As a scientist and a writer of fictional novels, I’m accustomed to weaving stories that blur the line between reality and imagination. But today, I bring you a tale that’s as real as it gets, rooted in science and my own life. It’s about nattokinase, a little-known yet extraordinary enzyme from Japan.
The enzyme that eats away death
Nattokinase is an enzyme, primarily produced in Japan and it’s more than just a biochemical agent; it’s a naturally occurring enzyme. Enzymes, the unsung heroes in our body, tirelessly work to build up and break down materials. Nattokinase’s specialty? It devours fibrous tissues, but only the dead ones – it’s selective, not a rampant destroyer.
Nattokinase: a cultural and scientific legacy
Let’s not forget nattokinase’s origins. Natto, a staple in Japanese cuisine, a condiment and cheese-like food is a fermented soybean product with a history spanning over 2,000 years. It’s a testament to the intersection of culture and longevity.
My brush with death
Picture this: at the peak of the Covid pandemic, I found myself wrestling with a pulmonary thrombosis – a blood clot in my lower right lung. The pain was excruciating, akin to a brutal scene from one of my novels. I could not breathe. I was choking to get a breath of air. It was a duel against an invisible enemy, one that was winning. My lovely wife was insistent that I go to the ER. However, refusing to venture into an ER swarming with Covid, I turned to my own arsenal: a cabinet filled with all sorts of awesome supplements. Some of which I formulate for companies you already know. And among them, a bottle of nattokinase. These small softgels (the material is NSK-SD and it’s made in Japan) became my weapon of choice.
The battle inside
I downed six softgels and waited. Within an hour, a shift occurred. The pain, once fierce and unyielding, began to retreat. It was as if the clot was dissolving and fleeing through my veins. Another dose before bed, and by morning, the battleground in my chest had quieted and left a small tender area in the upper right section of my chest. I could breathe again. Really, really, breathe again.
Skepticism and confirmation
“How do I know it was a pulmonary embolism?” you might ask. A valid question, please do be skeptical. The answer came in the form of a D-dimer test (this test indicates the activity of the body breaking down fibrous, potentially harmful clotted blood and fiber), a scientific validation of my self-diagnosis. The numbers were off the charts – a clear indicator of the clot disintegrating. My level was five times normal. A true chemical marker that indicated that the clot was going the way of execrable garbage.
Beyond the clot
But nattokinase’s tale of efficacy didn’t end there. It also waged war on my varicose veins, those unsightly reminders of a life well-travelled. Let’s turn back the clock a bit – I used to have, and I emphasize ‘used to’, a significant number of varicose veins adorning my calves. Picture this: a mottled pattern of discoloration caused by sluggish blood flow, almost giving the illusion of camouflage. Now, that’s a sight! Consistently, I incorporated nattokinase into my daily routine, consuming it once or twice daily. Reflecting on it, these venous issues probably stemmed from a combination of my no-holds-barred lifestyle and the countless hours spent in the confined spaces of airplanes.
Over time, the once prominent veins and skin discoloration have faded into near oblivion. Skin became so smooth and rejuvenated, it could rival a baby’s. And yes, my aerobic capacity soared – an unexpected but welcome side effect.
How does Nattokinase work?
The scientific curiosity in you might wonder how nattokinase bypasses digestion to work its magic in the bloodstream. Many of us might assume that enzymes, being protein-based and composed of amino acids, would simply be digested in the gut. This assumption holds some truth, especially if enzymes are consumed alongside a meal. However, it’s not the whole story. Intriguingly, enzymes possess a unique capability: they can actually traverse the gut wall and enter the bloodstream. This ability to bypass the typical digestive process and directly integrate into our circulatory system adds an intriguing layer to our understanding of how enzymes function within our bodies.
Discover the benefits yourself
I urge you to delve into the world of nattokinase. This 2018 peer-reviewed scientific article sheds light on its potential: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30013308/
To me, the effectiveness of this approach extends far beyond being just a promising solution for various types of clots in the bloodstream, which include dangerous blood clots that can damage heart tissue and cause serious lung issues. It represents a commitment by this molecule to fulfill its intended role without causing harm to other tissues.
This method quite literally saved my life.
(However, remember, while personal experiences can be compelling, I strongly encourage you to discuss these insights with your healthcare provider. Consider exploring, in consultation with your healthcare practitioner, the more invasive alternatives, understanding their risks and potential outcomes. It’s a discussion worth having. Remember, I’m not prescribing anything – that would be irresponsible. I’m merely sharing my personal experience with nattokinase. Please keep in mind that while I hold a PhD in Nutritional Science, I am not a medical doctor.)
Collaboration with your healthcare provider is key!
Final thoughts
In closing, this isn’t just a narrative spun for entertainment. I am interested in delivering the truth, as we know it now. It’s a call to explore, to question, and to understand nattokinase beyond the surface. As a scientist and a novelist, I’m committed to uncovering truths, and in this case, sharing a life-saving discovery.
Research, question, and perhaps, like me, you’ll find more than just a solution in nattokinase – you’ll find a story worth telling.
For more information, I invite readers to consult medical research in the following references:
Nattokinase: An Oral Antithrombotic Agent for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
Purification and characterization of nattokinase from Bacillus subtilis natto B-12
Toxicological assessment of nattokinase derived from Bacillus subtilis var. natto
Nattokinase: production and application
Enhancement of the fibrinolytic activity in plasma by oral administration of nattokinase
Nattokinase atherothrombotic prevention study: A randomized controlled trialComparative anti-thrombotic activity and haemorrhagic adverse effect of nattokinase and tissue-type plasminogen activator
Fibrinolytic Enzymes for Thrombolytic Therapy
Thrombolytic Enzymes of Microbial Origin: A Review
Novel and emerging therapies: thrombus-targeted fibrinolysis