Is Nattokinase Good for Kidneys?

If you’ve ever Googled “nattokinase,” you probably did one of two things:

1. Pretended you know how to pronounce it.

2. Or wondered why it sounds like a Japanese superhero who fights cholesterol instead of villains.

Well, don’t worry; today, we’re taking this chewy, sticky, stringy Japanese enzyme and breaking it down into simple, non-scary English. The big question is: Is nattokinase safe for kidney disease patients? And if yes, what are the benefits of nattokinase? And if not, why does the internet make everything confusing? Let’s dive in with humour, honesty, and zero medical jargon that feels like algebra.

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First, what on earth is nattokinase?

Nattokinase is an enzyme made from natto, a Japanese dish made by fermenting soybeans. Natto is famous for:

• It is extremely sticky threads

• It's a strong smell (some say “cheesy,” others say “gym socks”)

• Being super healthy

Some of the major natto health benefits include:

• Thinning the blood

• Better bone health

• Reducing clot formation

• Supporting heart and blood vessel health

• Improving circulation

People take it in supplement form because…
Let’s be honest, eating natto every day is not everyone’s idea of a good time.

So… Is Nattokinase Good for Kidneys?

It seems that existing studies do not provide enough evidence for the direct benefits of nattokinase on kidney function.

But Nattokinase does provide less direct benefits for kidney health by improving some conditions that affect kidney health (more on this later). Let's talk about this in a way that feels more like a conversation (not a biology lecture).

How might nattokinase indirectly help your kidneys?

Some of the nattokinase health benefits are:

1. It may improve blood flow, and kidneys love good circulation.

Your kidneys are basically your body’s natural water purifiers. They filter 150–180 litres of blood a day (yes, your kidneys are hardworking little legends). Better blood flow = easier filtering = less stress on kidneys. Since nattokinase may support circulation, your kidneys might just send you a polite “thank you.”

2. It may reduce clot risk; helpful for long-term kidney health.

Poor blood flow or mini-clots in blood vessels can damage the kidneys over time. Nattokinase is known for its natural “anti-clotting” action. Not as strong as blood thinners, but definitely like the “gentle yoga version” of them.

3. It may help control blood pressure.

High blood pressure is one of the biggest enemies of kidney health. Studies suggest nattokinase might gently help bring blood pressure down. And lowering BP = less pressure on kidney filters.

So can it support kidney health as part of an overall healthy lifestyle?
Possibly, yes.

Is it a miracle kidney medicine?

Nope, not even close.

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Who Should Not Take Nattokinase?

Let’s be real: supplements are not Santa Claus. They don’t give gifts to everyone. Nattokinase may NOT be good for you if:

1. You have chronic kidney disease (CKD) with bleeding risk.

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have blood vessels that are already weak and low platelets. Nattokinase thins the blood; therefore, there is potential for increased risk of bleeding in CKD patients due to their already weakened state of blood vessels, as well as having low platelet counts, when taking nattokinase.

2. You are on blood thinners or antiplatelet medications.

Like:

• Aspirin

• Clopidogrel

• Warfarin

• Heparin

• Apixaban

• Dabigatran

Mixing nattokinase with blood thinners can severely thin your blood. Your blood may become so thin that you feel like a walking juice box.

3. You’re going for any surgery soon.

Stop nattokinase at least 2 weeks before surgery.

4. You’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

There isn’t enough safety research; better to avoid.

5. You have soy allergies.

Nattokinase comes from soy, so nope; this is not your supplement.

So, should kidney patients take nattokinase?

If you have:

• Normal kidney function

• Mild BP issues

• No clotting risk

• No bleeding disorders

• No blood thinners 

…then nattokinase may be okay for you, only after talking to your doctor.

But if you have:

• CKD

• Dialysis

• Proteinuria

• Nephrotic syndrome

• High creatinine

• Kidney transplant

• Bleeding tendency

Then nattokinase is not recommended without strict medical supervision.

Kidney patients already deal with anaemia, fragile vessels, and clotting issues. A supplement that thins the blood can make things spicy in a bad way.

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Does nattokinase reduce creatinine?

Short and sweet answer: No. It doesn’t lower creatinine, urea, uric acid, or any kidney marker. No research supports this claim. If anyone online promises “Nattokinase cures kidney disease!”; run. Preferably faster than how natto smells.

Does Nattokinase Increase Estrogen?

While nattokinase, the enzyme found in natto, does not increase estrogen, natto does contain isoflavones, which can provide a mild estrogen-like effect, and therefore can be beneficial in managing the symptoms of estrogen deficiency. Nattokinase has different properties from isoflavones; it is primarily responsible for lowering blood levels of lipids such as triglycerides and cholesterol instead of providing additional estrogenic activity.

Recommended dosage

Most supplements come in 100–200 mg capsules. People typically take 100–400 mg/day, but:

• Start low

• Take it on an empty stomach

• Avoid at night (blood thinning + sleep = not ideal)

Always talk to a doctor before starting.

Can You Take Too Much Nattokinase?

Yes, you can take too much. Very high doses of this enzyme may thin the blood too much, so it’s best not to overdo it and stick to recommended amounts as discussed in the paragraph above.

Side Effects of Taking Too Much Nattokinase

Nattokinase is generally safe for healthy people, but possible effects include:

• Easy bruising

• Nosebleeds

• Bleeding gums

• Lightheadedness

• Upset stomach

• Low blood pressure

• Heavy periods

Kidney patients must be extra careful.

Are there safer kidney-friendly alternatives?

If your goal is kidney support, here are safer options:

• Tulsi (holy basil): Reducing inflammation, aiding in detoxification, etc.

• Giloy: Supporting kidney health through improved immunity.

• Punarnava: Supporting kidney repair and improving swelling and/or water retention.

• Varuna: Aiding urinary flow and supporting stone removal.

• Cranberry: Helps with UTIs (a hidden enemy of the kidneys).

None of these things thins the blood the way nattokinase does; so, they’re safer for kidney patients.

Final Answer: Is nattokinase good for kidneys?

Not directly. But indirectly, it may support kidney health by improving circulation and controlling blood pressure. However, for people with existing kidney problems, it may not be safe because of its blood-thinning properties.

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FAQ

1. Who should avoid nattokinase?

People on blood thinners, those with bleeding disorders, upcoming surgery patients, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and anyone with a soy allergy should avoid it.

2. How quickly does nattokinase lower blood pressure?

It may take several weeks of regular use to show any effect; results vary from person to person.

3. Is nattokinase good for the liver?

Some studies have shown mild supportive effects, but it’s not proven or recommended as of now.

4. Can you take too much nattokinase?

Yes, and it can cause increased bleeding risk due to thinning of the blood. Please discuss with your doctor first.