It’s that time of year–cold and flu season is upon us. Flu vaccinations are being offered at numerous facilities, and many people are lining up to get their annual dose. It’s important to realize, though, that a flu shot can only go so far in helping you avoid illness this winter because it only protects against three particular strains of flu. For more on that topic, read Dr. Marcantel’s article, “Who Should Get a Flu Shot?”

The best way to prevent sickness–whether it’s influenza, colds, or other sicknesses–is to have a strong immune system. Here are some recommendations from Dr. Marcantel.

*Eat a healthy diet. Foods that are rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, can help your body fight off colds and flu. Read the article, “Antioxidants and Your Immune System: Super Foods for Optimal Health,” at WebMD for a good list of foods to look for.

*Get plenty of rest. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation suppresses immune system function. The less sleep you get and the more physically tired you become, the harder it is for your body to throw off infections. Having trouble getting or staying asleep? Try one of our great natural sleep aids like Tranquility Formula or Melatonin All Night.

Wash your hands–often–with soap. This seems so basic, but there are many studies illustrating a) that many people don’t use good hand hygiene and b) that washing with soap is very effective in limiting the spread of communicable diseases. Read this eye-opening article from the NY Times to learn more.

Take vitamin C with bioflavinoids. Taking two 500 mg tablets twice daily can help boost the body’s immune system. During times of stress the body’s immunities can be decreased. The adrenal glands release hormones that help us handle stress, and taking vitamin C can support the adrenal glands. The gland itself contains a large amount of vitamin C that is necessary for its function.

*Use supplements and natural products to boost immunity. Some products Dr. Marcantel recommends for her patients are:

–AlliUltra: AlliUltra® AC-23 capsules contain 360 mg of stabilised Allisure® AC-23 allicin powder – natures’ anti-microbial agent. This  means that AlliUltra® capsules can be used to help resolve any condition with a bacterial, fungal or viral cause. This garlic-derived supplement can be used as a preventative or to help fight infections.

–Humacel: Supports the immune system in maintaining overall health, management of viral conditions and shields from viral attachment.

–Acute Immune: A blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbs that contain anti-viral properties. It can often reduce recovery time if taken at the first sign of an infection and may even keep symptoms from developing.

–ViraClear EPs 7630: A homeopathic remedy that addresses the cause to help shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections. When taken at the first sign of symptoms, this product has been clinically shown to reduce symptom severity in a variety of conditions, including the common cold, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Comes in drops or alcohol-free cherry flavored syrup.

*Get an IV Push with Engystol. Dr. Marcantel offers an immune-boosting IV Push loaded with vitamins and minerals. Adding Engystol, a homeopathic antiviral remedy, can help to prevent the development of viral illnesses and to decrease the duration of an existing viral illness.

No one can guarantee that you won’t get sick this cold and flu season, but by taking proper precautions and addressing symptoms when they first appear you can maximize your chances of staying healthy.

Food sensitivity testing (or food intolerance testing) can be a very helpful tool to identify foods that can trigger a wide range of troublesome symptoms. Dr. Tina Marcantel is a Gilbert, AZ, naturopathic doctor who also serves the East Valley cities of Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and the greater Phoenix area.

Just as some foods can be medicine for our bodies, it can also happen that certain common—and seemingly harmless—foods can trigger adverse reactions. We’ve all heard of people who have violent and even life-threatening reactions resulting from allergies to particular foods like peanuts or shellfish, but it’s also possible to develop chronic health conditions that are triggered by sensitivities (as opposed to allergies) to certain foods. Because the effects are subtler and tend to develop over time, the connection between diet and condition can often be overlooked. That’s where food sensitivity testing can be a very helpful diagnostic tool.

In the case of a food allergy, the body produces a substance called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to the presence of a particular protein. The reaction is often immediate—possibly within seconds or minutes—and signs and symptoms can include hives, difficulty with breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Because these symptoms occur shortly after ingesting the problem food, most people with true food allergies are aware of them and have sought help from an allergist to identify the triggers and manage the allergy.

A food sensitivity (or food intolerance) is very different from a food allergy. In this case, the body overreacts to certain foods over a period of time—days, weeks, or months, although sometimes it can respond sooner. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies become sensitized to certain foods and release immune chemicals that can cause inflammation in the body tissues. The resulting symptoms may manifest as skin rash, joint aches and pains, sinusitis, asthma, insomnia, headaches, and digestive disorders producing bloating, gas, and poor food absorption.

