Category Archives: Health Articles

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are ubiquitously used across the United States to fight inflammation, pain and fever. According to a review in The American Journal of Managed Care, $4.8 billion is spent on prescription NSAIDs alone, with approximately 35% of people 65 years or older taking a dose every day (1). With more than 20 over the counter options, and 70 million prescriptions written every year, the average consumer doesn’t think twice before taking a dose of NSAIDs. Although NSAIDs are relatively diverse in terms of chemical structure and properties, they all have the same mechanism of action, inhibiting the function of proteins that typically promote inflammation. At a high level, this seems straightforward. When looking deeper, one of the inflammation promoting proteins targeted by NSAIDs also functions in protecting the stomach from its own acid. When NSAIDs (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen) are used for extended periods of time, ulcers and internal bleeding can occur. Additionally, the FDA recently strengthened their warning concerning NSAIDs and heart health, saying that non-aspirin NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes (2).

With the accumulating warnings concerning the harmful side effects of NSAIDs, many medical professionals and consumers are looking for natural alternatives to the synthetic drugs they are accustomed to. One such alternative that is currently being explored by medical professionals is Innerzyme Pain & Inflammation Blend, a comprehensive blend of proteolytic enzymes, herbs and bioflavonoids. It is a full spectrum systemic enzyme specially formulated with bromelain, turmeric, pancreatin, papain, trypsin, chymotrypsin, white willow bark and rutin. Bromelain is a natural enzyme found in pineapples that have been used for hundreds of years to combat inflammation and indigestion. A 2015 report in the International Journal for Surgery found that in rats, bromelain applied to rats significantly reduced inflammation levels in an abdominal surgery model (3). Even more encouraging was the finding that there were no adverse effects on the animals.

Turmeric is a natural compound that is receiving much attention in the inflammation field. While turmeric (curcumin) has long been used as a spice, it’s becoming clear that it has many more roles in human health, other than making our food tasty. Scientists are beginning to decipher the many positive effects seen with turmeric supplementation such as reduced pain and inflammation (ongoing human clinical trials), as well as potential anti-cancer activity in certain animal models. With the ongoing health and safety concerns surrounding the long-term use of NSAIDs, there is now much excitement amongst medical professionals who are having great success administering Innerzyme as a safe, natural and effective alternative for patients. The founder of The Hammer Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine, Eli Hammer, MD says, “I have used systemic enzymes extensively in my practice along with taking them personally for a few years, seeing dramatic reductions in pain and inflammation, and therefore, significant improvements in quality of life. Of all the systemic enzyme brands on the market, I truly believe Innerzyme has finally optimized the proper enzyme blend, while also vastly improving upon the delivery system for better efficacy and ease of administration.”

Many medical professionals are realizing the promising benefits of natural treatment options, as well as preventative care using natural anti-inflammatory products like Innerzyme Pain & Inflammation Blend. Current and future research is expected to further support the use of these natural products as safe and effective alternatives to NSAIDs.

For more information about Innerzyme Pain & Inflammation Blend, click here.

References:

1. Michael Fine, “Quantifying the Impact of NSAID-Associated Adverse Events” Am J Manag Care 19(14):267-72 (2013).
2. “FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes” U.S. Food and Drug Administration (7-9-2015).
3. Sahbaz et. al., “Bromelain: A natural proteolytic for intra-abdominal adhesion prevention” Int J Surg 14:7-11 (2015).

One of the most significant things you can do when attempting to conceive or while pregnant is to make sure to be fueling yourself, and your unborn child, with a nutritious diet. Pregnancy is taxing on the body and it is often hard or near impossible to obtain all the recommended nutrients without vitamin supplementation. Making smart choices concerning what you eat and the supplements you take will promote healthy development and growth of your baby says Certified Nutrition Specialist and Innerzyme founder, Katie Jodscheidt. One vitamin that is gaining more and more interest is vitamin K2, which is found in fermented foods such as natto and certain cheeses, eggs, meat, butter and other dairy foods¹ from grass-fed sources. However, just because a food is fermented does not necessarily mean it is rich in vitamin K2, in fact, many are not.

