Enzymes at Work - MS Cocktail - Posted by Judy from Ont. - November 1, 2000 More than 25 years ago, Professor Max Wolf, co-author with Karl Ransberger of Enzyme Therapy (Regent House, 1972), told of frequently occurring remissions following enzyme therapy in MS patients.7 In 1973, Professor Tsiminakis from the Institute of Neurology at the University of Athens and Dr. Sedivi from the Hospital of Neurology in Russia reported similarly good results in the treatment of MS with certain enzyme mixtures that included pancreatin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, bromelain, papain, amylase, lipase and the bioflavonoid rutin.7 Because the connection between immune complexes and MS had not been made at that time, Wolf theorized enzymes had an antiviral effect that could be responsible for their success in treating MS. Scientists have since been able to piece the cause and effect together as follows: Immune complexes of a particular size, type and concentration accumulate and damage nerve tissue. Immune complexes can be reduced with orally ingested enzymes that break up proteins.4,8 Research shows that these enzymes stimulate certain white blood cells to break up and clear out the foreign immune complexes.9 It seems logical, then, that progressive myelin deterioration can be interrupted and nerve function loss reversed with enzyme therapy. According to researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, enzyme combinations function as immune system regulators in autoimmune diseases such as MS.10 This theory is circumstantially backed by the personal experience Austria's Neuhofer had with enzyme treatments for MS, which led her to believe the disease's progression could be curtailed using certain enzyme mixtures.11 Her personal improvement was dramatic--particularly the symptoms affecting the eyes, bladder and rectum. This success led her to try the enzymes on patients. Her case studies show improvement in patients' senses and cranial nerves but little influence on spasticity, dizziness, tremors and muscle-coordination problems.7 Enzymes are used to reduce circulating immune complexes, decrease inflammation and stimulate immunity. They are also said to improve circulation, help speed tissue repair, bring nutrients to damaged areas and remove waste products, thereby improving health, strengthening the body and building general resistance. By using enzymes to promote general health and reduce stress on bodily systems, more energy is available for dealing with the effects of MS. Any enzyme treatment plan should be catered to the individual MS patient by a qualified health care provider. Treatment is determined by whether the disease progresses in a stepwise fashion (with intervals of at least four weeks between acute episodes), whether it was initially a stepwise progression that converted to a chronic status (a uniformly developing disorder), and also by which nerves have stopped functioning, and the rate of progression (how advanced it has become since the time of diagnosis). Also important is what drug treatments were used and for how long. Immunosuppressant drugs, such as cortisone- containing medications, influence the degree to which a patient's immune system has been weakened.4 In her studies, Neuhofer found that patients whose conditions continued to deteriorate after initiation of enzyme therapy suffered compromised immune systems.11 There are two phases of treatment: during the flare-up phase, when enzyme dosages and frequency are increased; and the maintenance phase, when dosages and frequency are gradually decreased. The effect of the orally administered and/or injected enzyme mixtures on progressively deteriorating MS patients looks promising. Deterioration is accompanied by an increase in the level of immune complexes. Neuhofer found that enzyme therapy can delay these effects. The results of her clinical studies were meaningful: In one study of 43 patients suffering a stepwise progressive deterioration, 35 exhibited appreciable improvement and, in some cases, the abolition of paralysis.11 Patients in a flare-up phase received either three coated proteolytic enzyme tablets 10 times per day or six tablets five times daily. As symptoms subsided, patients took two tablets 10 times per day as a maintenance dose. Minor adverse effects including gas and loose stools were noted with the highest dosages. Following these initial studies, other doctors have adopted Neuhofer's therapy regime and many have reported similar results. Closer investigation of the cases that did not show improvement reveals that the treatment program required was not accurately followed. For example, when MS progresses stepwise, it is essential that enzyme injections be initiated at the first signs of a new exacerbation. If this is neglected for even a few days, it is impossible to affect the deterioration phase.4,11 Hope for MS Patients At present, the therapeutic goals for treating MS should be to: Alleviate existing symptoms, Stop the episode (if possible), Reduce the number of episodes and Keep the progress of the disease in check. I also encourage patients to discuss with their doctor my "5-Step Jump-Start Enzyme Program." The program includes: Detoxifying with either a temporary fast or juice diet and eliminating food additives, preservatives, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats. Eating a well-balanced diet that eliminates or reduces animal proteins, refined carbohydrates, stimulants, and all processed food and drinks while emphasizing fresh fruits, vegetables and grains. Supplementing with vitamins A, C, D, E and B complex; the minerals magnesium, selenium and zinc; thymus extract; and enzymes bromelain, papain, pancreatin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase and amylase. Exercising daily. Having a positive mental attitude and reducing stress.12 As always, serious medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis should be monitored by a qualified health care provider. Any changes in therapy should be discussed with that care provider. References: 1. The Merck Manual, 16th Ed., Berkow R, Editor. Rahway (NJ): Merck & Co. Inc.; 1992. p 1488. 2. Personal communication. Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Letter dated July 28, 1992. 3. Cichoke A J. Enzymes and Enzyme Therapy: How to Jump Start Your Way to Lifelong Good Health. New Canaan (CT): Keats Publishing Inc.; 1994. 4. Glenk W, Neu S. Enzyme die bausteine des lebens wie sie wirken. Helfen und Heilen, Munich (Germany): Wilhelm Heyne Verlag; 1990. 5. Neuhofer C. Multiple sclerosis: treatment with enzyme preparations. First International Conference on Systemic Enzyme Therapy, Klagenfurt, Austria: Mucos Pharma GmbH and Co., 1990 Sep 12. 6. Baumhackl U. Systemic enzyme therapy, current position and recent advances. 17th Symposium, St. Polten, Vienna: Mucos Pharma GmbH and Co., 1991 Dec 7. 7. Ransberger K, van Schaik W. Enzymtherapie bei multipler sklerose. Der Kassenarz 1986 Oct:41;41-5. 8. Dasgupta MK, et al. Circulating immune complexes in multiple sclerosis; relation with disease activity. Neurology 1982: 32;1000-4. 9. Bonney RJ, Davies P. Possible autoregulatory functions of the secretory products of mononuclear phagocytes. In Adams DO, Hanna GM, Editors. Macrophage Activation, Volume 13. New York: Plenum Press;1984. p 198-219. 10. Lehmann PV, et al. Spreading of T cell autoimmunity to cryptic determinants of an autoantigen. Nature 1992;358:155-7. 11. Neuhofer C. Enzymtherapie bei multipler sklerose. Hufeland J Biologisch-medizinisches Zentralorgan 1986:47. 12. Cichoke A. The Complete Book of Enzyme Therapy. Garden City Park (NY): Avery Publishing Group; 1999. Anthony J. Cichoke, D.C., a writer, lecturer, researcher and author of the recently published The Complete Book of Enzyme Therapy (Avery Publishing Group, 1999). Article Info: Issue: Health & Nutrition Breakthroughs 07/99 Department: Natural Remedies Author: Anthony J. Chichoke, D.C.