A person with food sensitivities may also develop leaky gut syndrome, a condition in which the lining of the gut (mucosal membrane) has increased permeability that leads to food, bacteria, and toxins that are in the gut leaking into the bloodstream and causing inflammatory reactions throughout the body.

If a patient or his physician suspects that food sensitivities may be causing chronic problems, they may first start with a simple food elimination diet to try to identify the source. Common intolerances are dairy and wheat products and removing those from the diet may provide enough relief to identify them as the culprits. But for those who want a more accurate way of assessing how specific foods may be affecting them, a food sensitivity test can be very helpful.

A food sensitivity test is a blood test that can accurately measure the body’s cellular inflammatory response to substances including foods, additives, coloring, and chemicals. The laboratory I work with has tests that can cover up to 154 foods and spices and shows the client’s incompatible foods and the level of each reaction: severe, moderate, or mild. They also include a customized booklet of a rotational diet plan.

Although eliminating certain foods from your diet may seem like a simple treatment, the results can be dramatic. In one clinical example, my patient Peter did the food sensitivity panel along with his wife Linda and their teenage daughter Harriet. After we discussed the results from the lab, the family began following their food rotation plan. After just a few weeks on the new diet Peter reported that he and his daughter no longer needed the nebulizers they often used for asthma attacks on their hiking trips. Both Peter and Linda had an 80-90% reduction in joint pain and found they had lost excess weight, improving their flexibility and mobility. Harriet was happy to say that she was no longer embarrassed to wear short sleeves at school—her chronic problem with eczema had greatly subsided.

Even foods that have great nutritional value can become a problem if you eat them regularly and the body becomes sensitized to them. For instance, I ate almonds as a high protein snack between meals for years. When I took a food sensitivity test, the results showed a high intolerance to almonds. By eliminating them I also eliminated the inflammation that was causing the abdominal bloating and fatigue I had been experiencing.

If you have similar chronic ailments or complaints as those listed above and other investigations and treatments have reached a dead end, I’d suggest that you try food sensitivity testing. Make your health a priority. You’re worth it!

Ready to make your health a priority? Schedule your initial visit with Dr. Marcantel now!

See more of the specialty laboratory tests we offer

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Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is caused by an imbalance of hormones brought on by a woman’s monthly period. There are things women (and the doctors who treat them) can do to help alleviate the symptoms. Dr. Tina Marcantel is a naturopathic doctor in Gilbert, AZ, who also serves the East Valley cities of Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Scottsdale, and the greater Phoenix area.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the term used to identify a combination of emotional, physical, and psychological changes that can occur after a woman’s ovulation and typically ending with the onset of her menses or menstrual flow. Approximately 80% of women experience some symptoms of PMS and it’s estimated that 20-30% of women have clinically significant symptoms that are severe enough to affect their normal functioning.

The most common emotional symptoms are irritability, depression, anxiety, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings ranging from sadness to outbursts of anger. Physical symptoms may include low energy or fatigue, fluid retention (edema) leading to breast swelling and tenderness, abdominal bloating, headaches, altered libido, appetite changes, food cravings, sensitivity to certain foods, and severe abdominal cramping.

A major cause of PMS is an imbalance in the biochemistry of the body brought on by the hormonal changes associated with a woman’s monthly period. Although a monthly cycle is a natural part of a female’s biological functions, there are things women (and the doctors who treat them) can do to help alleviate the symptoms.

Some studies have detected low magnesium levels in PMS patients. Taking magnesium relaxes the muscles, causing a decrease in uterine (abdominal) cramping that is a common complaint for those experiencing PMS. Magnesium also promotes sleep and helps to relax the colon muscles, supporting healthy bowel movements that remove toxins.

Women with PMS often have high estrogen and low progesterone levels, or they may have a condition known as estrogen dominance in which the levels of progesterone may be within normal ranges but the ratio of progesterone to estrogen is low. These hormonal imbalances can be most accurately detected through a simple laboratory test called a salivary hormone panel. If clinically appropriate, a prescription for bioidentically-compounded progesterone will help balance this ratio and can lower PMS symptoms dramatically. Introducing higher amounts of fiber into the diet (for instance, ground flaxseed) also helps to reduce extra estrogen in the body because estrogen binds to the fiber and then is eliminated with other waste products.

