Japanese fermented soy supplement can nutritionally reduce DVT risk
Long distance travel has become part and parcel of modern-day life as a result of increasingly affordable flights to far flung locations. However, not everyone is aware of the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) caused by the combination of physical inactivity on plane journeys and the low pressure found in an airplane cabin. In fact, the more physically immobile or restricted we are, the greater our risk of these blood clots, which is why DVT is often referred to as "Economy Class Syndrome". In fact, it is estimated that the risk of DVT increases by three to five times for flights over four hours! Overall, just one long haul fight a year will increase our yearly risk of DVT by 12%. These risks are also applicable to long car and coach journeys, where we are forced to be still for long periods of time. It is also a concern for anyone with raised cholesterol and an unhealthy heart and blood vessels.
What is most alarming is that these statistics represent only the tip of the iceberg. DVT actually kills more than 25,000 hospital patients each year in England alone because of their bed-ridden inactivity, so thrombosis is not only a risk factor in those travelling or with sedentary life-styles. The number of deaths linked to blood clots still accounts for one in 10 of all those in hospitals in the UK. England's chief medical officer said in 2007 there was "significant room for improvement" in preventing blood clots. DVT is a serious threat to health, and a risk that all of us would be wise to take measures to reduce. Many people take aspirin to thin the blood, but aspirin is not without side-effects, especially in regular users as it can damage the stomach lining and may affect the kidneys. It also has limited efficacy in the venous system.
However, a study devised by Professor Belcaro, a specialist in vascular health, demonstrated that the natural product NKCP NattoTabs, which is widely used in Japan, is more effective than aspirin and does not have any side-effects: a group of 50 high-risk subjects flying long haul took three tablets daily of NKCP NattoTabs three days before flying and one day after the trip (total of 5 days). Only 2.3% suffered a thrombotic episode in comparison with a 3.6% occurrence in the group taking aspirin. Furthermore no gastrointestinal side-effects were observed. NKCP NattoTabs has shown – both in-vitro and in vivo - a high efficacy in blocking the origin of the thrombotic events and in increasing the speed of lysis when thrombi – particularly those in the venous part of the circulation – are present.
This natural food extract simply supports our blood's natural control mechanisms to remain at top efficiency, and as one would expect from a food, it has no effect on normal blood coagulation. This makes NattoTabs an extremely safe supplement to take for helping our bodies maintain optimum blood flow. NattoTabs contains an enzyme extracted from a Japanese delicacy called natto — fermented soybeans renowned for over 2000 years for their health-giving properties, especially their support of the cardiovascular system. It is especially advisable to take NattoTabs before flying if you fall into a high risk group – if you have a cardiovascular condition, are over-weight, aged over 40 or especially tall or short (as short legs in a seat cannot touch the ground so easily which puts pressure on the back of the thigh which causes blood-flow restrictions.) Additionally, if you are taking the contraceptive pill, are on HRT or are pregnant, these factors also pose a greater risk of succumbing to a DVT. It is always advisable for everyone to take sensible precautions whilst flying, such as walking around the aircraft, drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol.
A further study by Dr Belcaro also confirms that NKCP NattoTabs proves valuable when women in a high-thrombotic risk group are on HRT. HRT is known to brief relief to many menopausal women and also reduces fracture risk, however, women are often denied HRT due to the risk of thrombosis, especially as the anticoagulants which might reduce that risk have their own side-effects. Thirty four women with previous episodes of DVT were given NKCP NattoTabs while initiating HRT for 4 months and at the end of this period, no DVT or any other acute cardiovascular, thrombotic episode was observed. Also no pulmonary embolisms (veins and potential thromboses evaluated by ultrasound) was observed during the treatment period and no side effects were seen. Historical reference with comparable patients indicate that a thrombotic (arterial or venous) event, may occur in some 10-15% of these subjects in a period of 6 months following the beginning of HRT.
Thrombosis from DVT and PE (pulmonary embolisms) kills more people each year than the deaths from breast cancer, Aids, road accidents and MRSA combined. It is the most common cause of preventable hospital death and adequate protection from thrombosis could cause thousands of lives each year. The traditional Japanese food Natto has been used safely for over 1000 years. The potent fibrinolytic enzyme nattokinase appears to be safe based upon the long-term traditional use of this food. It has a wide application for use and is without any side-effects.
