Re: Systemic Enzymes
From: Kris (krisl1204@yahoo.com)
Sun Mar 15 19:02:09 2009
At Sun, 15 Mar 2009, Mark in Seattle wrote:
>Hi Mark! I'm going to check into these enzymes. I just had adhesion removal surgery 12 days ago. During the surgery, they found a large ovarian cyst that caused the general surgeon to call in an OB/GYN. He removed the cyst, but wouldn't remove the ovary without written permission. I look at it as a blessing in disguise. My ovary has to be taken out, so this will give them a 2nd look at what's going on in terms of adhesions. If I'd seen your post prior to surgery, I would have been sure to take these enzymes. Since I'm facing another surgery very soon, I'm going to make sure I order theme to help avoid further problems. Thank you so much for the research and information you provide. I've read many of them and they are so helpful!
--
Kris
>At Sat, 14 Mar 2009, Linda wrote:
>>
>>Carmela, I've tried serripeptase but I didn't get any relief. Perhaps it was the wrong brand. Where did you buy your serripeptase, what brand was it and how much did it cost? Thanks. Linda, JAX, FL
>>
>Enzymes are rumored to help digest or “eat” adhesion material. This is
>only a rumor, but considering how much we’re all in the dark about this
>stealthy condition, it may have some truth to it. You decide. There's
>more evidence to suggest that enzymes can prevent adhesions from forming
>during the 10 days after surgery. (see citation below) There's very
>little to no evidence that they can “eat” an established adhesion.
>
>Citation: A. Yagmurlu, M. Barlas, I. Gursel, I.H. Gokcora (2003).
>"Reduction of Surgery-Induced Peritoneal Adhesions by Continuous Release
>of Streptokinase from a Drug Delivery System". Eur Surg Res 35 (1):
>46-49. PMID 12566787
>
>Enzymes occur naturally in the foods we eat, and provide a necessary
>catalyst for the body to break down or digest proteins. Enzymes do not,
>by themselves, cause a chemical reaction, so they are considered very
>safe. (Don’t take my word for this. Talk to a naturopath and tell them
>if you are allergic to pork, pineapple, or papaya.) Treating certain
>diseases with enzymes is accepted practice both in hospitals and in
>naturopathic clinics, so this is not too far fetched.
>
>Certain enzymes, called fibrinolytic enzymes, are well suited to help
>break down fibrin, the substance of an adhesion. Two fibrinolytic
>enzymes, nattokinase and serrapeptase (serratia peptidase) are often
>discussed with respect to adhesions and other fibrin-induced diseases,
>like arteriosclerosis. Brands that contain these enzymes include
>Enerex, Fibrozym, Neprinol, Vitalzym, and Zymactive. Cost is about $70
>a month or $2500 for 3 years.
>
>Unlike most medicine which usually elicits a quick response, systemic
>enzyme therapy works very slowly, if at all. And while that makes sense
>considering the way it uses the body’s own metabolism, it requires a lot
>of patience. I noticed some improvement after only 11 months, (still
>waiting for more) but another woman told me that it took her 2 ½ years.
>When an adhesion has sufficiently melted away, it will suddenly let go,
>like an old rubber band. When this happens, the pressure will be
>relieved and you will feel better.
>
>There are two types of enzyme therapies commonly available in a natural
>health store: digestive enzymes and systemic enzymes. Labels can be
>confusing and some people have walked out of the store carrying the
>wrong product. Here’s a tip: Systemic enzymes almost always include the
>ingredient serrapeptase. Systemic enzyme pills are also labeled as
>“enteric coated.”
>
>Pills should be taken 15 to 45 minutes away from food. This allows a
>greater fraction of the pills to be absorbed into the “system” and not
>used up in the digestive tract.
>
>Like all adhesion research, research on fibrinolytic agents are not as
>complete as we would like. Studies show that fibrinolytic agents –
>among them, enzymes – can “significantly decrease adhesion formation” in
>the days following surgery and one study recommended that “given the
>large number of experimental studies in animals, future studies should
>focus on clinical use [in humans].” (Hellebrekers et al, Fertility and
>Sterility, August 2000) This endorsement has led to whispers (no written
>professional claims that I could find) that fibrinolytic agents might
>also be able to help break down established adhesions, as well. Of
>course, I'd like to see more complete research on this, and yet, I know
>that’s not likely to occur soon because enzymes are not patentable.
>However, since enzymes are believed to be very safe, I think the best
>thing is for people with adhesions to simply try it. Some are doing so,
>and there are one or two reports of success on Internet patient forums –
>very isolated reports. Maybe someone will volunteer to host an
>“adhesion enzyme survey” web-page for us to report our 12, 24, and 36
>month results, much like the ARD quilt site, so we can see for ourselves
>how well this works. Because, let me tell you, somehow we, as a
>society, have constructed an economic system such that doctors – the
>people we rely on for health concerns – are not willing to perform this
>function. It seems that the incentives to do basic research are just
>not there, especially for
>
>a)a disease that until recently, had no test,
>b)a treatment that takes years to show results, and
>c)a drug (natural supplement) that can’t be patented.
>
>If you have the patience (and the money), I recommend taking systemic
>enzymes for a minimum of 3 years. But keep in mind that this must be
>considered an experimental treatment for which there is little evidence,
>anecdotal or otherwise.