Enzyme therapy – treatment, effect and risks

The term enzyme therapy or systemic enzyme therapy refers to a naturopathic therapeutic method in which enzyme preparations are taken to treat various diseases.

Enzymes are proteins that are normally produced by the body itself and that influence biochemical reactions. The vital substances, also known as biocatalysts, have a reaction-accelerating or slowing-down effect. How essential the chemical substances are for the organism is shown by the example of illnesses caused by an enzyme defect, such as metabolic disorders and fructose intolerance (allergy to fruit sugar).

The enzyme therapy has a diverse effect, which has been confirmed for most areas of application by various clinical studies. The treatment method goes back to the German scientist Max Wolf, who used isolated animal and plant enzymes to curb tumor growth for the first time in 1939.

application and function

Enzyme therapy is suitable for various areas of application, since enzymes are fundamentally involved in all processes in the body. This affects not only all metabolic processes, but also the activity of the immune system. The biocatalysts used in systemic enzyme treatment not only influence the immune system by even supporting conventional cancer therapy with its radiation and chemotherapy.Enzymes such as bromelain dissolve blood clots and, thanks to their blood-thinning properties, effectively prevent thrombosis and phlebitis . Papain promotes wound healing processes, relieves pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect, so the patient can use it to treat his rheumatic disease.

The enzyme is also helpful in other autoimmune diseases . With its antibacterial qualities, it also supports people with respiratory diseases and infections . Trypsin and chymotrypsin have a positive effect on digestion. In addition, the enzymes have decongestant properties and can thus contribute to the reduction of edema .

They are just as helpful in degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis as they are in multiple sclerosis . In cancer therapy, medicine uses them primarily to reduce the side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy . They strengthen the immune system of the cancer patient and have a positive effect on tumor growth and the formation of metastases (bromelain).

methods and procedures

There is only one method of enzyme therapy. Since the naturopathic treatment method works systemically, i.e. it affects the entire body, no further procedure is required. In cancer therapy, not only one enzyme is usually administered in the form of a ready-to-use preparation, but also means with enzyme combinations – for the sake of the more comprehensive therapeutic effect.

The protein-splitting proteolytic enzymes bromelain (isolated from the ground pineapple stalk), papain (from the juice of unripe papayas), trypsin and chymotrypsin ( pancreas enzyme in pigs and cattle) are used.

What does the patient have to consider?

Before starting systemic enzyme therapy, the patient should definitely consult the doctor treating him – even if the enzymes used are harmless. People with severe liver dysfunction, restricted kidney function and impaired blood clotting only carry out their enzyme therapy – if at all – under the supervision of their doctor. He determines the combination of enzymes and the amount of the daily dose.

The method is not suitable for sick people who eat a vegan or vegetarian diet, since preparations with plant enzymes and those with animal enzymes have to be combined in order to be more effective.

The patient should note that while enzymes do not consume themselves, they have a limited lifespan. When their important task in the body is finished and they no longer function as intended, they are decomposed by other enzymes. Transporter proteins carry their biochemical residues via the blood and lymph into the urinary tract, through which they are then excreted. The supplied enzymes communicate optimally with those already present in the body.

process and implementation

Only enzymes isolated from plants and animal organs that are suitable for the relevant medical indication are used in the form of coated tablets, tablets or capsules. They are taken with some liquid 60 to 90 minutes before a meal. In some cases they are also injected. The finished preparations are available in pharmacies without a prescription.

Since the enzymes supplied are initially passive, like those produced by the body itself, they need certain other enzymes in order to be able to optimally fulfill their tasks in the human organism. Sometimes coenzymes are also necessary. These are structurally incomplete substances (auxiliary enzymes) that support the activity of the biocatalysts and are broken down in the process.

To ensure that the body always has enough coenzymes available, the user of the enzyme treatment should ensure that he or she is consuming enough vitamins, minerals and trace elements. The body builds coenzymes from them. It is therefore recommended to cover the need for vital substances with a diet rich in raw foods. This can be done with several servings of fruit and vegetables per day.

However, they should not be consumed together with high-protein foods such as meat, dairy products, eggs or fish, because otherwise they will only reach the body where they are needed in small quantities. In the drugs used for enzyme therapy, the active ingredients are combined with the flavonoid rutoside. It intensifies the anti-inflammatory effect of the enzymes and also has a positive effect on the blood vessels.

Self-service or health insurance – who bears the costs?

The costs of the enzyme therapy must always be borne by the patient himself, since the statutory and private health insurance companies do not consider the treatment method to be immediately necessary, despite its effectiveness, which has been proven in studies. Cancer patients also have to finance their supplementary enzyme treatment themselves.

Risks, dangers and complications

In some cases, patients undergoing systemic enzyme therapy may experience gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea , abdominal pain , bloating , vomiting and nausea .

Allergic reactions to one or more ingredients also occur occasionally. The patient should note that the enzymes have a strong blood-thinning effect because they promote fibrin degradation. Patients who are taking anticoagulants should therefore avoid enzyme therapy.