A couple of days ago there was some more discussion of nattokinase for helping lower the blood pressure spike many people are seeing after Covid or unfortunately having taken the vaxx. Some here, including RAC and TradeBait2 have had success with it, and I take it daily for general cardiovascular health.
Today, I talked to another man I know who had the shots (sick wife, long story) and had a high blood pressure episode two weeks ago that put him in the emergency room. He was already on Losartan, but it failed to keep his pressure down. He was in the 200/170 range, stroke territory.
I recommended that he try nattokinase, as I mentioned here in comments a few days ago. His pressure dropped 20 points within a few days. It’s now been a week on the natto. His pressure this morning was down 60 points, and in the normal range!
Gail Combs posted this information about nattokinase a few days ago:
Nattokinase | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Nattokinase is an extracelluar enzyme secreted by the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, used to ferment boiled or steamed soybeans resulting in a preparation called nattō. Nattō has been consumed as food in Japan for several centuries. Nattokinase is also available as a supplement and is most known for its effects on prevention and treatment of clots and to improve blood circulation.
Nattokinase may help prevent clot formation and reduce blood pressure. It has not been tested as a cancer treatment in humans.
Nattokinase is an enzyme produced from nattō, a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans fermented with the bacterium, Bacillus subtilis. Lab studies suggest it can break down fibrin in the blood that forms clots or affect some factors that characterize Alzheimer’s disease. Human studies are limited, and suggest nattokinase may reduce high blood pressure. Although nattokinase has been promoted as an alternative anticancer treatment, clinical studies have not been conducted.
Nattokinase may increase the risk of bleeding in patients when used with blood-thinning drugs….
I know this is anecdotal information, but I think it is fantastic! Nattokinase is natural and much less likely to have side effects than a pharmaceutical, so if you have high blood pressure issues, from Covid, clot-shot, or otherwise, you might want to take a good look at the research and try it!
I took my first dose last night. I’m not even going to look for a week….
Yes, I would wait. Nothing is immediate. And with herbs and natural supplements, the action is much more gentle and gradual than pharmaceuticals.
I was shocked by how fast the natto worked on my friend. That was amazing. I hope you get similar results.
That’s how it has worked for us with natural – slowly over time we see much better results. Have a physical coming up in late March – interested in seeing the results.
Yes, definitely! Don’t forget to have a vitamin D test. The doctors usually won’t order that one automatically, you have to ask.
I am going to add this PubMed Research paper so we have that information here too.
Nattokinase: An Oral Antithrombotic Agent for the Preventionof Cardiovascular Disease
Thank you, Gail! We can always count on you!
Looking forward to how this works out for ya.
OK, having given this some thought, I’m going full TMI.
For years, my BP Rx has been (daily):
5mg amlodopine (Norvasc) (calcium channel blocker) (allows blood vessels to leak fluid)
40mg lisinopril (ACE inhibitor) (relaxes walls of blood vessels)
12.5mg hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (diuretic)
These dosages were found by trial and error to be effective with minimal side effects.
My PCP has decided to cut off refills in an attempt to force me into revenue-enhancing actions. She probably has the full support of her medical group for this. I have also found most medical practices in the area to be unwilling to prescribe more than 90 days of anything without a doctor authorizing a refill — which, obviously thwarts prepping.
I’m currently taking 525mg dandelion root and 1740mg nettle leaf to replace the HCTZ, which seems to be fine. I’m using Nature’s Way brand because they are nice enough to make their tiny print somewhat legible.
Tonight is the last of my stash of lisinopril. I’ve been rationing it out in hopes of easing any changeover. I started taking blackseed oil about 10 days ago, 1500mg per day (“HealthLogics”). I started with the nattokinase yesterday, 2000 FUs (yes, really — they say fibrinolytic units) from Doctor’s Best). I’ll also be taking 510mg of hawthorn berry (NW).
I’m willing to go with the “kitchen sink” approach to BP reduction because I’m more concerned with side effects than hypotension — in college, my resting BP was 95/60….which, rather than “blood pressure”, is more appropriately described as “blood seep.” A couple of decades in accounting fixed that.
Any comments or suggestions are welcome.
One thing to be sure to do is drink plenty of water. Sounds simple, but as you are using a diuretic, you need to. My DH was on BP meds for years before meeting little ole me and getting off them. He discovered that if he drank more water, his pressure went down.
Hawthorn is excellent for cardiovascular health. The best I know of for that, generally. Good one.
Do you like garlic? Raw garlic, especially, in your daily diet is very good for blood pressure. If you can’t take it raw, cooked is ok. I put raw garlic in my salad dressings just before I put them on salad.
Also, you may never make it back down to 95/60, but you don’t have to. A bit higher blood pressure is to be expected with aging. Doctors tell you different because they are selling drugs. Like that guy on the corner with the Cadillac and the fancy shoes.
Monitor your BP daily and keep us updated! I am anxious to hear how you do with the nattokinase added in.
I have generally monitored hydration by monitoring output color. Right now, this going from straw to orange and back throughout the day. I’m kind o’ concerned about pushing that button too hard at the moment because frequency seems to be uncommonly high.
