More on Proteolytic Enzymes
July 22, 2005
By: Dr. Sonja Pettersen N.M.D.

During my research on serrapeptase, I had the great fortune of being able to connect with Dr. William Wong, a naturopath who has more than 23 years of experience in sports medicine and has studied proteolytic enzymes extensively. He has traveled to Europe to learn about the research and application of these enzymes on athletes and civilians alike. He explained the many benefits of serrapeptase and other proteolytic enzymes, such as papain, bromelain, trypsin, and protease. It is amazing how long the list of benefits is and why almost everyone can benefit from its use. His critical observation is that once we reach the age of 25 our endogenous production of proteolytic enzymes decreases so that by the age of 27 we just aren’t as efficient at managing inflammation, wound healing, blood “cleaning” etc. He also explained how these enzymes can be anabolic for athletes. That’s miraculous – a supplement that can control an athlete’s inflammation, which also just happens to keep them younger and in better health overall, heal old injuries AND ITS ANABOLIC! Its also has side benefits and not side effects and they won’t test positive for it. [Look for future articles on this anabolic aspect of the enzymes.]

Because it manages inflammation so well it is effective in mitigating the symptoms of chronic degenerative diseases. Better yet, it can prevent them from occurring, since research is showing us that the root of most of those conditions is a result of unchecked, chronic inflammation. There aren’t many products on the market that can accomplish this without undesirable side effects. Proteolytic enzymes are unique in this regard. Proteolytic enzymes will only digest/breakdown endogenous proteins so they will not harm healthy, functioning tissue. In addition their efficacy is superior to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatories that have harmed many professional athletes and kill 20,000 Americans annually.

Exercise is another cause of inflammation that is desirable to a certain extent, but that needs to be managed appropriately. Anyone who exercises regularly requires proper nutrition and rest to balance the exercise-induced inflammation that results naturally from the physical stress of exercise. Professional and amateur athletes alike walk a fine line between health and exhaustion as their bodies balance the benefits of exercise and the constant source of inflammation. The more active you are in life, the greater the risk of trauma too. This trauma will be repaired with fibrin, which may be laid down in excess if the body lacks adequate nutrition and rest to manage the repair process.

Other amazing uses for this enzyme include viral infections and as an adaptogen for the immune system. Viruses live in our bodies forever and there are very few treatments that can manage them in their dormant stage. Research on the HIV and herpes virus has shown that proteolytic enzymes are effective at disabling the virus by destroying its protein coat. As an adaptagen for the immune system it can either help to stimulate an underactive immune system and also to control it when it is overactive, such as in autoimmune conditions.

It is also a better chelator than EDTA for removing arterial plaque. Yes, I’m still talking about serrapeptase. It does it all these things and more!!! In general, it has unlimited potential to achieve optimal health since it can clear away the cobwebs that impede normal blood flow and obstruct healthy organ function.

The key to taking enzyme supplements is to take them away from food so that it does not get used up digesting the protein in your food. Some patients may have mild gastric irritation when they take them on an empty stomach, so these patients can take them with a mild carbohydrate snack. A typical dose is 5 capsules 3 times a day, but it depends on the brand, the strength, and the patient’s condition. The dose will increase to 10 capsules, 3 times a day when resolving trauma. Most chronic conditions will take 3-5 months to resolve with enzymes.

Back to Articles