Bromelain Sinus Ease

. . . synergistically works to reduce sinus pain and the body's natural inflammatory response*

Doctor Formulated

• Contains Bromelain, Quercetin and Vitamin C

• Bromelain helps reduce swelling and inflammatory  response to sinuses by increasing the body's ability to break down fibrin1*

• Bromelain thins mucus allowing sinuses to drain more easily2*

• Vitamin C has mild antihistamine activity3*

• Vitamin C, when given with bioflavonoids like quercetin, has reduced the inflammatory response4*

• Quercetin, a potent plant bioflavonoid, eases painful inflammatory response5*

Benefits of Sinus Ease

        Sinus cavities are lined with delicate mucous membranes, which act as filters for your respiratory system. When attacked by allergies, pollutants, viruses or bacteria, they respond by becoming swollen and inflamed.

        Bromelain helps inhibit the formation of prostaglandins that trigger the inflammatory response.6* It also makes mucus less thick, allowing mucus to drain more easily.2* Fibrin is a protein that concentrates in areas of inflammation, causing painful swelling.* Bromelain decreases fibrin deposits, preventing damaging buildup in the sinuses and elsewhere.1*

        Human trials have shown that by removing fibrin from areas of inflammation, bromelain lessens swelling.1* Inflamed sinuses respond well to bromelain.* Double-blinded trials show that the inflammatory response is better reduced by bromelain than by placebo.7,8,9,10* In all cases, a majority of people responded well to bromelain supplements.*

        Quercetin reduces the inflamma­tory response by inhibiting release of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes, which are similar to prostaglandins.11* Leukotrienes are one of the most potent pro-inflammatory substances produced by our bodies—over 3,000 times more powerful than prostaglandins.* Quercetin also protects white blood cells which, when damaged, release pro-inflammatory histamine.5* Quercetin may also have anti-viral activity.4*

        Bioflavonoids may help decrease swelling by reducing capillary fragility and permeability.* In human studies, the inflammatory response was decreased when bioflavonoids were given in combination with vitamin C, an outcome con­firmed in double-blinded research.4,12*

        Vitamin C has mild antihistamine activity.3,13* As a possible consequence, some studies have reported that vitamin C is useful in reducing painful, swollen nasal passages.14,15,16* The effectiveness of vitamin C in producing anti­histamine effects is still debated, however, because a controlled trial was unable to show consistent effects.17* Doses up to 2 grams per day have been used by researchers.13* It may be diffi­cult to show these effects in research trials because vitamin C appears to help only some people without affecting others.18*

Ingredient Highlights

        Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme found in pineapple. Nature’s Life uses high activity bromelain—each 3 capsules provides 2,880 GDU (4,320 MCU). Bromelain should be taken on an empty stomach. If taken with food, bromelain’s activity may be lessened.* When taken without food, bromelain will be absorbed into the bloodstream and will be available to help reduce the inflammatory response.* Bromelain is safe; many studies have reported no side effects, except a mild diarrhea at very high doses.*

        Quercetin is a safe, potent bioflavonoid found in many plants.* Nature’s Life uses quercetin from the pod of a tropical tree of the Dimorphandra species. Quercetin is virtually non-toxic but may cause mild diarrhea in sensitive people.

                Our Vitamin C is pure, hypoallergenic calcium ascorbate. Calcium is a very effective buffer. When combined with ascorbic acid to form calcium ascorbate, it is easier on the stomach. People who cannot use ascorbic acid because of its acidity, can usually tolerate calcium ascorbate very well.

References

1. Prac­titioner 1969;203:206.

2. Exper Med Surg 1962;20:228-48.

3. J Am Coll Nutr 1992;11:172-6.

4. Med Times 1960;88:313-6.

5. Arch Allergy Applied Immunol 1985;77:155-7.

6. Med Hypoth 1980;6:99-104.

7. EENT Monthly 1966;45:96-8.

8. EENT Monthly 1967;46:361-5.

9. Headache 1967;7:13-7.

10. EENT Monthly 1967;46:1281-8.

11. Prog Clin Biol Res 1986;213:231-42.

12. Med Times 1962;529-32.

13. J Am Diet Assoc 1992;92(8):988-9.

14. Am J Dig Dis 1945;12:281.

15. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1973;51:218.

