turmeric potent cancer cures

20 Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is one of nature's most powerful healers. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.

The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.

Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad. It adds a nice flavor and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.

Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

The health benefits of turmeric are many, but what about the side effects?

In general, turmeric is considered safe even at higher doses. However, turmeric does have some contraindications.

It should be used with caution by people with gallstones, stomach ulcers, or bile duct obstruction as turmeric may exacerbate these conditions.

Turmeric can be a uterine stimulant, so pregnant women should consult with a doctor before taking turmeric during pregnancy.

People with serious liver or heart conditions should also consult with a doctor before taking turmeric supplements.

Turmeric can save from obesity and Type 2 diabetes – Research

Nature is a wonderful gift for mankind. Often, there are many natural substances in our homes that may have a great remedial power and unfortunately we do not know about them. Also there are some that are used as home remedies, yet their potentials are yet to be explored. Turmeric is one such gift from nature. A spice predominantly used in curry preparations in the Indian sub-continent and as a home-remedy for inflammation, healing wounds and relieving pain, turmeric can also be used in the prevention of diabetes! Endocrinologists Dr. Drew Tortoriello, M.D., Ph.D. and Rudolph Leibel, M.D. and their colleagues at the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered that turmeric can play a mojor role in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes.

While researching the endocrinologists found that the mice that were treated with turmeric were less likely to develop the diabetes, after the blood glucose levels and glucose and insulin tolerance of these mice were tested.

It was also found that the obese mice that were fed with turmeric had reduced inflammation in the fat tissue and liver as compared to the controlled ones. Since the turmeric (Curcuma longa) has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties containing ingredient- Curcumin, it can very well be the deterrent to insulin resistance and inflammatory responses thereby preventing Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a result of a sedentary lifestyle and insulin abnormalities mostly common in obese people.

Curcumin is also known to have no side-effects or toxicities if the intake is exceeding the dose-limits. This was studied in the two distinct mouse models of obesity and Type 2 diabetes: high-fat-diet-fed male mice and leptin-deficient obese female mice. The lean mice of the wild variety were used as controls and were fed on the low-fat diets.

Curcumin (turmeric) has also been found to reduce considerable amount of body fat and weight even if there was a high level of calorie consumption thereby having a significant effect on the metabolism.

In the past, researchers from Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center have discovered that the ‘cytokine’ molecules cause inflammation in heart and islets of langerhans in the pancreas of obese people and also increase the insulin resistance in muscle and liver. The cytokine is produced by immune cells called as macrophages. Hence turmeric or drugs having the same effect can be used to suppress the activity of these cells and the negative effects of obesity, as per a hypothesis from the researchers.

“It’s too early to tell whether increasing dietary curcumin [through turmeric] intake in obese people with diabetes will show a similar benefit,” Dr. Tortoriello said. “Although the daily intake of curcumin one might have to consume as a primary diabetes treatment is likely impractical, it is entirely possible that lower dosages of curcumin could nicely complement our traditional therapies as a natural and safe treatment.’ Therefore the researchers conclude that the anti-oxidant curcumin and turmeric can act as a controller for blood sugar level and metabolism and inflammatory and metabolic problems in obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

The detailed research was presented at ENDO 2008, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in.

Francisco this week will be published soon in Endocrinology, the paper.

TURMERIC GROWING INFORMATION © Frances Michaels COMMON NAMES: turmeric, Indian saffron, ukon, nghe, wong-keong BOTANICAL NAME: Curcuma domestica syn Curcuma longa FAMILY: Zingiberaceae, the ginger family

PLANT DESCRIPTION Turmeric is native to the monsoon forests of south east Asia. It is a perennial herb to 1m tall with underground rhizomes. It produces tall, very beautiful, white flower spikes, if clumps are left undisturbed for a year. The flower is so attractive that it is worth growing for this alone. It requires a well-drained soil, frost-free climate and 1000 to 2000mm of rain annually or supplementary irrigation. It thrives best on loamy or alluvial fertile soils and cannot stand waterlogging. Heavy shade will reduce the yield but light shade is beneficial.

USES Ground turmeric comprises 25% of curry powder and is used to give it a yellow colour. The harvested rhizomes are boiled and sun-dried for 7-8 days but can be used fresh. It is also used as a yellow food dye, replacing tetrazine. Leaves wrapped around fish flavour it during cooking. In Indonesia, the young shoots and rhizome tips are eaten raw. PLANTING Plant turmeric in September or October, into a warm soil. The rhizomes should be planted 5-7cm deep. It is often planted on ridges, usually about 30-45 cm apart and with 15-30 cm between plants. The crop is planted by setts (small rhizomes) with one or two buds. Approximately 1,700 kg of setts are required to one hectare. Expected yield would be 13 to 35 tonnes/ha of fresh turmeric. In cooler areas of Australia turmeric can be grown in glasshouses. Like all herbaceous perennials clumps of turmeric need to be broken up and fresh pieces planted every 3 to 4 years. HARVEST Rhizomes are harvested 9 to 10 months after planting, the lower leaves turning yellow or stems drying and falling over are indications of maturity. It is possible for the home gardener to just dig carefully at the side of a clump and remove rhizomes as needed rather than harvesting the whole clump. Recent research from a study in the Journal of the American Chemical Society into turmeric, commonly used as a spice and curry ingredient, has demonstrated wide-ranging health giving properties. More info......

Turmeric ingredient makes membranes behave for better health

Revered in India as "holy powder," the marigold-colored spice known as turmeric has been used for centuries to treat wounds, infections and other health problems. In recent years, research into the healing powers of turmeric's main ingredient, curcumin, has burgeoned, as its astonishing array of antioxidant, anti-cancer, antibiotic, antiviral and other properties has been revealed.

In ancient Hindu medicine, it was used to treat sprains and swelling. Modern medicine uncovered its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which have been used to treat everything from liver disorders and diabetic wounds to runny noses. Some bandage brands in India even contain turmeric as a disinfectant. Recently, scientists added another potential benefit to the list: preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Intrigued by the fact that the elderly population of India has one of the lowest rates of Alzheimer’s cases in the world, researchers at UCLA began looking at differences between the American and Indian diets and landed on turmeric. Turmeric, a staple in Indian cooking, is featured in curries, soups, and meat dishes. It’s as common in Indian cuisine as salt and pepper are in American cuisine. Bharat B. Aggarwal, a senior cancer researcher at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, says the average Indian eats turmeric at every meal—about a gram a day. The UCLA group hypothesized that curcumin, a chemical in turmeric, might clean up or block the buildup of amyloid plaques, which scientists believe may contribute to Alzheimer’s.

The researchers began clinical trials of turmeric’s effect on the disease in 2004, and the results were astounding. In the first studies with mice, the amyloid plaques decreased by roughly 50 percent in those fed low doses of curcumin-rich food. UCLA recently completed a similar study with humans, as did the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong trial demonstrated that curcumin has no adverse side effects (unlike many Alzheimer’s drugs, which can cause gastrointestinal problems). They tested a range of doses and found that a high dose was not any more effective than doses as low as 1 gram. Because they weren’t able to look directly at the Alzheimer’s patients’ brains, the researchers had difficulty measuring curcumin’s effectiveness on amyloid plaques; however, they did find more amyloid proteins in the patients’ blood, suggesting that curcumin may have broken down some of the plaques.

