As an avid gamer who is always seeking mental and physical performance advantages, I decided to experiment with taking nattokinase supplements over the past year. While I definitely noticed some positive effects – especially on focus, stamina, and reducing inflammation after long sessions – I also learned there are some real risks to keep in mind with nattokinase, particularly for bleeding complications.
In this detailed guide for gamers considering nattokinase, I’ll share my personal experience using this enzyme supplement as well as an in-depth analysis of the scientific research around both its potential upsides and downsides. My goal is to provide fellow gamers with transparent, evidence-based facts so you can evaluate whether integrating nattokinase into your own regimen is worth the risks.
My Personal Experience Taking Nattokinase
As an obsessed gamer who easily spends over 30 hours a week playing intensive action RPGs and competitive online multiplayer games, I’m always trying out new supplements or nootropics that could enhance mental clarity, reaction speed, and sustained gaming performance without crashes.
About a year ago, I came across some intriguing research suggesting the soy-derived enzyme nattokinase could reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support overall cardiovascular function. As an added bonus, there was some initial evidence it might provide cognitive benefits as well.
The potential for better blood flow to my brain and muscles – along with less soreness and fatigue – convinced me to give nattokinase a try before long gaming marathons. Over the past year of experimenting with various doses, here are the main effects I subjectively noticed:
- Improved late-night focus – Less mental fatigue and “brain fog” even after 8+ hours
- Faster reflexes – Possibly from increased circulation; especially notable in twitch shooters
- Reduced muscle tightness – Less achy hands/wrists; could sustain rapid key taps longer
- Shorter recovery after long sessions – Bounced back faster; less exhausted feeling
However, there were also some definite downsides…
About 5 months in, after increasing my nattokinase dosage to try and amplify some of the performance benefits, I started noticing some odd symptoms like spontaneous bruising on my arms and legs. At first I brushed it off, but when I bled heavily after a minor shaving nick one day, I realized something was wrong.
It dawned on me that the nattokinase might be thinning my blood too much and inhibiting clotting. I promptly cut my dosage, monitored for any further bleeding abnormalities, and thankfully the symptoms resolved after a couple weeks.
While it was a wake-up call though, I still continue using a low-moderate dose of nattokinase for shorter 1-2 week cycles due to the performance upsides I experience. However, let’s take a much closer look at nattokinase from a scientific lens…
How Nattokinase May Benefit Gamers
Now that you have some context on why I started taking nattokinase as a gamer and the complex results, let’s explore the main mechanisms by which nattokinase could actually improve gaming performance if used appropriately:
Enhanced Cerebral Blood Flow
Research indicates nattokinase increases levels of nitric oxide (NO) – a key signaling molecule that relaxes and dilates blood vessels. This effect of “vasodilation” allows more oxygenated blood to reach organs, including the brain.
Maximizing cerebral circulation is crucial for gamers to maintain peak cognitive performance and prevent mental fatigue during long, intense gaming sessions. Nattokinase shows clear potential to support this.
Reduced Inflammation
Studies demonstrate nattokinase lowers inflammatory biomarkers like C-reactive protein (CRP). Chronic inflammation can impair neuronal signaling and is linked to faster mental decline.
By controlling inflammation, nattokinase may attenuate the risk of inflammation-induced cognitive deficits in gamers over time.
Decreased Muscle Damage
Some research indicates nattokinase reduces exercise-induced muscle damage by lowering oxidative stress. For gamers repetitively clicking, tapping, and typing for hours on end, decreasing oxidative muscle cell damage could translate to better physical endurance and less fatigue.
While these potential benefits are enticing, we obviously can’t ignore the bleeding risks as highlighted by my personal experience…
Safe Nattokinase Supplementation Protocols for Gamers
As the rare but dangerous hemorrhagic side effects reported in some nattokinase studies clearly show, improperly dosing this fibrinolytic enzyme can result in serious health consequences. However, by following sensible supplementation protocols under medical supervision, the bleeding risks appear quite low.
Here are some evidence-based guidelines gamers should adhere to for safe nattokinase use:
Start Low, Go Slow
When first using nattokinase, begin with 100-200 mg per day (2,000 – 4,000 FU) for 1-2 weeks to assess tolerance before increasing your dose. Increment slowly by 100 mg per day and stay under 400 mg daily maximum.
Weigh Body Mass Index (BMI)
Base nattokinase dosage on your BMI:
- Underweight BMI <18.5 = 100 mg
- Normal BMI 18.5-25 = 200 mg
- Overweight BMI 25-30 = 300 mg
- Obese BMI >30 = 400 mg
Take Every Other Day
Avoid daily nattokinase supplementation. Cycling every other day allows the body to restore normal coagulation function between doses. This intermittent dosing limits additive bleeding risks.
