Nattokinase for Blood Pressure and Clot Risk Reduction (And Other Foods/Supplements for Blood Pressure Reduction)
Nattokinase is a proven treatment for multiple health conditions and has been used for centuries in Japan. (Add red yeast rice?)
This is not medical advice!
I write many articles where I provide my opinion. I am not a doctor; I am a respiratory therapist. I’ve spent decades researching alternatives to our failed healthcare system, so these topics are of great interest to me. Please do your own research before jumping into these alternative therapies. That said, I believe nattokinase is one of the most important nutritional supplements a person can take, especially in our new world full of lab-borne spike proteins.
High blood pressure puts you at risk of heart attack, stroke, and aneurysms. I always try to use natural products/foods whenever I can in an effort to avoid pharmaceuticals.
What is Nattokinase?
Nattokinase is a potent enzyme derived from the traditional Japanese food natto, which is made from fermented soybeans. The enzyme is known for its ability to dissolve blood clots and improve blood circulation. Nattokinase is a protease enzyme, specifically a fibrinolytic enzyme, which means it helps break down fibrin, a protein involved in clot formation. Importantly, nattokinase is NOT a blood thinner, so a person taking it should not have an elevated risk of bleeding.
Nattokinase has been used in traditional Japanese medicine for centuries due to its potential health benefits. It is believed to have originated from a bacterium called Bacillus subtilis, which is naturally present in the fermentation process of natto.
In 1980, Chicago University researcher Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi examined foods for their ability to treat blood clots. After 173 attempts, he accidentally stumbled across an enzyme in natto, which broke down blood clots in a petri dish. Enzymes are proteins that can enhance chemical reactions. Here, the enzyme dissolved blood clots in about 18 hours. He named the enzyme Nattokinase.
It’s Good For Just About Anything!
Natto promotes plasmin, an enzyme the body produces to break down fibrin, or fibrinogen, preventing a potential blood clot. Blood clots can happen anywhere in the body, leading to deep vein thrombosis, heart attacks (DVT), or strokes. A blood clot forms when a protein, fibrin, builds up in the artery, forming structures resembling fishing nets and catching the blood cells. This blockage can then starve the cells of oxygen. Nattokinase helps prevent these conditions by enhancing the body’s natural ability to dissolve blood clots and improve blood flow.
Nattokinase for High Blood Pressure
Studies indicate that nattokinase can be a weapon in your arsenal for combatting high blood pressure. One study says, “In conclusion, nattokinase supplementation resulted in a reduction in SBP (systolic blood pressure-the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart is contracting) and DBP (diastolic blood pressure-the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart is relaxed between beats). These findings suggest that increased intake of nattokinase may play an important role in preventing and treating hypertension.” Take a look at the study by clicking here.
Another study says, “The data suggest that nattokinase consumption in a North American population is associated with beneficial changes to BP in a hypertensive population, indicating sex-specific mechanisms of action of nattokinase’s effect on vWF and hypertension.” Click here to look at this study.
And yet another study says, “Importantly, NK simultaneously effects several key favourable benefits for thrombosis, hypertension, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidaemia, platelet aggregation, and neuroprotection in patients with CVD. These multiple benefits to patients make the role of NK very unique in the prevention and treatment of CVD with reduced side effects commonly associated with conventional CVD drugs.” Click here to check out this study.
Nattokinase the Clot Buster
By now, most people have heard about using nattokinase for the treatment of covid injection injuries, but I believe we could all benefit. Whether it be from the shot, a prior covid infection, or from shedding, we are all at an elevated risk of ‘dying suddenly.’ Thanks government! A study from 2017 says, “Nattokinase exhibits exceptionally potent fibrinolytic activity.” Fibrinolytic is a fancy way of saying it prevents clots. Take a look at this study by clicking here.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study from 2008 (Ninomiya, 2008) used a highly potent form of nattokinase known as NSK-SD. The study involved 60 subjects taking Warfarin and receiving either nattokinase NSK-SD (1,700-3,400 F.U./daily) or a placebo for 26 weeks. No adverse effects occurred when taking NSK-SD nattokinase. The rate of change for APTT and PT blood measures on Warfarin + Nattokinase subjects achieved target values closer to ideal, compared to those taking Warfarin + placebo. In other words, nattokinase NSK-SD works synergistically with Warfarin. NSK-SD nattokinase has Vitamin K2 removed. Take a look at the study by clicking here.
