Enzymes – Proteolytic vs Systemic

Proteolytic vs Systemic Enzymes

   The use of systemic enzymes as healing agents goes back many years. In the early 1950s, it was discovered that certain enzymes could relieve the symptoms of many different conditions. Since then, the use of these enzymes were found to help all fibrosis conditions, reducing post-surgical swelling (edema), treating joint and lower back problems, healing sports injuries and many other fibrin/scar problems.

Systemic Enzymes – the Family Group

   There are thousands of enzymes. Most of them are digestive enzymes involved in the breaking down of the foods we eat. A much smaller number of enzymes are called Systemic Enzymes and they perform a different function in the body.

   Systemic enzymes operate throughout every part, systems and organs in our body. In fact, they are called ‘systemic’ because they work "systemically" or throughout the entire body. Unlike digestive enzymes, systemic enzymes create or increase our chemical reactions - especially within cells. Basically, they are positive “agents of change” in our body.

   Systemic Enzymes allow cells to regenerate, heal and make other body functions possible. This family group of systemic enzymes includes a specific group, called proteolytic enzymes that we use in our Biofilm Dissolving Formula.

Proteolytic Enzymes – the Biofilm Advantage

   Proteolytic enzymes (also referred to as "proteases,") are enzymes that break down proteins into fragments and amino acids. They do this in the digestive system and, more importantly for us, in the body itself. In this case, they are referred to as systemic proteolytic enzymes. When taken on an empty stomach, these enzymes will pass through to the intestine and into the circulatory system.

   The most important application we are interested in is that certain proteolytic enzymes break down fibrin! Fibrin is a protein string in our circulatory system, organs, joints, muscles and other tissues. If you have an injury or other attack to the body, fibrin can help patch it up. However, excess fibrin can restrict blood flow nutrients and oxygen to the site and increase in pain and inflammation.

   When fibrin dies (as in all living things), it can pack together and form a large part of scar tissue as a result.

   Recent scientific evidence shows proteolytic enzymes can help speed recovery from injuries, surgery and reducing swelling and inflammation. The excess fibrin buildup slows red blood cells from getting into the capillaries to oxygenate and nourish your muscles and remove the metabolic waste. Obviously, removing the excess fibrin enhances the flow of the red blood cells, quickening healing.

   Slow healing can result in an excess of fibrin forming scar tissue in the muscle or surgical site. This can make an temporary condition chronic.

Benefits of Proteolytic Enzymes

1. Specific Conditions – We’ve listed before some conditions that can be improved with proteolytic enzymes. The truth is, very few pain killers help heal the body. On the other hand, enzymes help the body to heal itself. If you wonder how one supplement can help all of these conditions, remember these conditions all have some things in common – they have excess fibrin, resulting in scarring and reduction of blood flow.

Arthritis
Atherosclerosis
Back Pain
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Pain
Fibrocystic Breast
Fibromyalgia
High Blood Pressure
Herniated Disc
Hyper-coagulation
Sciatica
Spinal Stenosis
Strains and Sprains
Post-operative Scar Tissue
Traumatic Inflammation
Uterine Fibroids

2. Blood Cleansing – Proteolytic enzymes, especially nattokinase, are the primary tools the body uses to dissolve excess fibrin (which can cause blood clots) and organic debris in the circulatory and lymph systems. This significantly improves blood pressure, circulation and reduces stroke risks. Many people use our Biofilm Formula during long plane flights to minimize the potential of blood clots in the legs.

3. Strengthens the Viral immune system – The primary vehicle the immune system uses for destroying viruses is enzymes. This is especially important in the Herpes, HIV, Hepatitis and Shingles realm. Clinical studies indicate these enzymes can significantly improve the ability of your immune system to kill viruses.

4. Reducing autoimmune diseases – Large undigested proteins can make their way into the bloodstream and form Circulating Immune Complexes (known as CICs). These can trigger allergies and autoimmune diseases. Proteolytic enzymes help remove these potentially dangerous CICs from the body. (The same process is supposed to help with sinusitis and asthma conditions.)

5. Dissolving of scar tissue – (A major help for chronic conditions.) Scar tissue is largely fibrin protein. Proteolytic enzymes have the unique ability to effectively dissolve dead cellular matter and scar tissue – while leaving living cells alone!

Q & A

Can these enzymes be used with other pain meds?  –  Yes, enzymes can be used with (NSAIDs), as long as they are taken at least 60 minutes apart.

How long does it take to start working?  –  Enzymes go to work right away, but it usually takes some time to get rid of major problems.

How are they measured?  –  Enzymes are different than many other nutrients in that they are not best measured by weight. For quality, make sure you get products that are measured in Units of Fibrolytic Activity, (a measure of the rate of fibrin breakdown) or other activity measurements.

Are proteolytic enzymes safe for continued use?  –  Yes, they should be considered safe for continued use.

   (However, some cautions.)  Do not take them if you are:

• taking prescription blood thinners (Coumadin, Heparin, Plavix)
• having surgery in less than two weeks
• have stomach ulcers
• have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• are pregnant or lactating
• are taking antibiotics or have an allergy to pineapple or papaya

Are there any side effects?  –  Proteolytic enzymes have an excellent safety record with no significant side effects reported (other than mild blood thinning from dissolving excess fibrin). With any supplement, however, there is always the possibility of developing an allergy to one or more ingredients. If this happens, you should discontinue use.

Choosing to Try Systemic Proteolytic Enzymes.

  Remember, the enzymes are supporting the healing process, so recovery from any condition is going to take time. You don't just take the enzymes and expect to get better immediately. However, by using these enzymes as part of a well-planned recovery process, you're making a commitment to doing what it takes to make improvements in your life.

  If working toward optimal health is your goal and you think that your life and your body would benefit from having less fibrin and better blood flow, then you should seriously consider proteolytic enzymes.

References:

Argyris B.F. Role of macrophages in antibody production. Immune response to sheep red blood cells. The Journal of Immunology. 1967; 99: 744-750.

Barth H., Guseo A., Klein R. In vitro study on the immunological effect of bromelain and trypsin on mononuclear cells from humans. Eur J Med Res 2005; 10: 325-331.

Jordan F.M. Enzymes-digestive and proteolytic-now an endangered species. Immunition Report. 2010; 5 (3) (online format)

Brakebusch M., Wintergerst U, Petropoulou T, Notheis G, Husfeld L, Belohradsky BH et al. Bromelain is an accelerator of phagocytosis, respiratory burst and Killing of Candida albicans by human granulocytes and monocytes. Eur J Med Res 2001; 6 (5): 193- 200.

Chandlera D.S., Mynott T.L. Bromelain protects piglets from diarrhoea caused by oral challenge with K88 positive enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Gut 1998; 43: 196-202.

Engwerda C.R., Andrew D., Ladhams A., Mynott T.L. Bromelain modulates T cell and B cell immune responses in vitro and in vivo. Cell Immunol 2001; 210 (1): 66-75.

Gallily R., Feldman M. The role of macrophages in the induction of antibody in X-irradiated animals. Immunology 1967; 12 (2): 197-206.

Howenstine J.A. How systemic enzymes work to cure diseases.(Clinical report) Dec.1. 2006 (online format).

Jordan F.M. Enzymes-digestive and proteolytic-now an endangered species. Immunition Report. 2010; 5 (3) (online format).

Thomson A.B., Keelan M., Thiesen A., Clandinin M.T., Ropeleski M., Wild G.E. Small bowel review: normal physiology. Part 1. Digestive Dis , Science 2001; 46: 2567-2587.