Monitor for Red Flags
Watch closely for any signs of abnormal bleeding like unexplained bruising, blood in stool or urine, heavy menses, or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts. Promptly cease usage and see a doctor if these occur.
While not a requirement, having blood work to track coagulation status and clinical guidance from a health practitioner knowledgeable about nattokinase can provide an extra layer of oversight and safety.
Key Signs Your Nattokinase Dose is Too High
Along with the odd bruising I temporarily experienced when self-testing too potent a nattokinase dose, here are some other key indicators that bleeding risks are becoming dangerously elevated:
- Prolonged bleeding from minor cuts and scrapes
- Multiple unexplained bruises
- Noticeable blood in urine or stool
- Development of petechiae (small red spots under skin)
- Heavy or excessive menstrual flow
- Fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness
- Chest pain, shortness of breath
Discontinue nattokinase immediately and seek medical care if any of these warning signs of bleeding appear. Do not resume nattokinase supplementation until evaluated by a doctor.
Critical Medication Interactions for Gamers to Avoid
One of the highest risk factors for uncontrolled hemorrhage and adverse events with nattokinase involves taking other drugs and herbs that also influence clotting function.
It’s imperative gamers taking certain prescription medications avoid concurrent nattokinase due to dangerously amplified bleeding potentials:
- Anticoagulant/Antiplatelets – warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), enoxaparin (Lovenox), etc.
- Select Antidepressants – SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft)
- NSAIDs – ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Herbal Supplements – turmeric, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, etc.
Combining nattokinase with these types of medications requires very close medical monitoring. Checking for potential interactions before starting nattokinase is essential.
Key Lifestyle Adjustments to Minimize Bleeding Risks
Aside from cautious nattokinase dosing, gamers can also implement some daily health and behavior modifications to help control bleeding risks:
- Limit alcohol intake – Chronic heavy alcohol use impairs platelet function
- Maintain normal blood pressure – Hypertension damages vessels andraises bleeding risks
- Include vitamin K-rich foods – Supports clotting factors; found in leafy greens
- Supplement vitamin K moderatedly – Suggested dose is 100-120 mcg daily
- Engage regular light-moderate exercise – Helps regulate coagulation pathways
- Avoid contact sports or intense workouts – Prevent trauma that could lead to uncontrolled hemorrhage
- Refrain from saunas or hot tubs – Heat causes vasodilation that can increase bleeding
Making some or all of these simple lifestyle changes provides nattokinase an assist in keeping any anticoagulation effects in check.
My Top Nattokinase Supplement Recommendations for Gamers
With so many nattokinase supplements out there making all kinds of claims about performance benefits, it can be downright confusing trying to select a quality product as a gamer.
Based on my personal testing of over a dozen brands and careful analysis of third-party quality certifications, testing data, clinical research backing, and value – here are my top picks specifically for gamers:
1. Pure Encapsulations – NKActivity
Offering the most clinical evidence and highly bioavailable delayed-release capsules to maximize enzymatic activity, Pure Encapsulations NKActivity is simply the gold standard nattokinase for gamers or anyone in my view. At 270 capsules per bottle, it provides amazing value as well.
2. Doctor‘s Best Natto-K
My go-to for a workhorse nattokinase thanks to potent 20,000 FU activity per capsule, rigorous testing for purity and potency, plus a reputable brand name in Doctor’s Best. Great quality for the affordable price point.
3. Life Extension Nattokinase
A trusted brand in Life Extension provides a solid mid-range option cramming 2000 FU into vegetarian capsules. I rely on this one for nattokinase cycling periods thanks reliable efficacy and lower cost.
There are certainly other decent nattokinase products from quality vendors like Jarrow Formulas, NOW Foods, Solaray, and more. But in my experience testing dozens of brands, these top three stand out right now as ideal choices tailor-made for gamers seeking to integrate nattokinase into their supplement protocol.
Concluding Thoughts: A Conditional Thumbs Up for Gamer Use
Given the metabolic, circulatory, and potential neurological benefits demonstrated in studies to date, I believe prudently dosed nattokinase warrants consideration as part of a gamer’s supplement stack to enhance both mental and physical performance.
However – and I can’t emphasize this enough – you MUST carefully weigh the risks of bleeding complications against any perceived improvements. This means starting low, slowly increasing dosages, and monitoring closely for side effects. Combining with blood thinners or high-injury contact sports is also clearly inadvisable.
But for gamers willing to educate themselves on nattokinase intricacies and remain vigilant against adverse reactions, this soy-based enzyme could offer a legal way to gain a performance edge. Just proceed carefully and work with your doctor if anything seems off.
I sincerely hope this transparent personal account and deep dive into nattokinase from a gamer’s lens helps my fellow players make their own informed choice on trying this unique supplement. Just remember, while the potential benefits are exciting, we can NEVER disregard or downplay the real risks of bleeding that come along with them.
Stay safe out there gamers…and as always, good luck grinding!