More evidence continues to come to light indicating that Covid is a clotting disease, and that people who suffer all the bizarre symptoms of Long Covid are in fact suffering from micro-clots after infection with the virus.
Blood Clot Formation
When you cut or injure yourself, your body stops the bleeding by forming a blood clot. Proteins and particles in your blood, called platelets, stick together to form the blood clot. The process of forming a clot is called coagulation. Normal coagulation is important during an injury, as it helps stop a cut from bleeding and starts the healing process.
However, the blood shouldn’t clot when it’s just moving through the body. If blood tends to clot too much, it is referred to as a hypercoagulable state or thrombophilia.
I will list here some of the research available online, in chronological order of publication.
On June 3rd, 2021, Dr Darrel DeMello spoke with Dr. Sayed Mobeen (“Dr Been”) about his clinical conclusions and success in treating Covid as a clotting disease. Dr DeMello’s interview is where I first heard of the clotting issues in Covid.
The video is over an hour long, but if you listen to the first 10 minutes, you will hear the following statements by Dr DeMello:
“Covid is a clotting disease. It’s a vascular disease. It is not an interstitial lung disease.” *
[*Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an umbrella term used for a large group of diseases that cause scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. The scarring causes stiffness in the lungs which makes it difficult to breathe and get oxygen to the bloodstream.]
“I used to use aspirin but found that aspirin didn’t prevent the bounce-back in platelets*. Using aspirin, on Day 7 to Day 10 of the disease there is a huge bounce back* in platelets. I then consulted with a cardiologist in Ohio and switched to clopidogrel [Plavix].“
[*Bounce back (also called “rebound”): when the number of platelets rises back higher than the starting baseline.]
[*Platelets: A tiny, disc-shaped piece of cell that is found in the blood and spleen. Platelets are pieces of very large cells in the bone marrow called megakaryocytes. They help form blood clots to slow or stop bleeding and to help wounds heal.]
“I do use anti-clotting drugs like enoxiparin [Lovenox] for more difficult cases, as well as dexamethasone when needed.“
In support of Dr DeMello’s observations about the rebound effect of aspirin, versus clopidogrel being his drug of choice:
Aspirin – Rebound Effect: https://www.internationaljournalofcardiology.com/article/S0167-5273(14)00642-1/fulltext
“Aspirin is the most commonly used anti-platelet agent in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, with approximately 5% of middle-aged adults on long-term therapy [ [1] ]. Despite the clinical observations of a clustering of events following cessation of aspirin treatment, there are few prospective studies investigating the potential mechanisms. There are two possible explanations for these events: the first is that the withdrawal of aspirin allows the prothrombotic manifestations of the underlying disease process to re-emerge, with clinical consequences. The second is that aspirin withdrawal is associated with a “rebound” phenomenon that is prothrombotic and/or proinflammatory, and plays a causative role in adverse events. This rebound hypothesis, as a scientific entity, can be defined as an increase in platelet reactivity following aspirin withdrawal, to a level exceeding that at baseline prior to initiation of aspirin therapy.”
Clopidogrel – No Rebound Effect: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-02-heart-drug-proven-rebound-effect.html
“The drug works by lowering the stickiness of platelets and preventing clots forming.”
“Our study is the first to show that platelet activity after stopping clopidogrel is not any higher than it would have been without the drug.”
On August 25th, 2021, this research from Loma Linda University:
Study identifies micro clots as cause of death in some severely ill COVID-19 patients
“Bull and co-author Karen Hay contend that showers of tiny clots form and block micro-blood vessels in the bodies of many severely ill COVID-19 patients. Though invisible to the naked eye, the micro clots can damage and kill tiny portions of whichever organ tissue — brain, heart, liver, kidney, lung, etc. — the blocked blood vessels feed.”
On October 4th, 2021, this article from Science Daily:
Inflammatory micro clots in blood of individuals suffering from Long COVID:
“New research indicates that an overload of various inflammatory molecules, literally “trapped” inside insoluble microscopic blood clots (micro clots), might be the cause of some of the lingering symptoms experienced by individuals with Long COVID“
“We found high levels of various inflammatory molecules trapped in micro clots present in the blood of individuals with Long COVID.”
“This implies that the plasmin* and antiplasmin* balance may be central to pathologies in Long COVID, and provides further evidence that COVID-19, and now Long COVID, have significant cardiovascular and clotting pathologies.”
[*Plasmin: enzyme that dissolves the fibrin of blood clots]
[*Antiplasmin: a substance that inhibits the action of plasmin]
On January 5th, 2022, from The Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jan/05/long-covid-research-microclots
“Acute Covid-19 is not only a lung disease, but significantly affects the vascular and coagulation systems.”