Many Eastern cultures consume fermented soybeans or natto on a daily basis, however, the slimy and smelly taste and texture of it is often too unpleasant for the Western palate. As far as other foods containing vitamin K2, getting an adequate amount is not as easy as one may think since many foods are lacking this essential nutrient because they are processed, genetically modified and no longer sourced from grass-fed animals. An easier and more convenient way of getting an adequate amount of vitamin K2 is through daily supplementation. However, not all vitamin K2 supplements are created equal. When choosing a vitamin K2 supplement, quality, dosage and type of vitamin K2 is important. The optimal quality of vitamin K2 is in the natural form of MK-7 because it has a longer half-life, meaning it stays in your system longer and the body better absorbs it. In healthy individuals, research has not reported any side effects, adverse reactions or known toxicity as a result of large doses of vitamin K2. In fact, many Eastern cultures consume 300-600mcg of natto daily. Inside the human body vitamin K2 is involved in many processes that are critical for a healthy pregnancy and baby, such as blood coagulation, bone metabolism and other calcium dependent events.

Research into the health benefits of vitamin K2 is still in its infancy with more and more work being done. Two recent peer reviewed studies provide encouraging results concerning the role of vitamin K2 in embryonic development. In August 2014, a cohort of Japanese researchers discovered that an enzyme called UBIAD1, which is involved in vitamin K2 synthesis, is required for development of mouse embryos². When the scientists deleted both copies of the gene coding for UBIAD1 mice embryos died in less than 8 days after ceasing to grow, and as expected, produced no vitamin K2. Strikingly, when the mothers of these mutant mice were administered vitamin K2, the embryos lifespan was extended to term. Not long after this report was published, Canadian researchers found that vitamin K2 supplementation significantly improved embryo production in cows³. This finding is most likely due to the role of vitamin K2 in mitochondria function, which converts sugars into energy for the cells to use. Together, these reports add to the increasing knowledge researchers at Innerzyme are gaining concerning the health benefits of vitamin K2 and warrant further research.

References:

1. Elder S. et al. Vitamin K contents of meat, dairy, and fast food in the U.S. diet.  Agric. Food Chem.2006, 54(463−467) (source)
2. Nakagawa K. et al. Vitamin K2 biosynthetic enzyme, UBIAD1 is essential for embryonic development of mice.PLoS One 2014, 9(8): e104078 (source)
3. Baldoceda-Baldeon et al. Improvement of bovine in vitro embryo production by vitamin K₂Reproduction 2014, 148(5) 489-97 (source)

Recommended dosage: Take 1 vegetarian capsule (300mcg) per day, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

As more and more information is coming out about the health benefits of Vitamin K2, it is important to not get confused about the K vitamins. Most people are familiar with Vitamin K1, which is found in leafy greens and helps with blood coagulation support. People taking prescription blood thinners are often told to stay away from diets rich in leafy greens (vitamin k1) and also do not take a vitamin k supplement because it can possibly thin your blood too much.

But what about Vitamin K2? Vitamin K2 is very different from Vitamin K1. Vitamin K2 in an adequate dose is very difficult to get from your diet, however, fermented soybeans or “natto” is one of the richest sources of this vitamin. An easier and more convenient way of getting Vitamin K2 is through supplementation. Much different than the role of Vitamin K1, Vitamin K2 is responsible for channeling calcium into your bones and teeth while keeping it out of the arteries. Think of Vitamin K2 as the traffic cop for calcium.

To clarify one more important fact without complicating things too much is to explain the two different types of Vitamin K2, MK-4 and MK-7. Vitamin K2, MK-4 is the synthetic form of K2, it is often cheaper in price, however, it has a shorter half-life meaning it stays in the system for only a few hours. Usually, someone taking Vitamin K2, MK-4 will have to take one capsule up to three times a day to ensure it stays in the system.

