Met Bro Que
When dealing with inflammatory conditions (such as eczema or allergies), there are several good reasons to consider products that combine bromelain, a natural anti-inflammatory derived from pineapples, and quercetin, a plant pigment (or flavonoid) prominent in apples and onions.
The main advantages of using combination Met Bro-Que capsules are cost and convenience. Taking them together is also a smart move because they enhance each other’s anti-inflammatory actions. In addition, bromelain seems to increase the absorption of quercetin into the bloodstream.
With a combination product, the inflammation and itching of eczema may respond more rapidly than when either supplement is used alone. The same positive dynamic occurs when treating common allergy symptoms. Quercetin, a natural antihistamine, may be particularly helpful in relieving hay fever and other allergic reactions.
Although no problems have ever been reported, theoretically you should use caution when combining bromelain with anticoagulants (blood thinners), such as coumadin or warfarin; as an extremely mild blood-thinner itself, bromelain increases the effect of a second blood-thinner.
While bromelain and quercetin are generally considered safe, even at high doses, avoid taking this combination if you have an active gastric or duodenal ulcer. In addition, bromelain can actually cause an allergic reaction (red or itchy eyes, sneezing, running nose, throat irritation) in people who are sensitive to pineapples. Check with your doctor before taking bromelain if you’re on prescribed anti-inflammatory medication.
Many people with allergies clearly benefit from antihistamine medications. But nearly many find the side effects distinctly unpleasant. This is where quercetin, especially when combined with the absorption-enhancing enzyme bromelain, may be helpful. Quercetin is apparently able to block both the manufacture and release of histamine, reducing inflammation in the airways and lungs.
There are two good reasons to combine quercetin, a plant pigment that quells inflammation and has long been used for allergies and other inflammatory conditions, with the pineapple enzyme, bromelain. Not only is bromelain another natural anti-inflammatory, but it may actually enhance the absorption of quercetin into the bloodstream.
The quercetin-bromelain combination may be hard to find. Quercetin by itself is available in both capsule and powdered form. Bromelain comes in capsules.
Although allergic reactions are always possible, quercetin and bromelain are both extremely safe even in large quantities. For maximum absorption, you’re best off taking this particular combination on an empty stomach, or at least half an hour before or two hours after a meal.