Proteolytic Enzymes
Barron, Jon
Many health practitioners today are advising patients to take proteolytic enzymes to help with everything from inflammation and autoimmune conditions to heart disease and plaque, some doc tors have even suggested its use for the treatment of cancer. So, what are these powerful enzymes and why should you know about them?
In order to understand proteolytic enzymes, it's important to have a basic understanding of enzymes in the body. Enzymes are proteins that facilitate chemical reactions in living organisms. In fact, they are required for every single chemical action that takes place in your body. All of your tissues, muscles, bones, organs and cells are run by enzymes.
Your digestive system, immune system, bloodstream, liver, kidneys, spleen and pancreas, as well as your ability to see, think, feel and breathe, all depend on enzymes. All of the minerals and vitamins you eat, and all of the hormones your body produces need enzymes in order to work properly. In fact, enzymes govern every single metabolic function in your body: your stamina, energy level, ability to utilize vitamins and minerals, immune system and more. The vast majority of metabolic enzymes in the body - the enzymes that regulate everything from liver function to the immune system - are proteases, or proteolytic enzymes, which regulate protein function in the body. When we eat foods that are enzyme dead (cooked or processed), we force the body to divert its production of enzymes away from proteolytic enzymes, which govern metabolic functions, into digestive proteolytic enzymes designed to break down dead proteins in our diets. The consequences of this diversion are enormous. Conversely, the benefits of supplementing with proteolytic enzymes are profound. And by supplementing, I mean:
* Supplementing with "digestive" proteolytic enzymes at meals to ease the burden on the body, so it no longer has to divert its resources.
* Supplementing with "special" proteolytic enzymes between meals, so the enzymes can enter the bloodstream and augment the proteolytic functions of our metabolic enzymes.
It's possible to use good-quality digestive enzymes for both functions and receive a significant amount of benefit. But it's far more beneficial to use formulas that are optimized for each particular function. With that in mind, let's now look at some of the profound benefits of supplementing with a dedicated proteolytic formula. These include:
* Reducing inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury. However, excessive inflammation retards the healing process. Proteolytic enzymes reduce inflammation by neutralizing the biochemicals of inflammation (i.e., bradykinins and pro-inflammatory eicosanoids) to levels at which the synthesis, repair and regeneration of injured tissues can take place.1 Reducing inflammation can have immediate impact on improved heart health, cancer prevention and recovery, and Alzheimer's prevention. It also helps speed up recovery from sprains, strains, fractures, bruises, contusions, surgery and arthritis. In one study, football players who suffered from ankle injuries found that proteolytic enzyme supplements accelerated healing and got the players back on the field 50 percent faster than athletes who received placebo tablets.2 Other trials have shown that supplemental proteolytic enzymes can help reduce inflammation, speed healing of bruises and other tissue injuries (including fractures), and reduce overall recovery time when compared to athletes taking a placebo.3,4 And even in patients recovering from facial and various reconstructive surgeries, treatment with proteolytic enzymes significantly reduced swelling, bruising and stiffness compared to placebo groups.5,6,7
* Cleansing the blood of debris: Proteolytic enzymes are the primary tools the body uses to "digest" organic debris in the circulatory and lymph systems. Supplementing merely improves the effectiveness of the process.
* Dissolving florin in the blood, reducing the risk of clots: Certain specialized proteases such as nattokinase are extremely effective at improving the "quality" of blood cells, optimizing the ability of blood to flow through the circulatory system, and reducing the risk of clots.8 This is extremely important in reducing the risk of stroke. It also makes using proteolytic enzymes during long plane flights a no-brainer, as they minimize the potential of blood clots in the legs.
* Maximized Immune system: The primary vehicle the immune system uses for destroying invaders is enzymes. Macrophages, for example, literally digest invaders with proteolytic enzymes. Supplementation significantly improves the ability of your immune system to do its job.
* Killing of bacteria, viruses, molds and fungi: Bacteria, viruses, molds and fungi are protein/amino acid-based. Proteolytic enzymes taken between meals literally go into the bloodstream and digest these invaders.
