Natural relief for autoimmune disorders: Enzyme Therapy



Anthony J. Cichoke

Enzyme Therapy



We all know that a strong immune system is essential to a long and healthy life. Sensible ways to keep the immune system strong include eating well, keeping stress levels in check and making sure we get plenty of exercise and rest. But sometimes that's not enough.



According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Assoc., Inc., some 50 million Americans, the majority being women, live with an autoimmune disease. The term "autoimmune disease" refers to a varied group of illnesses that involve almost every human organ system. In all these diseases, the underlying problem is similar -- the body's immune system becomes misdirected, attacking the very organs it was designed to protect.



Getting to know your immune system



The body's immune system is a complex network of specialized cells and organs that defends us against attacks by viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and other foreign invaders. When functioning properly, the immune system's antibodies seek out and destroy pathogens and infectious agents.



However, sometimes the immune system's recognition apparatus breaks down and the body begins to manufacture antibodies and T-cells directed against the body's own cells, cell components or specific organs. Such antibodies are known as auto-antibodies, and they are responsible for causing autoimmune diseases. Some of the most common autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), ankylosing spondylitis, glomerulonephritis and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Research shows that enzymes can help battle these and other autoimmune disesases.



How immunity goes into disarray



When an enemy pathogen invades the body, the immune system sends out a number of soldiers, including antibodies, to destroy it. Some of these antibodies actually attach to the antigens. These clusters of interlocking antigens and antibodies are called immune complexes (ICs).



Normally, immune complexes are rapidly removed from the bloodstream by macrophages in the spleen, and Kupffer cells in the liver. In someone with an autoimmune disease, however, the ICs continue to circulate. Eventually, they can become trapped in tissues of the body, such as the kidneys, lungs, skin, joints or blood vessels.



Once the immune complexes are deposited in the tissues, they can set off reactions that lead to inflammation and tissue damage. If they lodge in the kidneys, they can result in a condition known as glomerulonephritis, with kidney inflammation and damage. Rheumatoid arthritis or polyarthritis (rheumatoid disease involving several or many joints) can result if these complexes are directed toward joint cartilage or collagen. And, should the immune complexes be directed toward the myelin of nerve cells, then the result is demyelination resulting in multiple sclerosis.



How systemic enzyme therapy can help



Systemic enzyme therapy is the use of enzymes to treat the entire system. These enzymes are coated or designed in such a way as to be protected from the stomach's acid. This allows them to travel to the intestine where they are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried throughout the body, helping to fight disease. Systemic enzyme therapy is effective in at least three ways:



1. Enzymes are able to penetrate the fibrin coating and break up the immune complexes (deposited in the tissues) into smaller sizes and to bring them back into the bloodstream for elimination. It is important to note that, initially, the increased presence of circulating immune complexes (CICs) in the bloodstream can temporarily cause an increase in the severity of disease symptoms. However, sufficient amounts of the enzymes can break down the immune complexes in the bloodstream (sometimes within a few hours), thus decreasing disease symptoms.



2. Enzymes can help stimulate the body's own defenses. That is, enzymes have been shown to increase macrophage activity. These "Pac-Man-like cells" break up the circulating immune complexes.



3. Enzymes can help accelerate the mechanisms of inflammation and thereby reduce tissue swelling, break up the fibrin web causing stasis of circulation, improve circulation and eliminate pain-causing waste products.



Many studies have been conducted measuring the effectiveness of an enzyme combination (containing pancreatin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, bromelain and papain) in treating conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (and other rheumatic disorders), multiple sclerosis, herpes zoster, inflammatory problems and ankylosing spondylitis. In addition, patients have reported no side effects of long-term duration.



Which enzymes to take, and how much



When taking proteolytic enzymes (such as bromelain, papain, trypsin, chymotrypsin, microbial proteases and serratiopeptidase) it's best to take them between meals. This is important so that the enzymes do not compete with food and therefore, more of the enzymes can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Follow the label for dosage recommendations.



Generally speaking, when enzymes are taken to treat an inflammatory condition or a condition involving pain, some improvement should be noted within 3 to 7 days. Chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may require 1 to 3 (or more) months before you notice a change in your symptoms.



In addition, some conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis have periods of waxing and waning -- times when the symptoms may be markedly worse or perhaps, a little better. When the condition is worse or when you notice an exacerbation of symptoms, you may need to increase the dose.



REFERENCES



Cichoke, Anthony J. The Complete Book of Enzyme Therapy. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing, 1999.



Glenk, Wilhelm, and Neu, Sven. Enzyme. Munich: Wilhelm Heyne Verlag, 1990.



Hager, E.D. Complementary Oncology. Grafelfing, Germany, Forum Medizin, 1996.



Klaschka, Franz. Oral Enzymes-New Approach to Cancer Treatment. Grafelfing Germany: Forum Medizin, 1996.



Wrba, Heinrich, and Pecher, Otto. Enzymes-A Drug of the Future. Landsberg/Lech Germany: Dr. Hans Hermann Von Wimpffen, 1993.



Dr. Cichoke is the author of over 300 articles and 11 books including The Complete Book of Enzyme Therapy. He has two new books being published this year: FAQs: All About Enzymes and The Secrets of Native American Herbal Formulas.



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COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group

Anthony J. Cichoke