Nattokinase is a specific type of enzyme that is the natural by product of fermenting soybeans and adding a beneficial bacteria called Bacillus Natto. Natto has been a traditional Japanese breakfast food for many years and is best described as something like cheese since it has a strong odor with a thick salty taste. The nattokinase enzyme itself is only obtainable by this fermentation process and was only recently discovered as early as the 1980s. This enzyme is believed to have significant blood thinning properties by many scientists, researchers and health care professionals.
The Best Nattokinase Information
The primary use for this supplement is because it is believed to help aid the body by dissolving blood clots that form in the circulatory system. These blood clots can travel through the blood stream and lead to heart attacks, stroke and even the blocking of the arteries in the lungs, which is known as a pulmonary embolism. Many people with a history of heart disease and even those concerned with the health of their cardiovascular system take this supplement in order to aid the body in keeping the amount of blood clots to a minimum, however, even though this is a favored supplement in the eyes of alternative health practitioners and those who have been consuming it for years it does lack defining and concrete scientific research to support this claim. It has been suggested by some that you can take yourself off of a daily aspirin regime and replace it with nattokinase, but you should refer to the “side effects” portion of this article before doing so.
How Nattokinase Functions
The nattokinase supplement is believed to work by eliminating tiny fibers within the blood called fibrin that cause the blood to clot together. Drugs similar to this one, named streptokinase and urokinase are given to patients after suffering from a stroke or heart attack. While streptokinase and urokinase have been proven to be highly effective in clinical studies and tests, more conclusive evidence needs to be found so more nattokinase benefits become clear.
Nattokinase Side Effects
It is important to pay close attention to these side effects because they will most likely come to impact or even apply to a vast majority of those who will consider using it, or even those who are even using it currently. For starters, before beginning to take this supplement you should always do so under the supervision of a health care professional. Because this supplement works as a blood thinner, research has shown that it should not be taken with aspirin, anti-coagulants, Coumadin (also known as Warfin) or any other supplements with a blood thinning effect. This supplement may lower blood pressure and, because of the high levels of Vitamin K it possesses, counteract drugs such as Coumadin. The safety of this drug has not been verified in those women who are either pregnant or nursing.