Bromelain

Bromelain, What Is It?

Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from the stem or fruit of the pineapple plant Ananas comosus. It is a protein-digesting (proteolytic) enzyme blend that, along with Bromelain, contains several other substances, such as phosphatase, glucosidase, peroxidase, cellulase, escharase and protease inhibitors. 

In the food industry, bromelain is often used as a tenderizer to help break down collagen, the connective tissue that makes the muscle fibres in meat tough. Indeed, this enzyme is exceptionally effective as a tenderizer and can treat even the toughest cuts of meat, making them much more enjoyable. If bromelain can do this for meat, imagine what it can do to soothe and relax your tense, inflamed muscles and connective tissue and injuries such as sprains, strains, and ACL tears!

Bromelain is a very popular dietary supplement with proven anti-inflammatory, antiedematous and antithrombotic properties, meaning it helps prevent blood clots, edema and swelling. It also happens to be ideally suited for treating all sorts of digestive disorders. Indeed, studies have shown that bromelain decreases inflammation in the gut and reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines that can damage the gut lining. As such, bromelain supplementation can not only help relieve the symptoms of digestive upset such as gas, flatulence, bloating, and upset stomach but can also heal the tissues in the gastrointestinal tract.

Benefits of Bromelain

• Helps Break Down Proteins And Improve Digestion
• Downregulates Inflammation
• Reduces Gas, Bloating and Helps Control Diarrhea
• Relieves Stomach Upset And The Symptoms Of Digestive Disorders
• Treats Inflammatory Bowel Conditions

Who Needs Bromelain?

Bromelain is composed of several endopeptidases and compounds like phosphatase, glucosidase, peroxidase, cellulase, escharase and protease inhibitors. As such, it can treat everything from inflammation, including connective tissue injuries, such as ACL tears, sprained ankles, tendonitis, arthritis, joint pain, and osteoarthritis, to edema and autoimmune conditions. As one of the most widely used enzyme supplements, it can also naturally help improve the digestive process, as well as promote gut health in those living with things such as inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, dyspepsia, or peptic ulcers due to helicobacter pylori infections, Crohn’s disease, heartburn, and diarrhea.

Bromelain Supplements – Forms, Formats, and Potency

Bromelain supplements are produced in parts of the world where pineapples are grown, such as Thailand and Malaysia. The enzyme blend can be extracted from the pineapple's peel, stem, and leaves, though most supplements usually contain enzymes extracted from pineapple stems or cores rather than from the fruit’s flesh. 

Bromelain supplements are widely available in health food stores and online supplement retailers. They come in the traditional pill form – capsules and tablets – as well as in powder and drop form. Bromelain is measured in gelatin digesting units (GDUs) per gram. The typical recommended daily dose can range anywhere from 200 to 2,000 mg. However, your healthcare practitioner may recommend a higher dose according to your health status and needs.

Final Thoughts

If you are using bromelain for digestive support, it should always be taken with a meal. It is best to take it away from food for inflammation and pain that have nothing to do with your digestive system.

Though it may be purchased in isolated form, a quality digestive supplement should combine bromelain with other digestive enzymes for more robust support. Look for a full-spectrum enzyme blend to improve your overall digestion. 

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