Most interestingly, in UCLA’s human trial, Alzheimer’s patients were given high doses of curcumin in a supplement, and yet none of the chemical was absorbed. The researchers now believe that curcumin must first be dissolved through cooking in fat in order to be effective on the Alzheimer’s brain. This likely explains India’s low rate of Alzheimer’s, and it also accounts for curcumin’s success in mice that ate it in their food. According to UCLA researcher Sally Frautschy, this is why people should cook with turmeric rather than take supplements. However, researchers all over the country are having trouble getting funding for future trials, says Frautschy, even though this data strongly suggests that Alzheimer’s may be mostly preventable.

Future studies are needed to pinpoint the exact amount of turmeric that’s effective in fighting Alzheimer’s, but if you want to increase your curcumin intake in the meantime, it can’t hurt to

try some new turmeric-rich recipes. Turmeric, whether used as fresh root or as dry powder, contains 5 percent curcumin. Studies have shown that turmeric from Curcuma Longa plants in Southeast Asia contain more curcumin than turmeric found in the plants of East Asia.

Yet little has been known about exactly how curcumin works inside the body.

Now, University of Michigan researchers led by Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy have discovered that curcumin acts as a disciplinarian, inserting itself into cell membranes and making them more orderly, a move that improves cells' resistance to infection and malignancy.

"The membrane goes from being crazy and floppy to being more disciplined and ordered, so that information flow through it can be controlled," said Ramamoorthy, a professor of chemistry and biophysics. The findings were published online March 3 in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

The research project melds Ramamoorthy's past with his current scientific interests. As a child in India, he was given turmeric-laced milk to drink when he had a cold, and he breathed steam infused with turmeric to relieve congestion. Now as researcher he is fascinated with proteins that are associated with biological membranes, and he uses a technique called solid-state NMR spectroscopy to reveal atom-level details of these important molecules and the membranous milieu in which they operate.

"Probing high-resolution intermolecular interactions in the messy membrane environment has been a major challenge to commonly-used biophysical techniques," Ramamoorthy said. His research group recently developed the two-dimensional solid-state NMR technique that they used to probe curcumin-membrane communication in this study.

Scientists have speculated that curcumin does its health-promoting work by interacting directly with membrane proteins, but the U-M findings challenge that notion. Instead, the researchers found that curcumin regulates the action of membrane proteins indirectly, by changing the physical properties of the membrane.

Ramamoorthy's group now is collaborating with chemistry professor Masato Koreeda and U-M Life Sciences Institute researcher Jason Gestwicki to study a variety of curcumin derivatives, some of which have enhanced potency. "We want to see how these various derivatives interact with the membrane, to see if the interactions are the same as what we have observed in the current study," Ramamoorthy said. "Such a comparative study could lead to the development of potent compounds to treat infection and other diseases."

In a related line of research, Ramamoorthy's team is using the same methods to investigate the effects of curcumin on the formation of amyloids---clumps of fibrous protein believed to be involved in type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and many other maladies. In addition, the researchers are looking to see whether other natural products, such as polyphenols (compounds found in many plant foods that are known to have antioxidant properties) and capsaicin (a pain reliever derived from hot peppers), interact with membranes in the same way as curcumin.

More information: Journal of the American Chemical Society: http://pubs.acs.org/journal/jacsat

TURMERIC

BOTANICAL NAME Curcuma domestica Valet

FAMILY NAME

Zingiberaceae ( Ginger family)

The rhizomes of Curcuma domestica Val. (syn. C. longa Koenig non L.) are used as a spice and are best known in Europe and America for this purpose. Turmeric is an important spice among the rice-eating peoples of India, South East Asia and Indonesia and is indispensable in the preparation of curry powder. Its main use in the Western world is now for this purpose, and it gives the musky flavour and yellow colour to curries. India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric. In addition to its use as a spice, it has other uses that are prominent in the life of the people of southern Asia, and is believed to have magical properties in connection with birth, marriage and death and in agriculture. The use of the spice spread widely in Oceania, but it is not used as a condiment in Melanesia and Polynesia. Turmeric is an important yellow dye in southern Asia; it has been used in Europe even before the discovery of aniline dyes. Cultivars with, harder, darker-coloured, less aromatic rhizomes are preferred for dyes. The rhizomes are boiled with a little water and made into a paste. With lime or other alkalis, it produces a red or reddish-brown colour. It can be used for dying cotton, silk or wool without a mordant, but the colour is fugitive. Turmeric powder and water are used as cosmetics in India and elsewhere in South East Asia. Rice, coloured yellow with turmeric, is used on ceremonial occasions. Turmeric is used as a protective charm and in primitive medicine, both externally and internally, in southern Asia. It is used as a colouring matter in pharmacy, confectionery and food industries. Yellow turmeric paper can be used as a test for alkalinity, which turns it brown.

GRADES

The trade in turmeric is dominated by India. Other suppliers in Asia include Bangladesh, Taiwan and the People's Republic of China. Several countries in the Caribbean, Central and South America, among which Jamaica, Haiti and Peru are the most important, also export turmeric. The spice is marketed on the basis of geographical origin and its physical form. The chemical and physical characteristics of turmeric differ from one producing area to another, and preferences as to the origin and the physical form are expressed by some users for certain applications. The terms commonly used in commerce to describe the various physical forms of turmeric Fingers These are the lateral branches or secondary, 'daughter' rhizomes, which are detached from the central rhizome before curing. Fingers usually range in size from about 2.5 to 7.5 cm in length and may be somewhat over 1 cm in diameter. Broken and very small fingers are combined and marketed separately from whole fingers. Bulbs These are the central 'mother' rhizomes, which are ovate in shape and are of a shorter length but a greater diameter than fingers. Splits Bulbs are cut into halves or quarters before curing to facilitate subsequent drying. Polished fingers possess the best appearance and are generally regarded as superior in quality to other forms of turmeric. All types are used for grinding and blending, and for oleoresin extraction.

The characteristics of the three major types of turmeric entering the international market : Alleppey turmeric

This is produced in Kerala State, India and marketed in Alleppey District of Kerala, but grown in the surrounding regions, particularly in the Thodupuzha and Muvattapuzha areas. Alleppey turmeric is deep yellow to orange-yellow in colour. They have curcumin contents up to 6.5 per cent. Almost the entire production of Alleppey turmeric is exported, mainly to the US market and in the unpolished form, where it is used largely as a food colourant. Madras turmeric

This type is produced in Tamil Nadu, India and marketed in Madras District of Tamil Nadu but grown from several regional cultivars. The rhizomes are mustard-yellow in colour and have a curcumin content of around 3.5 per cent. Madras turmeric is the most common type used in the United Kingdom, where it is regarded as superior in quality and flavour.

