Bromelain is an herbal medication extracted from a plant called Ananas comosus--the pineapple plant. This natural dietary supplement can be used to aid in digestion or reduce inflammation within the human body. The safety and effectiveness of bromelain has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Patients who are allergic to pineapple should not take any dietary supplement that contains bromelain.
Stomach Upset
After taking a dose of bromelain, patients can experience an upset stomach as a side effect of treatment, according to PDR Health, an online medical resource provided by the publishers of the Physicians' Desktop Reference. Stomach upset symptoms can include nausea, vomiting and indigestion. Certain patients also develop diarrhea, which can cause abdominal cramping, bloating or pain. Eating a small meal or snack before taking a dose of bromelain can help limit the development of these stomach-related side effects in certain patients. Contact a doctor if these side effects persist or worsen while taking bromelain.
Increased Heart Rate
Patients taking bromelain can experience an increased heart rate as a side effect of treatment, according to Medline Plus, a medical information website provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. These heart rate changes occur most frequently in patients taking higher doses of bromelain. Patients who have pre-existing heart-related conditions, such as a history of heart disease or heart attack, should use this supplement with caution.
Menstrual Changes
Women taking bromelain can experience menstrual cycle changes as a side effect of treatment. This supplement can cause unusual bleeding within the uterus, which can lead to heavier or longer menstrual cycles, according to health officials at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. These side effects of bromelain can be irritating and uncomfortable to certain women. Due to these uterine side effects, women who are pregnant should not take bromelain.
Allergic or Asthmatic Reactions
Severe allergic and asthmatic reactions have been reported by patients taking products that contain bromelain, warn Medline Plus health officials. Side effects of these types of reactions can include difficulty breathing, chest discomfort or swelling of the mouth or throat. Certain patients also develop inflammatory skin rashes that can begin to itch. Allergic or asthmatic reactions to bromelain can be serious and should be reported to a doctor immediately if they occur.
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