health Matters
Proteolytic Enzymes
How They Help Reduce Inflammation and Boost Immunity
by Dr. Thomas K. Lo, Advanced Chiropractic & Nutritional Healing CenterAll the vitamins and minerals we eat, plus all the hormones our bodies produce, need enzymes to work properly. Additionally, enzymes, such as proteolytic enzymes, regulate metabolic functions and assist in maintaining our stamina and energy levels.
Proteolytic enzymes are the type that specifically aid in the digestion process. They help digest proteins in our diets, breaking them down into smaller units called amino acids. Once proteins are turned into free amino acids, they are then easily absorbed by the cells of the intestinal wall. They’re required for every chemical action that takes place in our bodies. The digestive system, immune system, bloodstream, liver, kidneys, spleen and pancreas—as well as the ability to see, think, feel, and breathe—all depend on enzymes.
Enzymes can be taken as supplements; better yet, they can also be found naturally in certain foods. Though, when we eat foods that have been cooked or processed, we lose a lot of the effectiveness of these enzymes. This is why many people find the need to use supplements during or between meals.
The best way to get these enzymes is through eating whole, uncooked fruits and vegetables. They not only provide digestive enzymes, but also antioxidants, vitamins, electrolytes, and more.
The Benefits of Enzymes
1. Help control inflammation and optimize blood flow.
According to research, proteolytic enzymes help modulate the inflammatory process by a variety of mechanisms, including reducing the swelling of mucous membranes, decreasing capillary permeability and dissolving blood clot-forming fibrin deposits and microthrombi.
Proteolytic enzymes also help break down plasma proteins and cellular debris at the site of an injury into smaller fragments. This greatly facilitates their passage through the lymphatic system, resulting in more rapid resolution of swelling, with the consequent relief of pain and discomfort in the bones and joints affected.
Research has shown that these enzymes, bromelain, papain, pancreatin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, and rutin, all act as essential regulators and modulators of the inflammatory response.
2. Help prevent atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease.
Papain, the proteolytic enzyme found in papayas, may be very helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Papayas are also an excellent source of the powerful antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin A. These nutrients help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. Only when cholesterol becomes oxidized is it able to stick to and build up in blood vessel walls, forming dangerous plaques that can eventually cause heart attacks or strokes.
3. Can reduce the severity of inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis.
Studies have shown that the use of certain proteolytic enzymes helps reduce the severity of inflammatory bowel diseases and induced remission of ulcerative colitis. The National Center for Biotechnology Information stated that in certain studies, oral administration of five milligrams per day of bromelain markedly decreases the development and severity of inflammatory bowel disease.
4. Clean up your immune system.
Among the important actions of proteolytic enzymes is an increase in the potency of natural killer cells. Also called lymphocytes, natural killer cells are able to bind to certain tumor cells and virus-infected cells in order to kill them.
Proteolytic (protein-destroying) enzymes can also degrade pathogens that can inhibit normal immune function.
While immune complexes are a normal part of the immune response, when they occur in excess, they can be the cause of certain kidney diseases, nerve inflammations, and a number of rheumatologic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Evidence has suggested that trypsin, papain, and other proteolytic enzymes can break up existing pathogenic immune complexes and even prevent their formation in the first place, enhancing lymphatic drainage.
5. Provide anti-inflammatory properties (especially in the colon).
Proteolytic enzymes provide protection of colon cells from free radical damage and may aid in the absorption of nutrients within the body. Not only do they appear to help the body break down and digest protein, but certain studies have shown they also have anti-inflammatory properties that can decrease swelling and inflammation in the colon.
In particular, this makes bromelain and papain especially useful for people with Crohn’s or celiac disease and ulcers.
6. Help remove and heal damaged tissue.
Proteolytic enzymes play a significant role in healing damaged tissue. Research has shown that these enzymes aid the body’s natural healing process by accelerating the removal of necrotic tissue and reducing inflammation, which can help with injuries like sprains, strains, and post-surgical recovery.
