The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 was a turning point for many, including myself. As the world was told that there was no treatment for the virus and that our only hope was a vaccine, I felt something was off. My intuition and medical knowledge told me otherwise. When esteemed doctors and natural health practitioners began speaking out, sharing their successes in treating COVID-19, they were quickly silenced. This suppression of alternative treatments was deeply concerning. I had seen firsthand how the medical system operated during my years as a practice manager for two family medicine practices within a large corporate medical center. Some doctors upheld their ethical responsibility to their patients, while others were swayed by financial incentives from pharmaceutical companies.
This wasn’t new to me. Over the years, I had watched as effective medications were discontinued or replaced with whatever drug was being pushed by pharmaceutical representatives at the time. Lavish dinners, vacations, and financial kickbacks were common tools used to influence prescribing habits. The same tactics were being used during the pandemic—only this time, the stakes were even higher. The media and government-appointed experts demonized doctors who refused to comply with the official narrative, labeling them as “anti-science.” Later, it was revealed that many Ivy League physicians, immunologists, and even the CDC director had been silenced. What was being presented as “following the science” was actually a set of shifting rules dictated by powerful financial interests.
As the pandemic unfolded, many people—including myself and my family—suffered long-term consequences, either from the virus itself or from the spike protein introduced via vaccination. The aftermath of COVID-19 led to a rise in autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and Sjögren’s disease. The worst part was not the virus itself, but the lingering symptoms that left many of us struggling to function normally.
My journey with post-COVID autoimmune symptoms was harrowing. I developed extreme fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, persistent respiratory issues, digestive problems, low-grade fevers, and night sweats. I also experienced extreme weight loss—shedding nearly 50 pounds effortlessly. My husband, daughter, father, and several others close to me faced similar health struggles. Despite numerous doctor visits and extensive lab tests, our condition remained a mystery for two years. Every test came back “normal,” leaving us questioning our sanity.
Desperate for answers, I turned to prayer, meditation, and divinely guided research. As an herbalist, I had long relied on plant medicine and nutrition to support my family’s health. I began studying diseases with similar symptoms, focusing on conditions like Epstein-Barr virus and Lyme disease. Their symptom profiles closely matched what we were experiencing. I researched treatment protocols for both and applied them to my family’s regimen.
A pivotal discovery came when I learned about proteolytic enzymes—specifically their role in breaking down protein debris, biofilms, and inflammatory compounds in the blood. Biofilms act as protective shields for viruses, bacteria, and parasites, making them resistant to treatment. By dismantling these biofilms, the immune system can effectively target and eliminate hidden pathogens.
I had already been following the guidance of frontline doctors, taking a regimen of vitamin C, vitamin D, B-complex, NAC, quercetin, bromelain, zinc, ashwagandha, holy basil, artemisinin (wormwood), and turmeric. However, it was the addition of proteolytic enzymes that transformed my health.
I started with nattokinase and serrapeptase—both known for their ability to dissolve fibrin and improve circulation. Within weeks, I noticed significant improvements in my pain levels, energy, and mental clarity. But the real game-changer was lumbrokinase, an enzyme derived from earthworms that has powerful anti-inflammatory and blood-clot-preventing properties.
For those suffering from autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammation is a key driver of pain and dysfunction. Proteolytic enzymes help regulate the body’s metabolic processes, reducing inflammation at its source. Once in the bloodstream, these enzymes bind to a plasma protein called alpha-2-macroglobulin, which acts as a protease inhibitor. This binding alters the alpha-2-macroglobulin, allowing small peptides (cytokines) to be transported for further degradation. Essentially, this process restores balance to the inflammatory response, allowing the body to heal.
Through extensive research and self-experimentation, I found that the most effective combination of enzymes for reducing inflammation and supporting recovery included:
- Lumbrokinase – Helps break down fibrin, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.
- Bromelain – Derived from pineapple, aids in digestion and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
- Papain – Sourced from papaya, helps break down proteins and reduce pain.
- Amylase – Assists in carbohydrate digestion and supports metabolic health.
- Rutin – A flavonoid that enhances the effectiveness of enzymes by reducing oxidative stress and stabilizing blood vessels.
After incorporating these enzymes into my daily routine, I finally began to feel like myself again. The relentless joint pain, fatigue, and brain fog that had plagued me for years started to fade. My family also experienced remarkable improvements.
This journey has reinforced my belief in the power of natural medicine. The pharmaceutical industry profits from chronic illness, offering medications that manage symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. True healing comes from understanding and working with the body’s natural processes—not suppressing them with synthetic drugs.
For those struggling with post-viral autoimmune conditions, I encourage exploring proteolytic enzymes as part of a comprehensive healing approach. They have been life-changing for me, and they may hold the key to recovery for many others.
If you are suffering from unresolved inflammation, chronic pain, or autoimmune symptoms, consider trying a high-quality enzyme supplement. As always, consult with a knowledgeable practitioner to ensure safety and proper dosing.
The path to healing is often found outside of conventional medicine. By embracing natural solutions and honoring the wisdom of holistic healing, we can reclaim our health and vitality.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement or treatment regimen.
Layla Rothrock
Layla Rothrock is a dedicated herbalist and Reiki Master with a passion for holistic healing. With a long and accomplished career as a physician practice manager, and functioned in many different roles such as medical assistant to the physicians. She has seamlessly blended her expertise in traditional healthcare with her deep knowledge of natural remedies and energy healing.