West Indian turmeric

This term embraces the spice exported from the Caribbean, Central and the South American countries. The rhizomes are a dull yellowish-brown in colour, mostly small and of poor appearance. West Indian turmeric is regarded as inferior in quality to Indian turmeric.

TURMERIC

PLANTING TECHNIQUES

Propagation

Turmeric is always propagated vegetatively by fingers or rhizomes with lone or two buds. Aiyadurai (1966) states that in Orissa, India, mother rhizomes were found to be better than daughter rhizomes for use as seed material, that sprouts measuring 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) detached from sprouting rhizomes were found to be the best planting material and also recorded the highest yield. In Andhra Pradesh, India the mother rhizomes when planted as whole or even as split halves gave rise to more vigorous sprouts than the fingers, but finger rhizomes were observed to keep better in storage, remained more tolerant to wet soil conditions and involved a lower seed rate. Hussain and Said (1965) found that large side-rhizomes, 4 cm long, gave a better germination and higher yields than primary mother tubers, whole or cut, and smaller-sized side-rhizomes. Yegna Narayan Aiyer (1944) says that for planting purposes only the fingers are used and not the rounds. It is necessary to store the seed rhizomes for 2 to 3 months from harvest to planting. This may be done by spreading them thinly under a covering of turmeric leaves or storing them in heaps under a layer of straw and soil. Planting and after-care

The land should be thoroughly prepared either by digging or by several ploughings to provide a good tilth. The crop can be planted on flat beds or on ridges. Aiyadurai (1966) states that the former were found to be preferable in Orissa. In Andhra Pradesh the broad-ridge method of planting was found to be superior and more profitable than the ridge-and-furrow method, as the elevated beds provided better drainage. Sastri (1950) says that the crop is planted on ridges 22 to 25 cm high and 45 to 50 cm broad. The channels between are used for irrigation when necessary. He gives the planting distance as 30 to 37 cm at a depth of 7.5 cm, with a planting rate of 1,700 to 2,000 kg per hectare. In Orissa, Aiyadurai (1966) states that a spacing of 22.5 x 22.5 cm gave the best results, while in Andhra Pradesh, using the ridge-and-furrow method of planting, the optimum spacing appeared to be between 45 and 60 cm between the rows and 22.5 cm between the hills. In Sri Lanka 15 cm x 15 cm gave significantly more rhizomes than a spacing of 30 cm x 30 cm or more.

Turmeric is often grown in mixed cultivation with other crops. The usual time for planting in India is May and June. Weeds should be controlled manually or by herbicides. Early weeding may be avoided by the use of pre-emergent herbicides. Where irrigation is carried out, the frequency will depend upon the weather and the moisture-retentive capacity of the soil. A good soaking is needed at planting and thereafter each week until sprouting is completed, after which less frequent irrigation may be required. Weeding and hoeing are necessary at intervals. Earthing-up may be necessary some 8 weeks or so after planting. In furrow-planted turmeric the rows are earthed-up by splitting the ridges between the furrows. Germination of the setts is completed in 2 to 4 weeks. Flowering occurs after about 5 months and the rhizomes then begin to form. Active rhizome development continues until the crop is ready for harvesting at about 7 to 9 months, when the lower leaves turn yellow. C. aromatica is ready for harvesting in 7 months. There are two forms of C. domestica, which may be harvested in 8 months; and 'Ionga', which requires 9 months in the soil before it is lifted. Manuring

The crop is usually liberally manured with farmyard and green manure. Sometimes tank silt is applied. Cattle or sheep may be penned on the field. Aiyadurai (1966) states that the application of ammonium sulphate at the rate of 100 kg per hectare was found to benefit the rain-fed turmeric crop and that it gave nearly 100 per cent increased yield over the unmanured crop. A mulching of sal leaves has been found to be beneficial in India, but may be replaced by sunhemp. Harvesting and yield

In harvesting the turmeric crop, care should be taken that the rhizomes are not cut or bruised and that the whole clump is lifted out with the dry plant, including the base of the stems. The leafy tops are then cut off, the roots removed, all the adhering earth is shaken or rubbed off, and the rhizomes are then well washed with water. The fingers, sometimes called the daughter rhizomes, are separated from the rounds or mothers. Yields are very variable. Aiyadurai (1966) gives the yields of fresh raw turmeric as from 16,800 to 22,400 kg per hectare in the case of an irrigated crop, and 6,720 to 8,960 kg per hectare under rain-fed conditions. A few rhizomes may be used fresh and, apart from those that are required for replanting, the remainders are subjected to a process of curing and polishing.

TURMERIC

GEOGRAPHICAL AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Turmeric can be cultivated in most areas of the tropics and subtropics provided the rainfall is adequate or facilities for irrigation are available. It requires a hot and moist climate. It is usually grown in regions with an annual rainfall of 1,000 to 2,000 mm; if the rainfall is below 1,000 mm, irrigation is required. Cultivation has been extended into wetter areas with over 2,000 mm of rain per annum. It can be grown up to an altitude of 1,220 m in the Himalayan foothills. Turmeric thrives best on loamy or alluvial, loose, friable, fertile soils and cannot stand water logging. Gravelly, stony and heavy clay soils are unsuitable for the development of the rhizomes. Turmeric can be rotated with crops such as finger millet (Eleusine coracana), rice and sugar cane. It is rarely cultivated alone, but is usually grown mixed with such crops as castor, maize, finger millet, onions, brinjal (aubergine) and tomato. Aiyadurai (1966) states that turmeric is not adversely affected by partial shade and that it can with advantage be mixed with sunhemp without its yield being depressed.

TURMERIC

Harvest Season

The usual time for planting turmeric is just before the rains. Active rhizome development continues until the crop is ready for lifting at about seven to nine months, when the lower leaves turn yellow. Circum aromatica is ready for harvesting in seven months, while Circum domestica is harvested in eight months. In India the harvest season extends from February to April, and in other regions like Haiti too, the harvest season is generally during the same months.

How to Process Turmeric By an eHow Contributor

Turmeric is made from the rhizomes or roots of Curcuma longa, a plant in the ginger family. It is produced in India, Indonesia and China. Turmeric is almost always purchased as a powder since it is very difficult to grind at home. Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions Things You'll Need:

• Curcuma longa roots • Leaves • Pot • Mat • Grinder 1.

Harvest the crop when the leaves turn yellow and begin to dry out. Cut the Curcuma longa plants to the ground. Plow the dirt. Carefully dig up clumps with a spade or hand pick the roots from the ground.

2. Wash the roots thoroughly in warm water. Remove the small fingers from the mother bulbs. Set aside to process separately. Cover the rhizomes with leaves. Allow them to sweat under the leaves overnight.

3. Put the rhizomes in an earthenware, copper or iron pot. Add enough water to soak them. Boil until the rhizomes are soft, usually for 45 minutes to an hour for most varieties, but up to 6 hours for others.