Nattokinase Blocks the Spike Protein
The abstract of a study done by Weng, Yao et al says, “SARS-CoV-2 has a spike protein (S protein), and cleavage of the S protein is essential for viral entry. Nattokinase is produced by Bacillus subtilis var. natto and is beneficial to human health. In this study, we examined the effect of nattokinase on the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. When cell lysates transfected with S protein were incubated with nattokinase, the S protein was degraded in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that S protein on the cell surface was degraded when nattokinase was added to the culture medium. Thus, our findings suggest that nattokinase exhibits potential for the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection via S protein degradation.”
Nattokinase in combination with red yeast rice!
What the heck is red yeast rice, you ask? I had the same question when I stumbled upon a study discussing its use in combination with nattokinase. Well, per the ‘googlewebs,’ Red yeast rice (RYR) is a traditional Chinese medicine and dietary supplement derived from the fermentation of rice with the fungus Monascus purpureus. It has been used for centuries in Chinese cuisine as a natural food coloring and flavoring agent.
Properties and Benefits:
Contains monacolins, which are similar to statin drugs and may help lower cholesterol levels.
May improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.
May have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Uses
Primarily used as a dietary supplement to reduce cholesterol and improve heart health.
May also be used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat digestive issues, high blood pressure, and other conditions.
Safety
Generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts.
May cause side effects such as stomach upset, headache, and muscle pain in some individuals.
Can interact with certain medications, including statins and blood thinners.
Conclusion:
Red yeast rice is a traditional Chinese medicine and dietary supplement with potential health benefits, particularly related to cholesterol reduction. However, it is important to note that it may cause side effects and interact with certain medications, so it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using it.
Here is the conclusion from the study I am referencing.
In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that combined supplementation of NK and RYR for 3 months was more effective in improving cardiometabolic parameters than using NK or RYR alone, or using standard management strategies alone, in patients with stable CAD. The combined supplementation showed an advantage in anti-coagulation activities from increased antithrombin concentration, and down-regulating COX-1 related vasoconstriction apart from aspirin use, suggesting its promising potential for thrombosis prevention. The supplementation regimen with concurrent heart medication use was considered safe in our research. More studies are warranted to confirm the dose and time-related effectiveness and safety of NK and RYR, either alone or combined, in patients with existing cardiovascular complications, and to explore the mechanism through which the supplementation could exert antithrombotic effects.
Other Foods for Blood Pressure Reduction
The following is from an article by Dr. Axe
1. Pomegranate Juice
While most traditional fruit juices are laden with processed sugar and practically devoid of useful nutrients, 100 percent pomegranate juice is one of the healthiest juices on the planet.
One of the most desirable benefits of pomegranate juice is its ability to lower blood pressure naturally. The science is in: Pomegranate juice has major blood pressure-lowering ability, both in short—and long-term studies.
It has also been tested for its ability to reduce blood pressure in patients with diabetes, patients undergoing kidney dialysis, and those with carotid artery disease, all with the same successful results.
2. Spinach
We’ve all known for a long time that spinach is a crazy healthy food that helps seriously reduce disease-causing inflammation. Its awesome antioxidants make it on this list of foods that lower blood pressure.
3. Coriander
A subject of relatively new research, coriander has been used traditionally for years to treat several conditions.
In 2009, a revolutionary study began attempting to define what exactly coriander can do. Researchers found it exhibited several positive benefits, including a hypotensive (blood-pressure lowering) effect.
4. Pistachios
Pistachios are not just a snack anymore; their nutrition is crucial for heart health.
Nuts tend to positively affect lowering blood pressure as a group, but when compared to other types of nuts, pistachio came out on top. Pistachios are on the list of foods that lower blood pressure, even for those suffering from high cholesterol.
5. Beetroot Juice
Beets have various benefits, from maintaining a healthy sex drive to blood detoxification. Their juice, beetroot juice, has been used since the Middle Ages to treat various conditions.
However, beetroot juice is not just a folk remedy—it has been the subject of extensive scientific research for its health benefits, not least of which is its ability to lower blood pressure.
Beetroot juice significantly reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Interestingly, it has a more immediate hypotensive effect than cooked beets.
In overweight and obese subjects past middle age, the effects are not as noticeable, at least in the short term.
6. Olive Oil
Since Bible times, olive oil has been regarded as one of the healthiest staple foods, especially in areas such as the blue zones. It’s a standard part of the Mediterranean Diet, a well-known diet associated with longer life spans and fewer instances of common diseases (like heart disease).