* Elimination of autoimmune diseases: In Lessons from the Miracle Doctors, I cover in detail the process whereby large undigested proteins make their way into the bloodstream and form circulating immune complexes (CICs), which trigger allergies and autoimmune diseases. Supplemental proteolytic enzymes clean CICs out of the body, thereby reducing allergies and autoimmune conditions. In addition, this helps with sinusitis and asthma.
* Dissolving of scar tissue: Scar tissue is made of protein. Proteolytic enzymes can effectively "digest" scar tissue - particularly in the circulatory system.
* And finally, a properly designed supplemental proteolytic enzyme formula can help reduce the symptoms of MS, clean out the lungs9 and aid in detoxlng.
Clearly, research shows that proteolytic enzymes have incredible health benefits, which also explains their growing appearance on the shelves of health food stores. This brings us to the ultimate question: What constitutes a properly designed supplemental proteolytic enzyme formula?
First, the formula should have high amounts of protease: at least 200,000 HUT. This is far more than you will ever find in a digestive formula and 300,000 HUT is even better. It's also important to note that fungal (vegetarian-based) protease is merely rendered inactive by stomach acid, not destroyed. As soon as it passes into the alkaline environment of the intestinal tract, it reactivates, and, if not needed for digesting food, makes its way into the bloodstream. In other words, for use in a proteolytic enzyme formula, it does not need to be protected from stomach acid.
Second, even though fungal protease does indeed reactivate in the intestinal tract, the formula will be much more effective if it includes a variety of proteases that work optimally in a variety of pH ranges. Some of these proteases would include proper amounts of papain, bromelain and fungal pancreatin.
Third, find a formula that utilizes a special proteolytic enzyme called nattokinase, which has been discovered to balance optimally the clotting ability of blood.10 Its ability to control clotting rivals that of pharmaceutical drugs such as warfarin, but without any of the side effects or downsides, making it valuable to everyone - not just heart disease patients. Obviously, if you already are using blood thinners, you will need to work with your doctor if you decide to incorporate proteolytic enzymes in your health program.
Many doctors have asked me about formulas that contain the "hot" proteolytic enzyme in alternative health right now called serrapeptase. It has remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-edemic (i.e., counters swelling and fluid retention) activity in a number of tissues. In addition to reducing inflammation, serrapeptase has a profound ability to reduce pain due to its ability to block the release of pain-inducing amines from inflamed tissues. Finally, it helps clear mucous from the lungs by reducing neutrophil numbers and altering the viscoelasticity of sputum in patients with chronic airway diseases. These are all major benefits; however, serrapeptase has several problems: It has inconsistent quality, causes intestinal distress, and is sensitive to stomach acid, which means it has to be coated with enteric. Unfortunately, the technology for enteric-coating of capsules or powders is not reliable (which is why you normally find enteric coating used only on hard tablets or on hard beads inside capsules, such as in cold capsules).
There is an alternative to serrapeptase. Seasprose, a specialized proteolytic enzyme derived from Aspergillus, manufactured in Japan, is of consistent high quality, causes virtually no intestinal distress,11 and is not affected by stomach acid, so it does not require enteric coating. Studies have shown it is more effective than serrapeptase - 85 percent vs. 65 percent.11
There is one last thing to note when selecting a good proteolytic enzyme. Be suspicious of any enzyme formula that lists the mgs of enzymes present as opposed to the activity level of each enzyme in the formula. Activity level determines overall effect. Two batches of the same enzyme of equal weight can have wildly different activity levels. The bottom line is that when it comes to enzymes, weight measurements are just not useful and can be downright misleading, as there is no direct relationship between weight and units of activity. In fact, an enzyme can still have a weight even if it has been destroyed and has zero activity. When comparing enzymes, if you want apples-toapples comparisons between supplements, then you need to compare activity levels.
