Fibromyalgia sufferers may experience pain as a result of hypercoagulation (thickened blood) that can lead to poor circulation due to an excess buildup of fibrin.  Fibrin is a whitish, insoluble protein that makes up a blood clot when promoted by thrombin, a key clot promoter.

In otherwise healthy individuals, one burst of thrombin should generate enough fibrin to form an actual clot in the event of an injury.  However, those with fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions may continuously generate low thrombin levels that can result in hypercoagulation and pain as circulation slows.        

Reducing fibrin with the use of systemic enzyme therapy may be an alternative to taking blood thinning and pain relieving medications for those who do suffer from fibromyalgia.   

What is the role of fibrin in fibromyalgia?

Research from the late 1990s reveals that many patients with chronic disease may have an underlying coagulation defect contributing to their symptoms.  When tissues don’t receive sufficient blood, the cells are starved for oxygen and nutrients. Pain can result, as in headache or fibromyalgia.   

In the case of fibromyalgia, fibrin (a stiff protein) forms a meshwork, or screen that slows blood flow to the cells. This interferes with cell function and cell-to-cell communications leading to the accumulation of additional forms of protein debris. Therefore, the symptoms of fibromyalgia can respond well to treatments that are aimed at clearing protein debris. [1]   

Fibromyalgia sufferers may experience pain as a result of excess fibrin when promoted by thrombin, a key clot promoter.  In otherwise healthy individuals, one burst of thrombin should generate enough fibrin to form an actual clot in the event of an injury.  However, those with fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions may continuously generate low thrombin levels that can result in increased fibrin and pain as circulation slows.    

Reducing fibrin with the use of systemic enzyme therapy may be an alternative to taking blood thinning and pain relieving medications for those who do suffer from fibromyalgia.

How Vitalzym can help

Vitalzym can help relieve a variety of fibromyalgia related symptoms by addressing many of the underlying causes.

These symptoms include:

• Pain and Stiffness
• Fatigue
• Poor Circulation
• Digestive Troubles
• Irritable Bowel / Bladder

Vitalzym can also be a safer alternative to many prescription and over the counter pain relievers that may cause undesirable side effects, which is the last thing a fibromyalgia sufferer needs.

Vitalzym contains enzymes such as protease and serrapeptase, which are well-known for their proteolytic (excess protein clearing) properties. Proteolytic enzymes break down excess fibrin in your circulatory system and in other connective tissue, such as your muscles – helping to remove the meshwork that slows blood flow to the cells.   

If the rate of protein (fibrin) accumulation exceeds the rate of breakdown, the microcirculatory system gets clogged and flow decreases. This stagnation of protein debris promotes fibrosis in the muscles and other soft tissues. Combine this with slowed blood flow and the results are widespread pain and chronic fatigue.   

Vitalzym can help fibromyalgia sufferers by:   

• Acting as an anti-inflammatory agent
• Regulating the immune system
• Increasing circulation
• Reducing fibrosis
• Removing toxins and impurities in the blood
• Reducing viral loads

These enzymes also bring nutrients and oxygen-rich blood that remove the metabolic waste produced by inflammation and excess fibrin. This alone can bring tremendous relief to fibromyalgia sufferers.  

Additionally, researchers are beginning to believe that there is a strong autoimmune component connected to fibromyalgia syndrome. Interestingly enough, systemic enzyme therapy has an excellent track record regarding the treatment of various autoimmune diseases. In addition to reducing inflammation, regulating immunity, and reducing excess fibrin, serrapeptase has a profound ability to reduce pain due to its ability to block the release of pain-inducing amines from inflamed tissues.  

References

1. Hypercoagulation, Protein Accumulation, and Fibromyalgia; Keith Berndtson, M.D.; Illinois MultiMed

Good news chocoholics, it turns out that this tasty little treat is good for your heart.  According to an Italian study, dark chocolate has the potential to significantly reduce the inflammation that leads to cardiovascular disease.  

“Studies have shown that heart benefits from dark chocolate include increased blood flow, less platelet stickiness and clotting, and improved LDL (bad) cholesterol,” says Mary Engler, PhD, RN, and chocolate researcher from the University of California, San Francisco. 

Mary claims eating a small 1.6 ounce bar of dark chocolate every day is good for you after the longest clinical trial to date showed improvement in blood vessel function from consuming flavonoid-rich dark chocolate daily over an extended period of time.  What chocolate lover would argue with that science?

A Japanese study suggests that dark chocolate can improve blood flow to the heart muscle.  This is a very important finding since improvement in coronary blood flow lessens the risk of angina and heart attack, claims Yumi Shiina, PhD, of Chiba University in Chiba, Japan. 