Doctors often prescribe birth control pills to help regulate periods and control PMS symptoms. While this can effectively regulate a woman’s monthly cycle, the extra synthetic estrogen present in most BCP’s can help to promote estrogen dominance. The result may be an actual worsening of PMS symptoms, particularly anxiety, depression, weight gain, and insomnia. The use of bioidentical hormones to regulate the cycle can be a good alternative to avoid that problem, but it’s important to understand that bioidentical hormones are not used for birth control and will not protect against pregnancy.

Serotonin levels also fall after ovulation. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the body; so lower amounts of serotonin can lead to mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, and irritability. I often recommend 5-HTP and/or tryptophan, which turns into serotonin and provides a calming and natural sedative effect that can help decrease the emotional symptoms of PMS. An added benefit is that 5-HTP has also been shown to reduce the carbohydrate and sugar cravings that many women experience during PMS.

Besides individual supplements like those mentioned above, there are a number of botanical (herbal) compounds that are designed to specifically target PMS symptoms. Products such as FemmenessencePro, Women’s Phase I, PMS Compound, and Herbal Balance contain a variety of herbs that are known to address the symptoms and some patients respond very well to them.

Because many women are sensitive to certain foods during PMS, it is advisable to avoid dairy and wheat and fatty foods that may aggravate the symptoms. A simple diet of lean meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit can be very beneficial. In addition to good foods, a regular exercise routine balanced with ample sleep time and naps, if necessary, can help reduce stress and make your regular monthly cycle much more tolerable.

Microscopic view of candida albicans on slide

Many people are familiar with common symptoms of yeast infection, but did you know that signs and symptoms of infections caused by candida overgrowth can sometimes overlap or mimic other complaints such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or fibromyalgia? For that reason, it is important to rule out candidiasis when seeking a diagnosis.

Some of the more obvious signs of yeast infection in adults are jock itch, urinary tract infection (UTI), recurrent vaginal yeast infections (accompanied by thick white discharge with vaginal itching), fungal infection of toenails and fingernails (onychomycosis), and a white coating on the tongue.

Other symptoms of a yeast overgrowth may include unusual cravings for sugar and refined foods, abdominal bloating, rectal itching, brain fog, constipation or diarrhea, headaches, joint pain, fatigue, or itchy ears. Recurrent sinus infections can also be caused by yeast overgrowth instead of bacteria.

Candidiasis can also cause low immunity. Because toxins are released in the blood by yeast it can lower the immune response and increase the chance of getting colds, flu, and other bacterial or viral infections.

Causes

Yeast infection (or candidiasis) is a condition caused by a group of microscopic fungi or yeast. Candida albicans is the most common of the more than twenty species of candida fungi that live on all surfaces of our bodies. Under certain conditions, they can become so numerous they cause infections, particularly in warm and moist areas like the mouth and groin. These infections can usually be cleared up fairly quickly with treatment, but if left untreated they can become serious health risks.

One of the most common causes of candidiasis is a recurrent use of antibiotics. While antibiotics can be helpful in the treatment of bacterial infections, they kill both harmful bacteria and the bacteria that are good for our bodies. The friendly bacteria in our colon help keep the candida fungi in check and when antibiotics have killed them the candida are allowed to proliferate.

The presence of elevated levels of estrogen in the system can also contribute to yeast growth. For that reason, women are more likely than men to suffer from yeast infections. The use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can sometimes contribute to high levels of estrogen in the body that feed a yeast infection. Women also tend to use more antibiotics because of a higher propensity for bladder and urinary tract infections.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Be sure to present your healthcare provider with a thorough history of symptoms. You should also include in your history the type of diet you typically eat and a detailed list of antibiotics you have taken. Steroid use can stimulate yeast overgrowth, as well, so you should be sure to include that in your report.

The first step in treatment is to kill the overgrowth of yeast. In my practice I use a dietary supplement that contains a combination of herbs and other ingredients that help to kill and reduce candida. If a patient’s medical history reveals a sustained use of antibiotics and/or steroids and if the symptoms warrant it, it may be necessary to use a prescription-strength antifungal such as nystatin or Diflucan (fluconazole).

If nail fungus is present I recommend using a mixture of ½ white vinegar to ½ water to soak the affected area 1 to 2 times daily until clear. I also have the patient apply tea tree oil to the affected nails. Remember that the longer the fungus has been present and the more extensive it is, the longer it will take to eradicate it.

