A Brief History of Medicine… and Where do we Go From Here?

Sept. 22, 2010 - PRLog -- If you’re a weekend warrior like me, spending most of your week in front of a computer, then going out and working on your yard all weekend or skiing at the lake or some other physical activity to which the body is not accustomed, you’ll appreciate this article.

Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS), such as aspirin, ibuprofen and Alleve (Naproxen Sodium), are among the most widely used non-prescription drugs on the market. Nearly everyone has taken one of these pharmaceutical drugs at one time or another. Likewise, a large percentage of NSAID users have experienced mild to severe, and even deadly side effects.

The primary problem with these drugs is gastric irritation and bleeding, caused by suppression of the natural protective mucus that coats the stomach and protects it from self-digestion from stomach acids. It is estimated that approximately 120,000 people are hospitalized each year with gastrointestinal bleeding due to NSAID use. Conservative estimates are that 16,500 die as a result.

Let me repeat that… 16,500 people die each year from NSAID side effects.

As of yesterday, May 31, 2010, the total number of US casualties in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined with those who died in the 911 attack, comes out to 8,438. Sadly, nearly twice that number, die each year due to NSAID side effects.

There has to be a safer alternative.

There is. It’s called bromelain and it’s a protein-digesting enzyme found in pineapples. When taken on an empty stomach, which facilitates the absorption of bromelain, the enzyme passes into the bloodstream and decreases migration of neutrophils (pro-inflammatory white blood cells) to sites of injury and inflammation, along with a number of other related anti-inflammatory effects.

To quote an excellent peer-reviewed article on the effects of bromelain: “Experimental evidence suggests that bromelain's action as an anti-inflammatory is mediated via the following factors: (i) by increasing serum fibrinolytic activity, reducing plasma fibrinogen levels and decreasing bradykinin levels (which results in reduced vascular permeability) and hence reducing oedema and pain; (ii) by mediating prostaglandin levels (by decreasing levels of PGE2 and thromboxane A2); and (iii) through modulation of certain immune cell surface adhesion molecules, which play a role in the pathogenesis of arthritis.”

NSAIDS on the other hand inhibit the production of certain prostaglandins (intracellular messenger molecules) which are involved in promoting inflammation. However, these same prostaglandins are responsible for a host of other body-regulating functions, such as intestinal mucus production, and therein lies the problem.

Suprisingly, studies have shown it takes only a modest amount of bromelain to inhibit the inflammatory process. Most supplements on the market contain 100mg to 200mg bromelain per capsule or tablet and 200mg is considered to be an appropriate place to start per dose. It’s not the cheapest supplement on the market but it works, so adjust your intake accordingly.

There is such a huge margin of safety with bromelain, one may choose to take two or three capsules several times a day, if so inclined. Bromelain is certainly Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), being derived from a common food. It goes without saying that if you are allergic to pineapple then bromelain is not for you.

There are dozens of formulations on the market containing bromelain either by itself or in combination with other synergistic ingredients. For instance, I take quercetin (read more here) along with bromelain to help with my seasonal allergies.

Bromelain is also found in a myriad number of formulas designed to help with joint pain. These often contain glucosamine, MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane) chondroitan and other natural ingredients shown to help restore normal joint function. (The usefulness of these joint-support formulations is profound and will be discussed in a future article.)

So if you want to try a safer alternative to potentially dangerous pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory drugs, you may want to give bromelain a shot.

Remember to proceed with caution and stop using the supplement if you notice any ill effects. It’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified health professional familiar with natural products before using any herb or nutritional supplement.

To your Health!

Jeff Sargent, Associate Editor - Natural Health Informer
http://www.naturalhealthinformer.com

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Dr. Gitterle is a graduate of the UT Medical School at San Antonio, and both an Emergency Medicine specialist, and an Integrative Medicine and Natural Wellness consultant to individuals and other physicians.