An achy back, a sore knee—whether the result of injury, repetitive motion or just overdoing it at the gym, minor inflammation can be irritating and painful. Our first response might be to pop a few pain relievers and wait it out. While ideal for a short term fix, these over the counter medications only treat the symptoms. Too often we fail to look at the root cause of the problem: our inflammatory process.

Inflammation is not our enemy

The body protects itself from life threatening illness and injury through the often misunderstood inflammatory process. It is this healthy inflammatory process which allows our body to heal, repair, and effectively cleanse our tissues at a cellular level. White blood cells are sent to the area of injury, swelling occurs, and damaged tissues are removed and eliminated. Without beneficial inflammation our bodies would be left in disrepair and eventually fall apart. But too much of a good thing brings its own share of problems. Inflammation that becomes chronic can be disease bearing and life threatening.

Pain and swelling are common symptoms that our inflammation response may be out of balance. Customary solutions for occasional pain and inflammation include the over the counter (OTC) medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aka NSAID. However, NSAIDs may slow or even turn off the inflammatory process, leaving the body less able to repair the damage that caused the pain in the first place. Overused, these medications may also compound the matter by causing gastric irritation and liver concerns.

So what can be done to support this important process?

Protease Enzymes Provide Therapeutic Support to Healthy Inflammation

An alternative solution to occasional pain and discomfort are therapeutic enzymes which work synergistically with your body’s recovery mechanisms, easing stress on your metabolic systems and aiding your innate healing processes.

Proteolytic enzymes, often called proteases (enzymes that break down protein) are manufactured naturally by the body to support the immune system. These enzymes break down foreign particles and debris, as well as accelerate the elimination of unwanted pathogens and toxins by way of the lymphatic system. Supplemental oral proteases have been shown to provide significant support to aid healthy repair and recovery. Additionally, studies indicate that protease enzymes may reduce the negative effects of harmful inflammation.

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Whether or not we are concerned with healthy cholesterol, balanced blood sugar, inflammation, or proper blood pressure, experts encourage us to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Doing so requires a healthy diet along with regular exercise. Beyond these good habits, we are also encouraged by the benefits of dietary supplements such as heart healthy essential fatty acids and therapeutic enzymes.

While there are many products on the market that aid and support a healthy heart, few are as unique as the nattokinase enzyme.

An Accidental Discovery Provides Health Benefits for Generations to Come

Nattokinase NSK-SD enzyme is a therapeutic enzyme isolated from a traditional Japanese food known as natto. Natto is a form of fermented soy, and nattokinase is the enzyme end product of the bacteria known as bacillus subtilis natto, which feeds on the soy during the fermentation process.

Fermented soybeans have been consumed for thousands of years as health tonic in Japan, and the story of natto is often attributed to an ancient Japanese warrior known as Minamoto no Yoshiie. While preparing for battle Minamoto and his clan were cooking soybeans. They were attacked suddenly and were forced to pack their beans in straw and leave their encampment with little notice. Days later they discovered that their beans had fermented, forming a sticky consistency with a strong smell. Fed to the horses and later to Minamoto’s soldiers, it was found to be tasty. As time went on people began to eat natto for its health benefits.

Unlike the familiar enzymes that target food in the digestive tract, nattokinase is a unique protein digesting enzyme that goes beyond digestion, entering the bloodstream providing a unique benefit to heart health. Nattokinase provides support to the body’s fibrinolytic systems, those systems which ensure the breakdown of fibrin in the bloodstream, and promote healthy circulation.*

Fibrin is a protein that forms in the blood after trauma or injury. When all systems are functioning properly, this process is essential to stop excess blood loss and encourage healthy clotting. Bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins present in the blood also trigger an inflammatory condition resulting in excess cross-linked fibrin. Excess cross-linked fibrin can circulate through the blood and stick to the walls of blood vessels.

Excess fibrin has been shown to contribute to cardiovascular issues, poor circulation and slow tissue repair. A nattokinase supplement can help enhance the proper function of the cardiovascular system, promoting the breakdown of fibrin, which in turn encourages healthy blood flow, proper clearance of waste from the body, and the optimal delivery of nutrients essential to good health.*

Studies Confirm the Cardiovascular Benefits of Nattokinase Enzymes

The nattokinase enzyme has proven beneficial time and time again in studies, including documented blood plasma tests. Nattokinase is the subject of 17 studies, including two small human trials.[i] [ii] [iii] [iv]

For the Western palate, natto is considered an acquired taste, and its sticky texture leaves a lot to be desired. However, due to the advent of encapsulation, you can receive the healthy fibrinolytic benefits of natto by taking a supplement without consuming fermented sticky soy beans. Ideally, a nattokinase supplement will include a variety of protease, lipase, and amylase enzymes known for their ability to promote a healthy inflammatory response.*

To learn more about nattokinase and cardiovascular health, visit www.Enzymedica.com.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Most of us have experienced the lull of the winter months. Many of us struggle with seasonal well-being, and it can affect our quality of life by causing us to miss out on work or social activities. Enzymes can be used preventatively and proactively, and the benefits of enzymes for healthy immunity are discussed by Dr. Gary Kracoff in a recent Fox news story.

