Follow on Twitter
Join us on Facebook
Sinusitis
I have taken serrapeptase for a few months and it worked very well to reduce my sinusitis. I am curious if you are aware of any side effects of taking this enzyme?
Serrapeptase (Serratio Peptidase) is a proteolytic enzyme produced in the intestines of the silk worm to break down the cocoon walls. It is commercially produced and used for the digestion of non-living tissue, blood clots, cysts, arterial plaque and inflammation in all forms. It is an enzyme which reduces inflammation by breaking down fibrinogen (proteins) and plaques. It is an alternative to Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) which are commonly used to treat arthritis and inflammation. NSAIDs have been found to cause a lot of adverse effects such as stomach inflammation, ulcers, bleeding and kidney and liver impairment. Serrapeptase has been in use for over 25 years and according to a number of sources appears to contain no major side effects.
It does appear that Serrapeptase aims to treat the symptoms of inflammation. Traditional healers such as Naturopaths and Traditional Chinese medicine aim to find the cause of disharmony within the body. An ancient Chinese analogy states that symptoms are merely the leaves of disease and in order to acheive true harmony one must discover the roots of the illness. Sinusitis for instance is a symptom of an underlying condition that is causing this inflammation. One example is a weak lining of the digestive tract can allow larger than optimum particles of food to enter the blood system. These particles are considered by the body to be foreign and therefore create an allergic reaction which can manifest as sinusitis. It is interesting to note that the nasal and sinus cavities are actually the top terminus of the digestive tract.
Diet tips to reduce sinusitis
- Increase water intake (at least 2 litres/ day). Include herbal teas also such as Marshmallow, Echinacea, Ginger, Lemon, Elecampagne, Licorice and Rosehip and Fenugreek
- Begin each day with a warm lemon juice drink as it cleansing to the digestion, nasal cavity and sinuses. Squeeze half a lemon in warm water, you may even like to add a teaspoon of Manuka Honey and grated ginger to this
- Increase sulphur rich foods in your diet such as onions and garlic as these help to break down congestion. Also increase Chilli, Horseradish and Turmeric as these are also anti-inflammatory in action and will help to break down congestion also
- Reduce acid forming foods such as dairy, wheat, sugar, alcohol, red meats, preserved and processed foods and deep fried foods
- Consume more garlic, ginger, onions, tumeric and chilli
- Increase alkalizing foods such as miso soup, vegetable juices, barley grass and barley soup, lemon juice, brown rice plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, grains and sprouts
- Have a vegetable juice each day such as carrot, tomato, celery, ginger and beetroot
Lifestyle factors for sinusitis
- Address digestive function, liver detoxification and immunity
- Speak to your healthcare professional about an allergy test and reduce an foods you may be allergic to. Common allergen foods which contribute to sinusitis are dairy, wheat, oranges and bee products
- Steam inhalations help to reduce congestion in the airways. In a large bowl almost fill it with boiling water and add drops of pure essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Wintergreen, Tea Tree or Cajuput in the water, put a towel over your head and lean into the bowl. Inhale the vapours for about ten minutes, do this process three times
- Gently massage the area along the eyebrows, alongside the nose and cheek bones. You may find tender spots here, if you do just hold the pressure for 10 seconds, this helps to break up the congestion and disperse it
- Buy a neti pot (from your local health food store) and fill it with water or sea water to help clear the sinuses
Natural remedies for sinusitis
- Strengthen the digestive system with slippery elm powder, glutamine and aloe vera juice
- Vitamin C and bioflavinoid (quercetin) are beneficial for not only increasing immunity but also reducing inflammation and the sensitivity of the immune cells and mucus membranes which contribute to congestion and allergic responses
- Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory
- Probiotics may help to recorrect any bowel flora troubles which contribute to lymphatic congestion
- Herbs which may be of assistance such as Fenugreek, Rosehips, Albizzia, Marshmallow and Garlic