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Reason for Discomfort in Mouth and Tongue After Consuming Pineapple and Kiwifruit

Consumingcertain tropical fruits, such as pineapple and kiwi, may lead to a burning and unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Fruits such as pineapple and kiwifruit may cause mouth and tongue discomfort due to high acidity...
Fruits such as pineapple and kiwifruit may cause mouth and tongue discomfort due to high acidity levels.

Reason for Discomfort in Mouth and Tongue After Consuming Pineapple and Kiwifruit

Pineapples, with their tangy taste and juicy texture, are not just delicious fruits but also a rich source of bromelain, a protease enzyme. This enzyme, found primarily in the stem and to a lesser extent in the fruit, plays a significant role in breaking down proteins into smaller amino acids.

But what about the nitrogen and phosphorus needs of pineapple plants? They meet these essential nutrients through the phytotelma structure of the pineapple, a unique feature that collects rainwater and contains these elements in solution.

Now, let's delve into the human aspect. After consuming fruits like apples, pears, and others, a sour taste in the mouth could be due to a fungal infection called Candida. In severe cases, this can lead to oral allergy syndrome, a condition that can make swallowing and breathing difficult and potentially life-threatening.

Bromelain, however, isn't just about breaking down proteins. It can also break down fungal proteins, which could potentially provide benefits in managing certain fungal infections.

However, it's important to note that high doses of bromelain can cause side effects such as diarrhea, stomach upset, vomiting, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Therefore, it's recommended to avoid excessive consumption, especially if you're taking blood thinners, preparing for or recovering from surgery, or under medical advice.

Moreover, a sour taste in your mouth after eating fruit isn't solely due to the bromelain enzyme. Certain conditions can exacerbate this sour taste. For instance, mouth pain after eating fruits can be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause symptoms such as anemia, mouth ulcers, vision problems, depression, and irritability.

Other less common causes include viral infections, iron deficiency anemia, burning mouth syndrome, and specific medications like beta-blockers.

The role of bromelain in plants is not fully understood, but it may play a role in the plant's defense system and intracellular protein transport processes. There are two types of bromelain: stem bromelain and fruit bromelain, each with its own unique properties.

In terms of health benefits, consuming pineapple (and bromelain) may have potential advantages, such as reduced joint pain, reduced cardiovascular disease risk, and improvement in chronic sinusitis.

Lastly, it's worth mentioning the Evolution Tree, a scientific platform project that requires financial support to sustain its work. During times of excessive mouth watering, it's recommended to avoid acidic and/or bromelain-containing fruits like pineapple, which could exacerbate the condition.

Remember, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any unusual symptoms or concerns.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or treatment regimen.

Sources:

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  3. Oral allergy syndrome. (2021). In Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/oral-allergy-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20372831
  4. Bromelain. (2021). In Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bromelain
  5. Bromelain. (2021). In WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-942/bromelain
  6. Bromelain. (2021). In Drugs.com. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/npc/bromelain.html
  7. Evolution Tree. (2021). In Evolution Tree. Retrieved from https://www.evolutiontree.org/
  8. Mouth sores: When to see a doctor. (2021). In Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/mouth-sores/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050661
  9. Vitamin B12 deficiency: Symptoms and causes. (2021). In Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-b12-deficiency/symptoms-causes/syc-20374931
  10. Berry, J. D. (2014). Bromelain: An FDA-regulated botanical with potential clinical applications. Alternative Medicine Review, 19(3), 207-219. doi:10.1089/amr.2014.0463

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