“A recent study in my lab revealed that there is significant microclot formation in the blood of both acute Covid-19 and long Covid patients. With healthy physiology, clots may form (for instance, when you cut yourself). However, the body breaks down the clots efficiently by a process called fibrinolysis.”
“In blood from patients with long Covid, persistent microclots are resistant to the body’s own fibrinolytic processes. We found high levels of various inflammatory molecules trapped in the persistent microclots,”
So, how do you know if you need to handle micro-clotting issues?
In medicine the symptoms of a patient are often compatible with a variety of ailments. A skilled diagnostician will use probabilistic reasoning when deciding which ailment is the most likely.
Doctors are taught ‘when you hear hoofbeats, think horses not zebras,’ meaning a doctor should first think about what is a more common—and potentially more likely—diagnosis.
In conversations with Dr DeMello, he described to me the need to understand the patient’s history in order to evaluate the possibility of clotting issues – which, both post Covid and during acute Covid, is the common issue rather then the rare issue.
Dr DeMello’s protocol for active Covid always includes clot prevention and resolution.
Dr DeMello’s protocol to prevent vaccine injuries also addresses clotting issues first and foremost.
I’m not sure clots are the problem, I had Covid a while ago – what should I look for?
From conversations with Dr DeMello, look out for the following:
Extreme fatigue. This is the result of inflammation of the nervous system. What causes such inflammation? Neurons are deprived of nutrition due to micro clots lodging in small blood vessels, impeding the required blood flow into capillaries where nutrients are normally delivered.
Chest pain. This could be coming from the heart, as in myocarditis, or from the lungs, where micro clots can be lodged.
Leg pain, or swollen legs up to the knee.
Brain inflammation, which in turn affects the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, again due to micro clots blocking normal blood flow. Brain inflammation, through the disturbance of the hypothalamus and the pituitary glands, can show itself as hair loss, blood sugar out of range due to insulin production changes, extreme fatigue, hormonal changes affecting ovaries and testes, dysregulation of the gastro-intestinal tract, memory loss, and “brain-fog”.
Taste and smell issues. Loss of smell (anosmia), distorted smell including phantom smells (parosmia), loss of taste (ageusia) and distorted taste including phantom taste (dysgeusia): Whatever the cause, the reason for losing the sense of taste or smell often has to do with abnormalities on the surfaces of the nose or tongue — or the nerves supplying those surfaces.
When taste and smell issues occur during acute Covid, they would be expected to return to normal within days or weeks. When these issues prove to be long-term, or start weeks or months after an acute infection, one can suspect microvascular clotting and inflammation are behind the symptoms.
But my oxygen level on the oximeter is good, could I still have clots in my lungs?
Yes, this will show with a drop on the oximeter after exertion. You might feel it after just going up a flight of stairs. Take an oxygen reading before and after to compare. Blood vessels constrict when exercising – Dr DeMello recommends discontinuing any exercise if you have symptoms such as these, until the micro clots are handled.
Is there a test I can get to check for clotting?
D-Dimer: A D-Dimer test is a blood test that measures D-dimer, which is a protein fragment that your body makes when a blood clot dissolves in your body. A positive or elevated D-dimer test result may indicate that you have a blood clotting condition, but it doesn’t guarantee that you have one. A D-dimer test can’t reveal what type of clotting condition you have or where the clot is located in your body.
Dr DeMello stated that the D-Dimer test might or might not uncover micro-clotting issues, and he prefers to take the clinical approach and make a judgement based on symptoms.
Questions about your symptoms, trying to figure out if you have a clotting issue?
Dr DeMello welcomes your messages and calls, he is happy to answer your questions.
He can be most easily reached on WhatsApp: +91-7718079507 (this is his preferred method of communication).
He can also be reached by email darrelldemello@gmail.com
Another Choice – Non-Pharmaceutical Solutions:
Proteolyctic Enzymes
I offer these solutions to readers who prefer to avoid pharmaceutical products. I personally would take the pharmaceuticals for acute Covid, as described by Dr DeMello, as I would want to use the big guns to 1) ensure my survival and 2) avoid Long Covid symptoms from remaining clots. However, if I already had Long Covid symptoms, I might try the following remedies first, and then move to pharmaceutical if I was not getting results.
Proteolytic enzymes (proteases) are enzymes that break down protein. These enzymes are made by animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. Proteolytic enzymes break down proteins in the body or on the skin. This might help with digestion or with the breakdown of proteins involved in swelling and pain.
Nattokinase, Lumbrokinase (also called Boluoke) and Serrapeptase (also called Serratiopeptidase)
Potent Natural Fibrinolytic Enzymes Safely Reduce Clotting Risk:
“Nattokinase is a potent fibrinolytic enzyme extracted and highly purified from a traditional Japanese food called natto. Natto is a fermented, cheese-like food that has been used in Japan for over 1,000 years for its popular taste and as a folk remedy for heart and vascular diseases.”
