What are Enzymes?

Occurring in every living thing on earth, enzymes are biological molecules that catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions. Almost all chemical reactions in the cell need enzymes in order to occur at rates sufficient for life. They build new proteins, cells, tissues and organs, and also break down these same tissues.

The ability to ward off disease, repair injuries and sustain the body’s homeostasis are all connected to the concentration and strength of enzymes we have in our bodies. There are over 3,000 different types of enzymes in the human body, constantly at work initiating millions of chemical reactions every second. If we did not have enzymes there would be no digestion, no blood coagulation, no reproduction, no breathing and no use of the senses. This gives you an idea of how important enzymes are for the body.

In the body there are many different types of enzymes. We have all heard about digestive enzymes, which help us to digest our food, but there are enzymes that help with all the other functions of the body as well, these are called systemic enzymes. Systemic enzymes work on the entire system.

Benefits of Systemic Enzymes

Some of the beneficial actions systemic enzymes have within the body are to counteract chronic inflammation, reduce the substances in the blood that can trigger a hyper-autoimmune response, break down fibrin (the substance that scar tissue is made from), and improve blood flexibility and flow. All of these actions can help to support healthy reproductive function.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Systemic enzymes help to break down the substances in the blood that create inflammation and infection. This may benefit those experiencing chronic inflammation related to a fertility issue such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, PID or ovarian cysts.

Chronic inflammation can be caused from and cause injury to the healthy tissues of the reproductive system that are being invaded by foreign tissue or infection. Inflammation and foreign tissue growth can create scar tissue and adhesion formation in the reproductive organs and the surrounding structures within the abdominal cavity. Inflammation can also cause pain. Pain is a common problem for women with chronic inflammation due to fertility issues, especially endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Reducing inflammation with Systemic Enzyme Therapy may in turn help reduce pain.

Regulatory Effect on the Immune System
Systemic enzymes help the body to reduce the occurrence of a hyperimmune response. One study has shown that they may help to prevent the rejection of the fetus (recurrent miscarriage) and help with other issues related to reproductive immunological imbalances.

Systemic enzymes have also been shown to benefit autoimmune hypothyroidism – Hashimoto’s. One study noted that taking Wobenzym resulted in a reduction of autoimmune antibodies that attack the thyroid. Hypothyroidism can be a cause of infertility or recurrent miscarriages.

Breaks Down Scar Tissue
Systemic enzymes have the ability to break down fibrin, the substance that makes up scar tissue. Scar tissue and adhesion causing fertility issues can form for a variety of reasons including uterine fibroids, pelvic surgery such as Cesarean Section, PID, damage to fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, IUD, or abortion.

How systemic enzyme blends eliminate scar tissue:

• The systemic enzyme blend works as a biological response modifier; working with the bodies own immune defense system to moderate inflammatory response.
• They support cleansing of the tissues and promote better circulation.
• They break down and remove “fibrin”, the make-up of prolonged inflammation and scar tissue/adhesion formation.
• They break down the proteins in the blood that cause inflammation, this facilitates their removal via the lymphatic and circulatory system.
• They support a reduction in inflammation, an increase in proper blood formation, and an increase in circulation which helps to hinder scar tissue and adhesion formation, while also reducing pain.

Improves Blood Flow

Proteolytic enzymes improve blood flow by increasing the flexibility of red blood cells, inhibiting the aggregation of platelets, and helping to prevent abnormal blood clotting. Systemic enzymes also help to support cleansing of the tissues and promote better circulation as well as stimulate formation of new, healthy tissue. Simplified they make the blood less “sticky”. This is beneficial for reproductive health in many ways.

The blood cleansing actions of systemic enzymes help to bring proper circulation to the reproductive system and get the “stagnant blood” cleared out, helping to remove toxins and also bringing fresh oxygenated blood to your uterus, ovaries and eggs. Imbalances which are considered stagnant are endometriosis, PCOS, heavy dark menses, ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids. The fresh oxygenated, free flowing blood is also able to transport more nutrients to the eggs, supporting egg health.

