All About Nattokinase: Benefits, Contraindications, and Other Information

Have you ever heard of nattokinase? This fascinating enzyme, discovered in natto – a traditional Japanese food, has sparked the interest of researchers and the general public. Why? Because it could have significant benefits for your cardiovascular health. In this article, you will learn everything about nattokinase: its origin, how it works in your body, its advantages and risks, plus real experiences from those who have tried it.

What is nattokinase and how was it discovered

Nattokinase is a special enzyme extracted from natto, a food obtained by fermenting soybeans with the help of the bacteria Bacillus subtilis natto. Its discovery happened in the 1980s, when Japanese researcher Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi was looking for natural treatments for heart disease. What makes nattokinase so interesting? Its ability to break down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation.

This property makes it unique among enzymes and explains the medical community’s interest in it. The traditional process of preparing natto, practiced in Japan for over 1000 years, has proven to be the source of this valuable enzyme. It’s further proof that traditional wisdom can benefit modern medicine.

Health benefits of nattokinase

The main advantage of nattokinase is the improvement of heart and blood vessel health. How does it do this? It prevents clot formation and dissolves existing ones, thereby improving blood circulation throughout your body. Studies show that if you take nattokinase regularly, it can lower both your systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This makes it a promising option if you have blood pressure problems.

But the benefits of nattokinase don’t stop there. Recent research suggests it might help in other areas of health as well. For example, it could play a role in preventing and managing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. How? Due to its ability to break down certain proteins associated with these diseases. Additionally, some studies suggest it may also have anti-inflammatory effects, which would be useful for many conditions caused by chronic inflammation.

Contraindications and side effects of nattokinase

Although nattokinase has many benefits, it’s not suitable for everyone. If you have blood clotting problems or are taking anticoagulant medications, you should avoid nattokinase or use it only under strict medical supervision. Why? Because its blood-thinning effect can increase the risk of excessive bleeding in these cases. It’s advisable to stop taking nattokinase at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

Generally, the side effects of nattokinase are mild and rare. Some people might experience stomach discomfort, nausea, or bloating, especially at the beginning. In very rare cases, allergic reactions have been reported, particularly in individuals sensitive to soy. What can you do? Start with low doses and gradually increase them, paying attention to any adverse reactions. Most importantly, talk to your doctor before starting to take nattokinase, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications.

How to take nattokinase: dosage and recommendations

How much nattokinase should you take? It depends on why you are using it and your health status. Generally, 100 to 200 mg per day is recommended, which corresponds to 2000-4000 FU (Fibrinolytic Units). For cardiovascular disease prevention, 100 mg (2000 FU) per day is usually sufficient. If you already have heart or blood vessel problems, the dose can be increased up to 200 mg (4000 FU) per day, but only under the supervision of a specialist doctor.

For best absorption, take nattokinase on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal or 2 hours after. If your daily dose is more than 100 mg, it’s better to split it into two: one part in the morning and one in the evening. How long should you take nattokinase? For prevention, you can take it long-term, with occasional breaks. For specific issues, your doctor will tell you how long to take it, depending on your health progress.

Nattokinase in combination with serrapeptase

Have you heard about the combination of nattokinase and serrapeptase? Serrapeptase is another enzyme that breaks down proteins and has attracted researchers’ attention. It originally comes from the intestinal bacteria of silkworms and has anti-inflammatory properties. When combined, these two enzymes can have a stronger effect in breaking down fibrin and reducing inflammation, which can greatly help improve heart and blood vessel health.

Studies show that this combination might be useful in more effectively managing cardiovascular problems, reducing pain and inflammation in chronic diseases, and improving blood circulation throughout the body. But beware: their combined effect on blood clotting could be stronger. Therefore, it’s essential to talk to your doctor before starting to take them together, especially if you already have health problems or are taking anticoagulant medications.

If you are interested in trying nattokinase, you will find many options on the market. The most common forms are capsules and tablets, which offer a precise dose and are easy to take. There are also liquid forms, which are rarer but can be absorbed faster by your body. Many products combine nattokinase with other active substances, such as serrapeptase, vitamin K2, or coenzyme Q10, for better effects. How do you choose a good nattokinase supplement? Look at the concentration (expressed in fibrinolytic units – FU), the purity of the ingredients, and the manufacturer’s quality certifications.

Premium Nattochinase 2000 FU – supplement for heart health

An example of a quality product is Premium Nattochinase 2000 FU, which offers 60 natural capsules for heart health and blood circulation. This supplement contains an optimal dose of nattokinase and is produced with care to ensure efficacy and safety.

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Regular use of this product can contribute to maintaining healthy blood circulation and supporting cardiovascular function.

Nattokinase represents a promising option if you want to improve your heart and blood vessel health naturally. Its benefits, from improving circulation to potentially reducing the risk of blood clots, are supported by both scientific research and the positive experiences of many users. However, as with any supplement, it is essential to be cautious and seek medical advice before starting to use it.

Before incorporating nattokinase into your health routine, it is crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, considering your health status and any medications you are taking. Talk to your specialist doctor to find out if nattokinase is right for you and how best to integrate it into your health plan. With an informed and responsible approach, nattokinase can become a valuable ally in maintaining and improving the health of your heart and blood vessels.

References

1. Sumi, H., et al. (1987). “A novel fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese Natto; a typical and popular soybean food in the Japanese diet.” Experientia, 43(10), 1110-1111.

2. Fujita, M., et al. (1995). “Purification and characterization of a strong fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese natto, a popular soybean fermented food in Japan.” Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 197(3), 1340-1347.

3. Kim, J. Y., et al. (2008). “Effects of nattokinase on blood pressure: a randomized, controlled trial.” Hypertension Research, 31(8), 1583-1588.

4. Kurosawa, Y., et al. (2015). “A single-dose of oral nattokinase potentiates thrombolysis and anti-coagulation profiles.” Scientific Reports, 5, 11601.

5. Lampe, B. J., & English, J. C. (2016). “Evaluating a nattokinase containing food supplement.” European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 20(13), 2900-2908

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