Rid the Pain With Bromelain

Dealing with aches and pains is inconvenient, and no less uncomfortable. Maybe you threw your back out doing yard work yesterday, or aggravated your knee during your last run? Maybe you landed on your ankle during that wild game of backyard volleyball?  Bromelain is a supplement that may help ease the pain.

Bromelain, an enzyme extracted from the stem and fruit of pineapple, has been used for hundreds of years to reduce swelling and inflammation within the body.

I often turn a patient on to Bromelain when they are dealing with a minor injury such as a sprain or strain.  When Bromelain enters the blood stream, it works in the same way other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen to reduce swelling and inflammation. 

Bromelain has also been known to help:

Swelling in the nose or sinuses as a result from surgery or hay fever

Joint pain caused by arthritis

Loss of motor function caused by symptoms related to carpel tunnel

To benefit from Bromelain, it is best taken in concentrated capsule form, since much of the enzyme is found in the stem of the pineapple.  You can find the supplement at your natural food store, such as Whole Foods, in various brands and milligrams.  Talk to your natural health expert about dosage and how to incorporate Bromelain into your diet.  (Do not take, of course, if you are allergic to pineapple.)

Of course, the best part, is that this remedy is natural.  I'm all for natural.  You, too?

Best in health, naturally,

Dr. Marc

Image Credit