The internationally recognized and accepted standard for measurement is by Food Chemical Codex (FCC) units. This usually is expressed in different activity units for each type of enzyme. For instance, protease is measured in HUTs (hemoglobin units, tyroslne basis), amylase in SKBs (named after the creators of the test, Sandstedt, Kneen, and Blish) or DUs (used in the brewing industry), and lipase in LUs.
In summary, make sure the proteolytic enzyme formula you use for yourself or recommend to patients is adequate to the task at hand. At the minimum, a daily dose should contain:
* a minimum of 200,000 HUT of fungal protease, designed to function in a wide pH range;
* 250 FU nattokinase;
* 10,000 U of the Aspergillusderived enzyme (if opting for serrapeptase, look for a minimum of 30,000 IU, enteric coated);
* formula enhancements including ingredients such as papain, bromelain, rutin and ginger.
Regular use of such a formula can be an invaluable addition to any of your patient's daily health programs. By helping to reduce pain and inflammation levels, proteolytic enzymes will not only make adjustments easier to perform, but also will increase your patient's general satisfaction levels, thereby improving patient retention. In addition to regular use, however, there is the option of using proteolytic at therapeutic levels for 14 to 30 days or longer, if necessary, for periodic enzyme detox and rebuilding programs. Such programs can go a long way to improving circulation, removing scar tissue, cleaning out the lungs and correcting autoimmune problems. These kinds of results literally can be life-changing; possibly even life-saving.
Bio
At age 16, Jon Barren worked under his father, one of the world's first food technologists, at a large grocery chain. They developed a new line of food products that sparked Jon's interest in food formulation and natural remedies. He forged ahead not only with a nutraceutical company and a nonprofit foundation, but also with product formulation consulting. Today, Jon is working with leading companies such as Nestlé's spin-off, Sweet Success Enterprises, to make healthy food and beverage products more consumer-friendly and accessible.
Barron, Jon
Many health practitioners today are advising patients to take proteolytic enzymes to help with everything from inflammation and autoimmune conditions to heart disease and plaque, some doc tors have even suggested its use for the treatment of cancer. So, what are these powerful enzymes and why should you know about them?
In order to understand proteolytic enzymes, it's important to have a basic understanding of enzymes in the body. Enzymes are proteins that facilitate chemical reactions in living organisms. In fact, they are required for every single chemical action that takes place in your body. All of your tissues, muscles, bones, organs and cells are run by enzymes.
Your digestive system, immune system, bloodstream, liver, kidneys, spleen and pancreas, as well as your ability to see, think, feel and breathe, all depend on enzymes. All of the minerals and vitamins you eat, and all of the hormones your body produces need enzymes in order to work properly. In fact, enzymes govern every single metabolic function in your body: your stamina, energy level, ability to utilize vitamins and minerals, immune system and more. The vast majority of metabolic enzymes in the body - the enzymes that regulate everything from liver function to the immune system - are proteases, or proteolytic enzymes, which regulate protein function in the body. When we eat foods that are enzyme dead (cooked or processed), we force the body to divert its production of enzymes away from proteolytic enzymes, which govern metabolic functions, into digestive proteolytic enzymes designed to break down dead proteins in our diets. The consequences of this diversion are enormous. Conversely, the benefits of supplementing with proteolytic enzymes are profound. And by supplementing, I mean:
* Supplementing with "digestive" proteolytic enzymes at meals to ease the burden on the body, so it no longer has to divert its resources.
* Supplementing with "special" proteolytic enzymes between meals, so the enzymes can enter the bloodstream and augment the proteolytic functions of our metabolic enzymes.