Should I boost the hawthorn? The manufacturer’s recommendation is for 3x what I’m taking.
I doubt that I have a lack of dietary garlic.
I’m not seeking anything under 120/80. 95/60 has problems of its own. I just happen to know that it’s quite survivable.
My plan is to spot-check the BP until I feel like it’s getting under control….because I can’t put the cuff on without getting pissed-off at the joke of a medical system we have now. It seems to have peaked at about 175/105 and it’s more like 160/100 now.
Yeah, you still have to get that down.
Hoping strongly the NK works for you!!!
I’m likely to get a nice gain when I stop allowing these medical jackwads to annoy me so much, no matter how overweight I am or what drugs I am deprived of or herbals I take.
I found getting OFF CARBOHYDRATES, Sugar and starch esp WHEAT reduced my diastolic blood pressure very gradually. From the response I think it ‘cleaned out’ the blood vessels. If I stay away from the carbs it stays pretty constant on the 75 to 85 range
My potassium/ sodium balance seems to regulate my systolic blood pressure. If I eat salt it spikes to 170 for about three days before the sodium clears and my blood pressure heads back to 125-135
Drinking caffeine makes me excrete potassium to the point I get muscle cramps.
Co-Q-10 is supposed to help the blood vessels BTW.
I am now trying Black seed oil YUCK!
Zen is best 🙂
You urinate a lot because of the diuretic nature of the dandelion root, most likely. I drink a lot of fluids and have to go pretty frequently. I’m just grateful for the high kidney function! A good rule of thumb for water consumption is half your weight in ounces per day.
Some of the “straw to orange” could be from your vitamins. B and C vitamins can do that.
You can probably safely take more Hawthorn.
FWIW my wife just came off the same 5g Amlodipine with zero issues. She has a prescription for Clonidine she maintains for spikes, but has only had to use it once since she came off the Amlodipine and it was when we had Omicron.
Do what Aubergine posts here. She is spot on in our experience. I have been going with the vitamins/supplements we discuss on here really well. I am on no prescription meds. My wife struggled with and has ratcheted down her cholesterol and BP with water, diet improvements, losing weight, Young Living essential oils/supplements, and taking a multi vitamin along with Calcium and D3. She’s now off prescription meds at 73 years old. She corresponds with the founder of Young Living, who is a licensed physician who quit her practice, who confirms the natural methods we are using.
The amlodipine has always been a pain-in-the-tuchis. The last time I had a doctor that I remotely trusted, he wanted to double it — but it went straight to my ankles as edema. The bulk of my Rx BP control has been carried by the lisinopril (which, for the first couple of years, was ramipril….which is the better stuff).
I’ve been taking three Rxs for about five years. Then, when the Bitch Doctor decides to ramrod me, which does she cut? The one that causes me the most difficulty (she renewed the other two).
Incidentally, all the “-ipril” ACE2 drugs are refinements from the venom of the Brazilian tree viper…..and with this ports congestion issue, shipping Brazilian tree vipers is next to impossible.
Thanks TB, for the affirmation! Sounds like you guys are doing great!
Medical wise, clueless here.
Stockpile script meds, I do.
Every time I pick up a 90 script, I mark the calendar 80 days out.
Occasionally have a 30 day script. They get fill at 25 days.
Presently have 9-12 months supply of nearly all scripts DW and I use.
Scripts change, I generally don’t toss old meds. At some point I do get rid of them. If dose went down could potentially cut the pills. Dose goes up, I could figure it out. This is ALL in the prepper realm. hopefully we’ll never get there.
Local Sheriff and do gooder group have “pill turn in” quarterly at local Smith’s. they also little bags pills can be put in with water and some crap in the bag. Neutralizes the meds.
Appreciate the information.
I see Swanson, Wally World online and Amazon carry Nattokinase.
The link above indicated to not take it if already taking daily aspirin. I take the 81mg baby aspirin. So, when I see the quack next, I’ll inquire about Nattokinase. Perhaps stopping the 81mg in favor of Nattokinase.
If I get on Nattokinase and BP goes down, I may be able to stop one or both BP meds I take. Hell, I was actually off BP meds for awhile. Then the twin Grandsons, then 6yo, joined us permanatly.
Will be interesting what quack says. Will post if it seems to be of interest to folks here.
Thanks.
Thank you! I would love to hear what your doc has to say!
Twin boys. Wow. I raised two, but not the same age. That’s a lot. Good for you!
Oh my. Twin 6 year old grandsons permanently? We have an 8 and a 5 year old grandson who we occasionally keep or just visit with several times per week. I cannot imagine taking them on full time. But I know we would do it if we needed to – a grandparent’s love for grandchildren cannot be matched. Y’all are special people to take them on like that.
Yes. Permanently. It’s a long story. Court took them from bitch mother in 2013. One is autistic. Their Dad, my son, joined us later after getting out of a contractor thing in Afghanistan. He covers their share of the expenses. But, financially they are unable to step out on their own.
At this point we are a safety net of sorts. Adults while Dad is at work… Maybe my BP will get under control again. 🙂
We do what we have to, to protect young children. Shit that happens is NOT the youngsters fault.
