Do proteolytic enzymes help arthritis?
Proteolytic enzymes have many important functions in the body, including helping break down food for energy, and are found in certain foods and supplements. Studies suggest that they can improve digestion, decrease inflammation, ease arthritis pain and possibly reduce symptoms related to IBS.Systemic enzymes on the
other hand are perfectly safe and free of dangerous side effects. Best of all systemic enzymes can tell
the difference between the good CIC’s and the bad ones because
hydrolytic enzymes are lock and key mechanisms and their "teeth" will
only fit over the bad CIC’s. So instead of preventing the creation of
all CIC’s, systemic enzymes just “eat” the bad ones and in so doing
lower inflammation everywhere. With that, pain is lowered also.
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Enzymes facilitate countless daily reactions in your body to keep you alive. They perform many functions, including helping break down food for energy. Specifically, proteolytic enzymes break down and digest protein. They’re found in the body, as well as in certain foods and dietary supplements. Proteolytic enzyme supplements have recently grown in popularity due to their many purported health benefits.
Enzymes facilitate countless daily reactions in your body to keep you alive. They perform many functions, including helping break down food for energy. Specifically, proteolytic enzymes break down and digest protein. They’re found in the body, as well as in certain foods and dietary supplements. Proteolytic enzyme supplements have recently grown in popularity due to their many purported health benefits.
How They May Help
Anti-inflammatory effects
Proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), trypsin, and serrapeptase can help break down protein-based complexes involved in inflammation. By modulating inflammatory pathways, they may reduce swelling and stiffness in joints.
Pain reduction
Some studies report that enzyme therapy can reduce pain similarly to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but with potentially fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
Improved circulation and healing
Enzymes may help break down fibrin (scar-like material), improve microcirculation, and support tissue repair, which could contribute to improved joint mobility.
Evidence from Studies
Osteoarthritis: Clinical trials on bromelain and enzyme blends (like trypsin + rutoside) have shown modest improvements in pain and function compared with placebo. Some studies suggest they may be as effective as NSAIDs for mild to moderate cases.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Evidence is more limited, but small studies indicate possible reductions in joint swelling and pain.
Safety: Generally well tolerated, though possible side effects include digestive upset, allergies (especially to pineapple/papaya), or interactions with blood thinners.
And here we come to the only warning we have to give concerning the use of systemic enzymes - don't use the product if you are a hemophiliac or are on prescription blood thinners like Coumadin, Heparin and Plavix, without direct medical supervision. The enzymes cause the drugs to work better so there is the possibility of thinning the blood too much.
