Reduce the Risk of Sitting Too Long

Trends show that Americans now spend over half their waking hours seated.^1-3 The prevalence of physical inactivity is over 25%.⁴

This sedentary lifestyle (prolonged sitting) can pose serious health risks.

Extended sitting results in poor blood circulation, which can lead to blood clots, especially in the deep veins of the legs. This condition is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).^5,6

These clots develop in the legs but can break lose and travel to lungs. This condition is estimated to cause up to 100,000 deaths in the U.S. annually.⁷

Researchers have identified two plant-based compounds that can help promote healthy blood flow and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

A combination of nattokinase and French maritime pine bark extract has been shown in a clinical trial to lower the risk of developing clots, when used in combination with an exercise program, in people on long (seven- to eight-hour) airplane flights.⁸

The Risks of Prolonged Sitting

Sitting for extended periods can increase risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).⁹ Even those who exercise regularly may be at risk if they have other risk factors, including spending excessive time seated.¹⁰

That’s because sitting immobilizes the calf muscles, preventing them from contracting to transport deoxygenated blood back up to the heart.^11,12

This can reduce blood flow by up to two-thirds in the legs, leading to blood pooling in vessels.¹³ This stagnant blood can then form a clot in the veins deep in the body.¹⁴

Symptoms may include swelling, pain, or warmth in the affected leg.

Air travel is a major risk factor for deep vein thrombosis. The risk of DVT persists for over two weeks after extended flights.¹⁵

Other risk factors for deep vein thrombosis include advanced age, pregnancy, bed rest after an injury or surgery, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, dehydration, obesity, and smoking.^9,14,16

Those over 75 are at dramatically increased risk compared to those under 40 because of impaired clotting mechanisms.¹⁷

Scientists have identified two ingredients that can support healthier blood flow and inhibit venous blood clots: the enzyme nattokinase and an extract of French maritime pine bark.^18-20

Nattokinase Fights Clotting

Natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, contains an enzyme called nattokinase.¹⁹ Researchers found, two decades ago, that nattokinase is a more powerful anti-clotting agent than 173 other foods tested.²¹

Nattokinase helps fight dangerous clots by:^18,19,22-26

• Dissolving fibrin, the protein that binds clots together,
• Reducing activation of pro-clotting factors,
• Lowering the amount of fibrinogen, a protein that is converted into fibrin,
• Suppressing platelet accumulation to decrease clot formation, and
• Decreasing high blood pressure.

In a placebo-controlled study, these anti-clotting properties were detected in the blood samples of participants within two to five hours of taking a single dose of 2,000 fibrinolytic units of nattokinase.²³

In another study of 153 adults who sought treatment for deep vein thrombosis or related vascular issues, all subjects were given either a daily dose of 2,000 fibrinolytic units of nattokinase after vascular surgery or a month-long course of an anticoagulant drug.

Nattokinase reduced deep vein thrombosis difficulties beyond the previous drug or surgery, leading to complete remission of remaining vascular symptoms. It worked without side effects (such as internal bleeding, a common effect of anticoagulant medications) that can be seen with medications.^18,27,28

Maritime Pine Bark Protects Veins

French maritime pine bark extract contains compounds called procyanidins.²⁹

Procyanidins offer anti-inflammatory and platelet-modulating benefits that contribute to vascular protection.^8,29-31

The extract also stimulates the synthesis of nitric oxide in the inner lining of blood vessels,²⁹ a gaseous molecule that is found in the endothelium (lining) of blood vessels that promotes vascular elasticity.³²

In a preclinical screening of 13 polyphenol-rich plant extracts, only French maritime pine bark improved nitric oxide availability in both healthy and dysfunctional endothelial cells of veins.³³

Those at risk of deep vein thrombosis often suffer from lower leg swelling, or edema.

Leg veins contain one-way valves which prevent blood from backflowing. These valves can become damaged, causing blood and fluids to remain in the lower legs, leading to swelling.³⁴

Medical professionals frequently advise the use of compression socks or stockings to relieve this swelling. However, patients report multiple challenges with consistently using compression stockings, including difficulty putting them on, discomfort wearing them (especially in hot weather), and appearance.³⁵

Research conducted over a 12-month period showed that French maritime pine bark extract was roughly as effective as compression stockings in reducing leg edema, and that the combination of the two was superior.³⁶

Reducing Future DVT Risk

Roughly one-third of those who suffer from deep vein thrombosis are likely to have another episode within a decade, especially within the first year.¹⁶

In addition, up to 50% of those with DVT suffer from post-thrombotic syndrome as a long-term sequela. Symptoms include chronic leg discomfort, persistent swelling, skin discoloration, and heaviness of affected limb.³⁷

In a study of 815 participants, each subject was tested twice a year for six years following their initial thrombosis. All subjects adhered to a standard treatment involving compression stockings, weight management, and regular exercise.

Some subjects also took either aspirin, prescription anticoagulants, or 200 mg of French maritime pine bark extract.³⁸

The rate of a deep vein thrombosis recurrence or post-thrombotic syndrome was:

• 14.9% in those receiving only standard treatment,
• 12.9% in those taking aspirin,
• Between 6.7% and 10.7% in those taking anticoagulants, and
• Just 3.6%in those taking French maritime pine bark.

French maritime pine bark extract was by far the most effective way to prevent future clotting problems.

Powerful Combination

Combining nattokinase with French maritime pine bark extract offers significant protection against deep vein thrombosis.⁸

In a study of 204 high-risk passengers traveling long distances by air, half took nattokinase and French maritime pine bark extract two hours before their flight, with a second dose six hours later. The rest received placebos.⁸

While 5.4% of the placebo group suffered flight-induced deep vein thrombosis, there were no cases in those taking the nattokinase-pine bark combination.⁸

Furthermore, the placebo group had a 12% increase in lower leg edema (swelling) score, compared to a 15% reduction in the treatment group.⁸

Together, these two ingredients relieved swelling and helped prevent thrombosis.⁸

Summary

Sitting too much greatly increases one’s risk of a dangerous clotting condition, deep vein thrombosis.

Research has shown that the enzyme nattokinase and an extract of French maritime pine bark can reduce the risk of clotting and of deep vein thrombosis.

These compounds protect vein health by inhibiting blood clots and promoting healthy blood flow.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Health Advisor at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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