The other form of K2 is MK-7 which is considered the optimal form of Vitamin K2. MK-7 is the natural form of K2, which is going to be a little more expensive since it is naturally sourced from nature (fermented soybeans), however, it has a longer half life meaning it stays in your system for up to 2-3 days and has better absorption. Supplementing with a natural, MK-7 form of Vitamin K2 allows you to get an adequate dose in just one single capsule per day.

So when looking for a Vitamin K2 supplement, do your research and make sure you select a Non-GMO, allergen-free, natural Vitamin K2, MK-7 supplement. Recommended dose is 300mcg (1 capsule) per day, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Innerzyme Vitamin K2, MK-7, 300mcg offers the highest potency, natural K2 on the market in a convenient one a day vegetarian capsule. Research shows daily supplementation with Vitamin K2 in the natural form of MK-7 supports cardiovascular, bone and soft tissue health.

Sirah Dubois, July 27, 2011. LIVESTRONG.COM

Improving your overall health starts with being health conscious, making smart lifestyle choices and focusing on preventative care. Today’s fast-paced world has created a mindset of instant gratification even when health is involved. People want to take a pill and instantly feel a difference, and many do not see value in preventative therapies unless they see a problem first. With poor lifestyle choices today consisting of fad diets, eating processed foods, taking prescription medication, consuming alcohol, over indulging in sweets and artificial sweeteners, the body is working in overdrive to rid itself of toxins and reduce body-wide inflammation. If more time was spent focusing on natural alternatives to prevent illness rather than reacting to illness and treating with prescription drugs, the world would be a healthier place.

The truth is, most people are not aware how good their body is actually designed to feel. This is where enzyme therapy comes into play. For most healthy individuals, our bodies naturally produce an optimal amount of enzymes until we reach our mid- to late-twenties. As we know, some people in their forties may be healthier than someone in their twenties. This can be a result of lifestyle choices, which can effect enzyme production from person to person.

So what are enzymes and why are they vital to your health? Enzymes are biocatalysts or proteins necessary for nearly 3000-4000 of the chemical reactions within our body that are associated with metabolic functions, digestion, detoxification, healthy immune system functioning, growth and natural healing. What does this ultimately mean? It means enzymes help other things work throughout the body. People over the age of 30 have an increased likelihood of enzyme deficiency, which may lead to greater chances of health issues and illnesses (5).

When people think of enzymes, they most often think digestion. However, there are two different types of enzymes: digestive enzymes and systemic enzymes. Digestive enzymes are taken with a meal and help support overall digestive health by breaking down the food a person eats while also helping to improve nutrient absorption.

Many people are enzyme deficient and do not even know it. According to the National Institute of Health, “60 to 70 million people in America suffer from some type of digestive disorder. People who suffer from poor digestive health are commonly linked to low energy, excessive gas, poor skin health, joint pain, inflammation, weight-gain, weak immune system, heartburn and bloating following meals” (9). Whether a person is looking to improve their digestive health or may be avoiding certain foods that commonly aggravate the gastrointestinal tract, implementing a well-balanced digestive enzyme complex ensure the body is properly breaking down fats, carbohydrates, proteins into small substrates that can be utilized for energy production throughout the day.

Much different than the role of a digestive enzyme is a systemic enzyme. Systemic enzymes work to support the body as a whole. They are most notably knows for their five main functions: natural anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrin, blood cleansing, immune system modulating and virus fighting. When considering a systemic enzyme supplement, it is important to look at the proprietary blend and delivery system. In order to ensure maximum absorption of activity, an enteric-coated delivery system is ideal which will protect the enzyme activity until the optimal time of release. The enteric-coated delivery system allows it to get past the stomach and into the small intestine without losing enzyme activity, which allows for better absorption.

Proteolytic enzymes or “protein eating enzymes” are the first line of defense against body wide inflammation, which may spread throughout the body to all major organs. Inflammation is a reaction by the immune system to an irritation which often results in pain, swelling or tenderness. Conventional medicine still tends to use pharmaceutical drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen to reduce inflammation. However, synthetic drugs have many side effects, both minor and severe, that often hinder long-term use in many people. A well-balanced Systemic Enzyme blend will naturally replenish the many enzymes the body uses to fight inflammation and aid in the repair of damaged tissue (1,3,4,6,8).