It's possible to use good-quality digestive enzymes for both functions and receive a significant amount of benefit. But it's far more beneficial to use formulas that are optimized for each particular function. With that in mind, let's now look at some of the profound benefits of supplementing with a dedicated proteolytic formula. These include:
* Reducing inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury. However, excessive inflammation retards the healing process. Proteolytic enzymes reduce inflammation by neutralizing the biochemicals of inflammation (i.e., bradykinins and pro-inflammatory eicosanoids) to levels at which the synthesis, repair and regeneration of injured tissues can take place.1 Reducing inflammation can have immediate impact on improved heart health, cancer prevention and recovery, and Alzheimer's prevention. It also helps speed up recovery from sprains, strains, fractures, bruises, contusions, surgery and arthritis. In one study, football players who suffered from ankle injuries found that proteolytic enzyme supplements accelerated healing and got the players back on the field 50 percent faster than athletes who received placebo tablets.2 Other trials have shown that supplemental proteolytic enzymes can help reduce inflammation, speed healing of bruises and other tissue injuries (including fractures), and reduce overall recovery time when compared to athletes taking a placebo.3,4 And even in patients recovering from facial and various reconstructive surgeries, treatment with proteolytic enzymes significantly reduced swelling, bruising and stiffness compared to placebo groups.5,6,7
* Cleansing the blood of debris: Proteolytic enzymes are the primary tools the body uses to "digest" organic debris in the circulatory and lymph systems. Supplementing merely improves the effectiveness of the process.
* Dissolving florin in the blood, reducing the risk of clots: Certain specialized proteases such as nattokinase are extremely effective at improving the "quality" of blood cells, optimizing the ability of blood to flow through the circulatory system, and reducing the risk of clots.8 This is extremely important in reducing the risk of stroke. It also makes using proteolytic enzymes during long plane flights a no-brainer, as they minimize the potential of blood clots in the legs.
* Maximized Immune system: The primary vehicle the immune system uses for destroying invaders is enzymes. Macrophages, for example, literally digest invaders with proteolytic enzymes. Supplementation significantly improves the ability of your immune system to do its job.
* Killing of bacteria, viruses, molds and fungi: Bacteria, viruses, molds and fungi are protein/amino acid-based. Proteolytic enzymes taken between meals literally go into the bloodstream and digest these invaders.
* Elimination of autoimmune diseases: In Lessons from the Miracle Doctors, I cover in detail the process whereby large undigested proteins make their way into the bloodstream and form circulating immune complexes (CICs), which trigger allergies and autoimmune diseases. Supplemental proteolytic enzymes clean CICs out of the body, thereby reducing allergies and autoimmune conditions. In addition, this helps with sinusitis and asthma.
* Dissolving of scar tissue: Scar tissue is made of protein. Proteolytic enzymes can effectively "digest" scar tissue - particularly in the circulatory system.
* And finally, a properly designed supplemental proteolytic enzyme formula can help reduce the symptoms of MS, clean out the lungs9 and aid in detoxlng.
Clearly, research shows that proteolytic enzymes have incredible health benefits, which also explains their growing appearance on the shelves of health food stores. This brings us to the ultimate question: What constitutes a properly designed supplemental proteolytic enzyme formula?
First, the formula should have high amounts of protease: at least 200,000 HUT. This is far more than you will ever find in a digestive formula and 300,000 HUT is even better. It's also important to note that fungal (vegetarian-based) protease is merely rendered inactive by stomach acid, not destroyed. As soon as it passes into the alkaline environment of the intestinal tract, it reactivates, and, if not needed for digesting food, makes its way into the bloodstream. In other words, for use in a proteolytic enzyme formula, it does not need to be protected from stomach acid.
Second, even though fungal protease does indeed reactivate in the intestinal tract, the formula will be much more effective if it includes a variety of proteases that work optimally in a variety of pH ranges. Some of these proteases would include proper amounts of papain, bromelain and fungal pancreatin.
Third, find a formula that utilizes a special proteolytic enzyme called nattokinase, which has been discovered to balance optimally the clotting ability of blood.10 Its ability to control clotting rivals that of pharmaceutical drugs such as warfarin, but without any of the side effects or downsides, making it valuable to everyone - not just heart disease patients. Obviously, if you already are using blood thinners, you will need to work with your doctor if you decide to incorporate proteolytic enzymes in your health program.
