Nattokinase. Hypertension Has A New Enemy

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by Dr. Chad Larson

[Q&A] Nattokinase

Hypertension Has A Powerful New Enemy: Nattokinase

One of the major risk factors for vascular disease associated with high cholesterol is elevated blood pressure. Over 25 percent of people on medication for hypertension still have unacceptably high blood pressure, and we are still spending over $3 billion on antihypertensive prescription drugs. Furthermore, hypertension is generally regarded as the most vital risk factor for a stroke, and it also increases the risk for kidney damage, blindness, heart disease, and heart attacks.

Blood Pressure and Heart Attack Risk

The higher the blood pressure the greater the stress on the arteries. The greater the stress on the arteries the more rapid the buildup of plaque resulting in atherosclerosis and thrombus (blood clot) formation. A heart attack also known as a myocardial infarction (which means tissue death to the heart muscle) used to be called a coronary thrombosis, referring to a blood clot lodged in the coronary artery. Since the coronary artery supplies blood to the heart, a blood clot will cut off blood flow to that region of the heart muscle.

We Are Not Doing Enough

The authors of a recent paper, titled "Trends in Prevalence, A wareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in the United States, 1999-2000," concluded, "Contrary to earlier reports, hypertension prevalence is increasing in the United States. Hypertension control rates, although improving, continue to be low. Programs targeting hypertension prevention and treatment are of utmost importance." Consider for a moment what options are utilized by Western pharmaceutical-based medicine for an individual with hypertension. An ACE Inhibitor blocks an enzyme that causes blood vessel constriction, therefore, widening the arteries. Calcium Channel Blockers and Alpha-Adrenocepter Blockers relax the smooth muscles on the inner lining of the blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels. Beta Blockers block a hormone that increases blood pressure. Diuretics decrease the volume of blood so less blood is being pumped through the blood vessels. Which one of these addresses the blood clots that are decreasing blood flow and making the heart work harder, further perpetuating the high blood pressure? None!

I will barely mention all the major natural therapies for controlling hypertension that have been written about extensively in other places. Namely, lifestyle changes such as exercise and a good healthy diet with 5 to 8 servings of fruits and vegetables per day; supplementation with vitamins (especially antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A and beta-carotene); minerals (especially magnesium, calcium, potassium); other nutrients such as CoQ10 and L-carnitine; essential fatty acids like fish and flax seed oil; and herbs such as garlic and hawthorn. All of these needs to be considered for a comprehensive antihypertensive program, but none of these directly address the blood clots.

The Powerful Alternative

Nattokinase not only breaks up blood clots (thrombi) but it is also a powerful fibrinolytic substance in that it breaks down built up fibrin that has been associated with heart disease. Nattokinase is an enzyme that is derived from a traditional Japanese food called Natto which has been used safely for over 1000 years. The Nattokinase enzyme is produced when a beneficial bacteria called Bacillus natto is added to boiled soy beans. This process was discovered by Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi in 1980 while he was a researcher in physiological chemistry at Chicago University Medical School. No other enzyme came close to Nattokinase after studying 173 different foods for their potency as a thrombolytic substance. Instead of only trying to provide symptom relief like the conventional medical treatments, Nattokinase gets to the root underlying cause by going after the source.

Is Nattokinase Right For You?

Pure Prescriptions offers complimentary 15-minute product consultations with a health professional. You may feel more comfortable using nattokinase after such a consultation so we encourage you to take advantage and schedule an appointment today.

When considering any Nattokinase Product, be sure that it is Genuine NSK-SD™ Nattokinase.

Pure Prescriptions carries Genuine NSK-SD™ that has been tested for maximum fibrinolytic activity. NSK-SD™ is the only Nattokinase that is endorsed by researchers, Drs. Sumi & Holsworth.

You can order our own trusted Pure Prescriptions Brand of Nattokinase and get FREE Shipping. Professional Brands like Cardiokinase are also available directly by calling:

Toll Free: usa 1.800.860.9583
intl 1.760.603.0528

Maximum Strength Nattokinase NSK-SD® is validated safe with No Vitamin K. Genuine Nattokinase NSK-SD® is available from Pure Prescriptions. Use this link for details and ingredients.

Cardiokinase® (Original Strength) is also available from IAGEN Biologics, validated safe with No Vitamin K in 36 mg (1440 FU) softgels. Starting at $39.50 with Free Shipping!

References

1. Hajjar, I, Kotchen TA, Trends in prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the United States, 1988-2000. JAMA. 2003:290(20):199-206.
2. Srikumar N, Brown MNJ, et al. PAI-1 in human hypertension: relation to hypertensive groups. AJH. 2002;15:683-690.
3. Ko JH, et al. Identification of two novel fibrinolytic enzymes from Bacillus subtilis QK02. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2004 Jan;137(1):65-74.
4. Cesarone MR, et al. Prevention of venous thrombosis in long-haul flights with Flite Tabs: the LONFLIT-FLITE randomized, controlled trial. Angiology. 2003 Sep-Oct;54(5):531-9.
5. Suzuki Y, et al. Dietary supplementation of fermented soybean, natto, suppresses intimal thickening and modulates the lysis of mural thrombi after endothelial injury in rat femoral artery. Life Sci. 2003 Jul 25;73(10):1289-98.
6. Maruyama M, Sumi H. Effect of Natto Diet on Blood Pressure. JTTAS, 1995.
7. Sumi H, Hamada H, Nakanishi K, Hiratani H. Enhancement of the fibrinolytic activity in plasma by oral administration of nattokinase. Acta Haematol 1990;84(3):139-43.
8. Sumi H, Hamada H, Mihara H. A novel strong fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese "natto." International 5. Journal of Fibronolysis and Thrombolysis. Abstracts of the ninth international congress on fibrinolysis, Amsterdam, 1988, Vol.2, Sup.1:67.
9. Sumi H, Hamada H, Tsushima H, Mihara H, Muraki H. A novel fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese Natto; a typical and popular soybean food in the Japanese diet. Experientia 1987, Oct 15;43(10):1110-1.
10. Sumi H. Healthy Microbe "Bacillus natto". Japan Bio Science Laboratory Co. Ltd.
11. Sumi H. Interview With Doctor of Medicine Hiroyuki Sumi. Japan Bio Science Laboratory Co. Ltd.
12. Sumi H. Structure and Fibronolytic Properties of Nattokinase.

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