Did you know that nearly all injuries and operations result in inflammatory reactions and build up of excess scar tissue which causes pain and swelling? It is a natural protective response to injuries and trauma on a cellular level. However, if the inflammation is not resolved ore reduced in the acute stage, it can become a chronic inflammatory problem (1,4,6). When caring for injuries and during recovery following an operation, “it is important to apply medications for reducing the swelling and anti-inflammatory as well as fibrinolytic agents. If possible, such treatment should produce no adverse effects and should further the healing process of the organism” (10). A safe and effective Systemic Enzyme formula, like Innerzyme’s Pain & Inflammation Blend, offers a natural solution for post-operative scar tissue, inflammation, and pain following sports injuries and surgery whether recent or fifteen plus years ago.

In addition to it’s anti-fibrin properties, systemic enzymes are also known for their ability to cleanse the blood of excess fibrin and exogenous material. Cleaner blood means better nutrient absorption and improved circulation. So how do these toxins and fibrin get into the blood in the first place? The organs and cells in our bodies dispose of these materials in our blood, which can cause clots, poor circulation, blood thickening and other health issues (2).

How about immune system support and the ability to fight off viruses? Systemic enzymes assist the body to balance the immune system and restore a steady state to the body. A low functioning immune system means the body is more susceptible to disease. However, an extremely high functioning immune system will often create antibodies that attach the tissues within the body such as with autoimmune diseases or arthritis. Supplementation of a well-balanced systemic enzyme may help regulate the immune system and eat away at those antibodies that are attacking the body’s tissue creating a disease state within the body (7).

When it comes to viruses, protein cell walls build up around a virus and then bond together and replicate to cause harm throughout the body. The body knows what the body needs and these harmful protein walls are definitely not needed. The good thing about enzymes is they already know what protein to leave alone and what “foreign” protein to attack and eat away in order to inhibit the replication of the virus (7).

Dr. Eli Hammer, Medical Director of The Hammer Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine, states, “I have used systemic enzymes extensively in my practice along with taking them personally for a few years, seeing dramatic reductions in pain and inflammation, and therefore, significant improvements in quality of life. Of all the systemic enzyme brands on the market, I truly believe Innerzyme has finally optimized the proper enzyme blend, while also vastly improving upon the delivery system for better efficacy and ease of administration” (3).

Someone who lives a healthy lifestyle comprised of a balanced diet, regular exercise and proper nutritional supplementation will ultimately help their body to maintain wellness and regulate efficiently.

Learn more about the benefits of enzyme therapy with Innerzyme, click here!

References:

1. Beth Kapes, Bromelain Health Article. The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, 2005. Online.
2. Ernst E., Matrai A.: Oral Therapy with proteolytic enzymes for modifying blood rheology. Klin Wschr. 65 (1987), 994. 9)
3. Hammer, Eli J., MD. “Benefits of Enzyme Therapy, Innerzyme & Anti-Aging.” Personal interview. 10 May 2012.
4. Hoemecke R, Doenicke A. Perioperative enzyme therapy. A significant supplement to postoperative pain therapy? Anaesthesist. 1993 Dec;42(12):856-61.
5. Howell, Edward, and Maynard Murray. Enzyme Nutrition: The Food Enzyme Concept. Wayne, NJ: Avery Pub. Group, 1985. Print.
6. Judith Sims, Rebecca J. Frey PhD, Chymotrypsin Health Article. The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, 2005. Online.
7. Kunze R., Ransberger K., et at: Humoral immunomodulatory capasity of proteases in immune complex decomposition and formation. First International symposium on combination therapies, Washington, DC, 1991.
8. Miller. Proteolytic enzymes in inflammation: rationale for use. Postgrad Med. 1956 Jan;19(1):16-22.
9. National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Opportunities and Challenges in Digestive Diseases Research: Recommendations of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health; 2009. NIH Publication 08–6514. http://www.nih.gov/
10. Wrba, H. & Pecher, O. Enzymes: A Drug of the Future. Ecomed Verlagsgesellschaft AG & Co., 1993. Print.

