Nattokinase Basics

Problems with Aspirin

Nattokinase is mostly known for its positive effects in reducing the probability of cardiovascular disease. For years, medicine has touted the effects of baby aspirin to reduce heart attacks. Aspirin treatment might be helpful to prevent the second or third heart attack but for people who have never had one, the risks outweigh the benefits.

The risks of taking aspirin increase the probability of bleeding strokes and intestinal bleeding.

Enter nattokinase. Nattokinase is very effective at breaking down fibrinogen, a major component of blood clots and cardiovascular plaques.

Nattokinase Gets Discovered

Nattokinase was discovered in studies of the clot-busting power of conventional drugs. When Dr. Sumi at the University of Chicago put some natto (a traditional fermented food from Japan) on a petri dish containing a blood clot. He was surprised to see that it dissolved the clot in 18 hours, much quicker than any drug being tested.

Dr. Sumi went on to isolate and study the active ingredient, nattokinase. He found that nattokinase could:

• Dissolve excess fibrin in blood vessels leading to improved circulation and reduced risk of severe clots.
• Tends to reduce LDL and increases HDL leading to a healthier lipoprotein ratio
• Reduces blood pressure and improves blood flow

Example of Deadly Clot

One example of dangerous clots comes with too much time sitting while traveling. We actually had a friend die in the mid 1990's after a moderately-long plane flight. The clot formed in his calf and after a few days, traveled to his heart. One has to wonder what would have been the outcome if we had known something about nattokinase back then.

For some nattokinase can be an effective remedy for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). CRS doesn't respond well to conventional medicine. In some cases, elevated levels of fibrinogen in nasal tissues is part of the issue of CRS. Since nattokinase can help break down some of these excess levels, some will find nattokinase a helpful solution. The upside is that the risk of negative reactions is very low so it is worth a try.

Nattokinase and Blood Pressure

Some studies have looked into nattokinase and high blood pressure. The results have been modest but are still clinically significant and seem to be consistent. We tend to start people on a mix of L-arginine and L-citrulline for high blood pressure. For most people this can lead to a nice normalization of blood pressure. A few people don't do well with L-arginine or have to start with small doses and work up. In those cases, adding nattokinase might be just the thing.

Who can't take nattokinase? If you are on a blood thinner like warfarin or routinely take ibuprofen you might not be a candidate. Watch for increased bruising meaning your clotting mechanism is impaired.

A good option is Protocol for Life Balance Nattokinase, link below!