Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Digestive Health Overview Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Digestive health does not just mean diarrhea or constipation. In fact, while diarrhea or constipation can be a concern by themselves, they are often symptoms of other disorders such as SIBO, IBS, IBD and even diverticulitis. The digestive tract is one …
There are always buzz words but how do we know if we should follow them? Learn more about Omega-3 to see the benefits and why this buzz word is worth following.
bromelain
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Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode.
Hosted by Melissa Bistricer, MS, RDN/DPD
*Intro music*
InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed healthcare professionals are excited to offer you the most important health and wellness information you need to make informed choices about your health. You can learn more about the products discussed in each of these episodes and all that InViteⓇ Health has to offer at www.invitehealth.com/podcast. First time customers can use promo code PODCAST at checkout for an additional 15% off your first purchase. Let’s get started!
*Intro music*
Melissa Bistricer, RDN:
[00:00:40] Welcome to another podcast at InViteⓇ Health. Today we’ll be talking about bromelain and the numerous benefits this supplement has been studied to have. My name is Melissa Bistricer and I am a registered dietitian. I am so excited to bring to you the nutritional aspect of the nutrients here at InViteⓇ Health. Nutrition food for thought: Every time you eat or drink, you are either feeding or fighting a disease. Remember, having a healthy, balanced diet does matter. InViteⓇ Health promotes an integrative approach in providing vitamins into your daily life to increase your quality of life. In conjunction with nutrients, it is also important to learn and include other lifestyle modifications like nutrition, exercise and sleep. These practices, with the use of vitamins, will promote optimal benefits in your daily life.† [00:01:30]
[00:01:31] Now let’s get onto the topic of bromelain and why we should have a bottle on hand at all times. Don’t forget that bromelain is naturally found in pineapple. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme generally found in the stems of pineapple. Though pineapple does contain citric acid, which may contribute to discomfort, the acid is not the main culprit here, though. Pineapple is the only fruit that contains bromelain, which helps to digest proteins. Do you ever feel like when you’re eating raw pineapple it hurts to eat? Well, that is simply because the bromelain is digesting the tender skin inside your mouth. Pineapple is known to be a great tenderizer for meats due to the enzyme bromelain has, which softens the muscle fibers. The protein in the meat is broken down and increases meat’s potential to absorb moisture. This is the reason why pineapple is the preferred method to tenderize meat. Don’t think just because you eat some pineapple on pizza, you will get all the benefits because there’s so little on it, it won’t be effective enough. Wait. Isn’t this a controversial topic? Do you eat your pizza with pineapple? Well, I personally don’t like it, but who’s asking me anyways? Now, let’s not get into politics of pizza and pineapple. Let’s get back to the scientific part.† [00:02:46]
[00:02:47] In the body, the proteolytic enzyme stimulates the body’s digestive process to support digestion by breaking down proteins into smaller components. The proteolytic enzymes are called cysteine proteinase, which is the breakdown of protein to help digest foods. It can also help combat diarrhea. The thought is this that it can counteract the effects of intestinal pathogens such as Vibrio or E Coli. Ever having a really, really heavy meal? Like imagine on Thanksgiving when you feast over that turkey, the gravy, the stuffing. Oh, and sweet potato pie, too. You may feel slightly bloated. Therefore, just taking 1 to 2 capsules of the bromelain can help break down the proteins and the heavy feeling in your stomach.† [00:03:31]
THE KEY TO SUPPORTING HEALTHY DIGESTION – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 94. Listen Now>>
