August 2009

The pineapple is a bromeliad the native peoples of Brazil and Paraguay who first cultivated it called “anana,” or “excellent fruit.” Highly regarded for its intense sweetness, the “excellent fruit” was a staple of feasts and rites related to tribal affirmation. It was also used to produce wine. Brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus, the pineapple is now cultivated in tropical regions worldwide

Pineapple-for people who aren’t allergic to it-is generally helpful for any condition involving inflammation. This fruit is a source of bromelain, a protein-dissolving enzyme. Bromelain breaks up the fibers that hold areas of inflammation in place and, to describe matters in everyday terms, turns sticky snot into runny snot. Although over-the-counter formulations of bromelain are refined from pineapple stems, the enzyme is also found in the fruit and juice. Here’s how bromelain helps relieve some common conditions:

- Any antibiotic therapy. Bromelain helps your body absorb antibiotics and reduces gastrointestinal side effects (although if you are allergic to the antibiotic, eating pineapple at the same time you take the antibiotic will increase allergic symptoms).
- Gout. Bromelain interacts with quercetin (found in almost all fresh fruits and vegetables) to help break up the uric acid crystals that are the focus of pain.
- Knee pain, especially after knee surgery. Bromelain and other proteolytic enzymes reduce swelling and improve mobility.
- Parasites. Bromelain (like papain, found in papaya) interferes with the enzyme system that protects the worms from digestive acids.
- Lymphedema. Bromelain enhances relief from Wobenzym, and 2-3 servings of pineapple a day may help relieve swelling.
- Pelvic adhesions after epistiotomy or hysterectomy.

Bromelain helps reverse tissue damage inflicted by the immune system in response to incision by enhancing the production of plasmin, a chemical that causes the protein chains that make up fibrin to unlink. This stops the formation of an adhesion in its early stages. It allows blood to flow to the wound. Blood carries away the monocytes, plasma cells, polymorphonuclear cells, and histiocytes that can get caught on the fibrin net and cause inflammation. Bromelain also counteracts the bradykinin system that makes the healthy capillaries near the site of inflammation “leak” fluid, keeping it from causing swelling and pain.

A double-blind placebo-controlled study of 160 women receiving episiotomies after childbirth found bromelain reduces inflammation. A similar study failed to provide statistics to confirm these results, but bromelain has become widely accepted among midwives and naturopaths as a mean of treating pelvic inflammation.

- Pelvic inflammatory disease. Bromelain is especially useful in preventing adhesive scar tissue from forming in the ovaries and urethra.
- Shingles. Bromelain “tenderizes” the area around shingles, and relieves pain and redness about as effectively as the antiviral acyclovir.
- Tennis epoundow. Bromelain relieves pain.

Bromelain also helps restore circulation to clogged sinuses and nasal passages.

The tissue damage inflicted by the immune system in response to an allergen activates the clotting system in the blood supplying the affected membrane. Fibrin forms around the area of inflammation to deprive it of oxygen and nutrients, trapping the fluids that cause swelling. Bromelain stimulates the production of plasmin, a chemical that causes the protein chains that make up fibrin to unlink. This restores circulation. Bromelain also counteracts the bradykinin system that makes the healthy capillaries near the site of inflammation “leak” fluid. Stopping the release of bradykinins keeps them from causing swelling and pain.

Since bromelain restores circulation and nasal decongestants cut off circulation, you don’t want to drink large quantities of pineapple juice on the same days you take decongestants. Also, allergies to pineapple itself are not unheard of. Allergic reactions to this fruit are most likely in people who are already allergic to papaya, wheat flour, rye flour, or birch pollen.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind when you use fresh pineapple:

- Pineapple does not ripen further once it is picked.
- If pineapple is not being served immediately, then the fruit should be cut from the shell (preserving as much juice as possible), and refrigerated in an airtight container. Use within one week.
- Shell color is not necessarily an indication of ripeness. Depending on the time of the year, fresh pineapple color may vary from green to gold.
- Always cut the top of the pineapple off first before you remove the skin. You can then split the pineapple in half from bottom to top, split the halves in quarters, cutting out the woody core, then use a spoon to dig out the flesh. Alternatively, you peel around the perimeter and remove all of the spiny skin, and then use a paring knife to dig out any “eyes.” Cut the pineapple into crosswise sections and core.