Enzymes Against Inflammation
Enzymes are chemical compounds that control metabolism. They activate or inhibit countless biochemical reactions in the human body. Nearly all enzymes are protein-based. It is estimated that there are close to 30,000 types of enzymes.
HOW ENZYMES HELP WITH PAIN AND INFLAMMATION
Inflammation is the body's natural reaction to injuries, foreign objects, viruses, bacteria, or allergens. Typical symptoms are pain, loss of function, increased heat, redness, and swelling. These symptoms are caused by an increase in immune cells and blood circulation at the inflamed area of the body. These processes are necessary for tissue healing and defense.
Inflammation is controlled by cytokines, the body's messenger substances that stimulate antibody production. There are cytokines that trigger inflammation (pro-inflammatory) and those that prevent it (anti-inflammatory). In a state of inflammation, there is an imbalance between these two types of cytokines.
Depending on which type is dominant, either acute or chronic inflammation can develop.
Enzymes can help restore the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory messenger substances. In this way, they can allow the inflammatory process to proceed more quickly and effectively toward healing. In addition, enzymes have a decongestant effect and thus reduce inflammatory pain.
THE POWER OF ENZYMES
The active ingredients in enzyme preparations are, for example, highly concentrated forms of animal enzymes derived from pineapple, papaya, and enzymes very similar to the body's own enzymes. The concentration of active ingredients is so high that it is not possible to obtain the same amount through diet. In particular, enzymes taken through food are attacked by stomach acid and broken down during digestion. For this reason, enzyme preparations are protected with a coating that resists stomach acid, allowing them to exert their full effect.
Each active ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties. For example, trypsin promotes blood circulation, which increases oxygen and nutrient supply to the affected tissue. Bromelain promotes decongestion of the affected tissue, thereby relieving pain. Papain reduces the “waste products” of the immune reaction. In combination, they have anti-inflammatory, decongestant effects, thereby relieving pain.
ENZYMES AGAINST INFLAMMATION
Since an enzyme is a biological catalyst, most reactions in our body cannot occur without enzymes. If there is inflammation in the body due to an infection or a sports injury, enzymes are activated.
In inflammation, enzymes are important for tissue healing. New tissue is produced, and old tissue is broken down and removed.
Classical, orthodox medicine has anti-inflammatory applications. In cases of severe inflammation and pain, medication is absolutely necessary. However, as noted in an article in the Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin, there is no need to use these medications in the absence of inflammation. It is important to use anti-inflammatory medications only briefly and in as small an amount as possible.
The best way to achieve an anti-inflammatory effect is to supply the body with enzymes from outside, using tablets or capsules. These create an anti-inflammatory effect by speeding up reactions, reducing tissue swelling, and making it easier to remove “waste products.”
Fruits such as pineapple or papaya in particular contain large amounts of enzymes. But a single tablet contains more enzymes than a kilogram of fruit.
For more information on this and related topics, you may benefit from my book "The Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Guide."