Are you battling infertility and finding yourself constantly thinking My body is frustrating…? I understand how hard it can be to have a fertility health issue with side effects of any kind, as they can be painful, annoying, emotional and worrisome, delay chances of conception, etc., etc…. they are frustrating. they are frustrating. What I wish, is that you could transform that thought into My body is amazing!
You may be wondering why… I think the body is amazing because of the numerous processes we don’t realize are happening to keep us healthy and vital, or to try to help us heal, that are constant—also because cells are being made non-stop while working to revive and protect each other. Invaders (toxins, allergens, viruses, etc.) are battled immediately upon invasion. The body pulls energy from one process or organ to keep another functioning at its best. And to top it off, the body is amazing because it tells us when something is not quite right. It’s when the body’s ability to do all of these things on its own with ease is impaired that we get frustrated. Here is when we employ the help of natural therapies, including systemic enzyme therapy.
The Role of Enzymes in The Human Body
The body naturally produces approximately 75,000 different enzymes. These enzymes fall into three categories: food enzymes, digestive enzymes and metabolic enzymes (often referred to as systemic enzymes). The body is also able to recognize and utilize enzymes taken in capsule form.
ENZYMES are needed for every chemical reaction that takes place in the body.*
ENZYMES are catalysts.*
ENZYMES are connected to every working organ in our body and run our life’s processes.*
ENZYMES are needed by vitamins and minerals to accomplish their delivery within the body.*
ENZYMES are required by all food for digestion.* ~Ann Arbor Holistic Health
About Nattokinase
A food called “natto”, which is boiled soybeans that have been fermented with a bacterium called Bacillus natto is what the enzyme nattokinase is extracted from. Soy is the only food from which nattokinase can be extracted.* Natto has been eaten in Japan for centuries, but it is Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi, at the University of Chicago, who discovered the health benefits of nattokinase.
Nattokinase is a fibrinolytic enzyme – it enhances the body’s production of plasmin, the enzyme that dissolves and breaks down fibrin. “Excess fibrin weakens the body structure by not leaving enough space for epithelial tissue to grow through the fibrin matrix, restricting the range of joint and muscle motion and reducing internal organ size and function over time.” ~ Tao of Herbs
Fibrin is also involved in blood clotting throughout the body. It is necessary for the blood to clot to a certain degree, but excess fibrin may lead to excess clot or scar tissue formation that impedes healthy blood flow through the arteries and veins, and causes inflammation, which can be painful. Each of these can be concerns with fertility health issues.
Nattokinase for fertility…
Search for information on nattokinase and you’ll find it is perhaps most well-known for how it supports heart health, i.e. circulation and blood clot formation. Yet, in combination with protease, amylase and lipase, nattokinase has the ability to help the body fight inflammation, excess scar tissue formation, adhesions, growths, and even viruses. Nattokinase can help the body balance the immune system and cleanse the blood as well. Nattokinase works as one of several systemic enzymes that help the body eat away excess fibrin, which aggravates many gynecological conditions and fertility health issues (some of which can contribute to infertility):
- abdominal cramps
- menstrual headaches
- period clots
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol impacting testosterone and sperm health
- Uterine polyps and fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- blood clotting concerns including Factor V Leiden
- immunological infertility or chronic immune system weakness
- fibrocystic breasts
Choosing Enzymes or a Systemic Enzyme blend
Any quality enzyme blend should be “enteric coated”, which means the coating is such that it allows the supplement to travel through the stomach to the intestines where it is properly broken down to be absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized by the body. Look for nattokinase to be measured in FU (Fibrinolytic Units) on the product label. Choose a nattokinase supplement that is made with non-GMO soy.
FertilicaTM Choice Enzymes contains nattokinase from non-GMO soy and is enteric coated. This blend is specifically formulated with high-quality plant-sourced enzymes to support the body in addressing a variety of fertility issues.
Enzymes work with each individual’s biochemistry making effectiveness dependent on the person. There are few if any safety concerns with their use.
Talk to your healthcare provider about taking nattokinase if you are taking any medications, especially any form of anticoagulant medication because nattokinase is a blood-thinning agent, or if you are undergoing a medical procedure.
Note about soy and fertility: Traditional, non-GMO, unprocessed soy foods – miso, tempeh, tofu, edamame or natto – consumed in moderation aren’t known to negatively impact fertility. These foods are nutritious offering a source of all nine essential amino acids, many B vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron and zinc.
- Calvino, N. (November, 2002) The Enzyme of Enzymes. Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients. Retrieved from: http://69.164.208.4/files/The%20Enzyme%20of%20Enzymes.pdf
- ENZYMES: What Are They? (January 5, 2015). Retrieved from: https://annarborholistichealth.com/blog/2015/4/30/8s0h9xvrglh1tg8dnehwee06sevbos?rq=enzymes
- Gofur, A. and Lestari, S. R. (Sept. 2016). Effect of black soybean natto extract (Glycine soja) on reproduction system of hypercholesterolemia male mice. (5:5, pp. 387-390). Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2305050016301257
- Enzymes for Fibrin Control. Tao Newsletter. Retrieved from: http://www.taoofherbs.com/articles/88/NeprinolEnzyme.htm
