Essential Enzymes for Natural Healing

Unlock the Power of Natural Healing with Essential Enzymes

What Are Enzymes? 

Enzymes perform a crucial function and are essential for optimum health – but what exactly are they? Well, they’re proteins that help to accelerate, or speed up, chemical reactions within our bodies, also known as our metabolism. In fact, all living creatures have enzymes present within them, however as humans our enzyme stores can sometimes become depleted by modern diet and lifestyle factors. Enzymes are especially beneficial for digestion, detoxification, and supporting the immune system, so when levels of them are low, we run the risk of experiencing issues in these areas. To ensure we get the enzymes that we need to stay healthy, we can look to natural sources…and the good news is that many of them are delicious!

Which Foods Naturally Contain Them?

When it comes to natural digestive enzymes in particular, these can be found in fruits such as pineapples, papayas, mangos, kiwifruit, avocados and bananas, fermented foods like miso, sauerkraut, kefir and kimchi, and even in honey and ginger! Incorporating any of these foods into your diet can help to enhance the health of your digestive system, however there is also a special ‘subset’ of enzymes that can provide more targeted to support for specific health concerns stemming from inflammation, and help to alleviate symptoms such as pain, swelling and redness. These are known as proteolytic enzymes.

Spotlight On: Proteolytic Enzymes 

Proteolytic enzymes essentially break down protein. They can therefore assist in breaking down pro-inflammatory proteins in the body, including cytokines and chemokines, and they could also have immunomodulatory effects, helping to support immune function. An effective way to harness the power of proteolytic enzymes is to take them as a supplement; and two excellent examples of plant-based proteolytic enzymes available in supplement form are bromelain and papain. 

• Bromelain 

Derived from the stem and juice of pineapples, bromelain has a long history of traditional use for both its digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. It breaks down protein molecules into smaller fragments, enabling them to be more readily absorbed and dealt with by the body. Its medicinal uses can be applied to the treatment of conditions such as allergies, asthma and arthritis, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. 

Bromelain has the potential to modulate various immune cells such as T cells, B cells and natural killer cells. By activating these immune cells, it can help to stimulate the response of both the innate and adaptive immune systems in response to various disorders. Additionally, it appears to exhibit antioxidant properties, protecting cells against oxidative stress. 

Bromelain can also support cardiovascular health and is demonstrated to reduce the risk of blood clots and improve circulation. As such, it can be a valuable tool for sufferers of cardiovascular disease or conditions that adversely affect blood flow.

Extensive research has been conducted on the health benefits of bromelain, with one study concluding that it is effective in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis (a common degenerative joint disease). In individuals with sinusitis, studies have shown bromelain to effectively reduce nasal swelling and congestion. Further studies have demonstrated that bromelain may be beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis. The general consensus is that bromelain shows many promising health benefits and great potential for future therapeutic use, with further research needed to further explore its exciting wellness-enhancing qualities.  

• Papain

Papain comes from papayas (also called pawpaw), mainly from the fruit itself, but also from the latex contained within the plant. Its traditional medicinal uses are similar to those of bromelain, and it has been highly prized for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits for hundreds of years. Like bromelain, it facilitates easier absorption of protein molecules by breaking them down into smaller fragments. When used as part of a digestive enzyme formula, it can be useful in relieving issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation. 

It can also provide wider-reaching benefits when used systemically – throughout the whole body – to target inflammation. This makes it a powerful tool in the treatment of conditions such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. It achieves this in the same way as bromelain by inhibiting the production of cytokines and other enzymes that contribute to inflammation. Another advantage of Papain is that it possesses antimicrobial properties that stave off bacteria and viruses, with the results of one study suggesting that papain may be effective against multiple strains of bacteria commonly associated with foodborne illness.

Papain may also have the potential to accelerate the body’s natural healing process. Studies have shown it helps to break down dead tissue whilst also stimulating new tissue growth to promote faster wound healing. 

•  Nattokinase – A Fibrinolytic Enzyme

Although proteolytic enzymes in general are recognised to improve circulation and support immune function, certain ones have also been shown to break down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clotting; thereby helping to improve blood flow. A notable example of a powerful fibrinolytic enzyme is nattokinase. 

Derived from a traditional Japanese food called natto, made from fermented soybeans. Nattokinase helps target excess blood clot formation by breaking down fibrin. As a result, it may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events including heart attack and stroke, and many people choose to supplement it for this reason. 

As well as its remarkable fibrinolytic properties, nattokinase has been seen to have anti-inflammatory effects. Because various health issues, including cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal conditions, may be attributed to chronic inflammation, nattokinase may ultimately help improve the outcomes of these conditions by reducing inflammation.

Nattokinase has also been shown to support healthy blood pressure levels, helping individuals to keep their blood pressure within a healthy range and thereby reducing a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Its ability to lower blood pressure by supporting healthy blood flow makes Nattokinase an invaluable supplement for anyone with hypertension or other cardiovascular risk factors.

The Takeaway

From aiding digestion and improving circulation, to enhancing immune health, incorporating enzymes into your diet or supplement routine can super-charge your body’s vital chemical processes and enhance your overall wellbeing. If you are looking for a way to naturally support your best-ever health, look no further than plant-based proteolytic enzymes!