This antioxidant-rich, delicious cooking oil can be used in so many recipes, and that’s a good thing because it’s a food that lowers blood pressure. A 2015 scientific review conducted in Spain even found that “virgin olive oil significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease clinical events,” suggesting that it’s good for the heart on a much broader level than just high blood pressure.
Olive oil is a healthy fat to include in your diet, though you need to be careful because much of the olive oil on supermarket shelves has been adulterated with seed oils.
7. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is perhaps the most controversial item on the list of foods that lower blood pressure. One reason for the controversy is how commonly dark chocolate is available, combined with a considerable amount of sugar.
When you can find dark chocolate that isn’t totally soaked in unnecessary sugar, enjoy it. It’s great for your heart.
Some small studies disagree, but when tested on a large scale, dark chocolate consistently correlates with a lowered risk of high blood pressure (30). This is most significant in larger populations with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions associated with dangerous health issues, including stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.
The best results when working to lower blood pressure by eating dark chocolate will always come from chocolate high in flavonols (sometimes called “flavonoids”), specific phytochemicals that act as antioxidants. Even though this isn’t something you’ll find on a label, you can get close by looking for organic chocolate that lists a high amount of “cocoa solids” (somewhere close to 80 percent is best).
8. Flax Seed
Possibly due to the beneficial omega-3s found in flax seed, it ranks on this list of best foods that lower blood pressure. It can even lower blood pressure in patients who have already developed peripheral artery disease, a common condition hallmarked by fatty deposits and calcium buildup within artery walls.
The best results have been found when flaxseed is consumed regularly for over 12 weeks. Scientists have been so impressed by these transformations that a 2013 study in Canada said that “flaxseed induced one of the most potent antihypertensive effects achieved by a dietary intervention.”
9. Celery
You probably know by now that you burn more calories eating celery than you consume, but did you know it’s good for high blood pressure? Every time you eat celery, its nutrients help to keep high blood pressure in check.
It’s interesting to note that at least one study found that cooked celery had more blood pressure-lowering potential than raw.
10. Tomatoes
This most popular berry/veggie, laden with the heart-healthy nutrient lycopene, has been shown to significantly lower high blood pressure, sometimes rendering drug treatments completely unnecessary.
The best hypotensive effects of the tomato will be found when eaten raw.
11. Purple Potatoes
Trying to make sure you get a wide variety of colors in your diet? You’ll probably enjoy trying out the vibrant purple potato. Loaded with antioxidants (including anthocyanin pigments that give this sweet potato its color), purple potatoes help significantly lower blood pressure.
12. Sesame Oil
With the exceptions of olive, coconut and sesame oil, I generally try to stay away from vegetable oils. However, the oil of sesame seeds has been popular in ancient medicines for millennia and has some serious heart-healthy properties.
Sesame seed oil lowers blood pressure and helps protect against cardiac hypertrophy, a thickening of the heart muscle usually caused by high blood pressure. A lot of research focuses on sesame oil’s ability to increase potassium levels while decreasing sodium in the blood.
These effects seem to apply in both the short and long term, so cooking with sesame oil on a regular basis may help protect against high blood pressure in the first place.
13. Hibiscus Tea
Another slightly controversial item on my list is hibiscus tea. This tart herbal tea contains many antioxidants and has been found to effectively decrease blood pressure, including in patients with diabetes.
Unlike most of the foods mentioned above, there are a few minor risks to consider when consuming hibiscus tea, although it’s generally recognized as safe. There is some evidence that at extremely high doses, hibiscus tea could potentially interfere with some liver functions.
Because it is extremely effective in lowering blood pressure, it is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or patients taking certain medications, including diabetes medications, high blood pressure medications, and chloroquine (used to treat malaria).
My husband, an integrative cardiologist, has been prescribing this along with Red Yeast Rice (Vinci is the best) for many years. See his website for an in-depth discussion. www.heartfixer.com Look under supplements. Sadly, mainstream cardiology knows or cares nothing for this.
Red Yeast rice is a Mycotoxin. Does terrible damage. Don’t touch red rice yeast!!!! Almost as bad as statins themselves. I don’t do Natto because some of us cannot do soy - even fermented. I wrote a substack article here on Nattokinase and other soy derived supplements. Lumbrokinase and Serrapeptase are good alternatives.