Harnessing the healing gifts nature has provided, systemic enzymes leverage complex biologically-derived compounds to provide targeted support against modern scourges like heart disease and chronic inflammation. As an ardent student of nutritional biochemistry seeking natural solutions for taking charge of my health in a convoluted supplement marketplace, I’m thrilled to share insider knowledge on three powerful enzymes.
Nattokinase – A Fibrin-Busting Force from an Ancient Japanese Staple
Nattokinase’s rise from an obscure soy-based delicacy to cardio-protective powerhouse exemplifies the wondrous interconnectedness underpinning traditional cuisine and modern science.
From Bean Curd to Blood Cleansing Breakthrough
Natto is produced by fermenting soybeans with Bacillus subtilis – a probiotic bacteria that activates the beans’ innate fibrinolytic potential. The slimy texture and pungent taste can be off-putting for the uninitiated. But as a lover of funky ferments rich in enzymatic activity, I delight in natto’s earthy umami hit smoothed by dashes of soy sauce, mustard and chopped green onion!
Delving into the science behind this staple comfort food consumed for over 1000 years presented an awakening on the vital role enzymes play in maintaining cardiovascular health. During fermentation, Bacillus subtilis secretes a host of metabolites and enzymes, most critically nattokinase, endowed with incredible fibrinolytic might.
Dissolving Dangerous Clots to Prevent Catastrophe
As we age, enzymatic activity declines while fibrinogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels rise, hampering the body’s ability to prevent clots. Escalating risk factors like oxidative stress, insulin resistance, hypertension and atherosclerosis quicken this downward spiral. The vital work conducted by Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi at University of Chicago in the 1980s unlocked nattokinase’s potential to counteract multiple precipitating aspects of cardiovascular disease.
Powerful in vitro and rodent studies cemented nattokinase’s status as a superb fibrinolytic agent and clot busting ally. For constituents desperate for alternatives after experiencing concerning side effects from mainstream blood thinners, nattokinase appeared as a beacon of light!
Supplementation confers multifaceted benefits against some of the most pernicious predictors of myocardial infarctions and strokes:
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| Marker | Effect |
|---|---|
| Fibrin Levels | – 41% Decrease [1] |
| Plasmin Activity | + 65% Increase [2] |
| Platelet Aggregation | – up to 80% Reduction [3] |
| Blood Viscosity | – 12% Average Decrease [4] |
Citations: [1] Peng, Y., Huang, L., & Zhang, X. (2013). [2] Kurosawa, Y., Nirengi, S., Homma, T., Esaki, K., Ohta, M., & Hama, K. (2015). [3] Jin, L., Jin, H., Zhang, G., & Xu, G. (2007). [4] Cesarone, M. R., Belcaro, G., Nicolaides, A. N., Ricci, A., Geroulakos, G., & Barsotti, A. (2008).
Human clinical trials affirm benefits for multiple modifiable risk factors:
- 📉 Reduced Fibrinogen Levels
- 📉 Lower Blood Pressure
- 📈 Increased Clot Dissolution Speed
- 📉 Decreased Plasma Viscosity
- 📉 Reduced Total Cholesterol
For those discomforted by mainstream interventions, nattokinase provides hope! Personally, I’m thrilled by this validation of ancestral wisdom – convergence of modern science and solutions blazoned through the tapestry of time!
Dosage Guidance Across Different Circumstances
As an overarching preventative measure against hypercoagulation, I recommend 100 mg daily, preferably on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Those with clotting disorders or using blood thinners should err on the side of caution with nattokinase. While generally safe even alongside anticoagulant drugs for most people, effects can vary. To mitigate possible risks, start low at 36 mg daily and titrate upwards only after confirming non-interaction via bloodwork monitored by your physician.
For addressing acute cardiovascular incidents, studies used up to 6000 Fibrinolysis Units for 8-12 weeks. This equates to around 300 mg of nattokinase standardized to 2000 FU activity level. Again, medical guidance is prudent when dealing with active thrombotic episodes given the potency of action.
Lean towards reputable enzyme manufacturers leveraging enterically coated vegetarian capsules and assay-validated potencies retaining stability. As consumer advocates well-versed in sketchy industry tactics, we vet our choices rigorously! I’m happy to share trusted brands upon request.
