Is Pineapple Effective For Upset Stomach?

While there are many pills and antacids for digestive issues, you can help alleviate the discomfort with certain at-home treatments as well. Eating pineapple for an upset stomach is one such effective home remedy! With its anti-inflammatory properties, pineapple helps ease the cramps and pains associated with common digestive issues! Too good to believe? Read on to know how and when you should eat pineapples to help ease indigestion and calm an upset tummy!

Know Your Ingredient: Pineapple

What Is It?
Juicy tropical fruit with spiky, tough skin and sweet insides.

What Are Its Benefits?
It can alleviate constipation and irregular bowel movements, remove toxins, and promote metabolism and health.

Who Can Use It?
People with upset stomachs can have it, it aids in digestion.

How Often?
Consume it in moderation.

Caution
Eat well-ripened pineapple only. Pregnant women and those with liver, kidney, and bleeding disorders should avoid eating pineapple.

Pineapples – A Brief

The juicy tropical fruit contains many nutrients that help in soothing the stomach naturally when it is in distress. For instance, it is rich in enzymes that help in reducing inflammation and boosting immunity (1). Next time you have an upset stomach, get a pineapple to help ease it.

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that may help treat inflammation. This graph shows that the Caco-2 cell line was tested to see how they responded to bromelain; when the cells were exposed to specific cytokines, they showed signs of inflammation. Bromelain, when digested in the gastrointestinal tract, was a strong anti-inflammatory agent and was able to completely inhibit inflammation (IL-8 mentioned on the Y-axis) as compared to the effect of dexamethasone.

Interleukin 8 inhibition evaluation

Pineapples For Digestive Problems

Pineapples contain a protein-digesting enzyme, known as bromelain, which is thought to aid in digestion (2). Bromelain is extracted from the fruit or stems of pineapples. It helps in naturally breaking down proteins that are hard to digest. In Central and South America, it is used for this specific purpose.

Trivia

A pineapple is neither a pine nor an apple. It is actually classified as a berry.

Eating Pineapples To Ease An Upset Stomach

There are many ways to consume pineapples to help you gain relief from an upset stomach.

1. You can eat fresh pineapple cut into slices in between meals. Make sure that the fruit is well-ripened.
2. If you have an upset stomach right after eating a meal, eat 1 cup of pineapple as dessert, and it will act as a reliever from the discomfort right away.
3. Make fresh pineapple juice to drink after a meal so that you keep digestive problems away.
4. If you find it difficult to eat fresh pineapple, you can always make a smoothie. Slice the fresh fruit and put the pieces into a blender with organic /greek yogurt. Your stomach will feel a whole lot better!
5. You can also make a pineapple slushy that many people prefer. It is refreshing and does wonders for your stomach. All you need to do is put 1 cup of pineapple chunks into a blender with crushed ice and water. It will soothe your stomach and hydrate you.
6. Eat pineapples as a healthy snack whenever you feel a little peckish. You can grill your pineapple and brush it with a little honey and pepper. It is a deliciously great way to get all those essential nutrients into your body!

As you can see, eating pineapples to help with an upset stomach is simple. No need to cook or fuss! Just remember that it is only fresh pineapple that helps keep tummy issues away and provides you with a world of goodness.

Apart from easing an upset stomach, pineapple may also provide the following benefits. Learn about them in the next section.

Other Benefits Of Pineapple

• The bromelain in pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties and may potentially soothe stomach inflammation (4).
• The enzymes in pineapple may help break down food and make it easier for the stomach to digest and absorb nutrients (5).
• Consuming pineapple or pineapple juice may alleviate constipation (6).
• The fiber in pineapple may regularize bowel movement (7).
• The dietary fiber in pineapple may act as a prebiotic and encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This is essential for boosting digestion and improving the immune system and one’s overall well-being (8).

The benefits of pineapple do not end here. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, pineapples may also help reduce pain. Tina Sams, a blogger, recounted her experience of consuming pineapple for a few months. She said, “People often notice relief from joint pain and arthritis when taking bromelain, and that was true for me too. I also noticed another side effect in the easing of gastro-intestinal symptoms I’ve been working on through diet (i).”

Points To Remember

There are certain considerations that you should keep in mind when you eat pineapples. Eating this fruit excessively can cause problems like diarrhea, and abdominal pain (9). It is not recommended to take it if you have acidity or acid reflux. It may also cause an allergic reaction in some people. Anecdotal evidence suggests that unripe pineapples are poisonous, can irritate the throat, and have strong laxative effects. Overconsumption of pineapple may lead to fiber balls in the digestive tract, which may cause discomfort. It may also cause ulcers and trigger gastritis.

Bromelain may cause side effects on the gut intestines and other issues such as colitis, nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues (6). It may also cause allergic reactions such as hives, rashes, and itching. People with liver, kidney and bleeding disorders should consult a doctor before ingesting bromelain. You should also avoid it during childbirth and pregnancy. Bromelain may also adversely react with other medications and supplements.

This is why you should consult your healthcare provider before using it to treat an upset stomach or any other digestive issue. Eating too much of this fruit can also lead to a sore and irritated tongue, so do not go overboard with it. This is another important reason to consult your doctor first. Although pineapple is a delicious and nutritious fruit, it’s important to be aware of all the side effects of pineapple to avoid any consequences.

Infographic: 6 Ways To Consume Pineapples To Ease An Upset Stomach

Alleviate discomfort with moderate consumption of this exotic fruit. Pineapple possesses anti-inflammatory properties to ease cramps, pain, and indigestion. Read the infographic to know how to use this fruit to ease an upset stomach.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to eat pineapple?

It is best to eat pineapple before a meal. Have pineapples before lunch or dinner; it may help boost digestion as it has probiotic properties.

Is pineapple good for bloating?

Possibly. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the bromelain enzyme present in pineapple may help boost digestion and ease bloating. Also, pineapple is a low FODMAP fruit, which means it can help prevent bloating (10).

Does pineapple cause stomach acid?

Possibly. According to anecdotal evidence, pineapple is acidic in nature which may trigger acid reflux.

Illustration: Is Pineapple Effective For Upset Stomach?

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Curious about the impact of pineapple on acid reflux and heartburn? Delve into this video below to unveil whether it serves as a beneficial or adverse factor for these conditions. Check it out now!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Shivani SikriPG Diploma in Dietetics & Public Health Nutrition

     

Shivani Sikri is the founder and chief nutritionist at Nutri4Verve and has more than 10 years of experience. She recommends a well-balanced, holistic lifestyle modification approach, based on combinations, metabolism, and genetic and medical requirements of her clients.

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Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused.

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