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High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, and medications are often the go-to for doctors with patients who want to get their hypertension under control.
Nattokinase, an enzyme derived from the fermentation of soybeans, is a natural alternative to better blood pressure markers and improved blood circulation. It’s also a well-documented response to clot-forming proteins that raise your blood pressure and heart disease risk.
We’ll dive into the science behind nattokinase’s blood pressure-lowering effects and ideal dosage recommendations to help you reach your heart health goals in a more natural way.
Dosage
Nattokinase is a supplement, so dosage recommendations can vary depending on your health goals, age, and existing conditions. (The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, doesn’t provide dosage guidance for any supplements.)
Most studies out there gave participants the equivalent of 2,000-4,000 fibrinolytic units (FU) daily. These units measure the ability of enzymes in the supplement to break down fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation. (1) Basically, it’s a way to express the potency of nattokinase.
Nattokinase supplements generally come in capsules of 2,000 FU to be taken once or twice daily, but some may benefit from a higher dose. (2) That’s especially true if they’re trying to get existing conditions, like hypertension, under control.
One clinical study of patients at risk of heart disease found big improvements in lipid profiles and a slower progression of arterial plaque at 10,800 FU per day. (3)
Flow | Nattokinase (10,800 FU)
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Toku Flow is a daily supplement with 10,800 FU for cardiovascular support. It combines nattokinase with vitamin K2 and beta-glucan to optimize your blood pressure without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.As far as when to take nattokinase, it’s important to be consistent for maximum health benefits. Some who take it to lower blood pressure like taking it on an empty stomach for better absorption. Others like it before bed to boost circulation and promote better blood flow overnight.
When choosing a brand, look for supplements that list efficacy using FU over milligrams. Avoid supplements with unwanted additives.
Precautions and Considerations
You should always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or making significant changes to your diet. If you’re already on medications for your blood pressure or have been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder, talk to your doctor before taking nattokinase.
Nattokinase may interact with certain medications or potentially enhance the effects of blood thinners, anticoagulants, and antihypertensives. (4) This could lead to side effects like excessive bleeding or unanticipated drops in blood pressure, causing dizziness or fatigue.
Other possible side effects include allergic reactions, mild stomach upset, or nausea. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should talk to their doctor before taking nattokinase. Due to its anti-clotting effects, the supplement isn’t recommended in the weeks before scheduled surgeries.
As with any new supplement, it’s important to be mindful of how your body reacts to your new regimen. Know your baselines and monitor your blood pressure regularly. With consistent use, studies show that you should start seeing improved health markers around the 8-week mark. (5)
How Natto Impacts Blood Pressure
Much of what we love about nattokinase starts with its clot-dissolving properties and effects on fibrin. We’ve mentioned fibrin already, but here’s the biggest thing you need to take away about the protein: Blood clots are made up primarily of platelets and fibrin.
Nattokinase is a serine protease derived from natto, a fermented Japanese food made with soybeans and the bacterium Bacillus subtilis natto. (6) These enzymes break down proteins using the amino acid serine.
On top of playing a key role in blood clotting and fibrin breakdown, the enzymes are essential to digestion and immune responses, too.
In Japan, natto is treated as an antioxidant and superfood. Researchers have embraced it for its fibrinolytic activity, or ability to break down both fibrinogen and fibrin.
Thanks to its effects on clot-forming proteins, nattokinase enhances blood flow and supports a healthy vascular system. As a result, natto and nattokinase supplements target the main cause of poor heart health, supporting a significant reduction of bad outcomes.
Let’s talk more specifically about blood pressure.
Studies show the effects of nattokinase inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). (7) Much like ACE inhibitors in drug form, nattokinase has an effect on enzymes in the body that make angiotensin 2. This lowers your blood pressure overall and keeps blood vessels from constricting to dangerous levels.
In the short term, nattokinase may improve circulation by reducing your blood viscosity and preventing your platelets, or blood cells, from clumping together and forming clots.
While great for wound healing, too much aggregation can lead to harmful clots and increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis.
Studies show that reducing clot risk and improving blood flow affect both diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure. (8)
In the long term, regular nattokinase supplementation can mean sustained improvements in vascular health and a reduced risk of hypertension-related complications. That includes stroke and cardiovascular disease.
Unlike conventional hypertension drugs, dietary supplements like nattokinase offer a natural approach to blood pressure control without severe adverse effects for most individuals.
The Takeaway
Incorporating nattokinase into your routine can offer a more natural way to better blood pressure control without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. It’s also an effective way to support a healthy heart before you start showing symptoms of hypertension.
Nattokinase is a promising option for a more holistic, empowering approach to your heart health. If you’re dealing with spiking blood pressure, talk to your doctor about whether you should try supplementation with nattokinase before starting medications.
The same is true if you have a family history of hypertension. You can use nattokinase in a preventative way to keep your blood pressure balanced in a more sustainable way.
Sources
FAQs
What causes high blood pressure (hypertension)?
Hypertension results from the increased force of blood against your artery walls. For many, there is no obvious cause, but diet, exercise, stress, smoking, and genetics can all play a role in your risk of developing high blood pressure. Some people are sensitive to sodium, for example, a well-studied dietary cause of hypertension risk. (9)
Chronic health conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances can also contribute. Left untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of bad heart outcomes and stroke.
How does nattokinase support cardiovascular health?
Nattokinase supports cardiovascular health by breaking down fibrin, reducing your risk of blood clots, and improving circulation.
Clinical trials show that supplementation supports improvements across a variety of cardiovascular risk biometrics, including improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and atherosclerosis markers.