4. Spread on a mat outdoors. Allow to dry for 10 to 15 days. Cover the turmeric at night. Test for dryness by snapping a piece. It should make a metallic sound.

5. Rub the turmeric on a hard surface, trample it underfoot or shake it in a bag filled with stones to polish it.

6. Cut the turmeric into tiny pieces. Grind in a grinder or food processor. Read more: How to Process Turmeric | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2252715_process-turmeric.html#ixzz12LvEEBxZ

Turmeric Health Benefits, Can a Spice Stop the Aging Process? The health benefits of turmeric may be numerous. Research is still being conducted concerning the turmeric health benefits, although the plant has been used since ancient times as a natural medicine. Currently, the US National Institutes of Health are conducting studies concerning the health benefits of turmeric for treating cancer, Alzheimer's disease and liver disorders. When news of these studies was reported, supplement sales increased by 35%. We all want to feel better and reduce are risk of chronic diseases. Some of the known turmeric health benefits concern its antibacterial activity. Many plant compounds have anti-bacterial activity. Turmeric, and the curcumin that it contains, is just one of the more active varieties.

Some of these plants act as antioxidants, which is why they may be beneficial for preventing or treating cancer. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing them from turning a cell into a cancerous growth. Many plant extracts have natural anti-inflammatory activity, which is important because chronic inflammation plays a role in cancer development and heart disease, as well as general aging. Some of your favorite food may cause chronic inflammation. Fighting inflammation and acting as an antioxidant are two of the turmeric health benefits. If this all sounds good, there are other beneficial nutrients and plant extracts that may sound even better. Green tea extract, for example, has been shown to reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancer, stomach cancer and throat cancer. It is believed to explain the Japanese paradox, lower than expected incidences of heart disease, despite a heavy smoking rate. Thus, it may help to prevent heart disease. Gingko biloba extracts have been shown in numerous trials to increase the oxygen content of the brain and other bodily tissues. It promotes mental clarity, alertness and concentration, without acting as a stimulant. You can get the health benefits of turmeric, green tea, gingko biloba and many others, if you choose a supplement that contains a variety of different ingredients, instead of just one. Most naturopaths and other practitioners feel that striving for optimal nutritional intake is one way to live a longer, disease-free life. There are some good supplements on the market that provide the minimum daily requirements of standard vitamins and minerals, as well as many plant extracts, like those mentioned in this article. You can also get more of the turmeric health benefits by suing it as a spice for cooking. The flavor is similar to ginger. It is available in the fresh and powdered form and is the primary ingredient in curry. Many people want the health benefits of turmeric, but don't like the flavor. That's why the supplement sales have increased recently, but some of the better companies have been providing the turmeric health benefits, along with others, for many years. Look for a supplement that was developed by a doctor of naturopathic medicine for your specific age group and physical condition. Focus on eating a varied diet and try to eat more fresh, rather than processed foods. If you follow a healthy lifestyle whenever possible, then you are more likely to see the health benefits of turmeric in your own life. Valerie Rosenbaum has spent several years researching anti aging vitamin supplements and natural skincare products. As a result of that effort she has found what she believes to be the best anti aging supplement available on the market today. Learn about what she discovered at her websiteNaturalBalanceSupplements.com

CROP HUSBANDRY-TURMERIC CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN KERALA TURMERIC (Curcuma longa) Turmeric is a tropical herb and can be grown on different types of soil under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Rich loamy soils having good drainage are ideal for the crop. It is a shade tolerant crop with shallow roots suitable for intercropping and also as a component crop in the homesteads where low to medium shade is available. Preparation of land Prepare the land to a fine tilth during February-March. On receipt of pre-monsoon showers in April, prepare beds of size 3 x 1.2 m with a spacing of 40 cm between beds. Seed material Whole or split mother rhizomes are used for planting. Select well developed, healthy and disease free rhizomes. Treat the rhizomes in any of the copper oxychloride fungicides and store in cool, dry place or in earthen pits plastered with mud and cowdung. Varieties The important varieties are Duggirala, Tekurpetta, Sugantham, Kodur, Armoor, Alleppey, Suvarna, Suguna, Sudarshana, Prabha, Prathibha, Kanthi, Sobha, Sona and Varna. Season and method of planting Plant during April with the receipt of pre-monsoon showers. Take small pits in the beds in rows with a spacing of 25 x 25 cm. Plant finger rhizomes flat with buds facing upwards and cover with soil or dry powdered cattle manure. The seed rate is about 2000-2500 kg per ha. Manuring Apply cattle manure or compost as basal dose at 40 t/ha at the time of land preparation or by spreading over the beds after planting. Apply N:P2O5:K2O @ 30:30:60 kg/ha. Full dose of P2O5 and half dose of K2O may be applied as basal; 2/3 dose of N may be applied at 30 days after planting; and 1/3 N and remaining K2O may be applied 60 days after planting. Mulching Mulch the crop immediately after planting with green leaves @ 15 t/ha. Repeat mulching after 50 days with the same quantity of green leaves. Aftercultivation Weed the crop thrice at 60, 120 and 150 days after planting, depending upon weed intensity. Earth up the crop after 60 days. Intercropping Chilly, maize and colocasia can be grown as intercrops. Harvesting and curing Time of harvest depends upon variety and usually extends from January to March. Harvest

early varieties at 7-8 months, medium varieties at 8-9 months and long duration varieties at 9-10 months after planting. Improved method of processing Cleaning: Harvested turmeric rhizomes are cleaned off mud and other extraneous materials adhering to them and subjected to curing within 2-3 days after harvest so as to ensure the quality of the end product. Boiling: Fingers and mother rhizomes will have to be boiled separately. Boiling is usually done in MS pans of suitable size. Cleaned rhizomes (approximately 50 kg) are taken in a perforated trough of size 0.9 m x 0.55 m x 0.4 m made of GI or MS sheet with extended handle. The trough containing the rhizomes is then immersed in MS pan (1 m x 0.62 m x 0.48 m) containing clean water sufficient to immerse the rhizomes. The whole mass is boiled till the rhizomes become soft. The correct stage of cooking can be judged by piercing a wooden needle through the rhizome. If the rhizomes are properly cooked, the needle will pass through the rhizome without resistance. The cooked rhizomes are taken out of the pan by lifting the trough and draining the solution into the pan. Drying: The fingers are then dried in the sun by spreading them as a thin layer on bamboo mats or drying floor. Artificial drying at a maximum temperature of 65ºC gives a bright coloured product than that of sun drying especially for sliced turmeric.

