Q: I am an advanced practice registered nurse with ailing joints and suspected fibromyalgia.  Does it make sense to try bromelain or other anti-inflammatory enzymes?

A: Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes extracted from pineapple.  It has been used to promote wound healing and fight inflammation (Biomedical Reports, September 2016).

This natural product dampens the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), somewhat like how celecoxib does.  Bromelain seems to have fewer side effects, however.

• article by Joe and Teresa Graedon
• copyright The Seattle Times