The next step in treatment is to starve the yeast by eating a yeast-free diet. You should avoid refined grains, starchy foods, all different sugars, and products containing vinegar, dairy, alcohol, and mushrooms (they are a type of fungus!). The length of time on the diet depends on the extent of the yeast overgrowth.

Finally, it’s important to reestablish good flora/bacteria in the colon by taking some good quality probiotics. Without these good bacteria you can’t keep the candida in proper balance in your system.

We need to note here that as the overgrowth of yeast dies off the patient may feel worse before he or she feels better. This is a natural response as large amounts of yeast die off in a short time and the body goes through a period of detoxification. Each person’s reaction is different, but exacerbation of your present symptoms may happen along with increased gas, bloating, and passage of mucus with your stool. Hang in there! Your body is simply preparing itself to get better by getting rid of the toxins.

For a case history and more information on this subject, read the article “Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? The cure may be more basic than you think.”

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Transcript:

Hi, everybody. I’m Brianna, and I work here with Dr. Marcantel as her receptionist. I’m just talking about the journey I’ve had with Dr. Marcantel for my medical issues.

When I first came here I was eighteen years old and I had a whole bunch of symptoms that I didn’t even know were medical issues. I was very forgetful, all the time forgetting what I was saying in the middle of a sentence. I had really unpredictable menstrual cycles and really bad cramping. I would get sick all the time with colds. I had really freezing hands and feet all the time.

I started working with Dr. Marcantel and one day I was just talking to her about how I was feeling and she suggested that I get my blood tested and also suggested doing a hormone test because she suspected that there were some issues going on there. So I did that–I got my blood tested and a salivary hormone test and she found out that I have a thyroid imbalance and also a hormone imbalance.

She put me on natural thyroid medication and bioidentical hormones which I’m currently on today and ever since I’ve been on those everything, I would say all the symptoms have decreased by 90% and it’s so much better. I have much more energy–even like today, I’m a little bit sleepy, but I have much more energy. Heart palpitations–don’t have those any more. My hands and feet aren’t very cold–just a tiny bit. I’m also sleeping better. That’s another symptom I forgot to mention; I thought that was just my “teenage ways,” but that’s better. Cramping’s not really a problem any more. I’ve got regular menstrual cycles, so that’s really good. The sugar cravings are still there, but not as strong as they were.

My memory is much, much better. Also I don’t ache any more. I have some neck problems, but I used to ache in my wrists. I thought it was because I played violin, but I don’t think that’s what it was. Also, my emotions–I think that’s the number one thing that’s improved with me that I can tell. My family can tell, and people who don’t even know me can tell that I’m more upbeat and just…not crazy!

When people say, “Oh, Brianna, I feel like my old self again,” and “I feel so great,” I think, “Oh, that’s great!” I can share in these stories with them, but I can’t share that same line of, “I feel like my old self again” because I’ve never felt like this–ever. I feel so great. Even my parents notice a huge difference in me. It’s great–it’s awesome, and I just can’t be any more thankful.

Can you relate to Brianna’s story? For more details on her symptoms and treatment, read her complete testimonial here.

Systemic enzymes can be a good natural alternative to some pharmaceutical drugs for controlling chronic pain, promoting healing, and boosting the immune system.  Dr. Tina Marcantel is a naturopathic doctor practicing in Gilbert, Arizona. Other East Valley cities she serves are Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, and the greater Phoenix area.

papain enzyme

An enzyme is a biocatalyst that either begins a reaction or causes a reaction to speed up. They cause the chemical reactions for many of our body functions. As we all know, our bodies change as we grow older, and one of those changes is decreased enzyme production. Therefore, we need to supplement these vital proteins as we grow older.

When referring to enzymatic supplements, it’s important to distinguish between those used as digestive and systemic aids.

Digestive enzymes are taken orally with food in order to help break down food for improved digestion.

Systemic enzymes are taken orally in between meals. It is important not to take them with food so that they can be absorbed in substantial quantities into the blood. These can be helpful in a number of ways:

*They help to rid the body of toxins by assisting the liver in detoxification reactions. The detoxification reactions in the liver are a beneficial cleansing for the entire body.

*They help your body reduce inflammation, thus decreasing swelling and pain. Inflammation is the cause of pain in arthritis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries like muscle sprains, sciatica, and chronic back pain. Systemic enzymes are a healthy alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

For more information on pain management, including clinical trial reports anda case study, read Dr. Marcantel’s article “Systemic Enzyme Therapy for Pain.”

