Enzymes

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Plant Based Complex 2-in-1 Formula Enzymes: One serving provides 250 mg each of powerful enzymes bromelain and papain

This specific combination of enzymes proven to help arthritis of the spine and reduce negative side effects of commonly used pain medications

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Enzymes Known As Proteolytic Enzymes Can Help Arthritis

Known for their effects on health like digestion, cardiovascular disease, colitis, asthma and others, enzymes like bromelain and papain can have a beneficial effect on joint health and reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis.

Enzyme Supplements

A 2020 study indicates a combination of bromelain and papain had significant benefits for lumbar spine arthritis in terms of back pain and disability. The participants in the study took the combination of enzymes in conjunction with a non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Those taking the enzymes showed marked benefit over those taking the NSAID alone.

The dosage was 250 mg each of the enzyme combination, twice a day for 6 weeks. The benefits were noted without any negative effect on liver or kidney markers as well as BMI and vital signs. The enzyme group showed significantly improved quality of life along with decreased pain and disability scores. Also noted were a decrease in serum creatinine and alkaline phosphatase levels!

Commonly, arthritis pain is pharmacologically managed by NSAIDS and may result in negative side effects gastric as well as kidney/liver. The study indicates that enzyme supplements for 6 weeks have prolonged beneficial effects in comparison to standard NSAID treatment, while minimizing side effects.

As conventional medical treatment cannot cease the progression of osteoarthritis, treatment is geared towards decreasing pain and improving function by the use of analgesics, steroid injections and, finally, joint replacement. The potential adverse effects of these treatments leads to a search for effective but safer alternative methods.

Bromelain

Bromelain is an extract derived from pineapple and has been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and may provide a safer adjunct or alternative treatment for osteoarthritis as indicated by the authors of a 2004 published review of clinical studies.

Bromelain is an extract from both the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant and contains a number of proteolytic enzymes with potentially beneficial effects due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used for acute inflammation and sports injuries.

It was first reported first reported to be of benefit as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic for use in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as early as 1964 in the Pennsylvania Medical Journal. Most of the studies are for knee pain and shoulder pain from osteoarthritis.

The above 2020 study is very exciting as it indicates benefit for spinal arthritis and specifically addresses safety in liver and kidney profiles. It may have effects on the action of anticoagulants like warfarin and may enhance absorption of antibiotics, so always check with your doctor first.

Papain

It is interesting that the authors of the 2020 study chose Papain as a combination enzyme. It is often combined with other proteolytic enzymes for conditions like muscle pain and healing like this 2004 study.

Papain enzyme is extracted from the fruit of the papaya plant and, as a proteeolytic enzyme (breaks down proteins), is a popular ingredient in meat tenderizer. It has been shown to have healing properties on wounds of many causes and in different stages of healing, proving to be effective and safe according to a 2012 systemic review.

According to a 2010 study, papain promotes wound regeneration and has antibacterial properties, which ….”make it a complete package for wound management”. It is noted that a form of disc degeneration is associated with low virulent bacterial infection. As always check with your doctor and make sure you have no allergies to papaya.

Summary

Enzyme supplements may help with arthritis symptoms of knee pain, shoulder problems, and now the spine as well as promote healing. It is noteworthy that a specific combination of enzymes may help improve pain and function and may even help reduce some unwanted side effects when taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly prescribed for arthritis.

Author Bio

Stephen Ornstein, D.C. has treated thousands of neck, shoulder and back conditions since graduating Sherman Chiropractic College in 1987 and during his involvement in Martial Arts. He holds certifications as a Peer Review Consultant from New York Chiropractic College, Physiological Therapeutics from National Chiropractic College, Modic Antibiotic Spinal Therapy from Dr. Hanne Albert, PT., MPH., Ph.D., Myofascial Release Techniques from Logan Chiropractic College, and learned Active Release Technique from the founder, P. Michael Leahy, DC, ART, CCSP.