16. Science 1942;96;497.

17. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1982;69:484-8.

18. NZ Med J 1986;99:163 [abstr].

Sinus cavities are lined with delicate mucous membranes, which act as filters for your respiratory system. Normal sinuse tissues are pink and healthy. For many people, when their sinuses come in contact with allergens, pollutants or harmful micro-organisms, histamines are released as a protective measure by the immune system. Sinuses naturally respond by becoming irritated, red, and inflamed with these healing histamines. This process, called the natural inflammatory response, helps to neutralize and remove the irritants in sinuses cavities. Sometimes, however, the immune system continues to flood the sinuses even after the irritants are removed. Bromelain Sinus Ease™ contains three ingredients that have been shown to enhance the body’s ability to reduce this natural inflammatory response and help clear up sinuses.*

Bromelain

Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes extracted from pineapples (Ananassa sativa). Bromelain breaks down fibrin—a key component of the body’s natural inflammatory response to allergens and other foreign stimuli.* Bromelain also appears to inhibit the natural formation of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) that trigger the natural inflammatory response.*1  It makes mucus less thick,2  allowing the mucus to drain more easily.*

Human trials have shown that by breaking down and helping to remove fibrin, bromelain reduces the discomfort of irritated tissues.*3   Double-blinded trials in patients with irritated sinuses show that the natural inflammatory response is reduced more effectively by concentrated bromelain than by placebo.*4 ,5 ,6 ,7  In all cases, a majority of people responded well to bromelain supplements.*

Bromelain has also helped reduce the dura­tion of the natural inflammatory response after nasal procedures by over 70% in a controlled trial.*8 

The recommended daily amount of Nature’s Life Sinus Ease™  utilizes 1,200 mg a very high potency bromelain enzyme which has an activity of 2,880 GDU (Gelatin Digestive Units), or 4,320 MCU (Milk Clotting Units) per serving.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C also helps reduce histamine release.*9   Some studies have reported that vitamin C is useful in reducing the natural inflammatory response in nasal passages.*10, 11, 12   The effectiveness of vitamin C in reducing histamine release is still debated, however, because a controlled trial was unable to show consistent effects.*13  Doses up to 2 grams per day have been used by researchers. It may be diffi­cult to show these effects in research trials because vitamin C appears to help only some people without affecting others.*14  Studies, however, clearly show that vitamin C supplementation can lower elevated blood levels of histamines.*15, 16 Nature’s Life adds naturally-buffered vitamin C to Sinus Ease due to its safety, immune-supporting effects and potential effica­cy to reduce histamine release.*

Quercetin

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid found in many natural foods including citrus fruits, onions, apples, tea and lettuce. As with bromelain, quercetin helps reduce the natural inflammatory response by inhibiting the natural formation of the pro-inflammatory agents, prostaglandins and leukotrienes (white blood cells).*17,18  Quercetin also helps lessen the natural inflammatory response for children with sensitivities to inhalants.*19  Additionally, quercetin may help reduce the effects of harmful micro-organisms *20  Bioflavonoids at doses of 1,200 mg per day have reduced the natural inflammatory response in human studies in combination with 1,200 mg vitamin C,21 an outcome con­firmed in double-blinded research using 600 mg/day of bioflavonoids and 450 mg/day of vitamin C.*22

Substances which inhibit the natural inflammatory response rarely target just one part of the body.* While quercetin has yet to be tested in reducing the natural inflammatory response in sinuses specifically, doctors of natural medicine frequently use it for that purpose because of its proven ability to lessen the natural inflammatory response elsewhere in the body.*

Nature’s Life Sinus Ease™

Nature’s Life has combined these powerful phytonutrients to make Sinus Ease™. High potency Bromelain, Quercetin and vitamin C work to inhibit the natural pro-inflammatory response and encourage adequate sinus drainage.* No safety concerns have been identified with any of these ingredients.23, 24  It is recommended to take the three capsules per day between meals. Since bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme, if taken with a meal it will act on the protein in the food rather than the natural pro-inflammatory fibrin, so remember to take it between meals.*  Enjoy the winter season and find relief from allergens throughout the year!  Nature’s Life Sinus Ease™ can help.

