What do papaya and pineapple have in common besides being tropical fruit?
They contain potent vegetarian proteases. A protease is an proteolytic enzyme that helps break down protein.
How does this relate to healing from orthopedic injury or surgery? A lot actually.
Proteolytic enzymes aids in breaking down animal proteins when ingested, but also mediates tissue repair and break down of cellular debris associated with inflammation metabolism.
Given the likelihood of Standard American Diet (SAD) consumption for most patients, it is common to have an indaquate production of digestive enzymes and bile that aids in digestion of ingested proteins and fats. With that in mind, a simple shift in eating whole nutrient rich food, chewed properly will be a great first step to maximize nutrient absorption. Yet, having support for the process of breaking down food might be helpful during the phases of injury/surgical recovery.
One such enzyme is bromelain is derived from the pineapple. It contains a proteinase which helps to reduce swelling and inflammation after surgery. Theoretically, bromelain may enhance antithrombotic activity of drugs like aspirin. Also, it is suggested that bromelain should be avoided by those with liver disease. A randomized study done including supplementation of bromelain, vitamin C, grape seed extract, calcium and turin resulted in a 17% decrease in wound healing time. This particular study also demonstrated that there was no such increase in bleeding. The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery promotes this supplement regime. Another study found that the use of bromelain may reduce pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the jaw.
It is important to note that bromelain should be avoided in those with liver disease or bleeding disorders and stopped 2 weeks prior to surgery for adults and should be avoided in the pediatric population.
Our Active Recovery Blend includes a combination of enzymes to aid digestion, but more important to aid the injured/surgical repair site. Consult your doctor if you have liver disease, are pregnant or a have bleeding disorder before taking enzymes.
Remove. Replace. Restore.
Remove excessive inflammation.
Replace with proteolytic enzymes from natural sources like papaya and pineapple.
Restore the natural repair process.
Eat Well. Move Well. Sleep Well. Connect Well. Supplement Well.
References:
Herb, Nutrient, and Drug Interactions
Use of Herbal Supplements and Vitamins in Plastic Surgery: A practical Review
Oral nutritional supplementation accelerates skin wound healing: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double -arm, crossover study
Perioperative Bromelain Therapy after Wisdom Teeth Extraction – A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blinded, Three-Armed, Cross-Over Dose-Finding Study.
Therapeutic uses of pineapple-extracted bromelain in surgical care — A review
Efficacy of Bromelain along with Trypsin, Rutoside Trihydrate Enzymes and Diclofenac Sodium Combination Therapy for the treatment of TMJ Osteoarthritis – A Randomised Clinical Trial