The researchers measured an indicator that determines the ability of the coronary arteries to dilate and allow more blood flow to the heart muscle tissue.  After two weeks, coronary circulation significantly improved in participants who ate dark chocolate.  There was no change in participants who ate white chocolate. 

Dark chocolate retains a higher flavonoid content than milk chocolate with low flavonoids, or white chocolate, which does not contain flavonoids at all.  Flavonoids are antioxidants, and have been found to be responsible for chocolates heart health benefits.  When the body lacks adequate levels of antioxidants, free radical damage can result and lead to increased LDL-cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) oxidation and plaque formation on arterial walls. 

Additional antioxidant capabilities from flavonoids also:

• Are believed to help reduce platelet aggregation
• May affect the relaxation capabilities of blood vessels
• May positively affect the balance of certain compounds that are thought to benefit the heart

There are factors to consider when consuming chocolate to help benefit the heart, as some forms of chocolate are more ideal over others.  For example, most commercial chocolates have been over processed via fermentation, alkalizing, and roasting, which reduces the flavonoid content. Therefore, the higher the cocoa content, the better.  It is also a good idea to skip sugar and fat laden dark chocolate products containing chewy caramel and marshmallows, as they are not considered heart-healthy options.  

John Hopkins Medicine states, “when choosing dark chocolates, opt for the more expensive ones, as they usually have higher levels of flavonoids. Specifically, buy bittersweet chocolate with at least 60 percent cocoa content.”

At this point in time there are no prescriptions for chocolate, but there are varying thoughts as to how much dark chocolate one may need to eat in order to gain heart protective benefits.  For example, two studies have shown that a 1.4 to 1.6 ounce dark chocolate bar with a high cocoa content daily has contributed to cardiovascular health. 

“Eating a little bit of chocolate or having a drink of hot cocoa as part of a regular diet is probably good for personal health, so long as people don’t eat too much of it, and too much of the kind with lots of butter and sugar,” says Diane Becker, M.P.H., Sc.D., a professor at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health.  It is important to remember while a little dark chocolate is good, a lot is not better, as chocolate is still high in calories.  

When choosing a chocolate product find those with:

• Less calories
• Less Sugar
• Less butter fat
• More cocoa content

Chocolate addicts offer sweet heart lesson

Cocoa in Chocolate May Be Good for the Heart

Chocolate “Offenders” Teach Science A Sweet Lesson

Over the past 2 decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the scientific study and public interest in omega-3 fatty acids and the positive impact they may have on our health. These special omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic, and anti-thrombotic properties.Omega 3’s can be helpful for conditions such as arthritis by reducing stiffness, inflammation, and joint pain.  They can also help support a healthy cardiovascular system by thinning the blood, dilating blood vessels, and supporting healthy blood pressure.  

Read Our Article

Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids: Balancing the Good Fats

Essential Fatty Acid Basics

Omega 3 fatty acids are considered “essential” because they cannot be manufactured within the body.  Therefore, they must be obtained from food sources, such as fish, plant, and nut oils.  We need them for our bodies to work normally. Because essential fatty acids (ALA, DHA, EPA) are not made in the body or are inefficiently converted from ALA to EPA and DHA, we need to get them from food.

Symptoms of omega 3 fatty acid deficiency includes:

• Extreme tiredness
• Poor memory
• Dry skin
• Heart problems
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Poor circulation

Omega-3s have a number of reported health benefits. They can help reduce inflammation throughout the body — in the blood vessels, the joints, and elsewhere. Omega-3 supplements (EPA/DHA) also seem to thin the blood and aid cell function.

There are several types of omega-3 fatty acids. However, the two most crucial ones EPA and DHA — are primarily found in certain fish. Plants like flax contain ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is partially converted into DHA and EPA in the body.  Experts say that DHA and EPA — from fish and fish oil — have better established health benefits than ALA. DHA and EPA are found togetheronly in fatty fish and algae; while flaxseed and plant sources of omega-3s provide ALA — a precursor to EPA and DHA, and a source of energy.

Additionally, EPA and DHA are the building blocks for hormones that control immune function, blood clotting, and cell growth.  Furthermore, extensive research has shown that omega 3 fatty acids help reduce risk factors associated with chronic diseases, such as arthritis and heart disease.

