Proteolytic Enzymes and Athletes

Proteolytic Enzymes and Athletes

Proteolytic enzymes have been shown to reduce inflammation, discomfort, speed recovery, and increase circulation.

Many of us are familiar with the digestive enzymes found in our stomach and intestines; they process the foods we eat. However, other types of enzymes are reaction-causing agents which are essential to our breathing, growth, healing and other body functions. Without enzymes, the reality is that life itself could not exist.

Enzymes more than just sustain life, they are catalysts for virtually every biological and chemical reaction our body. They are required for every single chemical action that takes place and are critical to the health of our muscles, bones, organs, and cells.

Unfortunately, as we age, our own enzyme production is significantly diminished. As these enzyme levels decline, we may become subject to enzyme deficiencies and this can impair our immune system, joints, circulation and overall well-being.

Enzymes and Exercise

Naturally occurring Proteolytic Enzymes, such as those found in a clinically developed formula, Trevinol ES, (for details visit www.Trevinol.com ) refer to the various enzymes that digest protein. As athletes and weekend warriors know, after workouts and sporting events, pain and inflammation are a serious concern. One of the major impacts from inflammation is capillary blood flow. These small blood vessels are responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to cells, allowing them to mend and removing waste. After an injury or strenuous exercise, some of these capillaries may be damaged, making them incapable of carrying fluid to and from the affected tissue. The result is pain, swelling, redness, heat and loss of function. By repairing the capillaries, the bruises, swelling and pain disappear.

Proteolytic enzymes (enzymes that have the ability to break down protein) have been shown to reduce the amount of fibrin in the damaged capillary, improve circulation and speed healing. Once in the blood stream proteolytic enzymes hydrolyze (digest) the fibrin network and enhance blood flow. Additionally, these same proteases have been known to stimulate phagocytes (cells that ingest foreign particles and debris) and accelerate elimination by way of thenLymphatic system. Once fibrin is removed, the cells can more rapidly recover.

Protease Enzymes Supplement Studies:

In a recent years there have been several studies using proteolytic enzymes with athletes. In one such study of competitive runners, they were given proteolytic enzyme supplements or a placebo four times a day for three days. This consisted of 24 hours before and 48 hours after running. The participants were evaluated for mood, muscle soreness and pain threshold 24 and 48 hours after running 30 minutes at about 7 miles per hour.

The result was a significant decrease in soreness, improved pain threshold and no mood change with those taking the proteolytic enzymes supplements. The group taking the placebo did not experience such benefits.

These conclusions however, are not new. According to recent sports medicine reports, there is scarcely a top athlete in Germany who is not familiar with enzyme therapy. Additionally, in Australia, athletes are provided with enzyme supplements as a precaution to aid in rapid recovery after injury. In particular, two enzymes, Serrapeptase and Nattokinase are known to exhibit strong fibrinolytic ("blood clot busting") activity. Increasingly, athletes from a variety of sports are finding what many Europeans and researchers in Japan have known for years; that proteolytic enzymes are a safe, effective and natural way to reduce inflammation, increase circulation and speed recovery and healing.