Polishing In order to smoothen the rough and hard outer surface of the boiled dried turmeric and also to improve its colour, it is subjected to polishing. There are two types of polishing, hand polishing and machine polishing. Hand polishing: The method of hand polishing is simple, which consists of rubbing turmeric fingers on hard surface or trampling them under feet wrapped in gunny bags. The improved method is by using hand-operated barrel or drum mounted on a central axis, the sides of which are made of expanded metal mesh. When the drum filled with turmeric is rotated, polishing is effected by abrasion of the surface against the mesh as well as by mutual rubbing against each other as they roll inside the drum. Machine polishing: This method consists of an octagonal or hexagonal wooden drum mounted on a central axis and rotated by power. Colouring Boiled, dried and half polished turmeric fingers (half polished turmeric is more suitable since colour does not stick to the rhizomes that have been polished fully to smooth finish) are taken in bamboo basket and shaken with turmeric powder. For coating 100 kg of half

polished turmeric 200 g of turmeric powder is required. When fingers are uniformly coated with turmeric powder, they are dried in the sun. Turmeric oleoresin This is obtained by the solvent extraction of the ground spice with organic solvents like acetone, ethylene dichloride and ethanol for 4-5 hours. It is orange red in colour. Oleoresin yield ranges from 7.9 to 10.4 per cent. One kg of oleoresin replaces 8 kg of ground spice. Plant protection No major incidence of pest or disease is noticed in the crop. Shoot borers can be controlled by spraying 0.05% dimethoate or 0.025% quinalphos. Leaf spot and leaf blotch can be controlled by spraying 1% Bordeaux mixture or 0.2% mancozeb. If symptoms of early wilt or rhizome rot appear, drench the soil with cheshunt compound or 1% Bordeaux Regards Kirti naik

An $8 "Nutritional Chemotherapy" for Curing Cancer?

In This Issue: * Did You Know ...? * Featured Topic: Warning: These Common Exercise Workouts Make You Gain Fat -- and Are Hazardous to Your Health * A Word from Our Sponsor: The Holy Grail of Blood Sugar Balancers Discovered Did You Know... ... that an extract of the turmeric root contains a phytochemical called curcumin, which has been shown to eliminate cancer cells from the body? And it costs as little as $8 to administer at levels that rival the effects of chemotherapy. Turmeric, the perennial herb which is prized in Ayurvedic medicine, is known to most of us as the gold-colored Indian spice used to make curry and mustard.

Now, it is regarded by many medical practitioners as "nutritional chemotherapy." It is a low-cost, natural substance that countless people take every day to prevent cancer -- and at chemotherapy levels to treat cancer in early and advanced stages … without side effects. Curcumin is one of hundreds of constituents found in the root of the turmeric plant. People often use the words turmeric and curcumin interchangeably, but they're actually not the same thing. Turmeric is the whole food or whole herb, whereas curcumin is an extracted component of turmeric -- the latter being the one that has been singled out for it therapeutic properties. Curcumin’s medicinal use dates back 6,000 years ago to the ancient Egyptian pharaohs and Ayurvedic medical practitioners in India. Today, curcumin is used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, anti-tumor and anti-amyloid (to combat neurodegenerative diseases) effects. When curcumin’s cancer-fighting properties were first discovered by Western medicine, an American pharmaceutical company tried to patent turmeric. Needless to say, health practitioners and suppliers from India were outraged considering they have been using this herb for thousands of years toheal and treat major diseases.

"Curcumin has broad anti-cancer effects during initiation, promotion, and progression of tumors. Several studies suggest that curcumin can cause cancer to regress ... has action against carcinogens ... substantially reduces the formation of mutagenic (cancer causing) chemicals ... and eliminates DNA damage to prevent the development of cancer." -- Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa (KP), Yogaraj in Ayurveda, author of Herbal Defenses, and one of the country's foremost natural healing experts.

Curcumin has been shown to be effective in both cancer prevention and treatment because it contains potent levels of:

==> Phytochemicals -- non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties; ==> Polyphenols and chemopreventives -- compounds that actually block chemicals from getting inside cells and suppress tumor formation; ==> Antioxidatives and anti-carcinogenics -- agents that act as free-radical scavengers, anti-mutagens, and bio-protectors that stop pre-cancerous and cancerous growth.

Curcumin is currently being targeted as a way to reduce high breast cancer rates because of its ability to slow and stop the division -- and thus

the spread -- of cancerous cells. In a study on human breast cancer cells, curcumin reversed growth by 98%. Another study using curcumin in mice was successful in slowing the growth of cancer from the breast into lungs, throat, and other areas. Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center conducted a study that showed when curcumin was added into cell cultures containing multiple myeloma (a type of cancer), it stopped the cancer cells from reproducing -- and the remaining cells died. Curcumin also obstructs cancerous cell growth by activating and protecting the release of human glutathione. Glutathione is a key antioxidant that the body produces to maintain normal cellular activity and is the only antioxidant that resides inside the cell. From this prime position, glutathione and curcumin inhibit cellular mutagens that would otherwise promote cancer. Curcumin has also been shown to reduce chemically-induced cancer by 90% -- such as mouth and tongue cancers caused by smoking. Curcumin interferes with the process of the p450 enzyme in the liver that would otherwise convert environmental toxins into carcinogens, which mutate cells and promote cancerous growth.

"... A Fraction of the Cost of Conventional Chemotherapy

.. an Untapped Resource for Cancer Treatment" "Curcumin has been found to influence over 60 molecular targets in the cancer process. With an established safety record and a fraction of the cost of conventional chemotherapy, plant compounds like curcumin represent an enormous and almost untapped resource for cancer treatment." -- Jonathan Treasure, co-founder of Centre for Natural Healing, co-author of Herb, Nutrient, and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies.

High doses of pure curcumin are required to achieve chemotherapy levels; however there are over-the-counter supplements that provide a high concentration of the extract. For example, Curcumin 95 (from Jarrow Formulas for only $8.00) is a pure extract that contains 95% curcuminoids -- including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin -- which are phytochemical antioxidants. It is an 18:1 extract of turmeric, which means one Curcumin 95 capsule is equal to taking 18 Turmeric capsules. "The difference between taking curcumin extract versus whole food turmeric can be confusing," says Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa. "Taking a pure, highly concentrated extract like Curcumin 95 is one the easiest ways to get a therapeutic dose of curcumin into the system."

For the proper dose of curcumin for cancer treatment, consult with a naturopathic doctor or an Ayurvedic medical practitioner.

Holy Powder' Makes Your Cell Membranes Behave for Better Health Posted By Dr. Mercola | March 24 2009 | 84,507 views

The marigold-colored spice known as turmeric, which is revered in India as "holy powder," has been used for centuries to treat wounds, infections and other health problems. In recent years, there has been increasing research into turmeric's main ingredient, curcumin, and its astonishing array of antioxidant, anti-cancer, antibiotic, antiviral and other properties.

Now, researchers have discovered that curcumin acts by inserting itself into cell membranes and making them more orderly, a move that improves cells' resistance to infection and malignancy.

Scientists had previously speculated that curcumin does its health-promoting work by interacting directly with membrane proteins, but the new findings challenge that notion. Instead, curcumin appears to regulate the action of membrane proteins indirectly, by changing the physical properties of the membrane.

Sources: Eurekalert March 6, 2009

Journal of the American Chemical Society March 3, 2009

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Turmeric is a yellow spice most often associated with Indian food, curry and yellow mustard, but as research into this powerful spice increases, it’s becoming clear that it may be one of nature’s most powerful potential healers.