*They help fight viruses by eating away at the virus’s protein shell. I have seen it work well for the common cold and sinusitis caused by viruses. This is a much healthier alternative to antibiotics if the health problem is caused by a virus.

*They help maintain a normal blood flow by helping to prevent blood clots and platelet aggregations within blood vessels.

*They speed healing and increase our body’s defense mechanisms by modulating our immune system. Enzymes increase binding to cytokines and have a very powerful influence on immune cells.

There have been many clinical research studies done that show the effectiveness of systemic enzymes in these areas. In my practice I have seen good results with
their use in helping to control chronic pain and as a treatment for rhinitis and sinusitis.

An important thing to note is that professional protocol systemic enzymes are only available through health care professionals. As always, before beginning the use of these supplements you should be evaluated as a candidate for this treatment and it is extremely important to be aware of any potential interactions among the various medications being taken. Always keep the your primary care physician apprised of all the supplements being introduced into your treatment program.

See “pain management through enzyme therapy and acupuncture”

Hormones in our bodies are made in different quantities during the various phases of our lives. As we age it is common for the levels of some of these hormones to become deficient. As a woman enters perimenopause and then menopause (which may occur naturally or as the result of a hysterectomy), certain hormones–particularly estrogen–are produced in lower levels by the body. This lack of hormones can result in troubling symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, vaginal dryness, sleep difficulties, irritability, and unexplained weight gain.

Problems with conventional HRT

For many years the accepted medical treatment for menopausal symptoms was hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In traditional HRT, synthetic estrogen is prescribed to try to alleviate symptoms. HRT was widely prescribed until a few years ago, but in 2002, findings from a large study called the Women’s Health Initiative raised concerns about its safety and side effects. Researchers found increased risks for serious health problems. Women who were taking estrogen alone had an increased risk for stroke and blood clots, while women who had taken a combination of estrogen and progestin for several years were at greater risk for such things as heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, and blood clots.

Why “bioidentical” hormones?

In seeking a safer alternative to synthetic hormone replacement therapy,an increasing number of women and their doctors are turning to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Bioidentical hormones are made from soy and yam extracts that are changed in a lab to have the same molecular structure as the hormones your body produces. Because they are more natural our bodies can metabolize them as they were designed to do, minimizing side effects. (For more on this subject, read my article “Oprah Talks About Bioidentical Hormones.”)

A treatment plan specifically designed for YOU

There are specific symptoms that hormone deficiency and hormone excessexhibit. Together we’ll sort through these symptoms to help you get the best individualized treatment available for you. A good starting point for assessing hormonal status is to measure estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol levels. This testing can be done using either saliva or blood samples; I prefer to use the saliva test.

It’s important to note that there are several natural approaches that can be taken to alleviate symptoms of menopause, including changes in diet, stress reduction, and exercise routines. After doing a comprehensive assessment, I’ll work with you to determine if bioidentical hormones are also appropriate for your situation. If it is, I will prescribe the necessary dosages of bioidentical hormones to begin your treatment program. I’ll then closely monitor your progress, working with you to optimize your response to the therapy and minimize any potential side effects of the treatment.

by Dr. Tina Marcantel

The use of systemic enzyme therapy can be a good natural alternative to some pharmaceutical drugs for controlling pain, promoting healing, and boosting the immune system. Dr. Tina Marcantel is a naturopathic doctor in Mesa, Arizona, who also serves the East Valley cities of Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, and Queen Creek.

ENZYME THERAPY CASE STUDY:

Treatment for pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis using systemic enzyme therapy.

Mary is a thirty-four year old woman. Her chief complaint was warmth, redness, and swelling of the joints of the hands, finger joints, and feet for the past six months. Four months before seeing me, she had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis by a rheumatologist. She had been taking NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen approximately five months. She was taking two aspirin tablets (325 mg per tab) four times per day, but was recently advised to increase the dosage for sufficient pain relief. She was also told by her doctor that she would be placed on stronger drugs for pain in the future. Mary was looking for an alternative therapy for pain relief and inflammation.

papain enzyme

I started Mary on systemic proteolytic enzymes administered orally 2 caps 3 times per day, 1-2 hours away from meals. I had her stay on this dose for approximately three weeks then reduced the enzymes to 1 cap 2-3 times per day for a maintenance dose to control pain and inflammation. (Tip: Patients sometimes have trouble remembering to take the doses an hour after and an hour before eating. To increase compliancy I always tell them to take a dose first thing when they wake up and just before they go to bed—then they only have to actually “plan” one more dose during the day.)

