Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, or stress. While acute inflammation is a protective, localised and usually temporary response, chronic long-term inflammation can become detrimental. It can cause scar tissue, damaging organs, tissues, joints and blood vessels.
Early warnings of chronic inflammation include symptoms such as joint pain, muscle stiffness, fatigue, insomnia, low mood, and poor digestion, including constipation or diarrhoea. Indeed, many symptoms popularly attributed to ‘old age’ could well be the result of the build-up of chronic inflammation.
Inflammation can also contribute to various health issues, such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Some even reckon inflammation is a factor in most, if not all, chronic diseases. That is how serious chronic inflammation is. Yet we may only realise we have it once problems arise.
Theories abound as to why there is currently a surge in chronic inflammation. One reason could be our increased exposure to environmental pollution from industry and traffic, household cleaning agents, and pesticides in our food supply. Our increasingly stressful society can also be partly to blame. Estimates vary, but stress is now known to be a factor in between 50 – 90% of health issues. Additionally, the typical Western diet has a high proportion of inflammatory processed foods, sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats, which furthermore have little, if any, of the nourishment the human body needs.
A healthy diet is always a good place to start to improve wellbeing.
Improving nutrition is an excellent first step to controlling chronic inflammation. The Mediterranean diet provides some of the best anti-inflammatory foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein sources, herbs and spices, and healthy fats such as walnuts, avocado, and olive oil. These foods contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help strengthen the immune system and prevent inflammation.
However, diet alone may not be enough, and this is where focused enzyme support can be beneficial.
The benefits of enzymes for focused support
Enzymes are specialised proteins that facilitate chemical reactions. They make possible critical chemical reactions in the body that might not occur or would be extremely slow without their involvement. And they do it without changing themselves, so they can keep working repeatedly. Enzymes are also highly specific, meaning each performs its designated function without interfering with other cellular processes.
Enzymes often work sequentially, forming metabolic pathways that collectively contribute to complex cellular processes like energy production, DNA replication, and cellular repair. In essence, they regulate the multitude of biochemical reactions necessary for the survival and functioning of living organisms. In this way, enzyme supplements can offer a significant yet natural way to support reduced inflammation and optimise overall wellness.
Proteolytic enzymes are a subset of enzymes that break down proteins. But they don’t do this indiscriminately. They act when and where they are needed. They help reduce inflammation by breaking down pro-inflammatory proteins in the body, such as cytokines and chemokines, into their constituent parts, namely amino acids. This action can help alleviate pain, swelling, and redness.
Proteolytic enzymes are also valuable because of their potential to improve circulation and support immune function. They can break down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting, which can help improve blood flow. Additionally, proteolytic enzymes may have immunomodulatory effects, which could help support immune function.
The Benefits of Enzymes: Zeroing in on Bromelain
Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapples, mainly the fruit’s peel, core, stem and crown. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Bromelain works by breaking down protein molecules into smaller fragments, which the body can absorb more easily. In addition, bromelain can reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of certain enzymes and cytokines that contribute to inflammation in the body, making it potentially useful for conditions like arthritis, asthma, and allergies.
Bromelain may also help support immune health by modulating various immune cells, including T, B, and natural killer cells. Activating immune cells helps stimulate the innate and adaptive immune systems in response to multiple disorders. Bromelain also exhibits antioxidant properties, which can help protect the body against oxidative stress.
Researchers have conducted numerous studies on the health benefits of bromelain. One study found that bromelain effectively reduced inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint disease. Another study showed that bromelain effectively reduced nasal swelling and congestion in individuals with sinusitis. Additionally, research has shown that bromelain may be beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Overall, the research on bromelain and its health benefits is up and coming.
The Benefits of Enzymes: Zeroing in on Papain
Papain is a proteolytic enzyme derived from papayas, mainly the plant’s latex or unripe fruit. Like bromelain, papain has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. Papain breaks down protein molecules into smaller fragments, allowing for easier absorption.
When used systemically, papain can reduce inflammation in the body, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It does this by inhibiting the production of certain enzymes and cytokines that contribute to inflammation. Papain also has antimicrobial properties, which may help fight off bacteria and viruses. One study found that papain was effective against several strains of bacteria commonly associated with foodborne illness.
The power of combination products
Combining the enzymes bromelain and papain with the powerful antioxidants ecklonia cava and curcumin, plus immune-boosting D3, creates a product where all the ingredients have shown potential for significantly affecting chronic inflammation.
The Benefits of Enzymes: Zeroing in on Nattokinase
Nattokinase is a proteolytic enzyme that originates from the traditional Japanese food natto, made from fermented soybeans. It is known for its ability to break down fibrin, a protein that plays a role in blood clotting. By breaking down fibrin, nattokinase helps target excess blood clot formation, making it a helpful tool in reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
Nattokinase has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to support healthy blood pressure levels, in addition to its fibrinolytic properties. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and many individuals struggle to keep their blood pressure within a healthy range. Nattokinase may help reduce blood pressure by supporting healthy blood flow, making it a valuable tool for those with hypertension or other cardiovascular risk factors.
In summary:
Enzymes like bromelain, papain and nattokinase offer a natural way to support optimal health. These enzymes provide many benefits, from improved circulation to reduced inflammation and enhanced immune support. A healthy diet plus enzymes in your supplement protocol can support your body’s natural processes and promote overall wellness by targeting chronic inflammation at its source.
The benefits of enzymes in addressing chronic inflammation extend beyond mere symptom management. They offer a natural and holistic approach to promoting overall wellbeing.