Types of Systemic Enzymes and Their Actions:

The benefits mentioned above have been validated through studies done over the last 40 years on an enzyme blend containing these specific enzymes:

• Bromelain breaks down protein and is beneficial as an anti-inflammatory.
• Chymotrypsin breaks down proteins and is primarily an anti-fibroid enzyme. It has a beneficial effect on the blood and works as a catalyst joining the actions of all the enzymes in the blend.
• Pancreatin is a combination of pancreatic enzymes, secreted by the pancreas, made up of amylase, lipase and protease. These enzymes help to break down carbohydrates, regulate histamine, break down fats, reduce cholesterol, support hormone production, bond with alpha 2-macro-globulin to support immune function, reduce inflammation and increase circulation.
• Papain, extracted from papaya, breaks down protein and is most beneficial as an anti-inflammatory.
• Rutin breaks down protein and is beneficial as an anti-inflammatory.
• Trypsin breaks down proteins and can have beneficial effects on the blood, such as reducing the risk of blood clots.

Systemic Enzyme Therapy for Fertility

Systemic Enzyme Therapy is a natural method utilizing these unique enzymes to help support reproductive health and fertility. There are many fertility issues that may be supported with the use of systemic enzymes. Plan on using them for at least 3 months or more before you begin trying to get pregnant, depending on how long the issues have been around. Here are some of the issues systemic enzymes may help with:

Endometriosis
Systemic Enzyme Therapy is one of the best and most effective natural therapies for endometriosis. Systemic enzymes may help to reduce scar tissue and breakdown the excess tissues left from endometriosis.

Systemic Enzyme Therapy may also aid women who have endometriosis by reducing the inflammation caused from the scar tissue irritating the surrounding organs and may help with the pain that sometimes comes from having endometriosis.

The blood cleansing actions of this therapy help to bring proper circulation to the reproductive system and get the “stagnant blood” cleared out, bringing fresh oxygenated blood to your uterus and ovaries.

For this purpose it is best to start the Systemic Enzyme Therapy with The Fertility Cleanse. For endometriosis it is suggested to stay on the Systemic Enzyme Therapy for at least three months prior to trying to get pregnant so all of the stagnant tissues and scar tissues can be cleared.

Recurrent Miscarriage
For recurrent pregnancy losses caused from either immunological response or blood clotting issues, Systemic Enzyme Therapy is an effective option. In a five year study, women who had experienced recurrent miscarriage due to immunological response (more than 30% of miscarriages) were put on a systemic enzyme supplement before and during their pregnancies. 79% of the women carried out their pregnancies to term and gave birth to healthy babies. (Forum Immunologie, 2000) This is an amazing discovery. The only options available before this study were anti-immunological agents similar to the type used in transplant patients, but most doctors will not use them due to their toxicity during pregnancy.

The best product we have found and the product that was actually used in the study mentioned above is Wobenzym N. It is the only systemic enzyme product that has been studied and used during pregnancy. You can also use this study if you would like to talk to your doctor about using this product during pregnancy.

Uterine Fibroids and Cysts
Systemic enzymes have been shown in research to reduce the swelling and pain associated with fibrocystic conditions. They also help the body through its own mechanisms to reduce and eliminate cysts over time. With uterine fibroids, it is important to also make sure you are reducing your estrogen exposure and actively getting rid of excess estrogens, this can be done with the estrogen metabolizer, DIM.

Using Systemic Enzyme Therapy is one of the most important natural therapies for uterine fibroids. I have not found a more powerful way of reducing or supporting the body in eliminating uterine fibroids.

Old Scar Tissue and Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Systemic Enzyme Therapy can help to reduce the scar tissue left from surgeries like cesareans, PID, tubal reversal, abdominal surgery, etc., which may be affecting your reproductive system. Systemic enzymes eat away and reduce the formation of fibrin (the material that makes up scar tissue) over time, making this therapy extremely effective at reducing scar tissue.