Source:  WebMD

Omega 3’s and Cardiovascular Health

Evidence is steadily accumulating indicating that omega 3 fatty acids found in fish help decrease the risk of coronary heart disease.  In fact, the Nurses’ health study and the Physician’s health study are two large, long-term observational studies that have been published regarding dietary intake omega-3-fatty acids and the risk of heart disease and sudden cardiac death:

Nurses’ Health Study -  This study began in 1976.   More than 80,000 female nurses completed life style and diet questionnaires.  Then, they were monitored for 16 years for the development of coronary heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acid consumption was calculated from the questionnaires. The results of the study showed that compared to women who rarely ate fish (less than one fish meal per month), women who ate fish once a week had a 29% lower risk of developing coronary heart disease. Those who ate fish five times a week had a 34% reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease and a 45% reduction in the risk of death from heart disease (usually sudden cardiac death). 1

Physicians Health Study – The Physician’s health study began in 1982 when more than 20,000 healthy male physicians were followed for 11 years. Life style, coronary risk factors and diet data were collected at entry, and life style and diet data were collected via questionnaires at 12 months and 18 months. The results of the study showed that men who consumed one or more fish meals per week had a 50% lower risk of developing sudden cardiac death than men who rarely ate fish (less than one fish meal per month). 2

According to WebMD, “Omega-3 fatty acids appear to lower the overall risk of death from heart disease.  Fish oil may reduce arrhythmias, and people who take omega-3 supplements after a heart attack cut their risk of having another heart attack.  Eating fish once or twice a week seems to significantly lower the risk of stroke.”

Omega 3’s and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmunedisease, characterized by inflammation of the synovial lining of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis may also affect other organs of the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs and heart.

Omega 3’s have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body, thereby, offering relief to those who suffer from inflammatory joint conditions. 

The majority of clinical studies that have investigated the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for inflammatory joint conditions have focused primarily on rheumatoid arthritis. These studies have concluded that omega-3 fatty acid supplements help reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis.  Additionally, laboratory studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids may benefit people with other inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis. 3, 4

The Physician’s Desk Reference for Nutritional Supplements suggests that a “daily ingestion of at least 3 grams of EPA and DHA mixtures of a period of 12 weeks or longer has been found to reduce the number of tender joints and amount of morning stiffness in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis.  Those with rheumatoid arthritis consuming these supplements have been report to lower or discontinue use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.”

Further Reading

Diet, atherosclerosis, and fish oil.

N-3 fatty acids from fish oil. Effects on plasma lipoproteins and hypertriglyceridemic patients.

Low levels of cellular omega-3 increase the risk of ventricular fibrillation during the acute ischaemic phase of a myocardial infarction.

Omega-3 fatty acids in rheumatoid arthritis: an overview.

A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain.

Validation of a meta-analysis: the effects of fish oil in rheumatoid arthritis.

References

1.  JAMA vol 287. No.14, p 1815. “Fish and omega-3-fatty acid intake and risk of coronary heart disease in women”.

2.  JAMA 1998, vol 279, p23. The title of the article is “Fish consumption and risk of sudden cardiac death”.

3.  MacLean CH, Mojica WA, Morton SC, et al. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on lipids and glycemic control in type II diabetes and the metabolic syndrome and on inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, renal disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and osteoporosis. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Summ). 2004(89):1-4. 

4. Goldberg RJ, Katz J. A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain. 2007;129(1-2):210-223.

Vitalzym has been reformulated with a technologically advanced delivery system that allows for reduced dosage and vastly increased effectiveness.

Let’s face it; no one likes to take a handful of pills at any given time.  And now, with the new, more potent Vitalzym, you don’t have to. 

This new improved version of Vitalzym still contains the same beneficial enzyme formula that we all know and love.  However, it has been reformulated to increase its fibrinolytic activity to be even more effective against fibrosis conditions, such as uterine fibroid tumors, fibromyalgia, and scar tissue.  It will also be more helpful for inflammatory conditions, as well. 

New Changes Highlighted

• Twice as strong as original Vitalzym
• LESS COST PER DOSE
• Enteric coated for ideal release of active ingredients
• Liquid filled for optimal absorption
• Half the dose of original Vitalzym
• Smaller and more convenient packaging, with flip-top lid
• 100% non-GMO
• Vegetarian
• Completely recyclable packaging

World Nutrition is on the cutting edge of enzyme supplementation. Learn about the new Vitalzym, which offers the highest purity and potency available in a systemic enzyme formula.

Vitalzym Basics for Newbie’s

Vitalzym provides the enzymes needed for each of the millions of biochemical reactions that make life possible. Without enzymes, life could not exist.  As we age, our body’s natural production of enzymes begins to slow down.  Therefore, supplementation with Vitalzym along with proper diet and exercise can help maintain normal enzyme levels and balance your body’s own repair mechanisms.

