“Bromelain is an effective treatment for allergies because it can prevent the inflammation that goes hand in hand with many of our allergic symptoms. Bromelain is a cysteine protease, which means it can be helpful when it comes to cell aging and cell death along with certain immune responses. Cysteine proteases play a role in bringing macrophages—the immune system cells that normally help fight infection—back into line when they are mis-programmed. Since allergies are caused by a haywire immune system response in which innocuous materials such as pet dander or tree pollen are seen as potentially harmful to the body, bromelain can be very helpful in setting the immune system straight at the cellular level and preventing those with allergies from having reactions when exposed to their triggers.

While bromelain is derived from pineapples, eating the fruit cannot provide an adequate amount of the enzyme to improve your allergies. Instead, a supplement should be taken daily. For bromelain to not be involved in digesting proteins in your food, but rather make its way into your bloodstream where it can combat allergies, it is best taken between meals on an empty stomach. And the recommended period of use is eight to 10 consecutive days or as needed.

* Note that since bromelain comes from pineapples, it is not a good idea for anyone with an allergy to pineapples to use this supplement. Allergic reactions that may occur after taking bromelain include itchy skin, hives, nausea, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and even an anaphylactic response.”

– Beth Levine