Approximately 26 million Americans have diabetes, according to the National Diabetes Education Program. Diabetes, a chronic disease in which your body cannot regulate glucose properly, is characterized by disturbances in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, resulting in insulin deficiency. The disease can lead to stroke, heart disease, renal failure, blindness and death. While the need exists for further scientific studies, naturopathetic physician Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo claims that pineapples, which contain bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme found in the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant, may help diabetics manage the disease more effectively.
About Pineapple and Bromelain
Native to South America, the pineapple plant grows to heights of 3 feet and has a short strong stem, spiny leaves and succulent yellow fruit. According to Steven Foster, author of the book "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine," its stem and fruit contain bromelain, a protein-splitting enzyme isolated in 1876 as the source of the plant's therapeutic powers. Bromelain has a long history of medicinal use. In folk medicine, it has treated conditions ranging from cuts and constipation to varicose veins and venereal disease. Today, bromelain helps treat a wide range of conditions, including digestive disorders, wrinkles, blood clots and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Benefits of Bromelain Enzyme
In 1957, Ralph M. Heinicke, a Dole Pineapple Company chemist, found that pineapple stems provided very high levels of bromelain. Dole asked Heinicke to find medicinal uses for the enzyme. According to Steven Foster, extensive research indicated that bromelain is not one substance, but a combination of sulfur-containing enzymes. These enzymes aid the digestive system by breaking down proteins, stimulating the muscles of the intestines and easing the process of passing food from the stomach to the intestine. Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," says, "This effect can counteract gastroparesis, a condition caused by long-term diabetic nerve damage in which the stomach is unable to pass food along properly." Controlling gastroparesis plays an important role in diabetes management since interruption of food passing through the digestive system makes blood glucose control more difficult. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, "When food that has been delayed in the stomach finally enters the small intestine and is absorbed, blood glucose levels rise." By facilitating the regulation of the digestive process, bromelain makes it easier for diabetics to more accurately estimate when to inject insulin.
Usage
While you can obtain bromelain naturally by eating fresh pineapple, health-food stores also sell bromelain in capsule, tablet and ointment form. Because 50 percent of bromelain passes out of the digestive tract unabsorbed when used singly, manufacturers combine it in tablet or capsule form with the digestive enzyme papain. This allows more bromelain to enter your bloodstream. Phyllis A. Balch recommends taking 250 to 500 mg of bromelain in tablet form three times a day, before meals.
Cautions and Considerations
Although bromelain is generally considered safe, always check with your doctor before using it. According to Steven Foster, human clinical trials have found that bromelain has few adverse effects when taken in moderate doses. Excessive doses, however, may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and severe menstrual cramps. Children, pregnant and nursing women and people with blood-clotting disorders, high blood pressure or liver or kidney disease should avoid bromelain. Additionally, bromelain contains potential allergens, so people who have allergies to pineapples should refrain from taking the enzyme.
References
- National Diabetes Education Program: The Facts About Diabetes: A Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.
- "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine"; Steven Foster, et al.; 2006
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bromelain
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Gastroparesis
- Eat Right For Your Type: Blood Type Diet Values; Peter D'Adamo