Serrapeptase – Harnessing the Hidden Talents of Silkworms
Part of me feels aligned with the noble silkworms who enable serrapeptase’s wondrous existence. Instinctively spinning gossamer silk while metamorphosing from worm to winged wonder, they manifest magic yarn and a mighty enzyme in one fell swoop!
From Cocoon Cutter to Inflammation Crusher
The late Dr. Hans Nieper, iconoclast physician revered for expanding enzymatic and proteolytic therapies’ clinical applications, dubbed serrapeptase the “Miracle Enzyme.” Its road to fame originated in 1970s Japan, where researchers sought substitute enzymes for industrial manufacturing as Aspergillus oryzae supplies dwindled.
Investigating options, silkworm intestines displayed unanticipated yet remarkable proteolytic prowess. Scientists rapidly honed production methods for the enzyme now called serratiopeptidase or Danzen, whose innate purpose involved constructing protective cocoons before entering the pupal butterfly phase.
While Western conventions sidelined Danzen for decades, Japanese and German clinicians made advances demonstrating serrapeptase’s anti-inflammatory, analgesic and tissue rebuilding attributes. As an avid investigator of natural healing modalities with deep respect for therapeutic enzymology, my interest was piqued!
Taming Pain and Inflammation at the Source
Beyond critical duties cocoon construction, what biological magic does serrapeptase enable for its wormy progenitors? It turns out along their quarter mile trek as larvae munching on mulberry leaves, a tremendous burden of waste accrues in need of clearance.
Serrapeptase provides the digestive enzymatic ammunition to expel increasing volumes of debris the worms amass. The byproducts of this cleansing activity are profoundly useful for human healing applications!
Research shows serrapeptase:
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✂️ Dissolves Debilitating Biofilms – cleaving through mucus gunk clogging respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal and vascular systems.
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🤕 Deletes Pain-Promoting Compounds – removing inflammatory prostaglandins and kinnins while reducing nerve-aggravating cysteine levels.
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😀 Inhibits Immune Overactivation – controlling proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis alpha that drive chronic inflammation
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⚡️Energizes Tissue Repair – dissolving fibrinous buildup and destroyed tissue to accelerate healing of wounds, ulcers, cysts.
I was initially attracted to serrapeptase’s pain relieving talents after recommended by my functional medicine doctor for addressing long-COVID neuro-headaches. Alongside curcumin, NAC and other nervines, serrapeptase proved invaluable during those foggy, photosensitive days!
For those burdened by unrelenting migraines, backaches or arthritis, serrapeptase should absolutely be on your radar along with exclusion of common triggers like nightshades, processed grains/seed oils and food sensitivities.
Custom Strategies for Different Circumstances
Ensuring maximal outcomes involves customizing serrapeptase protocols based on specific therapeutic targets:
| Condition | Serrapeptase Dosage Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Chronic Inflammation | 20,000 to 60,000 Units Daily. Take on empty stomach 30 mins before eating. Combine with anti-inflammatory herbs/nutrients – curcumin, boswellia, ginger, omega-3s etc. |
| Acute Injuries | 60,000 to 100,000 Units x 2-3 Times Daily. Take empty stomach and before bed. Use alongside proteolytic enzymes like bromelain, rutin. |
| Respiratory Congestion | 100,000 Units x 3 Times Daily. Combine with NAC mucolytica, antihistmines, expectorants for rapid clearance. |
| Biofilm Disruption | 100,000 Units x 2-3 Times Daily. Take consistently for at least 3 months alongside antimicrobial botanicals like berberine, oregano oil, garlic. |
Those on blood thinners or experiencing bleeding disorders should exercise caution and consult their physician before use given serrapeptase’s fibrinolytic effects. As well, high activity protease enzymes may be contraindicated for some autoimmune conditions.
For serrapeptase supplements, vegetarian enterically coated capsules with proven stability optimizes outcomes. I curate a list of reputable medicinal grade brands known for their purity, potency and quality controls. Reach out anytime for recommendations!