So true, they do not ask for their circumstances. You are doing a great thing.
Our 8 year old grandson is attached to our hips. For the first two years of his life we kept him about 5 days a week while our daughter/husband worked (12 hour shifts for both) and he had several physical developmental issues to work on. So we took him to therapy twice per week on a 40 minute drive one way. The bond has never changed. We are his safety net and just melts our hearts. He has overcome everything except some sensory issues and mild silent seizures. The doc believes he will grow out of the seizures as he becomes a teenager. He is doing well in school and loves it, so that helps.
Your grandkids will always remember what you did for them, usually more so than your own kids.
Appreciate all your thoughts and your stepping up for Grandson.
Your closing sentence rings true.
Yes. They sure do remember. I do. I adored my grandmothers, both of them.
While they were probably permanently twin grandsons, I doubt they were permanently six years old.
Lol! True!
Yes, thankfully they are maturing.
Teenagers. Fifteen in June.
One knows everything there is to know. A good kid, I still calibrate as needed.
The other, the autistic one, tries hard, is a challenge AND totally a great guy.
For a youngster between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five, it’s amazing how much wisdom and intelligence his ancestors gain!
You’ve got your own lift — teach ’em how to be auto mechanics!!!
Yea, they join me with hands on projects. Hand tools, power tools, painting (large shed), etc. Nothing big, but they get their hands a bit dirty.
The one with a few more of life’s challenges, can be quite inquisitive and gets into it a bit. He voluntarily did 90% of a tonneau cover installation. All I did was splain what to do, and was the second person where two were required.
Your autistic guy may do a lot better with hands on trade/activity.
https://www.trade-schools.net/articles/jobs-for-autistic-people
Appreciate the link. Link bookmarked and sent to his Dad.
Have thought a trade of sorts likely his niche in life.
GOOD! Please keep up his ‘training’ and question answering. It is quite possible some trade will be the love of his life.
I know it’s occasionally a pain, but you have no idea how much I envy you.
Beauty shots of natto —
https://foodinjapan.org/kanto/ibaraki/natto/
On the other hand, 30% of Japanese found natto unpleasant, but half of those eat it anyway — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natt%C5%8D
I don’t like some vegetables, but if they appear on my plate, I just choke them down first! Gotta eat the healthy stuff, like it or not!
Love it!
I of course prefer any food-based or plant-based medicine to a pharmaceutical.
I used to believe that “modern medicine” was “mostly good.” Now I believe the opposite.
Any pharmaceutical product has to have been in use for twenty+ years before I will even consider it now.
Thanks for posting this, Aubergine! I ordered some nattokinase right after that discussion we had the other day and am waiting for it to get here. I was pretty concerned when I went to give blood that my BP was 150 over something. It is normally around 110-112. One question, though: when your blood pressure drops down to normal after taking the natto, does it keep going down if you keep taking it, or does it stop when your body gets to a good place? I’m going to monitor it, but am just wondering how that works.
Coothie, my normal BP until I was in my 40s was 100/50. Doctors used to tell me how great that was. Then I got diagnosed as hypothyroid. Once that was under control, it went up to 110/60 and I actually felt a whole lot better. (I’ve known that most doctors are quacks a lot longer than the past 2 years).
I am totally with you — I have a bunch of behaviors that are meant to get me rolling. I could probably drop my BP if I just jelled.
A couple of examples — I caffeinate every morning with tea. I could probably lower the BP if I just stayed in bed. In addition, I am now supplementing my iodine for my thyroid in order to feel more perky. Low BP for the sake of low BP is not real health.
Linda, I don’t think your blood pressure will drop below a healthy normal for you with nattokinase, but you should monitor it to be sure. I take some supplements daily, and some less frequently based on how I am reacting to them, so you may need it less once you stabilize.
I have had really low blood pressure when I was young, too. A little higher is normal and better as we age I think.
Thanks, Aubergine! That’s what I was hoping to hear. I’ll definitely monitor it as I go.
🙂
This ^
Virtually everything I read or hear from natural and traditional medical folks is that a little higher BP is normal for many people and that it will also be a bit higher as we age. JMO, it’s the other blood markers compared to it with cholesterol readings that tells the more complete story of what you should be doing and how you supplement.
I tend to have low to normal BP subject to my weight., which is usually also tied to my fitness. I also have a low resting heart rate of 50-54 normally. When overweight, that moves up to 57-60. When I am in better shape, it has even dropped into the upper 40’s. My wife thinks I may be dying during those times. 😀
Sitting quietly mine dropped from 67 to 39.🙂 If I am not moving it is in the 40s.
You are in great condition. I guess from hauling all this feed sacks around. 😀
Lol! You are healthy!
Anybody have specific brand recommendations?
I personally like NOW brand supplements generally.
NOW Foods | Vitamins | Supplements | Essential Oils
Award-Winning Testing
Nattokinase 100 mg Veg Capsules60 for $30 & 120 for $50
https://www.nowfoods.com/products/supplements/nattokinase-100-mg-veg-capsules
Thanks 👍🏻