Allergies to Bromelain

Bromelain is a natural enzyme that is found in pineapples. It can be taken by eating the fruit of a pineapple, as a supplement in a pill, or used as an ointment. People who are allergic to things like pineapples, kiwi fruit, rubber, bee stings and pollen may be allergic to bromelain, and should not take it without talking to a doctor.

History

• Pineapples--and consequently, bromelain--have been ingested as medicine by natives of South and Central America for hundreds of years, to aid digestion and treat inflammation problems. Bromelain was isolated by chemists in the late 1800s and was introduced as a dietary supplement in 1957.

Benefits

• There are not an abundance of studies on the benefits of bromelain on humans, but proponents claim that it's good for digestion, sinusitis, the healing of wounds, and to reduce swelling associated with soft tissue injuries.

Warning

• There are some studies that suggest that bromelain prevents the clotting of blood, and people who are taking aspirin or any other type of blood thinner should not take bromelain. Pregnant women and people with liver or kidney disorders should consult a doctor before taking bromelain.

Potential

• There are some studies that suggest that bromelain could be beneficial to people with cancer, as it may alleviate some of the effects of chemotherapy and could be beneficial to the immune system. There is also evidence that it may be able to kill viruses and bacteria. More studies are needed, however, to determine the validity of these theories.

Fun Fact

• When Christopher Columbus came back from his travels in South and Central America, he brought pineapples back with him to Spain. Within a couple hundred years, pineapples were very popular in Europe, and were cultivated all around the world, from the Pacific Islands to Africa.