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Pineapple Enzyme Diet

The pineapple enzyme bromelain has been touted as a way to aid digestion, relieve asthma symptoms, reduce inflammation, and even manage your weight. Bromelain, which is found in the stem and fruit of pineapples, is available in supplement form. The enzyme can also be incorporated into your diet by eating fresh or frozen pineapple.

  1. Recommended Dosage

    • Buying bromelain supplements is easy, but choosing a product that is potent enough to be beneficial requires some education. Bromelain potency is measured in milk clotting units (MCUs) or gelatin dissolving units (GDUs). One GDU equals approximately 1.5 MCU. A 500 mg bromelain capsule labeled 2,000 GDU per gram actually contains 1,000 GDU. Check labels carefully to be sure the product has enough potency to be beneficial.

      The recommended dosage and time of day that you should take the supplements depends on the condition you're trying to treat or improve. Some examples include 500 mg three times a day between meals for inflammation, muscle and joint pain or injury and 500 mg three times a day with meals for indigestion, heartburn or as a digestive aid.

    Combination Supplements

    • Bromelain can be even more effective when combined with other supplements. Popular combinations include bromelain and quercetin for treating joint pain and gout or turmeric plus bromelain as an anti-inflammatory and digestive aid. Bromelain can also be found in smaller doses in many multi-vitamin and herbal products.

    Fresh Pineapple

    • Fresh and frozen pineapple are natural sources of bromelain. Studies conducted by the Dole Nutrition Institute Lab concluded that fresh pineapple contains as much enzyme activity as supplements. Canned pineapple carries a little of it too, but most of the enzyme is lost due to the heat involved in the canning process.

    Weight Management Issue

    • While some manufacturers of pineapple enzyme supplements claim their products can be a diet aid, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea these supplements alone can help you lose weight. A well-balanced diet (fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats and fish) combined with an active lifestyle is still the most reliable way to shed pounds.

    Precautions

    • Consult with a health care provider before taking pineapple enzyme supplements if you are currently taking antibiotics, blood thinners, or sedatives. Avoid the supplements period if you have a gastric or duodenal ulcer or a pineapple allergy.

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