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Nattokinase effective for cardiovascular health |
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National Enzyme News
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Written by Bryan Scribner
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Friday, 17 April 2009 |
A new study from Taiwan highlights the cardiovascular benefits of the enzyme nattokinase.
Researchers concluded that the enzyme was effective in reducing coagulation, or blood clotting, and could possibly decrease incidence of cardiovascular disease, according to a story from NutraIngredients.com.
Forty-five participants were given nattokinase for two months. Those at risk for cardiovascular disease and those on dialysis experienced nearly identical results as healthy individuals.
There were no adverse effects from nattokinase supplementation, reports NutraIngredients.com.
Clots and plaque can lead to blockages in blood vessels, and therefore it’s important to improve blood flow to maintain circulatory health. In addition to nattokinase, nutritional ingredients such as garlic bulb and ginkgo leaf are important for vascular maintenance. |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 17 April 2009 )
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Nearly one-third of people experience IBS symptoms |
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National Enzyme News
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Written by Bryan Scribner
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Wednesday, 08 April 2009 |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea, now affects 30 percent of the population, Reuters reports in a mid-March story.
The disorder has many potential causes, including diet, stress, trapped gas, medications, hormonal changes and genetics.
Other causes might include the following:
- An overactive immune response
- Faulty brain-intestinal tract communication
IBS symptoms range from stomach upset to rectal bleeding. The condition also reveals itself in muscle aches, insomnia, irritability, dizziness and trembling. In addition to bleeding, serious IBS warning signs include anemia and a family history of colon cancer.
To learn about possible remedies for the condition, click here.
(Sources: NE Mississippi Daily Journal and WebMD)
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 08 April 2009 )
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Celiac disease, IBS help fuel growth in gluten-free market |
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National Enzyme News
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Written by Bryan Scribner
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Friday, 20 March 2009 |
A new report from Packaged Facts reveals the market for gluten-free products increased 28 percent per year from 2004 to 2008.
Fueling this growth is a surge in the diagnosis of celiac disease, according to a mid-March story from Progressive Grocer. This fall alone, doctors diagnosed about 120,000 celiac cases, up from 40,000 in 2003.
In addition, some health experts associate gluten sensitivity and intolerance with health problems, including autism, multiple sclerosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
In 2008 alone, marketers introduced 225 new gluten-free products. |
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Autistic more likely to have digestive disorders |
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National Enzyme News
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Written by Bryan Scribner
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Wednesday, 11 March 2009 |
Research from Vanderbilt University reveals 30 percent of those with autism experience some type of digestive problem, compared with 10 percent of those without the disorder, according to an early March story from USA Today.
A study from the school suggests that a genetic variation links autism and digestive problems. Study participants had a wide variety of digestive issues, including constipation, diarrhea and ulcers, USA Today reports.
Some alternative health care practitioners believe autism might be connected to gluten intolerance, a condition that exhibits digestive symptoms observed in the Vanderbilt study.
Whether a person is intolerant or sensitive to gluten, the only surefire way to prevent gastrointestinal problems and other symptoms is to avoid the protein. Safe foods include fruits and vegetables, quinoa and rice.
Autistic individuals can support digestive function by taking a digestive enzyme with every meal or snack, as well as a probiotic supplement daily. In a situation where accidental gluten or casein ingestion could occur, it might make sense for intolerant or sensitive individuals to take a digestive enzyme supplement that has DPP IV enzyme activity. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 12 March 2009 )
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