Scar tissue and adhesion causing fertility issues can form for a variety of reasons: uterine fibroids, pelvic surgery such as Cesarean Section, PID, damage to fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, IUD, D&C, or abortion.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
A systemic enzyme blend was studied and found to be as effective as medication at helping the body to overcome Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID is a general term used to describe inflammation of the uterus, ovaries, and/or fallopian tubes. PID can be caused by parasitic, viral, fungal, but most often through bacterial infection. If left untreated, PID can lead to scar tissue and adhesion formation. If PID advances to this stage it may lead to blocked fallopian tubes and sterility in women. PID often comes from Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD’s). Two thirds of women who have undergone laparoscopic surgery to determine infertility cause who were found to have PID were unaware they even had PID.

A randomized double-blind study was performed on 100 women with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. One group was given 5 tablets of Wobenzym N, three times a day. The control group was given an NSAID drug in the usual dosage. Both groups were also given antibiotics (PID requires antibiotics). The patients were given the treatment for 16 or 17 days. Wobenzym N performed with amazing results in fighting damage to tissues, pain, inflammation and overall pelvic congestion. 57% of women using Wobenzym N were without any complaints, whereas only 6% of women who took NSAIDs were without complaints. Overall, 100% of the the patients who used Wobenzyme N reported their condition as substantially improved, compared to only 73.5 % using the NSAIDs. In addition, studies have shown Wobenzym N enhances the body’s response to the use of antibiotic medications.

Supporting Egg Health
One of the major factors for increasing egg health is to increase the circulation to the ovaries. Systemic Enzyme Therapy can help to cleanse the blood, increase circulation and make the blood less “sticky”. For best results use the Systemic Enzyme Therapy in conjunction with the OvaWise Health Program.

How to Use Systemic Enzymes

For the best results you must take a high quality systemic enzyme that contains the specific enzymes listed in the ‘Types of Enzymes’ list. The one we feel is the best is the enzyme blend that was used in the studies mentioned through out this guide and has been studied and used for over 40 years – Wobenzym N.

“Wobenzym N is the most thoroughly researched enzyme mixture available worldwide. Wobenzym N contains five potent enzymes including pancreatin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, bromelain, and papain, as well as the bioflavanoind rutin. Wobenzym is clearly the most scientifically and clinically validated enzyme formula in the world.” -Michael Loes, M.D., M.D. (H.)

Wobenzym N combines all the beneficial delicate enzymes and is protected by a vegetable-based enteric coating which ensures optimal absorption and utilization in the blood stream.

Suggested Usage: Adults take three (3) tablets, twice daily with water, on an empty stomach. To ensure you have taken the tablets on an empty stomach, take Wobenzym N at least 45 minutes before meals, or 2 hours after eating a meal.

Advanced usage: Adults may gradually increase to 12 per day by taking 3 tablets 4 times per day on an empty stomach.

Take on an empty stomach: This is very important. The enzymes need to make it past the stomach to be absorbed in the intestine. Do not take with food. Wait at least 45 minutes before eating and 2 hours after eating to take your enzymes.

Safety & Side Effects

There has been no toxicity shown from using systemic enzymes. There is no dangerous or lethal dose of systemic enzymes. These enzymes are the same enzymes the body naturally contains. Wobenzym N can be used for preconception and has been shown to be helpful throughout pregnancy (see above information) with the agreement/approval of your doctor.

Stop taking systemic enzymes two weeks prior to any type of surgery. It is best to begin use of systemic enzymes in preparation for conception for best results. If you are using Wobenzym for possible miscarriage prevention, please talk with your doctor and get their approval for use during pregnancy.

Use During Pregnancy

Wobenzym can be used in preconception and has been shown to be helpful throughout pregnancy to help prevent recurrent miscarriage due to immunological imbalances (see study under Recurrent Miscarriage section) with the agreement/approval of your doctor. Please consult with your doctor or midwife before using any supplements during pregnancy.

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