In conjunction with enzyme therapy I gave Mary ten weeks of acupuncture for pain control (one treatment per week). We also did a food sensitivity panel and eliminated those foods that may have contributed to the inflammation.

Results:

After ten weeks of treatments Mary reported that she no longer used aspirin or ibuprofen regularly as before. She only needed NSAIDs approximately two doses per week compared to four doses per day. Pain and swelling of the joints had decreased by 70%.

I did not see Mary in my office until six months later. She had been on the maintenance dosage of systemic enzymes, taking 1 cap 2 times/day since I last saw her. Her pain was slowly starting to increase. I told her to begin again using the enzymes 2 caps 3 times/day for 10 days, then once again to return to the maintenance dose. Four weeks after this visit I had a telephone conference with her and she reported improvement with a 70-80% decrease in pain and swelling.

Another reported benefit from the systemic enzymes for Mary was relief from chronic sinusitis from seasonal allergies. She was both surprised and relieved by this anti-inflammatory effect the enzymes had on her sinusitis.

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Go to Dr. Marcantel’s Natural Pain Management Program

by Dr. Tina Marcantel

The use of systemic enzyme therapy can be a good natural alternative to some pharmaceutical drugs for controlling pain, promoting healing, and boosting the immune system. Dr. Tina Marcantel is a naturopathic doctor in Gilbert, Arizona, who also serves the East Valley cities of Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Apache Junction, and Queen Creek.

This article originally appeared in the July issue of Naturopathic Doctor News and Review.

Pain is one of the most common and challenging complaints doctors are called upon to treat. Most of our patients present with some type of chronic pain from long-term illnesses such as fibromyalgia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or back injuries; many may also complain of acute pain from sports injuries or trauma from accidents. In my practice I have found that the use of systemic enzyme therapy can be a good natural alternative to some pharmaceutical drugs for controlling pain, promoting healing, and boosting the immune system.

When referring to enzymatic supplements, it’s important to distinguish between those used as digestive and systemic aids. Digestive enzymes are taken orally with food in order to help break down food for improved digestion. Systemic enzymes are taken orally in between meals. The timing of the medication is a crucial component of its success: the medication must be taken one hour or more before or after eating to obtain its full systemic effectiveness to reduce inflammation and pain. This way the enzymes can be absorbed in substantial quantities into the blood to promote the desired effects.

Research has shown that inflammation is usually a component of pain. By reducing inflammation in the affected area, pain is often alleviated in patients presenting with such complaints as arthritis, sciatica, and chronic back pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen used for this purpose are known to have ill effects on the liver, kidneys, stomach, and intestines, and the use of proteolytic enzymes offers a healthier alternative to these drugs.

In one double-blind clinical trial, 73 patients with painful gonarthritis received three weeks of systemic enzyme therapy with an oral enzyme preparation containing bromelain, trypsin, and rutin, or the NSAID diclofenac. The effects were measured using the Lequesne index measuring pain and function of the affected knee. The researchers found that “the Lequesne index improved continuously in both groups: from 13.56 at baseline to 3.10 after 3 weeks (end of therapy) to 2.05 at 7 weeks (follow-up) in the enzyme group, and from 14.04 to 3.50 to 2.24, respectively, in the diclofenac group. Statistical evaluation showed the treatment groups to be equivalent.” The conclusion of the study states that, “oral enzymes may be considered an effective and safe alternative to NSAIDs such as diclofenac in the treatment of painful gonarthritis.”*

The use of systemic enzyme therapy can break down proteins in the body that can cause scar tissue and inflammation, thus decreasing inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with sports injuries like muscle sprains. This treatment has also been found to be effective in speeding wound healing. A 2004 study tested the use of an oral nutritional supplement containing proteolytic enzymes to determine its effect on soft-tissue healing times. “Twenty-six normal, healthy volunteers…were subjected to a 3-mm forearm biopsy and randomly received a placebo or oral supplement (four capsules per day for 7 days). After a 2-week washout period, a second biopsy was performed to start phase II, with each subject receiving the respective placebo or supplement capsules.” Wound healing was analyzed through digital photographs and measurements. Of the 22 patients who completed the trial, “…17 subjects had improved wound healing and five subjects did not respond or responded only slightly to the supplement treatment.” The resulting 17% acceleration of wound-healing was statistically significant. The authors concluded that the supplement being studied, “modulates the wound-healing process and suggests that many patients with minor soft-tissue wounds may benefit from treatment.”**

Click on this link to read a case study by Dr. Marcantel concerning this therapy.