Assisting with Excess or Inappropriate Mucus

MucoStop™ is a blend of proteolytic enzymes to help reduce the effects of histamine-induced inflammation. The purpose of MucoStop is to support normal mucus function while helping to speed the breakdown and removal of inappropriate mucus. Mucolase, one of the enzymes in MucoStop , is a proteolytic enzyme (breaks down protein) that has mucolytic properties, meaning it targets and hydrolyzes inappropriate or excess mucus.

Assisting with Prevention

Whether your concern is seasonal well-being or general immune health, ViraStop 2X™ contains Enzymedica’s highest blend of therapeutic proteolytic enzymes.  Two times stronger than Enzymedica’s original ViraStop blend, you may use ViraStop 2X daily or at the onset of a condition. ViraStop 2X employs a unique ultra high potency blend of protease enzymes in place of the herbs and nutraceuticals found in many products in the wellness category. ViraStop 2X contains Enzymedica’s Thera-blend™ of eight different proteases chosen for their unique proteolytic abilities. Taken on an empty stomach, the protease enzymes found in ViraStop 2X can reduce the burden on the immune system, promoting the breakdown and elimination of proteins in the bloodstream, aiding optimal immune function.

For the remainder of the month of January, ViraStop2X has an exclusive special discount on the Enzymedica website. To receive $2.00 off, visit the ViraStop 2X product page.

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If we were to take votes on when to mark the start of ‘enzyme season’ on a calendar, there is little doubt that the months of November – January would score high.

Delicious desserts and savory seasoned meals lead many to overindulge, increasing our waistline sand often resulting in indigestion and occasional bloating and gas.  But there is hope! A quality digestive enzyme supplement will promote healthy digestion and potentially cut off such problems at the pass.

Digestive Enzymes

Enzymedica is known for making digestive enzyme supplements that are tailored to meet individual needs. In addition to supplements that address specific digestion issues such as phenol sensitivity, bean, grain and vegetable digestion, gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance, Enzymedica also offers several options to address general digestive needs for the entire family, including pets. Digestive enzymes enhance the body’s digestion and assimilation of food to help turn the food we eat into energy for the body.

Digest Gold

Digest Gold is the most potent digestive enzyme product on the market, and is approximately three times stronger than Digest in most categories. In addition to assisting in the digestion of the four major food groups, Digest Gold was also formulated to address the more serious issues some consumers face.

Digest Gold + PROBIOTICS

Digest Gold + Probiotics combines Enzymedica’s award winning digestive enzyme formula with 500 million cultures of specially coated (TherActive™) probiotics.  This delivery system is not an encapsulation process–it is a coating that allows for maximum performance and preservation of probiotics.  Superior to standard time release mechanisms, TherActive™ delivery ensures release in the alkaline pH of the lower intestine, guaranteeing potency, delivering healthy bacteria into the intestinal tract for optimal benefit.

Kids Digest

Children can develop digestive problems during their formative years from poor food choices, faulty digestion or an enzyme deficiency. More children than ever suffer the consequences of incomplete digestion. Kids Digest™ is a potent, easy to take, tasty product that assists children’s bodies in digesting and assimilating important nutrients. Kids Digest is a is a mild potency digestive enzyme designed specifically for children and aids in the digestion of all food groups. When mixed with juice, Kids Digest adds a fun fizz and a natural sweetness from Xylitol, a natural sugar based carbohydrate found in certain plants such as cauliflower.

Pet Digest

Pet Digest™ is a digestive enzyme supplement for all mammals. Pet digestion can be improved by enzymes such as protease to digest protein, lipase to digest fats, and amylase for carbohydrate digestion, which are imperative for proper health. Adding Pet Digest digestive enzyme formula, to your pet’s food not only promotes healthy absorption and digestion but may also strengthen their immune system. Enzymedica’s Pet Digest is an enzyme formula which will help pets digest their foods more efficiently; absorbing all of the nutrients, while helping to reduce digestive distress. Pet Digest is easy to use and comes in a convenient powder, which is simply sprinkled on your pet’s food.

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Recent findings by a researcher at the National University of Ireland, Galway, have reconfirmed the efficacy and function of Enzymedica’s trademarked Thera-blend™ process.

Figure 1 illustrates how a blend of one type of enzyme (such as protease) enhance the range of activity for a Thera-Blend™. Notice that there are three proteases shown. All have a slightly different optimal pH at normal body temperature. By combining the three we are able to achieve greater activity over a broader pH range (this is not an exact graph it is simply meant to illustrate the benefit of Thera-Blend™).

Thera-blend is Enzymedica’s exclusive blending process used for the protease, lipase, amylase, and cellulase enzymes in the company’s formulas. The goal of the process is to blend several strains of each enzyme to achieve greater activity over a broader pH range. The end result of the Thera-blend method is increased potency, as enzymes are enabled to break down more bonds throughout the entire digestive system. The variety of strains also makes the formulas more effective systemically.

The positive correlation was validated by Dr. Maria Tuohy, while studying an unrelated enzymatic assay obtained from Enzymedica’s GlutenEase™ formula for its starch-modifying and proteolytic activities. [Its ability to break down starches and proteins.]

Scott Sensenbrenner, CEO of Enzymedica shares, “These recent findings corroborate previous tests by the manufacturer and Enzymedica is excited to share the news. As a science-based company we will continue to pursue research to further substantiate our product claims.”

In Figure 2 Notice how a multiple blend of one enzyme has the ability to break more protein, carbohydrates or fat bonds than a single enzyme.

To learn more about Thera-blend and Enzymedica enzyme products, please visit www.enzymedica.com

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