Both the ancient Chinese and Indian systems of medicine have recognized turmeric’s beneficial properties for thousands of years, but this new study is the first to show how exactly it does its work.

It appears that curcumin -- the pigment that gives turmeric its yellow-orange color, and which is thought to be responsible for many of its medicinal effects -- is able to “discipline” cells and get them back into working order. When curcumin enters a cell, the study’s lead researcher said:

"The membrane goes from being crazy and floppy to being more disciplined and ordered, so that information that flows through it can be controlled."

This not only improves your cells’ resistance to infections, but it also may help prevent cancer.

Turmeric May be a Potent Cancer Fighter

In India where turmeric is widely used, the prevalence of four common U.S. cancers -- colon, breast, prostate and lung -- is 10 times lower. In fact, prostate cancer, which is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in U.S. men, is rare in India and this is attributed, in part, to turmeric.

Numerous studies have looked into this potential cancer-fighting link, with promising results. For instance, curcumin has been found to:

• Inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells • Inhibit the transformation of cells from normal to tumor • Help your body destroy mutated cancer cells so they cannot spread throughout your body • Decrease inflammation • Enhance liver function • Inhibit the synthesis of a protein thought to be instrumental in tumor formation • Prevent the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth

And according to researchers from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, curcumin blocks a key biological pathway needed for development of melanoma and other cancers.

The spice actually stops laboratory strains of melanoma from proliferating and pushes the cancer cells to commit suicide by shutting down nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), a powerful protein

known to induce an abnormal inflammatory response that leads to an assortment of disorders such as arthritis and cancer.

More Reasons to Add More Spice to Your Life

The reason people in India refer to turmeric as “holy powder” is because it has such a broad range of health effects. In fact, curcumin has been shown to influence more than 700 genes, with benefits that include:

• Strengthening and improving your digestion • Supporting healthy liver function and detoxification • Purifying your blood • Fighting cancer, arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease • Anti‐inflammatory properties

Further, evidence suggests turmeric may play a beneficial role in the following diseases:

• Cystic fibrosis • Type 2 diabetes • Crohn’s disease • Psoriasis • Rheumatoid arthritis • Cataracts • Gallstones • Muscle regeneration • Inflammatory bowel disease

A Few Turmeric Tips

You can absolutely use turmeric in your cooking, and in case you haven’t tried it, it has a warm, peppery flavor. However, when you do choose a pure turmeric powder, rather than a curry powder, as at least one study has found curry powders tend to contain very little curcumin, compared to turmeric powder.

Be sure to listen to your body as always, and if turmeric is a spice you do not enjoy it may be a sign that it’s not right for your body. If you are not one who enjoys the flavor of curry, you can also get the benefits of turmeric by taking it in a high-quality, organic supplement form.

Super Spice Secrets: Can This Miracle Spice Stop Cancer, Alzheimer's and Arthritis? Posted By Dr. Mercola | February 17 2009 | 309,479 views

By Dr. Mercola For more than 5,000 years, turmeric has been an important part of Eastern cultural traditions, including traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Valued for its medicinal properties and warm, peppery flavor, this yellow-orange spice has more recently earned a name for itself in Western medicine as well.

Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is native to Indonesia and southern India, and is widely used as an ingredient in curry dishes and yellow mustard. As research into this powerful spice has increased, it has emerged as one of nature’s most powerful potential healers.

Said Dr. David Frawely, founder and director of the American Institute for Vedic Studies in Santa Fe, New Mexico:

“If I had only one single herb to depend upon for all possible health and dietary needs, I would without much hesitation choose the Indian spice Turmeric. There is little it cannot do in the realm of healing and much that no other herb is able to accomplish.

Turmeric has a broad spectrum of actions, mild but certain effects, and is beneficial for long term and daily usage. Though it is a common spice, few people, including herbalists know of its great value and are using it to the extent possible. It is an herb that one should get to know and live with.”

Turmeric’s Beneficial Effects in a Nutshell

Strengthens and improves digestion

• Reduces gas and bloating • Assists in the digestion of protein and with rice and bean dishes • Improves your body's ability to digest fats • Promotes proper metabolism, correcting both excesses and deficiencies • Maintains and improves intestinal flora • Improves elimination of wastes and toxins

Supports healthy liver function and detox

• Turmeric helps increase bile flow making it a liver cleanser that can rejuvenate your liver cells and recharge their capability to break down toxins

• Helps to prevent alcohol and other toxins from being converted into compounds that may be harmful to your liver

• Supports formation of healthy tissue

Purifies your blood

• Stimulates formation of new blood tissue • Anti‐inflammatory: Helps to reduce irritation to tissues characterized by pain, redness, swelling

and heat

Contains curcuminoids that fight cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s

• Curcuminoids are potent phytonutrients (plant‐based nutrients) that contain powerful antioxidant properties

• Counteract the damaging effects of free radicals in your body • Relieve arthritis pain and stiffness, anti‐inflammatory agent • Anti‐carcinogenic: “Curcumin has been shown to prevent a large of number of cancers in animal

studies. Laboratory data indicate that curcumin can inhibit tumor initiation, promotion, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis.”[1]

• Supports treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: “Because Alzheimer's disease is caused in part by amyloid‐induced inflammation, curcumin has been shown to be effective against Alzheimer's. Clinical trials are in progress at UCLA with curcumin for Alzheimer's.”[2]

Curcumin: Turmeric’s Active Anti-Inflammatory “Ingredient”

Most notably turmeric is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which come from curcumin -- the pigment that gives turmeric its yellow-orange color, and which is thought to be responsible for many of its medicinal effects. There are an estimated three to five grams of curcumin in 100 grams of turmeric.

Curcumin has been shown to influence more than 700 genes, and it can inhibit both the activity and the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX), as well as other enzymes that have been implicated in inflammation.[3]

Turmeric’s Cancer-Fighting Properties

In India where turmeric is widely used, the prevalence of four common U.S. cancers -- colon, breast, prostate and lung -- is 10 times lower. In fact, prostate cancer, which is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in U.S. men, is rare in India and this is attributed, in part, to turmeric.

Numerous studies have looked into this potential cancer-fighting link, with promising results. For instance, curcumin has been found to:

• Inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells • Inhibit the transformation of cells from normal to tumor • Help your body destroy mutated cancer cells so they cannot spread throughout your body • Decrease inflammation • Enhance liver function • Inhibit the synthesis of a protein thought to be instrumental in tumor formation • Prevent the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth

As for the results of research studies, a study in Biochemical Pharmacology found that curcumin can slow the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs in mice.[4]

"Curcumin acts against transcription factors, which are like a master switch," said lead researcher, Bharat Aggarwal. "Transcription factors regulate all the genes needed for tumors to form. When we turn them off, we shut down some genes that are involved in the growth and invasion of cancer cells."