For instance, studies have found that enzymes like bromelain and papain, promote tissue repair by modulating the immune response and reducing inflammatory markers, which are crucial for tissue recovery and repair after damage.
7. Encourage muscle recovery.
Proteolytic enzymes are known to promote faster muscle recovery, especially after intense exercise. They help break down the proteins in damaged muscle tissues, expediting repair processes and reducing soreness.
In one study, athletes who took proteolytic enzymes after exercise reported less muscle pain and faster recovery compared to a placebo group. Enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin have been specifically noted for their effectiveness in decreasing muscle inflammation, which is essential for quicker muscle regeneration.
8. Potentially lower bleeding after periodontal surgery.
Proteolytic enzymes have shown promise in reducing bleeding and inflammation following periodontal surgery. Enzymes like bromelain and serrapeptase have anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effects that help control bleeding and swelling post-surgery.
9. Help relieve pain and osteoarthritis symptoms.
Proteolytic enzymes may provide relief from pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis. Research has shown that enzymes such as bromelain and trypsin help reduce joint inflammation and improve mobility, which is valuable for managing osteoarthritis pain.
A clinical study found that a proteolytic enzyme combination significantly reduced pain levels in osteoarthritis patients, comparable to traditional NSAIDs but with fewer side effects. This suggests that proteolytic enzymes could be a safer alternative for long-term pain management in osteoarthritis patients.
10. Protect kidney function.
Research has indicated that proteolytic enzymes may play a role in protecting kidney function, particularly by reducing protein accumulation in the kidneys, which can lead to inflammation and damage.
Some studies have suggested that specific enzymes like nattokinase can help reduce the risk of kidney-related issues by breaking down protein deposits and improving blood flow. Some research has noted that enzyme supplementation helped reduce inflammatory cytokines in the kidneys, potentially protecting against chronic kidney disease progression.
Some of the best food sources of proteolytic enzymes include: pineapple, ginger, papaya, kiwi, sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, and miso.
Ultimately, raw and minimally cooked foods provide the most enzymes.
Focus on fresh raw vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds, plus fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, Kimchi, and miso. These enzyme-rich foods give your cells the enzymes they need to eliminate accumulated toxic body waste and improve your overall bodily functions.
Deficiency
There are certain signs and symptoms that can indicate you are likely not producing enough enzymes naturally and/or getting enough from your diet.
Signs of enzyme deficiency include:
Excess gas
Indigestion
Heartburn
Diarrhea and constipation
Premature skin wrinkles
Joint stiffness
Gray hair
Decrease in stamina or lack of energy
The body is forced to use a tremendous amount of its energy digesting what some experts call “enzyme-dead foods.” These are foods that have been cooked—baked, fried, boiled, or canned—as well as processed, irradiated, dried, and frozen.
These also include foods that are made with lots of preservatives and even too much salt/sodium. This is a problem because it kills the food’s enzymes, diminishing their amazing abilities.
Over time, the lack of important enzymes may result in indigestion, age spots, allergies, declining eyesight, chronic fatigue syndrome, memory loss, and chronic disease.
It can be hard to tell if you might be dealing with enzyme deficiency because many of these signs are associated with aging. However, by eating more enzymes as we age, we help fight off deficiencies. A change in diet and an increase in enzymes, mostly through eating whole, unprocessed foods, may be able to help to naturally slow the signs of aging.
Side Effects
If you are new to eating raw foods that provide digestive enzymes, take it slowly at first. It may take some time for your body to adjust to the process of digesting these foods and consuming more fiber. However, over time, it typically becomes easier and more and more beneficial.
If you choose to use supplements, consult your primary care physician before starting any supplement. You want to make sure it will not interact with any medication you may be taking.
If you are struggling with health issues, call the Advanced Chiropractic & Nutritional Healing Center at 240-651-1650 for a free consultation. Dr. Lo uses Nutritional Response Testing® to analyze the body to determine the underlying causes of ill or non-optimum health. The office is located at 7310 Grove Road #107, Frederick, MD. Check out the website at www.doctorlo.com.
Sources: draxe.com; By Jillian Levy, CHHC.