Many doctors have asked me about formulas that contain the "hot" proteolytic enzyme in alternative health right now called serrapeptase. It has remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-edemic (i.e., counters swelling and fluid retention) activity in a number of tissues. In addition to reducing inflammation, serrapeptase has a profound ability to reduce pain due to its ability to block the release of pain-inducing amines from inflamed tissues. Finally, it helps clear mucous from the lungs by reducing neutrophil numbers and altering the viscoelasticity of sputum in patients with chronic airway diseases. These are all major benefits; however, serrapeptase has several problems: It has inconsistent quality, causes intestinal distress, and is sensitive to stomach acid, which means it has to be coated with enteric. Unfortunately, the technology for enteric-coating of capsules or powders is not reliable (which is why you normally find enteric coating used only on hard tablets or on hard beads inside capsules, such as in cold capsules).
There is an alternative to serrapeptase. Seasprose, a specialized proteolytic enzyme derived from Aspergillus, manufactured in Japan, is of consistent high quality, causes virtually no intestinal distress,11 and is not affected by stomach acid, so it does not require enteric coating. Studies have shown it is more effective than serrapeptase - 85 percent vs. 65 percent.11
There is one last thing to note when selecting a good proteolytic enzyme. Be suspicious of any enzyme formula that lists the mgs of enzymes present as opposed to the activity level of each enzyme in the formula. Activity level determines overall effect. Two batches of the same enzyme of equal weight can have wildly different activity levels. The bottom line is that when it comes to enzymes, weight measurements are just not useful and can be downright misleading, as there is no direct relationship between weight and units of activity. In fact, an enzyme can still have a weight even if it has been destroyed and has zero activity. When comparing enzymes, if you want apples-toapples comparisons between supplements, then you need to compare activity levels.
The internationally recognized and accepted standard for measurement is by Food Chemical Codex (FCC) units. This usually is expressed in different activity units for each type of enzyme. For instance, protease is measured in HUTs (hemoglobin units, tyroslne basis), amylase in SKBs (named after the creators of the test, Sandstedt, Kneen, and Blish) or DUs (used in the brewing industry), and lipase in LUs.
In summary, make sure the proteolytic enzyme formula you use for yourself or recommend to patients is adequate to the task at hand. At the minimum, a daily dose should contain:
* a minimum of 200,000 HUT of fungal protease, designed to function in a wide pH range;
* 250 FU nattokinase;
* 10,000 U of the Aspergillusderived enzyme (if opting for serrapeptase, look for a minimum of 30,000 IU, enteric coated);
* formula enhancements including ingredients such as papain, bromelain, rutin and ginger.
Regular use of such a formula can be an invaluable addition to any of your patient's daily health programs. By helping to reduce pain and inflammation levels, proteolytic enzymes will not only make adjustments easier to perform, but also will increase your patient's general satisfaction levels, thereby improving patient retention. In addition to regular use, however, there is the option of using proteolytic at therapeutic levels for 14 to 30 days or longer, if necessary, for periodic enzyme detox and rebuilding programs. Such programs can go a long way to improving circulation, removing scar tissue, cleaning out the lungs and correcting autoimmune problems. These kinds of results literally can be life-changing; possibly even life-saving.
Bio
At age 16, Jon Barren worked under his father, one of the world's first food technologists, at a large grocery chain. They developed a new line of food products that sparked Jon's interest in food formulation and natural remedies. He forged ahead not only with a nutraceutical company and a nonprofit foundation, but also with product formulation consulting. Today, Jon is working with leading companies such as Nestlé's spin-off, Sweet Success Enterprises, to make healthy food and beverage products more consumer-friendly and accessible.
Enzyme Therapy
Anthony J. Cichoke
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.
COPYRIGHT 2000 PRIMEDIA Intertec, a PRIMEDIA Company. All Rights Reserved.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group
Anthony J. Cichoke
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.
COPYRIGHT 2000 PRIMEDIA Intertec, a PRIMEDIA Company. All Rights Reserved.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group