A second study in Biochemical Pharmacology also found that curcumin inhibits the activation of NF-kappaB, a regulatory molecule that signals genes to produce a slew of inflammatory molecules (including TNF, COX-2 and IL-6) that promote cancer cell growth.[5]

Turmeric’s Essential Role for Your Liver

Your liver’s primary role is to process and remove toxins carried in your bloodstream. When functioning at its peak, it can filter up to two liters of blood per minute and easily break apart toxic molecules to reduce their toxicity. Your liver is also a crucial part of vitamin, mineral, protein, fat, carbohydrate and hormonal metabolism.

However, poor diet, allergens, pollution and stress can cause your liver to become sluggish, and this can impair its vital functions. This is where turmeric can be a very useful part of your liver support system. Studies have shown that it:

• May increase important detoxification enzymes in your liver • Induces the formation of a primary liver detoxification enzyme, glutathione S‐transferase (GST)

enzymes

Turmeric is also a natural cholagogue, a medicinal agent that promotes the discharge of bile from your system. Increased bile flow is important to help your liver detoxify and to help your body digest fats.

Turmeric for Your Heart, Brain and Overall Health

Turmeric inhibits free radical damage of fats, including cholesterol. When cholesterol is damaged in this way, or oxidized, it can then damage your blood vessels and lead to a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, research suggests that turmeric’s ability to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol may be beneficial for your heart. It’s also rich in vitamin B6, high intakes of which are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

Meanwhile, turmeric appears to be highly protective against neurodegenerative diseases. In fact, in India levels of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s are very low, and studies have shown that curcumin can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in mice. The compound has also proven capable of blocking the progression of multiple sclerosis.

Further, Professor Moolky Nagabhushan from the Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, who has been studying turmeric for the last 20 years, believes that turmeric can protect

against harmful environmental chemicals, and in so doing protect against childhood leukemia. The research showed that curcumin in turmeric can:[7]

• Inhibit the toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (cancer‐causing chemicals in the environment)

• Inhibit radiation‐induced chromosome damage • Prevent the formation of harmful heterocyclic amines and nitroso compounds, which may result

in the body when eating certain processed foods, such as processed meat products • Irreversibly inhibit the multiplication of leukemia cells in a cell culture

Turmeric's volatile oils also have external anti-bacterial action. As such, they may help prevent bacterial wound infections and accelerate wound healing. Johnson & Johnson even sells a curcumin-containing Band-Aid in India!

And the therapeutic potential of turmeric and curcumin do not end there. Evidence suggests the spice may also be beneficial for:

• Cystic fibrosis • Type 2 diabetes • Crohn’s disease • Psoriasis • Rheumatoid arthritis

• Cataracts • Gallstones • Muscle regeneration • Inflammatory bowel disease

Which Type of Turmeric is Best?

For use in cooking, choose a pure turmeric powder, rather than a curry powder. At least one study has found that curry powders tend to contain very little curcumin, compared to turmeric powder. Turmeric is also available in supplement form and for many this is a more convenient method to obtain these health benefits discussed above, especially if they are from a high-quality organic source and if one doesn’t particularly enjoy the taste of curry.

On my recent trip to India I was able to find a company called Organic India that produces probably some of the best Indian herbs on the planet.

[1] The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Complementary/Integrative Medicine Education Resources, “Curcumin at M.D. Anderson” (accessed January 22, 2009)



[4] Biochemical Pharmacology, Volume 70, Issue 5, 1 September 2005, Pages 700-713

[5] The World’s Healthiest Foods, Turmeric



Source

The World’s Healthiest Foods: Turmeric

Powerful Spices Block Cancer Development Posted By Dr. Mercola | July 30 2005 | 12,040 views

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties of curcumin, the powerful yellow spice found in both turmeric and curry powders, have been undergoing intense research in various parts of the world.

According to researchers from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, curcumin blocks a key biological pathway needed for development of melanoma and other cancers.

The spice stops laboratory strains of melanoma from proliferating and pushes the cancer cells to commit suicide by shutting down nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), a powerful protein known to induce an abnormal inflammatory response that leads to an assortment of disorders such as arthritis and cancer.

Flavorable Findings

Researchers treated three different melanoma cell lines with curcumin and evaluated the activity of NF-kB, as well as IKK, a protein that triggers NF-kB. Results showed that despite how much curcumin was used, the spice still:

• Prohibited both proteins from being activated • Worked to stop the growth of melanoma • Induced cell suicide

More on Curcumin

Curcumin has long been utilized in India and other Asian nations for multiple uses, including a food preservative, a coloring agent, a folk medicine to cleanse the body and as a spice to flavor food.

What's telling, however, is that in India (where the spice is widely used) the prevalence of the top four U.S. cancers -- colon, breast, prostate and lung -- is 10 times lower.

Cancer July 11, 2005

Science Daily July 14, 2005


Wouldn't life be boring without spice?

Spices are absolutely wonderful and make quite a dramatic difference in the flavor of food. I also find it amazing that not only do we get a flavor boost, but many of the spices will actually improve our health.

Some of my favorite spices are the hot spices, and I love Thai food. I am not as attracted as much to the curries, though.

That brings up a point, as you really do want to honor what your body tells you. If any food or spice does not taste good or "feel right," stay away from it -- no matter who is telling you how good it is for you. Your body is a far better judge of that than anything you will ever read. In other words:

Listen to your body.

Your body is designed to give you all the feedback you need to make the right food and lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, most of you do not tune in to this important feedback system and do not fully utilize the benefits it can bring you.

It can even cure cancer.

Cancer is a big deal. It's estimated that nearly 1.5 million new cancer cases and nearly 600,000 cancer deaths will occur in the United States this year. Cancer has recently unseated heart disease as America's number one killer of people under the age of 85.

So if you like curry, then by all means use it regularly in your diet, as the evidence is very compelling that it will prevent cancer. But if you don't like it, then don't worry, as there are no "magic bullets" for cancer. Just incorporate the other approaches to avoiding cancer into your life:

• A healthy diet • Exercise • Sleep • Stress reduction • Limit toxin exposure

How to Beat Arthritis Naturally With Acupuncture, Turmeric Posted By Dr. Mercola | November 18 2006 | 15,424 views

A pair of studies in the same journal (Arthritis and Rheumatism) suggest that acupuncture and an extract of turmeric (a spice found in curry) may both offer significant pain relief to arthritis patients.

A German research team found that a combination of acupuncture and conventional medicine can increase the quality of life of osteoarthritis patients.

Meanwhile, American researchers found that a special turmeric extract, composed largely of chemicals called curcuminoids, can prevent both acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis.

In experiments on rats, the turmeric extract appeared to block inflammatory pathways associated with rheumatoid arthritis. As for acupuncture, the study of some 3,500 subjects showed that chronic osteoarthritis patients who received it in addition to their more traditional care showed marked improvement, with only 5 percent experiencing minor side effects.

Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis in the United States, is a progressive degeneration of bone cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is an immunological disorder leading to painful inflammation of the lining of the joints.