[00:03:32] Bromelain also has other beneficial components, such as helping acute inflammation, headaches, or even if you twist your ankle and need some relief. Instead of taking the non-steroidal anti-inflammatories called NSAIDs, which can cause potential liver and kidney damage in the future. Unfortunately, Americans generally turn to NSAIDs or prescription drugs as they are the only effective remedies for common disorders. Although studies have been showing that natural therapies, rather than medications for arthritis have been effective, there has been evidence to prove that the drugs for arthritis, so Vioxx and Bextra, were later withdrawn due to lethal adverse reaction. In hindsight, NSAIDs have a warning about potential to increase risks for heart attacks and stroke with their use. Medical history has been advancing, and several natural alternatives have been seen to work with no side effects. Bromelain has been one of those anti-inflammatory nutrients that have been overlooked in the past. Bromelain-based formulations have been clinically studied to show more effective benefits than anti-inflammatory prescription drugs, to relieve pain and inflammation. A general over-all beneficial supplement to have always in your medicine cabinet to turn to rather than Advil, Motrin or Aleve is bromelain. Pain reliever drugs, either prescribed or brought over-the-counter, that can lead to other chronic complications such as gastric ulcers or liver kidney damage. Bromelain has powerful proteolytic enzymes, which again benefits digestive enhancement.† [00:05:18]
[00:05:19] Athletes have used bromelain as well to help manage joint injuries. Those undergoing surgery used to speed recovery time. Bromelain has a powerful proteolytic enzyme which, again, benefits digestive enhancement. Athletes have used bromelain as well to help manage joint injuries and those undergoing surgery use it to speed recovery time. The use of bromelain on reducing the pain of osteoarthritis… Recent studies from, from Germany on 90 patients who suffer from osteoarthritis of the hip. The study is a randomized controlled trial, with half the participants receiving a bromelain supplement and other receiving an anti-inflammatory drug called diclofenac. The results indicated that the use of bromelain may be beneficial in treatment of patients with osteoarthritis of the hip with the signs of inflammation to help with high pain levels. Other studies have resulted in the same outcome, comparing bromelain with the, with diclofenac. The patient also reported decreased joint tenderness, pain, swelling and improvement of motion at the end of the day.† [00:06:23]
[00:06:24] In another research study from the United Kingdom, from a three-month study, looked at the effectiveness of the dose of bromelain. There was one group that was receiving 200mg of bromelain and one group that was receiving 400mg of bromelain. The participants had mild acute pain. When they were given 200mg, there was a 41% decrease of pain. And when given 400mg of bromelain, there was a 59% decrease in pain. With the higher dose of 400mg of bromelain, it was observed to help the stiffness and physical function, though the study also indicated that bromelain is also effective in improving general well-being in healthy individuals who suffer from mild knee pain. Evidence-based complementary alternative medicine demonstrates that bromelain supports joint health.† [00:07:14]
[00:07:15] Bromelain has been shown to have numerous therapeutic benefits to support lungs and joint. It also regulates prostaglandin levels, the sign of chronic inflammation, therefore helping to provide comfort and joint modulation of certain immune cells to support respiratory health. Bromelain has also been helpful in healing minor injuries such as sprains, strains and other traumas. Bromelain has also helped to speed up surgical help to support pain relief. A study was completed with a combination of bromelain, trypsin and rutoside on individuals taking the supplements two weeks following surgery for a fixed fracture. The group that received the bromelain has positive reduction in post-operative swelling.† [00:07:58]
