Fibrin is an insoluble protein that acts as a first responder whenever your body is injured. Fibrin is normally present in an inactive form known as fibrinogen. Fibrinogen is soluble in water and is found in high concentrations in the blood, where it waits until needed to form a clot. When given the signal, fibrinogen is converted to fibrin, which then assembles into an extended network of fibers.
One of your body’s first responses to pain, injury or trauma is to produce fibrin. Part of this process includes fibrin molecules rushing to the scene. These fibrinogen molecules are shaped like a rod and come together to interlace and form a thin mesh around a wound. It is within this mesh that the healing process occurs.
Let’s look at an example; when you cut yourself, you bleed, but the bleeding usually stops fairly soon. Blood has a built-in emergency repair system that quickly blocks any damage to the circulatory system, creating a temporary patch that allows time for more permanent repairs. There are three basic mechanisms in the overall healing process. First, platelets (small fragments of blood cells that circulate in the blood) clump at the site of the wound, forming a weak plug. Second, neighboring blood vessels constrict, reducing the amount of blood flowing into the area. Finally, the protein Fibrin assembles into a tough network that clots the blood and forms an insoluble blockage. Together, these methods stop the loss of blood and create a sturdy scab to protect the area as you heal.
This mesh is critical for trapping the platelets and red blood cells needed to form blood clots. Without fibrin, even small wounds would just keep bleeding. Fibrin mesh is the base material for clots, scabs, scars, and eventual healthy skin.
When we are young, and our internal systems are vibrant and working well, the fibrin rushed to the injured site is returned to our body as we’re healing. After a few days of repairs, our system sends in a second group of enzymes to dissolve the excess fibrin and leave our muscles, nerves, and blood vessels just as they were before the injury.
When our internal supply of systemic enzymes is plentiful, once fibrin is produced, it quickly dissolves and leaves the area of trauma. However, as we age, the body is less able to deplete fibrin and the potential exists for excess fibrin build up. It can impact how healthy and flexible our body stays as we age. Persistent pain, loss of flexibility, and inflammation may be the result of excessive fibrin levels.
Unfortunately, we all age, and our bodies don’t produce the same levels of internal substances that we used to. Over time, as excess fibrin is not removed, the fibrin molecules thicken and stiffen, forming scar tissue masses that can block blood vessels, interfere with muscle function, and lead to inflammation
Excess scar tissue restricts blood flow and oxygen throughout your body, slowing down your healing process and keeping you in pain longer. As the scar tissue thickens, it reduces your range of motion and contributes to chronic pain.
Proteolytic enzymes are responsible for breaking down protein molecules. They can have the ability to react with fibrin masses and reduce their size and area.
For most people, regular diet alone won’t overcome the natural result of reduced enzyme production from aging. For many of us, the best naturally occurring proteolytic enzyme food sources are not a significant part of our normal dietary intake. Proteolytic enzymes from plant sources like pineapple stems or papaya, do exist, but are not a significant source of enzymes from our diet.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
