Dear Dr. Cutler,
I had been taking 5 milligrams of warfarin for some time, but stopped several weeks ago and began taking nattokinase to thin my blood.
However, I recently went to the lab for a blood check and my INR was at 1.0. I need it increased to a 2.0.
What can I do to achieve this while continuing with the nattokinase?
—James L.
Dear James,
Although I cannot be your treating physician in this, I can tell you that the International Normalization Ratio (INR) and the protime (PT) will not change with nattokinase or with vitamin E (also a blood thinner) because these products do not affect the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation.
Therefore, by going off your warfarin—an anticoagulant such as Coumadin® used to prevent heart attacks, strokes and blood clots in veins and arteries—your INR will drop to 1 but your blood will still be thinning from the effects of the nattokinase.
The challenge is that with nattokinase, you will not be able to do a blood test to give you the assurance that your blood has thinned appropriately.
I urge you to discuss with your family physician any questions or concerns, but I can tell you I have seen the effects clinically from my patients with nattokinase.
Plus I have read the studies on mice and humans and I know what I would choose—along with a nutrient-rich, plant-based diet and stress reduction—for any cardiovascular disease condition. It’s your decision.
Michael Cutler, M.D. is a board-certified family physician with 18 years experience specializing in chronic degenerative diseases, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
A graduate of Brigham Young University, Tulane Medical School and Natividad Medical Center Family Practice Residency in Salinas, Calif., he serves as a medical liaison to alternative and traditional practicing physicians. His practice focuses on an integrative solution to health problems.
Dr. Cutler is a sought-after speaker and lecturer on experiencing optimum health through natural medicines and the Founder and Editor of Easy Health Options™ newsletter—a leading health advisory service on natural healing therapies and nutrients and is Medical Advisor for True Health™—America's #1 source for doctor-formulated nutrients that heal.
For more information visit www.truehealth.com.
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