DESCRIPTION
When you’ve had surgery or you have been injured, your body can respond with inflammation. Inflammation is a defense reaction caused by tissue damage, and is characterized by redness, heat, swelling and pain. While these symptoms may be uncomfortable, they represent the body’s wonderful innate ability to heal itself. Medications can provide some relief, but they often suppress symptoms and can cause unwanted side effects.

VitaMedica’s Bromelain with Quercetin is a natural medicine that helps support the body’s healing process. And, because the supplement is natural, it is milder, safer and is far less likely to cause negative reactions than prescription medicines. 

VitaMedica’s Bromelain with Quercetin is a nutritional supplement that contains natural ingredients, with excellent anti-inflammatory properties.  Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from the stem of the pineapple. Quercetin is a plant pigment found in large amounts in foods such as onions and apples. 

Bromelain inhibits prostaglandins that cause inflammation and promotes the formation of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.  Quercetin inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators including histamine. Combined, these nutrients enhance the effects of each other and demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory activity.


BENEFITS
Efficacious level of ingredients. The total recommended daily dosage contains 1,500 mg of bromelain and 1,500 mg of quercetin (3,000 Milk Clotting Units), a strength that is consistent with research that shows reduction in inflammation and faster healing time.

Safe to use with antibiotics and corticosteroids. After surgery, your doctor may prescribe medications to ward off infection or to help with inflammation.  Bromelain can enhance the effect of antibiotics and is safe to take with other anti-inflammatory drugs.

Formulated in easy-to-swallow capsules. Some individuals have a more difficult time swallowing tablets. Bromelain with Quercetin was formulated in easy-to-swallow capsules.


INDICATIONS
Bromelain with Quercetin contains certain nutrients that are especially important for inflammatory control and the reduction of swelling.  When used in combination with Arnica Montana, Bromelain is ideal for patients undergoing a surgical procedure such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), forehead lift, facial implants and breast augmentation.  Bromelain can also be beneficial for some non-surgical procedures such as chemical peels, collagen injections and fat/filler injections. Bromelain can be beneficial for other conditions that involve inflammation including acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and osteoarthritis.


CONTRAINDICATIONS
Nutritional supplements have a very safe track record. However, certain individuals should seek the advice of their doctor before beginning any nutritional supplement program particularly diabetics and pregnant or lactating women. BROMELAIN WITH QUERCETIN is contraindicated in patients with a history of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias); taking blood thinners like coumadin; or who have allergies to pineapple.


DIRECTIONS
Additional vitamin, mineral or herbal supplements should not be taken during the peri-operative period.  In particular, the following should be discontinued two weeks prior to, and for up to two weeks after surgery:  bilberry, cayenne, dong quai, echinacea, feverfew, fish oil caps, garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hawthorne, kava kava, licorice root, ma huang (ephedra), melatonin, red clover, St. John’s wort, valerian, vitamin E and yohimbe.

Begin taking Bromelain 3 days prior to surgery and continue until the inflammation has subsided (usually 7 days). Take 2 capsules three times a day. Bromelain should be taken between meals preferably on an empty stomach.  For example:  upon awakening, late morning and late afternoon.

Do not eat or drink anything by mouth (including this supplement) after midnight prior to surgery. Following anesthesia and surgery, it is not uncommon for some patients to experience decreased appetite or gastrointestinal upset. If you develop these symptoms after surgery, delay taking Bromelain until your stomach is feeling better and you are able to eat a normal diet.