Check out these other great educational resources!

Can Enzyme Deficiency Make You Tired?
Sirah Dubois, July 27, 2011. LIVESTRONG.COM

Laboratory Study Shows Turmeric May Have Bone-Protective Effects
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, September 8, 2010

Evidence in Mice May Spur More Research on Fish Oil and Curcumin for Alzheimer’s Disease
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, July 15, 2009

Researchers Investigate Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Pineapple Extracts
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, August 1, 2006

Your Vitamin-D Level, Part I: How’s Your Mood?
Margaret Furtado, M.S., R.D., November 16, 2011

Bromelain Health Article
Beth Kapes, The Gale Group., Gale, Detroit, 2005

Enzymes For Ulcerative Colitis
Jean Bardot, Livestrong.com, August 11, 2011


Turmeric for Depression
Andrew Weil, M.D., 2011

Turmeric-Natural Medicinal Properties
Joan Schonbeck, Rebecca J. Frey PhD, The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, 2005

White Willow Health Article
Jennifer Wurges, Rebecca J. Frey PhD, The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, 2005

Chymotrypsin Health Article
Judith Sims, Rebecca J. Frey PhD, The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, 2005

Innerzyme Pain & Inflammation Blend, a Safe, Natural & Effective Alternative for Pain and Inflammation, Systemic Enzyme Formula

Before you take Ibuprofen again, you should know the health risks! http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/05/for-athletes-risks-from-ibuprofen-use/?ref=health&_r=0

According to the article, “For Athletes, Risks From Ibuprofen Use” in The New York Times by Gretchen Reynolds, “many active people use the painkiller ibuprofen on an almost daily basis.” Whether an athlete is looking to kill the pain following a strenuous workout or thinking about preventative care from muscle soreness, it is clear that the risks of Ibuprofen are much higher than the benefits these athletes are hoping to experience.

Gretchen Reynolds states, “a valuable new study joins growing evidence that ibuprofen and similar anti-inflammatory painkillers taken before a workout do not offer any benefit and may be causing disagreeable physical damage instead, particularly to the intestines.” She later says, “the most common side-effect of ibuprofen is gastrointestinal damage.”

To read the full article: For Athletes, Risks From Ibuprofen Use by Gretchen Reynolds on December 5, 2012 (The New York Times)

Innerzyme Pain & Inflammation Blend offers a safe, natural, and effective alternative to reduce pain and inflammation following strenuous workouts or sports injuries without any harmful side effects.

Innerzyme’s proprietary blend contains Pancreatin, Papain, Bromelain, Trypsin, Chymotrypsin, Rutin, White Willow Bark and Turmeric root. It is specially formulated to naturally reduce pain, inflammation, excess fibrin and the buildup of excess free radicals.

The delivery system for Innerzyme’s Pain & Inflammation Blend is an enteric coated tablet. The enteric coating protects the enzymes from premature release in the acidic region of the stomach allowing maximum absorption and optimal release of the proprietary blend in the pancreatic juices. High potency, minimal dosage with maximum benefit! When taken on an empty stomach, it is believed that enzymes may help manage inflammation by supporting healthy blood flow to the irritated area.

Bromelain is most notable for its effectiveness in the reduction of inflammation and decreasing swelling, but the scope of its benefits continues to increase.* Derived from the pineapple fruit, this natural anti-inflammatory has many health benefits.

Chymotrypsin is naturally produced by the pancreas in the human body. The primary uses of chymotrypsin are as a naturally anti-inflammatory and as a digestive aid. As a natural anti-inflammatory, chymotrypsin may help reduce tissue damage and the formation of fibrin clots during inflammation.*

Turmeric is an herb, an Indian spice that has been used for many years because of its natural medicinal properties. Turmeric is rich in antioxidants and is a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Rutin is a potent bioflavonoid which are water-soluble plant pigments, naturally occurring chemical compounds important to maintaining optimal health. They support health by protecting and strengthening capillaries, help prevent bruising and provide support for many other biological functions.*