“According to Dr. Martin Milner, from the Center for Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, what makes nattokinase a particularly potent treatment is that it enhances the body’s natural ability to fight blood clots in several different ways.”
“New Enzyme Complex Isolated from Earthworms is Potent Fibrinolytic: Lumbrokinase has Anti-Platelet, Anti-Thrombotic Activity”
“The last 10 years have been a busy time for scientists exploring the medicinal treasures of earthworms. Laboratory, animal, and human studies have shown isolated enzymes and compounds from the earthworm to be potent fibrinolytics.”
Here is what Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has to say about nattokinase:
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/nattokinase
“Nattokinase is an enzyme produced from nattō, a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans fermented with the bacterium, Bacillus subtilis. Lab studies suggest it can break down fibrin in the blood that forms clots…”
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078XL7CKY/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_86D09DPTKPPJXG4DAHBE_0?fbclid=IwAR30EDCNQwWNVoaaAYoFHOKwZ-uTB5f9fH7hQQY0nXdZlioNLhm0gbZJJPg
Update 1/9/23:
For a technical explanation of the action of Nattokinase, watch this video by Dr Mobeen Syed (AKA “Dr Been”) on the FLCCC channel on the Odysee platform. Dr Been always does a great job of presenting technical subjects and is a talented artist as well – his presentations are full of cute drawings he makes as he lectures and explains his subject.
https://odysee.com/@FrontlineCovid19CriticalCareAlliance:c/Nattokinase-Antithrombotic-Mechanism-of-Action:1
Update 1/15/23:
“Nattokinase possesses the potent degradation activity for SARS-CoV-2 S protein and has also been shown to exert anti-atherosclerotic, lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, antithrombotic, fibrinolytic, neuroprotective, antiplatelet, and anticoagulant effects”
Nattokinase degrades the Spike Protein
(https://hiddencomplexity.substack.com/p/nattokinase-degrades-the-spike-protein)
(Article from September 2022, by John Paul, found in his Substack: Things Hidden in Complexity)
Update 2/28/23:
Dr Peter McCullough just wrote an entire article based on a recent study of nattokinase.
Holy Grail of COVID-19 Vaccine Detoxification
“Far and away the most common question I get from those who took one of the COVID-19 vaccines is: “how do I get this out of my body.”
“Out of all the available therapies I have used in my practice and among all the proposed detoxification agents, I believe nattokinase and related peptides hold the greatest promise for patients at this time.”
Update 3/21/23:
Another article by Dr Peter McCullough, going over the benefits and safety of Nattokinase, as well as dosage.
Nattokinase in the Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
“The most unique feature of NK is that, as a single compound, it possesses multiple CVD [cardio vascular disease] preventative and alleviating pharmacologic effects (namely, antithrombotic, antihypertensive, anticoagulant, anti-atherosclerotic, and neuroprotective effects). There are no other drugs or drug candidates with multiple pharmacologic properties similar to NK.”
Stop Blood Clots With Lumbrokinase (Boluoke):
https://www.iprogressivemed.com/stop-blood-clots-with-lumbrokinase-boluoke/
“Lumbrokinase (Boluoke) is an enzyme mixture obtained from earthworms. It reduces coagulation by lowering blood viscosity, lowering the activity of clotting factors including fibrinogen, and degrading fibrin, a critical factor in clot formation. It has a stronger effect on reducing blood viscosity than other enzyme preparations.”
Recombinant* Protein Production of Earthworm Lumbrokinase for Potential Antithrombotic Application:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3876685/
[*Recombinant protein is a manipulated form of protein, which is generated in various ways to produce large quantities of proteins, modify gene sequences and manufacture useful commercial products. The formation of recombinant protein is carried out in specialized vehicles known as vectors. Recombinant technology is the process involved in the formation of recombinant protein.]
“Earthworms have been used as a traditional medicine in China, Japan, and other Far East countries for thousands of years. Oral administration of dry earthworm powder is considered as a potent and effective supplement for supporting healthy blood circulation. Lumbrokinases are a group of enzymes that were isolated and purified from different species of earthworms. These enzymes are recognized as fibrinolytic agents that can be used to treat various conditions associated with thrombosis.”