References:

1.   Taussig SJ. The mechanism of the physiological action of bromelain. Med Hypoth 1980;6:99-104.

2. Martin GJ. Bromelain pineapple proteases with anti-edema activity. Exper Med Surg 1962;20:228-48.

3. Blonstein JL. Control of swelling in boxing injuries. Prac­titioner 1969;203:206.

4. Seltzer AP. Adjunctive use of bromelains in sinusitis: a controlled study. EENT Monthly 1967;46:1281-8.

5. Taub SJ. The use of Ananase in sinusitis—a study of 60 patients. EENT Monthly 1966;45:96-8.

6. Ryan RE. A double-blind clinical evaluation of bromelains in the treatment of acute sinusitis. Headache 1967;7:13-7.

7. Taub SJ. The use of bromelains in sinusitis: a double-blind clinical evaluation. EENT Monthly 1967;46:361-5.

8. Seltzer AP. Minimizing post-operative edema and ecchymoses by the use of an oral enzyme preparation (bromelain). EENT Monthly 1962;41:813-7.

9. Johnson CS, Martin LJ, Cai X. Antihistamine effect of sup­plemental ascorbic acid and neutrophil chemotaxis. J Am Coll Nutr 1992;11:172-6.

10. Zuskin E, Lewis AJ, Bouhuys A. Inhibition of histamine-induced airways constriction by ascorbic acid. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1973;51:218.

11. Ruskin SL. High dose vitamin C in allergy. Am J Dig Dis 1945;12:281.

12. Holmes HN. Hay fever and vitamin C. Science 1942;96;497.

13. Fortner BR, Danziger RE, Rabinowitz PS, Nelson HS. The effect of ascorbic acid on cutaneous and nasal response to histamine  and allergen. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1982;69:484-8.

14. Bai TR, Martin JG. Effects of indomethacin and ascorbic acid on histamine induced bronchoconstriction in normal  subjects. NZ  Med J 1986;99:163 [abstr].

15. Holmes H, Alexander W. Hay Fever and Vitamin C. Science 1942;96:497-99.

16. Johnston CS, Martin LJ, Xi C. Antihistamine Effect of Supplemental Ascorbic Acid and Neutrophil Chemotaxis. J Am Coll Nutr 1992;11:172-6.

17. Middleton E, Drzewieki G. Naturally occurring flavonoids and human basophil histamine release. Arch Allergy Applied Immunol 1985;77:155-7.

18. Welton AF, Tobias LD, Fiedler-Nagy C, et al. Effect of flavonoids on arachidonic acid metabolism. Prog Clin BiolRes 1986;213:231-42

19. Balabokin II, Gordeeva GF, Fuseva ED, et al. Use of vitamins in allergic illnesses in children. Vopr Med Khim (Russia) 1992;38:36-40.

20. Ohnishi E, Bannai H. Quercetin potentiates TNF-induced antiviral activity. Antiviral Res 1993;22:327-31.

21. Miller MJ. Injuries to athletes. Med Times 1960;88:313-6.

22. Cragin RB. The use of bioflavonoids in the prevention and treatment of athletic injuries. Med Times 1962;529-32.

23. Taussig SJ, Yokoyama MM, Chinen N, et al. Bromelain: A proteolytic enzyme and its clinical application. Hiroshima J Med Sci 1975;24:185-193.

24. Hertog MGL, Feskens EJM, Holman PCH, et al. Dietary flavonoids and cancer risk in the Zutphen elderly study. Nutr Cancer 1994;22:175-84.