Written by: Leslie Parran, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Suffering from chronic joint pain can significantly impair your quality of life. Knowing how to address chronic joint pain caused by excess fibrin can be important to improving joint pain, stiffness, and lack of mobility. There are things you can do on your own to reduce fibrin to help manage chronic joint pain. Fibrin is important to our body’s ability to produce a blood clot to prevent uncontrolled wound bleeding. Fibrin is a fibrous protein formed from fibrinogen. Our body’s ability to both form and dissolve fibrin appropriately is important to wound healing. When it is not in balance, either an excess or lack of production can result in fibrin accumulation or bleeding issues, respectively.
A health condition may predispose individuals to increased fibrinogen levels and fibrin accumulation in the body that can cause chronic joint pain as well as other health issues such as cardiovascular disease. Finding out the root cause of the health problem is important. For example, if toxins, food sensitivities, or infection is the source of inflammation leading to a fibrin issue, managing the source of inflammation can reduce or eliminate the issue.
The injury healing process relies on both fibrin to form a clot and protect a wound, as well as plasmin to promote tissue recovery, healing, and recirculation to the tissue. Excess fibrin deposition and/or inefficient plasmin activity to resolve the fibrin later in the healing process prevents musculoskeletal repair, resulting in tissue fibrosis and osteoporosis. Inappropriate fibrin or plasmin activity in a synovial joint can cause arthritis.[1]
When you have ongoing issues with muscle and joint pain, it is important to find out what is contributing to the inflammation and pain. Sometimes, it is not clear cut as to what is causing the inflammation, and even by following the suggestions below, testing and not guessing can be key to making progress to reduce pain. Getting support from a health professional with lab testing and supplementation recommendations can help you find the root cause(s) and achieve results faster to heal from chronic joint pain.
10 ways to reduce fibrin
1. Movement/Exercise
Movement and exercise are important in managing excess fibrin accumulation to support joint mobility. Low to moderate exercise may be more beneficial than intense exercise, which may increase injury, inflammation, and blood clotting response.[2,3] While movement may be painful, a physical therapist can often recommend specific exercises to regain joint mobility and lessen pain.
2. Massage
Fibrin deposits can form adhesions or scar-like tissue that cause two body surfaces to stick together. Massage can be a therapy applied to help break up the fibrin and restore circulation and healing.
3. Compression devices
Individuals with lower extremity issues and chronic venous disease often deals with fibrin issues and blood clot formation due to venous stasis. These individuals may benefit from compression stockings/devices or systemic management based on provider recommendations.[4]
4. Weight loss
Obesity contributes to blood coagulation issues with increased coagulation and reduced fibrinolysis (ability to break up fibrin). A review of studies of the effects of obesity surgery on coagulation supported normalization of coagulation and fibrinolysis.[5] Controlling weight is important to support joint mobility, balanced coagulation, and fibrin. Obesity is also one of the most modifiable risk factors for osteoarthritis.[6] Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) have decreased odds of achieving remission and worse outcomes if they are obese.[7]
5. Diet - avoid bad fibrin protein
Food can induce inflammation leading to fibrin formation and joint pain. Diet is a primary culprit in joint pain flares. Knowing the right diet for your metabolic type and foods that may be uniquely causing inflammation in your body is important. These things can be identified by a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® Practitioner or another functional medicine provider. In general, following the following diet recommendations can help:
Moderate alcohol consumption
Reducing LDL cholesterol
Avoid sugary, processed foods, saturated fats, and diets high in red meat
Eat foods such as ginger, garlic, and green tea, which can help cleanse and thin the blood
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory spice that can help reduce inflammation leading to joint pain
6. Stop Smoking
Smoking has been proven to contribute to fibrin formation.[8]
Quitting smoking reduces fibrin formation.[9]
7. Reduce Stress
Mental stress promotes inflammation and fibrin formation.[10] Stress can lead to anxiety, hypertension, and increased blood coagulability. Management of stress can help reduce joint pain as well as reduce anxiety.
8. Identify underlying infection
Underlying infection can promote fibrin formation as many bacteria, and viruses use fibrin to form protective barriers around themselves. Functional practitioners frequently use tests to identify infections that may be contributing to joint pain. When an infection is identified, the practitioner may use a biofilm buster supplement to break down these barriers to expose the virus or bacteria to anti-bacterial or anti-viral supplements. Eliminating infection that may be contributing to joint pain can help reduce fibrin formation.
9. Supplements
Turmeric
Turmeric possesses both coagulant and fibrinolytic activity in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties.[11]
Omega 3’s
Individuals with arthritis have been shown to benefit from omega-three fatty acid supplements. While omega 3s can increase in your bloodstream with supplementation, the effects on joint pain may take weeks or months. Omega 3s have been shown to reduce fibrin in healthy subjects.[12]
B vitamins
B vitamins, especially B6, B9, and B12, help break down fibrinogen by reducing the amino acid homocysteine.[13,14]
Fibrinolytic enzymes.