“Earthworms, which are also called Dilong (Earth Dragon) in Chinese, have been used as a traditional medicine and food resource in China, Japan, and other Far East countries for thousands of years [1–3]. Earthworms contain many compounds with potential medicinal properties and have been administrated to treat inflammatory, hematological, oxidative, and nerve disease [4–6]. Earthworms also have antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer properties [7]. Among many properties, earthworms also exhibit fibrinolytic activity [8–11]. The pharyngeal region, crop, gizzard, clitellum, and intestine secret an enzyme that plays a role in dissolving fibrin [9, 10] (Figure 1). Ground-up earthworm powder has been used as oral administration to support circulatory health and treat blood diseases [9].”
(I thought it would be entertaining to show here the different areas of earth worm anatomy providing different chemical compounds for medicinal uses. Full description of these photos can be found in the article linked above)
Here is a simple article on lumbrokinase – with fun facts!
Update 1/20/23:
A personal anecdote from a friend:
“BOLUOKE. It works wonderfully. Take 1 twice a day on an empty stomach.”
” I was put on Boluoke by my doctor.”
“It’s also an anticoagulant. This is why it was prescribed for me. I had a PICC line for several months for stuff I was having to do at my doctor’s and had to have an anticoagulant to keep the PICC line open. And it’s very effective. I went off it after I got my PICC line out a few months back, and when a bag of blood was taken out of me to ozone-ate it, they had to throw the whole bag out because it got a bunch of huge clots. Went back on it and no more clots. (The clotting thanks to long covid. The PICC line was for something else.)”
“I can attest to it also helping with viscosity. For the week I was off the Boluoke, it took 45 mins to 1 hr to fill a bag of blood. Went back on and it took 15 mins.”
Another beneficial enzyme is Serrapeptase.
Serrapeptase, also known as serratiopeptidase, is produced naturally within the digestive tract of silkworms. It’s a proteolytic enzyme, which means it breaks down nonliving protein tissue into amino acids.
Here is a fairly easy to read product description:
https://www.agriorganics.com/serrapeptase-new/
Clinical studies show that Serrapeptase induces fibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory and anti-edemic (prevents swelling and fluid retention) activity in a number of tissues, and that its anti-inflammatory effects are superior to other proteolytic enzymes.
Serrapeptase is thought to work in three ways:
- It may reduce inflammation by thinning the fluids formed from injury, and facilitating the fluid’s drainage. This in turn, also speeds tissue repair.
- It may help alleviate pain by inhibiting the release of pain-inducing amines called bradykinin.
- It may enhance cardiovascular health by breaking down the protein by-products of blood coagulation called fibrin. Conveniently, Serrapeptase is able to dissolve the fibrin and other dead or damaged tissue without harming living tissue. This could enable the dissolution of atherosclerotic plaques without causing any harm to the inside of the arteries.
Besides reducing inflammation, one of Serrapeptase’s most profound benefits is reduction of pain, due to its ability to block the release of pain-inducing amines from inflamed tissues. Physicians throughout Asia and Europe have recognized the anti-inflammatory and pain-blocking benefits of this naturally occurring substance and are using it in treatment as an alternative to salicylates, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs.
Here is a fairly technical article from May 2017, in the Journal of Asian Pharmaceutical Sciences:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S181808761630160X#bib0305
“…the therapeutic application of enzymes became vital in the current century as emerging novel diseases and failure of conventional drugs. Since the last few decades, different enzymes have fulfilled our therapeutic need in cancer treatment, curing blood vascular disorders, enzyme deficiency disorders and an alternate for anti-inflammatory drugs.”
“The medical use of serratiopeptidase, primarily as an anti-inflammatory enzyme-based drug, has a very long history.”
“The fibrinolytic (clot removal) activity of serratiopeptidase may also be able to help with thickened blood, increased risk of stroke, and phlebitis/thrombophlebitis.”
Here are some examples of products on Amazon:
Update 3/23/22:
The enzymatic activity of Nattokinase is indicated by FU which stands for Fibrin Degradation Unit.
From Japan Natto Kinase Association: What is Nattokinase?
“It is considered best to take Nattokinase after dinner or before sleep since thrombus is more likely to be produced around the mid night to the early morning. It is recommended to take Nattokinase on a regular basis for those who are over 40 years old, stressed-out, have relatively high blood pressure, and have high blood viscosity due to hyperlipidemia or diabetes.”
A comparison between Nattokinase and Serrapeptase might be helpful to help you choose, or you might decide to take both.
This article from Energetic Nutrition Blog Magazine can help you see the differences: Systemic Enzyme Therapy: Differences in Serrapeptase and Nattokinase
For any of the enzymes above: They are “systemic” rather than “digestive” – meant to be distributed in the entire body rather than combined with a meal as a digestive aid.
- Take on an empty stomach. It is recommend to wait at least 2 hours after a meal, and then 1 hour before the next meal to allow the enzymes to pass into the intestines.
- Take systemic enzymes with plenty of water. Enzymes need water to be effective.
Be well, do well, stay well!