[00:07:59] At Mount Sinai, they have completed research as well, determining that bromelain has a multitude of benefits, such as treating indigestion and reducing inflammation. There even has been evidence that bromelain has helped with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis, which can be caused by cramping, pain, diarrhea and weight loss. The Annals of Internal Medicine has published reports on two individuals who suffered from ulcerative colitis, which have not yet benefited from any conventional therapy but have benefited from bromelain supplementation. Bromelain helps relieve symptoms such as frequent diarrhea. Further investigation on the use of bromelain on inflammatory bowel disorders, according to North Carolina’s Duke University needs to be studied to fully understand and assess the use of bromelain on inflammatory bowel disorders. Biomedical reports that bromine is safe and successful for therapeutic use worldwide for conditions such as bronchitis, sinusitis, arthritis and inflammation. Sinusitis is the painful inflammation of the sinuses cavities that cause bacterial, fungal or viral infections. A recent study showed that bromelain has multiple benefits on sinuses health by thinning the nasal secretions and inhibiting the production of inflammatory prostaglandins. The German commission E actually approved bromelain to treat swelling and inflammation after surgery, specifically sinus surgeries.† [00:09:26]
[00:09:27] Bromelain has also been effective for skin disorders called pityriasis lichenoid chronica, which is a skin disease that is caused by the development of small scaling raised spots on the skin. This disorder has no clinically proven treatment, but a study was completed on several individuals given a bromelain supplement, with complete recovery and no adverse effects. It has properties of immunomodulatory and anti-neoplastic effects to help with anti-inflammation and antimicrobial effects.† [00:09:59]
[00:10:00] Lastly, probably the most exciting news that research has been coming out with suggesting that the use of bromelain and the effects it has on anti-cancer therapeutic agents. A recent study was conducted on mice to assess the use of bromelain on anti-cancer effects. Further research still has to be completed to see the use of bromelain in anti-cancer therapy. The bromelain can work through several mechanisms, though, including inhibiting the tumor growth, decreasing tumor growth and boosting the immune systems and anti-cancer activity.† [00:10:31]
[00:10:32] With all the benefits, it is also important to note that there are some safety cautions to be aware of. If you have an allergy to pineapple or pineapple juice, bromelain should not be taken. Be aware certain prescribed medications may interact with taking bromelain. Make sure to talk to a healthcare provider if taking any prescribed medications. Well lastly, bromelain, as mentioned, does come from pineapples, but don’t think you can eat an entire pineapple, as it will not be enough to be effective. That’s why I have the bromelain supplements sold at invitehealth.com, so go check it out.† [00:11:07]
[00:11:07] Take charge of your health today and talk with one of our healthcare providers about any complementary health approaches to use. Together, we can make a shared, well-informed decision for you. If you have any further questions, you are always welcome to chat with me as a nutritionist or any of our other healthcare providers to assist you at invitehealth.com. Or you can email me directly at mbistricer@invitehealth.com. That’s m-b as in boy-i-s-t-r-i-c-e-r at invitehealth.com. I am Melissa Bistricer, RDN, ready to share the knowledge to help you modify your lifestyle to live a happier, more successful life. I am looking forward to continuing to provide you with educational podcasts and blog posts. Again, nutrition food for thought: Every time you eat or drink, you are either feeding or fighting the disease. Remember, having a healthy, balanced diet does matter. Have a great day and tune in for the next podcast, coming to you soon.† [00:11:07]
Zinc is the second most abundant mineral in your body, but many people don’t have enough of it. This nutrient is essential for immune health, brain function, heart health and more.
In this episode of the InVite Health Podcast, Amanda Williams, MPH concludes her series on the workings of the immune system. Learn about the important role nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E and mushroom extract play in your immune defenses.
immune system
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Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode.
Hosted by Amanda Williams, MPH
*Intro music*
InVite Health Podcast Intro: Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed healthcare professionals are excited to offer you the most important health and wellness information you need to make informed choices about your health. You can learn more about the products discussed in each of these episodes and all that InViteⓇ Health has to offer at www.invitehealth.com/podcast. First time customers can use promo code PODCAST at checkout for an additional 15% off your first purchase. Let’s get started!
