The Pros and Cons of Bromelain and Pineapple for Vocal Cord Support

As a singer or performer, you’re always looking for ways to keep your voice in peak condition and if you're anything like me, you'll want to do it safely and naturally.

Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme found in the fruit and stem of pineapple which has gained popularity in the performance world due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties. The stems are often used when extracted for supplementation as it contains higher concentration than the fruit. Let's have a look at the pros and cons of why including bromelain in the diet may be beneficial to singers!

The pros of Bromelain

1. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Most well-known for its ability to reduce inflammation and swelling in the body, bromelain works by breaking down proteins that can irritate tissues, helping to reduce pain and swelling in areas affected by injury, surgery, or chronic inflammation. This makes bromelain beneficial for conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and sports injuries as well as vocal inflammation.

2. Improved Digestion

Bromelain helps with the digestion of proteins, making it useful for those with digestive issues like bloating, indigestion, or insufficient stomach acid. It can aid in breaking down food in the stomach, improving nutrient absorption and relieving discomfort after meals.

3. Support for Sinus Health

Bromelain’s anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties (ability to break down mucus) make it helpful in relieving sinusitis and nasal congestion. Studies have shown that it can reduce the severity of sinus symptoms and that it may aid recovery, especially when combined with other treatments.

4. Pain Relief

Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, bromelain can help reduce pain in individuals suffering from muscle soreness, joint pain, or chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. It works by reducing prostaglandin levels, which are compounds that trigger inflammation and pain.

5. Immune System Support

Bromelain also shows promise in boosting immune system function. Studies suggest it can modulate immune responses by improving the activity of white blood cells, helping the body fight infections, and reducing the severity of autoimmune responses.

Bromelain can be consumed by eating fresh pineapple, although supplements usually provide a more concentrated dose. It’s available in tablet, capsule, or powder form and is often taken alongside meals to support digestion or between meals to benefit inflammation and healing.

Pineapple, is bromelain good for singers?

Safety and Side Effects

Bromelain is generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses. However, some people may experience side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or allergic reactions, particularly if they have a pineapple allergy.

Since bromelain has blood-thinning properties, it should be used cautiously if you’re taking blood-thinning medications or have a bleeding disorder. Always consult your healthcare provider before adding bromelain supplements to your routine, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

The cons of bromelain:

1. Potential irritation

Pineapple is highly acidic, and for some people, this can lead to throat irritation or even acid reflux, both of which can harm your vocal cords. If you’re prone to reflux, it might be best to avoid pineapple before a performance.

2. Short-term benefits

While bromelain can temporarily reduce inflammation, it may not offer long-term vocal cord protection. It’s more of a quick fix rather than a sustainable solution for vocal health. Another alternative to reducing inflammation is via a nebuliser or steamer. You can find out more about them here. But remember, nothing compares to knowing when to properly rest your voice to let it recover.

3. Allergic reactions

Some people are allergic to bromelain or pineapple. This can lead to oral irritation or more serious allergic responses, which can interfere with your voice and overall health.

4. Blood sugar spikes

Although considered healthy, pineapple is high in sugar. It is best to consume pineapple in it's natural form as the fruit as a posed to pineapple juice. If the fibre is removed to make a juice, the sugar may lead to blood sugar spikes. The can contribute to a dip in energy levels or mood swings.

Conclusion

Bromelain is a powerful natural enzyme with a range of health benefits, from reducing inflammation and aiding digestion to promoting healing and immune health. While bromelain offers some potential benefits for vocal cord care, it's not a cure-all.

Be mindful of their acidic nature and consider them as part of a broader vocal care strategy that includes hydration, rest, and proper vocal techniques.

Find out more about how a nebuliser or steamer may be a way to support your vocal health further.

Always listen to your body and find what works best for your unique voice and remember, nothing looks after your voice better than proper technique!

Have you explored the benefits of probiotics for overall health? Although they don't directly affect the vocal cords, probiotics have been scientifically proven to support the immune system, important for vocal health!

Act Natural Performance provides singing lessons (in-person or online!) specifically tailored to your voice. If you're interested in vocal lessons, you can find out more information here.

Find out more about how to breakdown excess mucus or phlegm naturally here.