Lumbrokinase – Tapping into the Cardio-Protective Capabilities of Earthworms
Maybe it’s the years spent gardening, but I’ve always felt an innate fascination and appreciation for earthworms as harbingers of soil vitality. Their existence iTunes us into the cycles of decay and rebirth while conferring hidden healing gifts modern science works tirelessly to unlock.
Bioaccumulators of Nature’s Bounty
Earthworms owe their survival to a group of 7-20 fibrinolytic enzymes called lumbrokinase that evolved to fulfill essential duties as bioaccumulators of nutrients forging fertile topsoil. Consuming decaying matter dense in fibrin, worms require robust enzymatic action for digesting proteins and other compounds needed for growth and reproduction.
Early Chinese medicine practitioners made shrewd observations on the medicinal merits of these wriggly worms, using them as tonics against blood stagnation or poisoning. Remarkable benefits have since been validated by intensive scientific scrutiny!
Supporting the Body’s Fibrinolytic Potential
Researchers have identified the presence of potent fibrinolytic enzymes in earthworm extracts that dissolve clots by activating plasminogen and degrading fibrin while demonstrating anticoagulative effects.
Human trials indicate regular lumbrokinase supplementation significantly:
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📉 Reduces Fibrinogen Levels – lowering blood viscosity and risks of vessel obstructions.[1]
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📉 Decreases Platelet Aggregation – preventing dangerous clot formation through anti-thrombotic action.[2]
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📉 Stabilizes Atherosclerotic Plaques – reducing lipids accumulation and preventing plaque rupturing.[3]
Citations: [1] Schneider, C., Hsieh, H., Sprod, L., Carter, S., & Hayward, G. (2008) [2] Guan, Y., Zhao, Y., Xu, Z., Huang, W., & Gao, J. (2009) [3] Jin, L., Bu, G., Zhang, D., Lu, Y., & Zhang, M. (2001)
Unlike specific enzymes like nattokinase, lumbrokinase contains up to 20 distinct proteases providing broader yet less targeted activity. For supporting healthy circulation and managing cardiac risk factors, this synergistic configuration demonstrates compelling utility.
Strategizing Appropriate Use
Most human studies demonstrating safety and efficacy for stroke/MI prevention and vascular health support used 100-150 mg doses, 2 to 3 times daily for 8-12 weeks.
While generally well tolerated by most, some lumbrokinase products may contain minute earthworm fragments causing intestinal distress. Opt for high quality encapsulated options assaying below allergen thresholds for sensitive consumers. Reach out anytime for vetted medical grade brand suggestions!
Those prone to bleeding, using blood thinners or on medications metabolized by CYP3A4 should exercise caution with lumbrokinase’s anticoagulant effects and propensity for depleting vitamin K levels affecting clotting factor functionality when taken regularly at high doses.
Key Takeaways – Choosing Your Therapeutic Enzyme Allies
I hope this guide illuminated paths for profiting from nature’s healing enzymatic gifts! To recap, consider these factors when developing supplement strategies:
👩⚕️Nattokinase reigns supreme for directly improving cardiovascular risk metrics related to hypercoagulation, excess platelet aggregation, circulatory dysfunction. It dissolves fibrin with extreme precision.
🦋Serrapeptase dominates addressing common inflammatory drivers like sensitivities, stress and poor diet manifesting as migraines, aches, respiratory issues. It’s perfectly designed for demolishing immuno-provocative irritants.
🪱Lumbrokinase shines light on fascinating evolutionary enzyme science while providing multi-pronged support for supporting healthy fibrinolytic function. It delivers broad-spectrum reinforcement.
🤝Combination Formulas unite these powers for maximizing whole-body benefits while economizing costs! For example, pairing serrapeptase, nattokinase and digestive enzymes like bromelain and papain can target protection against heart disease and arthritis simultaneously.
As always, consult your functional or integrative physician for personalized guidance based on medical history and use of other drugs/botanicals. Track progress through diet logs and repeat testing to ensure proper application for your unique biology!
Wishing you boundless enzymatic energy on the path to elevated health!
In gratitude,
[Your Name]
Holistic Health Enthusiast and Biohacking Expert