*Intro music*
Amanda Williams, MPH: [00:00:39] We’ve come to part three on our immune system podcast series, where I’m going to be discussing autoimmune conditions, what that actually means, and understanding the difference between passive and active immunity. So I’m Amanda Williams, MD, MPH, and we’ve covered a lot of ground. We’ve talked about the immune system, how its basic function is, talked about the impact of inflammation, talked about the end results of an aging immune system and immunosenescence. So today I want to talk about autoimmune and looking really at passive and active immunization. So when we think about the way that our immune system reacts when we’re exposed to a particular virus or bacteria, whatever pathogen it may be, we have a immune system response. So we have this acquired immunity, which is attained either through passive or through active immunization. So when we think about passive immunization, this is really talking about the transfer of immunity and this goes from one person to another. So when we think about maternal antibodies being passed off to the developing baby, so that would be an example of that passive immunity. So we can also get passive immunity through antibody-containing blood, such as an immune globulin. So you see certain disease conditions where immune globulins are utilized. So this is a form once again of passive immunity.† [00:02:31]
[00:02:33] Now, when we think about active immunity, this results when we have exposure to a particular disease organism that triggers the immune system to produce antibodies. So what are we now thinking about? We are thinking about antibody or adaptive or delayed immune response. So active immunity can be acquired through natural immunity or through vaccine-induced immunity. So natural immunity means we’re exposed to a particular pathogen and our body creates a means to fend this off if we are exposed to it again. Now, vaccine-induced immunity is acquired through either, you know, a killed vaccine or a weakened formed of that vaccine. There’s many different vaccines. Now we have the mRNA vaccines. So in either way, if the person comes in contact with that particular disease pathogen in the future, then the immune system recognizes this and will immediately produce the antibodies needed to fight it. So active immunity is very long-lasting in many cases, and in certain conditions, it’s actually lifelong. So when we think about someone who gets vaccinated for hepatitis B, for example, that has a long-lasting immunity. Now there’s other types of pathogens, when you think about tetanus, for example. Someone has to get re-vaccinated to that. So when it comes to understanding vaccination, this is quite complex. But at the end of the day, we know that the immune system works via active immunity and passive immunities. Passive immunity is what we get when we’re born or if we’re going under treatment for an immune globulin treatment therapy. Active immunity is going to be derived either via natural immunity or through vaccine-induced immunity.† [00:04:38]
[00:04:40] So how can things go haywire? This is where we come in to autoimmune. So an autoimmune disease or disorder occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the body. And usually when people think about autoimmune conditions, they think of the most common ones. You think about rheumatoid arthritis, you think about lupus, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s, psoriasis. These are common. There’s hundreds of autoimmune conditions and some are very common. We know that in the United States alone, one out of every 15 people, one out of every 15, has an autoimmune condition. So when we think about things like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, myasthenia gravis, type one diabetes is an autoimmune condition. Understanding how this occurs is what’s important because we know that when our immune system is exposed to something, it’s going to eventually generate antibodies to this particular antigen. When the immune system cannot distinguish between what’s healthy and what is not, then it starts to destroy or attack the healthy organ or the healthy cell. And hence this is a big problem. So we see this in rheumatoid arthritis when the immune system is driving up this inflammatory response within the joint and it’s destroying that joint. So that destruction of a tissue, the abnormal growth of an organ, the change in function of an organ… We see this in Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. We know that autoimmune conditions can affect more than one system, more than one organ. We know that one autoimmune condition can drive another autoimmune condition in the body. And we’ve seen this. It’s becoming more common where you can have multiple autoimmune disorders.† [00:06:48]
[00:06:51] So how does this happen? How is it that the immune system just decides to go haywire and start attacking? Well, there’s many different schools of thought on this, but one of the most common theories out there is that it’s driven because of microorganisms. So when we think about different bacteria, viruses, drug-induced autoimmune can trigger a change in the immune system because remember, we’re dealing with this multi-functional system, remember, that’s reliant on micronutrients, macronutrients, fatty acids, the gut microbiome. So if something occurs that shifts, say you have a viral infection, and because of that viral infection, the immune system gets a little confused and it’s like, “I’m not sure what we’re supposed to be doing here. Let’s just try and destroy.” That’s a big problem.† [00:07:51]
