Bromelain Treats Arthritis Without Causing Digestive Problem

Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from the stem and juice of the pineapple plant and is an effective anti-inflammatory and protein-digesting agent.  It is one of the safest long-term treatments for pain and inflammation because, unlike similar products, bromelain is also a digestive aid and can be taken for long periods of time without causing stomach or intestinal upsets.
 
Bromelains anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to help reduce the swelling that causes joint pain makes it a popular treatment for arthritis patients, as well as for sufferers of wear-and-tear injuries.  Its advantage over other treatments is that it stimulates the production of plasmin, a compound that breaks down fibrinogen, the cause of localized swelling, without creating gastrointestinal distress.  It can actually ease heartburn and diarrhea if the cause is a shortage of digestive enzymes.
 
Other benefits of bromelain are that it can help in the treatment of colds, asthma, hay fever, varicose veins, and itchy skin.  It is a natural blood thinner and can reduce the clumping of platelets and spontaneous blood clotting because it has anti-coagulant properties.  Its use diminishes the possibility of heart attack or stroke, and is, therefore, often included in therapies for cardiovascular problems.  This herb also helps stimulate the bodys immune system.
 
Bromelain comes in tablet, powder, and capsule form, and the usual dosage is 500 milligrams three times a day between meals as an anti-inflammatory, or after meals for indigestion and heartburn, or once a day for cardiovascular health.