Nattokinase and serrapeptase are important fibrinolytic enzymes within our bodies. As we age, however, the production of these enzymes is reduced. Many supplements are available with these enzymes to help reduce unwanted excess fibrin.
10. Low-Level Light Therapy
Low-level light therapy (LLLT) has been used with red and infrared light to reduce chronic connective tissue and joint pain. The effects of LLLT include activation of fibrinolysis, lowering of inflammatory markers, stimulation of micro-circulation to the tissues, as well as other positive effects.
Many people are unaware that fibrin may be causing their stiffness and joint pain. You can heal from chronic pain. Trying the methods above can help you feel better, move better, and live better. It is important to consult your health care provider before taking supplements. Learn more in a free discovery call on how you can manage joint pain.
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Leslie Parran, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Leslie Parran is a leader in natural holistic healing from inflammation and pain. As a nurse for 40 years with advanced nursing certifications, Leslie helped patients with chronic diseases and pain. Now as a Board-Certified Functional Wellness Coach and Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner with several other holistic and functional practitioner certifications, she helps active and motivated people with chronic inflammation and pain move from pain to peace so that they feel better, move better, and live better.
Leslie is the Owner and Champion Peacemaker of Peace x Piece Wellness coaching. As a functional practitioner, she uses in-home lab testing to uncover hidden metabolic healing opportunities such as food sensitivities, hormonal imbalances, gut pathogens, and toxins that can sometimes, unknowingly, lead to inflammation, pain, and chronic health conditions. As a health coach, she uses positive psychology and personalized holistic healing protocols, including diet, rest, exercise, stress management, and supplementation, to help her clients make their bodies work the way they are supposed to and achieve their wellness goals.
References:
1. Gibson BHY, Duvernay MT, Moore-Lotridge SN, Flick MJ, Schoenecker JG. Plasminogen activation in the musculoskeletal acute phase response: Injury, repair, and disease. Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis. 2020;4(4). doi:10.1002/rth2.12355
2. Zadow EK, Kitic CM, Wu SSX, Fell JW, Adams MJ. Time of day and short-duration high-intensity exercise influence coagulation and fibrinolysis. European Journal of Sport Science. 2018;18(3). doi:10.1080/17461391.2017.1420237
3. Zadow EK, Wundersitz DWT, Hughes DL, et al. Coronavirus (COVID-19), Coagulation, and Exercise: Interactions That May Influence Health Outcomes. Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis. 2020;46(7). doi:10.1055/s-0040-1715094
4. Alguire P.C. MBM. Medical management of lower extremity chronic venous disease. April 22, 2020. Published online 2020.
5. Bladbjerg EM, Stolberg CR, Juhl CB. Effects of Obesity Surgery on Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis: A Literature Review. Thrombosis and Haemostasis. 2020;120(4). doi:10.1055/s-0040-1702224
6. Wang T, He C. Pro-inflammatory cytokines: The link between obesity and osteoarthritis. Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews. 2018;44. doi:10.1016/j.cytogfr.2018.10.002
7. Liu Y, Hazlewood GS, Kaplan GG, Eksteen B, Barnabe C. Impact of Obesity on Remission and Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Arthritis Care and Research. 2017;69(2). doi:10.1002/acr.22932
8. Pretorius E, Oberholzer HM, van der Spuy WJ, Meiring JH. Smoking and coagulation: The sticky fibrin phenomenon. Ultrastructural Pathology. 2010;34(4). doi:10.3109/01913121003743716
9. Stępień E, Miszalski-Jamka T, Kapusta P, Tylko G, Pasowicz M. Beneficial effect of cigarette smoking cessation on fibrin clot properties. Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis. 2011;32(2). doi:10.1007/s11239-011-0593-6
10. Von Känel R, Kudielka BM, Hanebuth D, Preckel D, Fischer JE. Different contributions of interleukin-6 and cortisol activity to total plasma fibrin concentration and to acute mental stress-induced fibrin formation. Clinical Science. 2005;109(1). doi:10.1042/CS20040359
11. Shivalingu BR, Vivek HK, Priya BS, Soujanya KN, Swamy SN. Purification and characterization of novel fibrin(ogen)olytic protease from Curcuma aromatica Salisb.: Role in hemostasis. Phytomedicine. 2016;23(13). doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2016.09.007
12. McEwen BJ, Morel-Kopp MC, Tofler GH, Ward CM. The effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on fibrin and thrombin generation in healthy subjects and subjects with cardiovascular disease. Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis. 2015;41(3). doi:10.1055/s-0034-1395352
13. Friso S, Girelli D, Martinelli N, et al. Low plasma vitamin B-6 concentrations and modulation of coronary artery disease risk. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2004;79(6). doi:10.1093/ajcn/79.6.992
14. Kotwal J, Kotwal A, Bhalla S, Singh PK, Nair V. Effectiveness of homocysteine-lowering vitamins in the prevention of thrombotic tendency at high altitude area: A randomized field trial. Thrombosis Research. 2015;136(4). doi:10.1016/j.thromres.2015.08.001