Vitalzym systemic proteolytic enzyme therapy assists the body in fighting:

• Autoimmune conditions
• Fibromyalgia symptoms
• Uterine Fibroid Tumors – Read My Vitalzym Story
• Inflammation
• Fibrosis of the organs
• Scar tissue
• Toxins and impurities in the blood
• Viruses

Vitalzym is natural. It contains no animal derivatives, artificial flavors, artificial colors, yeast or gluten. Vitalzym is also lactose free and contains no harmful talc.

Enzyme Facts

As we age, our body’s natural production of enzymes begins to slow down.  Some health care professionals believe that our natural production of enzymes starts to decrease after the age of 27. 

Symptoms of low enzyme production can include: 

• Slow wound healing
• Increased scarring
• Poor digestion
• Fibrosis conditions
• Internal inflammation

Dr. Anthony Cichoke, enzyme authority, states in his book, Enzymes and Enzyme Therapy, that “Our body’s ability to function, to repair when injured, and to ward off disease is directly related to the strength and numbers of our enzymes.”

Customer Testimonials

“I have suffered for many years with severe allergies and continual back pain from injuries sustained while serving in the armed forces as a helicopter pilot during the Viet Nam Conflict. I started taking Vitalzym daily in January, and by March all but the mildest symptoms of my allergies have disappeared and I have had no back pain. I can now enjoy playing golf pain free and allergy free. I highly recommend Vitalzym as part of one’s daily nutritional regimen.”
     - Jim H., Arizona

“I am so excited. I have only been using Vitalzym for a month and I can already tell it is working. I bought for fibroid relief, and it is working on so many other things too! Thanks!”
     - Julie E, Kansas

“I wanted to share with you the fact that Vitalzym has given me such tremendous relief from my fibromyalgia symptoms. When I first started taking it I was desperate and in agony. I couldn’t sit, couldn’t lie down, standing hurt, everything hurt. Vitalzym has been the one product that I have found to help with the chronic pain and it wasn’t long after starting to take it that I noticed the pain subsiding. Thank you for offering products for someone like myself who believes in natural treatments before chemical complications.  I highly recommend this product to anyone.”
     - Tami H, North Carolina

“I have had rheumatoid arthritis for a couple of years. I have done my homework and tried many different enzyme products. Vitalzym works best. It helps with my pain and stiffness. I use Vitalzym on a regular basis and wouldn’t be without it. I want to spread the word about Vitalzym.”
     - Carol G., Arizona

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Vitalzym is the clear choice for anyone
wanting to use systemic enzymes

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According to the University professor, Jeffrey Woods, “obese people have higher levels of circulating inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive proteins, which are produced and secreted by fat tissue.  This inflammation then triggers the systemic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.”

 In this study, Woods and his colleagues examined the effects of diet and exercise on the inflammation of belly fat tissue in mice after a high-fat diet was used to induce obesity.  After six weeks, the mice were assigned to a sedentary group, an exercise group, a low-fat diet group, or a group that combined a low-fat diet with exercise.  Maybe people will react differently, but only the sedentary mice got the inflammation that usually results from having big bellies.

 ”The surprise was that the combination of diet and exercise didn””t yield dramatically different and better results than diet or exercise alone,” says Victoria Vieira, a University of Illinois Ph.D. candidate and the study”’’s lead author.

Please note:  Exercise does not take the place of healthy eating habits.  While this study has shown that you may still be able to lose weight even if your diet is high in fat, high-fat diets are known to create a variety of health problems, including diabetes, so be sure to make healthy food choices and get some exercise in the meantime.

Further Reading

Exercise Fights Hidden Body Fat

Exercise May Reduce Belly Fat

Effects of exercise and low-fat diet on adipose tissue inflammation and metabolic complications in obese mice

Enzymes are responsible for everyday bodily processes, such as:

• Metabolism and Digestion
• Breathing and Movement
• Liver function and Cellular detoxification
• Energy production and Stamina
• Immune regulation
• Viscosity of blood

As we age, our body’s natural production of enzymes begins to slow down.  Some health care professionals believe that our natural production of enzymes starts to decrease after the age of 27.  It is not too long after this that many of us begin to notice symptoms of low enzyme production, which can include slow wound healing, increased scarring, poor digestion, fibrosis conditions, and inflammation.

Supplemental enzymes like those in Vitalzym and Vitalzym SEB along with proper diet and exercise can help to maintain your normal enzyme levels and balance your body’s own repair mechanisms.  

• Autoimmune conditions
• Fibromyalgia symptoms
• Uterine Fibroid Tumors – Read My Vitalzym Story
• Inflammation
• Fibrosis of the organs
• Scar tissue
• Toxins and impurities in the blood
• Viruses