorder. Sorry for the long winded explanation, but if anyone has these conditions it desperation time.
mary
17 Mar 2010, 10:54
They are several who ask where to get the Bromelain. I get mine from Puritan Pride. It can be found on the internet. We have been using it for two year or more. My husband has advanced arthritis and I have neuropathy. It has really helped us both very much.
Katie
07 Mar 2010, 10:40
To Caleb -
You have asked about bromelain and LDL cholesterol in the blood. I'm sure you have found your answer by now... although pineapple adds the soluble fiber to the diet that can help eliminate cholesterol via the intestinal canal, it does not seem to be able to clear the blood. Bromelain, the by product of pineapple, does not contain the fiber needed. There are plants and herbs that can be taken with food that can help lower cholesterol. Aloe vera comes to mind. Add the juice of aloe to apple, celery, lemon and blend together. Sweeten to taste. When you think of natural cholesterol, think of liver and gall bladder. Strengthening and cleansing their functions will help keep cholesterol in check. Eliminating fatty food from the diet is just as important. There's that word again, elimination! And fiber helps do just that. If you still have high readings, you may need the help of medications, but this is what you can do to help yourself or someone you love. Don't forget the exercise! Good luck!
Katie
07 Mar 2010, 10:15
Dharmendra - I am a proponent of getting what we need from food sources if at all possible so eating pineapple or papaya for that matter will help digest proteins, specifically prostoglandins that cause inflammation. An herb that is used in cooking and also helps reduce inflammation is turmeric. Why look for supplements if you can use what's in your kitchen. Look for dried fruit and play with amounts. Too much can cause diarrhea. Last but not least, fish oil (omega-3 specifically) can help with arthritis pain over time. Don't rely on the 'magic bullet' approach to health. Instead, add health to all aspects of your lifestyle. It's a package deal. Good luck!
dharmendra
11 Feb 2010, 03:22
Bromelain is available in what form / where / what is the cost and dosage. I referred most site but this info is not available. is there any other name by which this medicine is sold across?
Dharmendra
11 Feb 2010, 03:19
In India - bromelain is available in which brands / capsules. Some of the drug manufacturer provide but very costly. Is there is a list of medicine containing bromelain?
CALEB YENGONG
10 Feb 2010, 04:21
do bromeliane has an impact on serum cholesterol.that is, can bromelaine reduced LDL CHOLESTEROL IN BLOOD
Katie
01 Feb 2010, 08:44
I wish I had found this out before now .This week after eating pineapple my arthritic knees are 75% better .Its like a miracle . Just by having a small dish of fresh pineapple every meal I can walk the pain has almost gone way better then any drugs . I even tryed acupuncture and shots in my knees not to much helped me before . A lot of swelling has gone down I an so happy about this find .I Just hoping it keeps up ?
Katie
Judith Weaver
15 Dec 2009, 16:15
Brenda, take a look at www.obesityhelp.com and visit the Arthritis forum. I post there, and I too have bone-on-bone knees. I use Lidoderm patches, take Aleve, and have lost 165 pounds.
Brenda Houck
15 Dec 2009, 10:10
First of all I am overweight and I have bad knees. They say bone against bone and I hurt all the time. I'm sure there is imflamation. I have been taking Arthrotec 50mg for probably 3 years and I am worried about what this is doing to my organs. I do know that it can cause pin holes in your intestines, cause it already has. I can't walk without taking them. Please, someone please tell me how to loose weight and tell me what to take to ease the pain. I still
work part-time and it is so painfull. I want to know about to take stuff that won't hurt my body. I have wonderful grandkids and I would love to be able to enjoy them and play with them without so much pain.;
Caol Ann Guido
30 Oct 2009, 08:53
How do I receive a list of drugs this supplement might react with ?Are there others?
deepali
26 Aug 2009, 07:39
Pls.send me the usees of pineapple on arthritis.

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