Respiratory: Sinusitis (sinus swelling), reactive airway, allergic rhinitis, allergies

Cardiovascular: May help lower blood pressure

Eyes: Might help decrease eye floaters

Gastrointestinal: E. coli, ulcerative colitis, and upset stomach may decrease pain after oral surgery, supplements for some digestive enzyme disorders, helps with gluten sensitivity in some individuals, may help with lactose intolerance, nutrient absorption, possibly IBS, impaired pancreatic function, and indigestion after a meal, Cholera (preferably with antibiotics, whereby it increases absorption-alone, questionable effectiveness), antihelminth (intestinal worms), may help dry mouth, peridontitis, and with inflammation and promotion of healing oral tissues

Genitourinary: Urinary tract infections, kidney stones

Musculoskeletal: Joint swelling, sprains, strains, swelling due to trauma (German Commission E), pain, muscle soreness, osteoarthritis (esp knee and hip after two months), rheumatoid arthritis, knee pain, reduction of inflammation after surgery, post-exercise soreness

Neurologic: Neuropathic pain, multiple sclerosis (insufficient evidence)

Skin: Possible antifungal, debridement (removal) of skin after a bad burn, wound healing, diabetic foot ulcers

Immunity: Increases immunity

Cancer: Possible anticancer, anti-metastatic

Other: It decreases blood clot formation, increases availability, and decreases the side effects of antibiotics and anti-edema drugs.

                                                           *   *   *

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, heavy menstruation/vaginal bleeding, tachycardia (increased heart rate), indigestion, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Stomach ulcers, allergies to various substances/foods: Pineapple, Latex, carrots, fennel, rye, wheat, grass, celery, papaya, bee venom, ragweed, echinacea, daisies, birch, or pollens (esp grass and cypress), subsequent use of blood thinners (including Aspirin), use of Gingko Biloba, certain antibiotics (caution), NSAIDS (caution)

FORMS: Capsules, powder, topical gels

RECOMMENDED BRANDS:

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES:

•    Doctor's Best® Digestive Enzymes (also contains another digestive enzyme - papain) - May be ordered through the Amazon link here

•    GNC Super Digestive Enzymes - (Contains other enzymes besides bromelain). May be ordered through the Amazon link here

•    Healthy Origins Digestive Enzymes - (Contains other helpful enzymes besides bromelain). May be ordered through the Amazon link here

•    NOW® Super Enzymes - (Contains other helpful enzymes besides Bromelain) order through Amazon link or on the Fullscript link here

NO CURRENT INFORMATION ON THIRD PARTY RECOMMENDATIONS ON BROMELAIN FOR ALLERGIES AND UPPER RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS

Note: I only recommend herbal and supplement brands that meet high standards for safety, effectiveness, and transparency. I research each product before sharing. Some links—like those to Amazon—are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. It helps support this free site. Plus, these links often offer discounts, fast shipping, and helpful reviews.

DOSAGE: As directed

Reported doses - often NOT supported by evidence (reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E, NIH publications and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

• Exercise induced muscle pain: 50 mg by mouth up to 4 times daily

• Knee pain: 200-400 mg by mouth daily

• Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones): 500 mg by mouth daily

• Oral treatment: 80-320 mg by mouth 2-3 times a day (WebMD -40 to 400 mg daily, depending on the condition)

• Floaters: 190 mg by mouth up to 3 times daily

• Osteoarthritis: 180 mg by mouth 3 times daily or 300 mg by mouth 2-3 times daily or 250 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Peridontitis: 500 mg by mouth 2 times daily

• Rhinosinusitis: 40 mg 4 times daily for 6 days or 200 mg by mouth daily or 2 times daily

• Tendinopathy: 100 mg by mouth daily

• Wound healing: Apply gel to the area every 4 hours (or up to 10 times daily)

Foods containing bromelain: Fresh pineapple.

Note: Papain, found in papaya, has similar properties to bromelain.

Note: Bromelain is approved for inflammation (particularly of the sinus) by the German Commission E.

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.