Bromelain for Gout
Food nutrients are almost always found in the fruit or vegetable themselves such that one can always eat these fruit and vegetables to digest their nutritional values. Vitamin C for example can be taken in large doses by eating citrus fruits. There are cases however when beneficial nutrients are not found in the edible part of the fruit or vegetable. One such case is the protease enzyme Bromelain.
Bromelain exists only in pineapples but it exists majorly in the stems of the pineapples. It is in fact extracted from the stems and turned into marketable form as a food supplement. There is not enough of it in the edible fruit itself. But what is Bromelain and how is it exactly helpful for gout?
Bromelain as mentioned is a protease enzyme that has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Proteolytic enzymes digest proteins and have been found useful in blocking pro-inflammatory metabolites (products of metabolism). Early on, Bromelain has been used in folk medicine and was known to alleviate pain and swelling from arthritis-like conditions such as gout. It is also known to block blood-clotting protein called fibrin thereby aiding blood circulation to troubled areas (such as swollen joints) and alleviating pain.
Although sophisticated research is still lacking to prove that Bromelain can really help treat gout significantly, gout patients as well as alternative medicine practitioners swear by its benefits. Some mainstream medical institution even suggests taking it as a supplement to complement treatment for arthritis-like conditions such as gout. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 40mg of Bromelain three to four times daily to relieve symptoms of gout.
Bromelain for Gout – Precautions
Taking Bromelain does not come without precautions. Being an anti-coagulant as well as anti-inflammatory, people taking blood thinners (such as Aspirin for heart ailments or as anti-inflammatory medication) are warned against taking it. This goes the same for pregnant, lactating mothers as well people with kidney and liver diseases. Very high doses of Bromelain have been known to cause digestive upsets including diarrhea.
For gout patients wanting to complement their treatment with Bromelain, below are well-recommended Bromelain supplements available right here:
- NOW Foods Bromelain 2400Gdu/500mg, 120 Vcaps
- Source Naturals Bromelain, 500mg, 120 Tablets (Pack of 2)
- Country Life Triple Strength Bromelain 500 mg, 60 tabs
- Life Extension Specially-coated Bromelain, 500 mg, 60 Tablets
- Jarrow Formulas – Bromelain 1000, 500 mg, 60 tablets
Bromelain also exist as a combination of other plant based extracts known to be beneficial to gout. These include mixtures with Quercetin and Turmeric. Here are some of the highly rated and popular supplements:
- Now Foods Quercetin with Bromelain, Veg-Capsules, 240-Count
- Natural Factors Turmeric and Bromelain (300mg/150mg) 450 mg total Capsules, 90-Count
- Natural Factors Turmeric and Bromelain 450 mg, 180 Capsules
As always with any supplement, be sure to get the o.k. from your doctor. As mentioned before, Bromelain possibly interacts with other prescribed medications and may cause adverse side effects when taken with them.