[00:07:53] They just came out in the last month and are looking, Cedars-Sinai are finding evidence of overactive immune response, meaning the immune system goes haywire, as I describe it, when we’re talking about autoimmune in the setting of SARS-CoV-2. That’s the virus that causes COVID-19. We know that there’s all of these different autoantibodies, when people talk about natural immunity that the body generates. The problem that they’re finding is that many people who are asymptomatic or mild symptoms have these autoantibodies that are stressing the immune system to such a degree, and they are persistent much longer over time, so we’re not talking about natural protective immunity. What we are looking at is autoantibody, so that autoimmune, which is linking people to these problems with chronic inflammation, post-COVID infection that’s affecting joints, that’s affecting the nervous system. Many of these autoantibodies that they are detecting are being linked to autoimmune conditions. Remember, I said when the immune system goes haywire, one thing can spiral out of control to affect another thing. So if we can see that an infection with COVID can trigger and drive these variable responses, then we need to once again be focusing on that. How do we strengthen the immune system? How do we go about making sure that the immune system isn’t taking an exposure to an antigen and creating an autoantibody to that? So autoimmune disorders are very problematic. And to rid the system of an autoimmune condition is very hard.† [00:10:02]
[00:10:03] I mentioned a lot of these diseases, you see how far they’ve made it with many of them not far. They give people different drugs, immunosuppressant drugs to try to downregulate that immune system over-response. You have different medications that help to try to regulate thyroid function in the setting of autoimmune thyroid conditions. But at the end of the day, we have to be cognizant of the fact that our immune system goes through so much from the time that we’re born to the time that we leave this world, and when we factor in nutrient depletion, when we factor in immunosenescence, when we factor in stress and the impact that lowering levels of DHEA can play, chronic autoimmune diseases are becoming more readily acquired, we can say. Seeing more and more people who are being diagnosed with autoimmune conditions. And many of these things are tracing back to different infections. So we can’t fool ourselves and say, “OK, because I had an exposure to this, now I have natural immunity.” Because sometimes that natural immunity backfires and we actually generate autoantibodies, which are now destroying good, healthy tissues and organs and pathways.† [00:11:38]
HOW DHEA SUPPORTS HEALTHY IMMUNITY – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 80. Listen Now>>
[00:11:42] So understanding how the immune system is working, understanding that passive immunity, understanding passive immunity is short term. It’s like the innate immune response, it’s short term. Passive immunity generally only lasts for a few weeks or few months. Active immunity, which correlates with our adaptive immune response, is longer lasting. So there’s a lot of moving parts, once again, when we think about our immune system and the causative reasons as to why our immune defenses can get so incredibly disrupted. When you see people who have an autoimmune disease. And they’re given these really costly, incredibly expensive and often come with a whole list of nasty side effects, these different medications that suppress their immune system, which now leaves them more vulnerable to another infection.† [00:12:53]
[00:12:56] So there’s a lot of different ways that we can help to regulate our immune system. There are many ways in which we can make small modifications to our diet, to our exercise, making sure we’re getting adequate exposure to those micro and macronutrients to enhance the body’s ability to fend off any type of a pathogen and to boost the immune function. There’s so much research out there now that shows how different nutrients, different herbal extracts can help to enhance or downregulate the way that the immune system is over-producing these different cytokines and prostaglandins. So the overactive response by the immune system can certainly get us into trouble, so we need to make sure that the immune system knows when to turn on and when to turn off. And the best way in achieving this is through healthy lifestyle. And you can do everything right. You can be eating right, exercising and still end up with an autoimmune condition. Yeah, there can be a genetic variant that’s the driving cause, can be an environmental exposure that’s unavoidable that can be weakening the immune system. But we have so much control over the action of our immune system. But you have to take the right steps. So on the next podcast, I’m going to talk about nutrients. Nutrients to support our immune system. And there are so many. We’ll look at the basic nutrients. We’ll look at some of the advanced ways in which different herbal extracts can help to enhance. We think about mushroom extract, for example, all of the different ways that we can take different supplements that can help to enhance our immune defenses.† [00:15:01]
[00:15:01] So I want to thank you so much for tuning in to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast. Remember, you can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting invitehealth.com/podcast. Now, do make sure that you subscribe and you leave us a review. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @invitehealth and we will see you next time for another episode of the InViteⓇ Health Podcast. [00:15:01]