Some proteolytic enzymes aid the body’s defense mechanisms by modulating the immune system because they exhibit an increased binding of several very important cytokines (hormone-like molecules that have a powerful influence on immune cells).

Another benefit of systemic enzyme therapy is that it can help maintain blood circulation throughout the body by breaking down blood clots and platelet aggregations within blood vessels.

Two important ingredients that may be included in systemic enzyme therapy blends are bromelain and papain. Bromelain is a protease derived from the pineapple plant and its actions help to prevent swelling and edema, to promote smooth muscle relaxation, to inhibit platelet aggregation, and to enhance antibiotic absorption. Papain, derived from the Carica papaya, is effective for the reduction of edema and inflammation and cytotoxin binding. It is also noted for the acceleration of wound healing.

As with any type of medication or supplement, systemic enzyme therapy should be monitored by a physician and assessed regularly for changes in appropriate dosages. The physician and patient should also be aware of any potential interactions among various medications being taken, particularly any type of drugs or botanicals that have anti-coagulant effects (see sidebar). It is also very important to get a thorough history before prescribing enzymes. In my clinical experience I have found that patients with gastrointestinal inflammation or ulcers may experience an adverse reaction to the treatment.

References:

*Klein, G. and Kullich, W. “Short-Term Treatment of Painful Osteoarthritis of the Knee with Oral Enzymes: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study versus Diclofenac.” Original research article. Clinical Drug Investigation. 19(1): 15-23, January 2000.

**Brown, S. A., PhD., etal “Oral Nutritional Supplementation Accelerates Skin Wound Healing: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Arm, Crossover Study.” Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 114(1): 237-244, July 2004.

by Dr. Tina Marcantel

Pain management through a combination of systemic enzyme therapy and acupuncture can be an effective natural treatment method for both chronic and acute pain. Dr. Tina Marcantel is a naturopathic physician practicing in Gilbert, Arizona, and serving Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, and the greater Phoenix area.

The American Pain Foundation (APF) has called pain a national healthcare crisis. More than 50 million Americans are suffering from chronic pain and another 25 million are dealing with acute pain.

Chronic pain can include back pain, arthritis, muscle strain, carpel tunnel syndrome, and pain from chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus.

Acute pain can be caused by injury from sports (such as sprained ankles) or trauma from accidents.

More and more research has shown that inflammation is usually a component of pain. The signs of inflammation are swelling, pain, warmth, and redness in the affected area. (On a related note, many of my diabetic patients come to me with diagnoses of bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis. High blood sugars can add to the inflammatory process, producing pain.)

I have experienced an increased success rate in pain management (both chronic and acute) by using a combination of acupuncture and systemic proteolytic enzyme therapy.

In Chinese medicine, pain is considered to be caused by blocked energy channels. When channels are blocked, the energy cannot flow and pain is the result. Acupuncture stimulates the natural flow of energy by unblocking these channels to decrease pain and restore balance in the body.

 

The use of systemic enzyme therapy with both acute and chronic pain has also proved to be successful in my practice. The use of specific enzymes can break down proteins in the body that can cause scar tissue and inflammation. These enzymes are made of a combination of plant-derived proteolytic enzymes that are effective in reducing swelling and inflammation, thus reducing pain.

Pain management through systemic enzyme therapy is a healthier alternative to drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen and prescribed medications. Because enzymes are natural substances that are used to promote chemical reactions in the body, the body processes them naturally. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen are known to have ill effects on the liver, kidneys, stomach, and intestines.

A crucial component to the effectiveness of enzyme therapy is the timing of the medication. Because the desired effect of the enzyme is systemic and not digestive, the enzyme must not be taken with food. The medication must be taken one hour before or after eating to obtain its full systemic effectiveness to reduce inflammation and pain.

A note of caution: blood thinners such as coumadin are contraindicated with the use of systemic enzyme therapy. That is why it is always important to keep your health care providers informed of all medications and dietary supplements you are taking. (See my article on “Herbal Remedies: What Every Consumer Should Know.”)

Systemic enzyme therapy can be obtained only from a licensed medical practitioner and the patient should be monitored and assessed regularly for changes in appropriate dosage.