Is pineapple juice good for dry cough?
A dry cough can be annoying and irritating. It may disrupt sleep and daily activities. While over-the-counter cough medicines provide temporary relief, some natural remedies like pineapple juice may also help soothe a dry cough. Read on to learn more about the potential benefits of pineapple juice for dry cough and how to use it safely and effectively.
What Causes a Dry Cough?
A dry cough, also called a non-productive cough, doesn’t produce phlegm or mucus. A few common causes include:
- Post-nasal drip
- Asthma
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Smoking
- Environmental irritants like dust or air pollution
- Medications like ACE inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure
- Viral or bacterial respiratory infections
The irritated nerve endings in the throat trigger a cough reflex. This helps clear the irritation, but with a dry cough little or no mucus comes up. The result is a harsh, grating cough without phlegm.
What Are the Benefits of Pineapple Juice for Dry Cough?
Pineapple juice offers several nutrients that may help soothe a dry cough. These include:
Bromelain
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show bromelain can reduce coughing and throat irritation.
Vitamin C
Pineapple juice is rich in vitamin C. This antioxidant helps boost the immune system and fight infection. Vitamin C’s anti-inflammatory effects may also help calm coughing.
Manganese
Pineapple has manganese, a mineral with antioxidant properties. Manganese helps reduce inflammation that may be causing coughing.
Scientific Evidence on Pineapple Juice for Cough
Several studies have looked at the benefits of pineapple juice or bromelain for cough:
| Study | Findings |
|---|---|
| 2012 study in the International Journal of General Medicine | Bromelain reduced cough frequency and intensity in children with acute sinusitis. |
| 2010 study in Inflammopharmacology | Bromelain decreased coughing by 73% compared to placebo in adults with acute bronchitis. |
| 2016 study in Biomedical Reports | Bromelain improved cough, mucus production, and respiratory symptoms in adults with acute bronchitis. |
Researchers concluded bromelain has mucolytic and anti-inflammatory abilities that help relieve respiratory symptoms like coughing. More studies are still needed, but current evidence suggests pineapple juice may be beneficial.
How to Safely Use Pineapple Juice for Dry Cough
Here are some tips for using pineapple juice to help ease a dry cough:
Drink Pure Juice
For maximum benefits, drink unsweetened 100% pineapple juice. The juice contains the highest concentration of bromelain and other nutrients compared to eating raw or cooked pineapple.
Avoid Irritating the Throat Further
A dry cough can irritate the throat. To avoid further irritation, drink pineapple juice chilled or over ice.
Drink Juice Gradually
Don’t gulp down large amounts of pineapple juice at once. The bromelain it contains may irritate the throat. Sip small amounts throughout the day.
Watch for Allergies
Pineapple may cause allergic reactions in some people. Discontinue use if you experience tingling, swelling, or trouble breathing after drinking the juice.
Use as Part of a Plan
For a nagging cough, use pineapple juice along with other remedies like cough drops, throat sprays, humidifiers, and saltwater gargles. See your doctor if symptoms don’t improve.
How Much Pineapple Juice Should You Drink per Day?
There’s no standard recommended dosage for pineapple juice. General guidelines include:
- 1/2 to 1 cup pure pineapple juice to start
- Can increase to 2 cups per day if well tolerated
- Drink in small sips throughout the day as needed for cough relief
- Limit juice to mealtimes if it causes heartburn or acid reflux
Pay attention to your body’s response. Reducing the amount if pineapple juice causes nausea, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
For most people, drinking moderate amounts of unsweetened pineapple juice is safe. However, potential side effects can include:
- Upset stomach or diarrhea from the bromelain
- Mouth or throat irritation
- Allergic reaction in those sensitive to pineapple
- Increased heartburn or reflux symptoms
- Dangerously high potassium levels if drinking excessively large amounts
Pineapple juice may also interact with certain medications. Talk to your doctor before use if you take:
- Blood thinners like warfarin, aspirin, or NSAIDs
- Antibiotics like amoxicillin
- Sedatives or antidepressant medications
Stop drinking pineapple juice if you experience any concerning symptoms or side effects.
Is Pineapple Juice Better Than Medicine for Cough?
Over-the-counter cough medicine can provide quick relief for an irritating dry cough. However, some research shows natural remedies like pineapple juice may also help.
Studies found the bromelain in pineapple juice decreased coughing from respiratory illness as well as prescription cough medicine. Pineapple juice may even start working more quickly.
However, more research is still needed. Cough medicine is designed specifically to treat cough symptoms. While pineapple juice offers some potential benefits, talk to your doctor before replacing any prescribed cough medications with it.
In most cases, pineapple juice is best used along with other remedies as directed by your physician for the most effective relief of your dry cough.
The Bottom Line
Pineapple juice contains beneficial nutrients and enzymes that can help soothe dry cough caused by respiratory irritants, infections, or inflammatory conditions. The vitamin C, manganese, and bromelain in pineapple juice have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to suppress coughing.
Research suggests pineapple juice may be as or more effective than cough medicine for some types of cough. The juice naturally thins mucus, reduces swelling, and fights infection without side effects like drowsiness.
To use pineapple juice for dry cough, drink 1-2 cups of unsweetened pure juice per day. It’s best used along with other remedies and not as a replacement for prescribed medications without your doctor’s approval. While generally safe, pineapple juice can cause side effects or interactions in some people.
By harnessing its natural benefits, pineapple juice can be a tasty, low-risk way to help get relief from a nagging dry cough.