Nearly one in five Americans, a total of 46 million, suffers from some form of arthritis. Another 23 million have undiagnosed chronic joint pain. Some 40 percent of arthritis patients in the United States have turned to alternative medicine to help them with their pain.

Sources: Arthritis and Rheumatism November 2006; 54(11): 3452‐3464 (turmeric)

Arthritis and Rheumatism November 2006; 54(11): 3485‐3493 (acupuncture)

iVillage October 30, 2006


This pair of studies underscores the growing interest conventional medicine has in complementary alternative medicine. It's great to see more proof of the seemingly inevitable shift the U.S. health care system is taking from a model based on treating symptoms with expensive drug solutions to one that focuses on the foundational cause of disease.

Many systems utilizing these newly applied natural healing tools, such as acupuncture, naturopathic and chiropractic medicine, focus on health rather than disease. They understand that the absence of disease does not equate to health.

If you've been reading my newsletter for a while, you already know how acupuncture eases the pain associated with tension headaches and curcumin, the yellow compound in turmeric, blocks the development of cancer.

In India, where turmeric is widely used, the prevalence of the top four U.S. cancers -- colon, breast, prostate and lung -- is 10 times lower.

And there's no doubt acupuncture is effective for many health problems; for example, in a recent study electrically stimulated acupuncture lowered blood pressure levels by 50 percent . If you aren't crazy about needles, however, you do have other alternatives that can be just as helpful.

I have found that Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a needle-free acupressure energy psychology tool that uses the same energy meridians as acupuncture, is a very effective method. I use it in my practice daily, and it can be a powerful means of headache relief.

New Year, Younger You -- 20 Anti-Aging Herbs and Spices to Add to Your Diet Posted By Dr. Mercola | January 08 2009 | 78,067 views

The typical American diet that is high in simple carbohydrates‐‐white flour, white salt, and processed food‐‐is aging us. We are

getting all the bulk without the nutrients, plus adding to our propensity for developing real food cravings. So whether you are a vegetarian or an omnivore, you can start to reverse aging by simply choosing to eat the right foods to keep you full of vim, vigor, and vitality, especially over the holidays.

The easiest way to make sure you are getting more nutrients into every meal. Every time you flavor your meals with herbs or spices you are literally "upgrading" your food without adding a single calorie. You are taking something ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary by adding color, flavor, vitamins, and often medicinal properties. Here's why:

* Spices and herbs maximize nutrient density. Herbs and spices contain antioxidants, minerals and multivitamins. At the cocktail party, choose the Thai chicken satay stick over the tried and true fried chicken strip. * Spices and herbs create a more thermogenic diet. Because spices are nutrient dense, they are thermogenic, which means they naturally increase your metabolism. * Some spices and herbs increase your overall feeling of fullness and satiety, so you'll eat less. One study conducted at Maanstricht University in the Netherlands showed that when one consumes an appetizer with half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes before each meal, it decreased their calorie intake by 10-16 percent. * Spices and herbs have real medicinal properties. Study after study shows the benefits of distinct herbs and spices. For example, one 2003 trial of 60 people with type 2 diabetes reported that consuming as little as two teaspoons of cinnamon daily for six weeks reduced blood-glucose levels significantly. It also improved blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, perhaps because insulin plays a key role in regulating fats in your body. Choose flavor over blandness every time, and try to incorporate these specific herbs and spices into your diet if you have the following health concerns:

• rosemary and basil for their anti‐inflammatory power • cumin and sage for their dementia‐fighting power • cayenne and cinnamon for their obesity‐fighting power • coriander and cinnamon for their sugar regulating powers • lemon grass, nutmeg, bay leaves and saffron for their calming effects on your mood • turmeric for its cancer fighting power • oregano for its fungus‐beating power • garlic, mustard seed and chicory for their heart‐pumping power • basil and thyme for their skin‐saving power • turmeric, basil, cinnamon, thyme, saffron, and ginger for their immune‐boosting power • coriander, rosemary, cayenne, allspice and black pepper for their depression‐busting power

Sources: The Huffington Post December 20, 2008


Spices are absolutely wonderful, and can help make a dramatic difference – adding both flavor and health benefits to your food.

Many plants synthesize substances that are useful to the maintenance of health. These include health-promoting substances like phenols, and their oxygen-substituted derivatives such as tannins.

One study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods, found a direct correlation between the antioxidant phenol content of extracts of spices and herbs, and their ability to inhibit glycation and block the formation of AGE compounds that contribute to damage caused by aging and elevated blood sugar levels.

But remember, just like food, most herbs offer the greatest benefits in their unprocessed state, from where the known active ingredients can work synergistically with other agents in the plant.

Small Doses Pack a Big Punch

It may come as a surprise to some that herbs and spices are some of the most potent antioxidants. In fact, on a per gram fresh weight basis, oregano and other herbs rank even higher in antioxidant activity than fruits and vegetables, which are known to be high in antioxidants.

Compared to the antioxidant activities of a few select fruits and vegetables, the potency of oregano ranks supreme. It has 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges, and 4 times more than blueberries! As an example, one tablespoon of fresh oregano contains the same antioxidant activity as one medium-sized apple.

I personally love oregano and grow it in my garden every year, as it is a perennial plant and faithfully comes back every year. It is easy to harvest in late summer and fall, and dehydrate and store to use for the following year.

Great Reasons to Spice Up Your Life!

Choosing flavor over blandness can add a beneficial punch to both your taste buds and your health. What could be easier and more gratifying than that?

Here are a compilation of some of the most potent herbs and spices, and their health benefits:

Cloves

In the study mentioned above, cloves came out as a clear winner, being the most potent of 24 common herbs and spices found in your spice rack. Fortunately, they have a sweet and spicy, aromatic flavor that makes a great complement to many foods.

Among the clove’s most well-known healing properties is its ability to relieve tooth and gum pain, but it has many benefits beyond that, including:

• Anti‐inflammatory, anti‐bacterial and antioxidant properties • Relief from respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis • Relief from muscle pains from injuries or arthritis and rheumatism • Eliminates intestinal parasites, fungi and bacteria • May encourage creativity and mental focus

Cinnamon

Cinnamon and cinnamon extracts have previously been shown to effectively lower blood sugar. In one such study, cinnamon was found to increase glucose metabolism 20-fold! In another, half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduced blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels among this group.

Interestingly, cinnamon lowers your blood sugar by acting on multiple levels. It slows the emptying of your stomach to reduce sharp rises in blood sugar following meals, and improves the effectiveness of insulin. It also enhances your antioxidant defenses.

Researchers have even gone so far as to say cinnamon could play the role of an insulin substitute in the treatment of type 2 diabetes!

Cinnamon’s other benefits include:

• Supports digestive function • Constricts and tones tissues • Relieves congestion • Relieves pain and stiffness of muscles and joints • Relieves menstrual discomfort • Blood‐thinning compounds that stimulate circulation • Anti‐inflammatory compounds that may relieve arthritis • Helps prevent urinary tract infections, tooth decay and gum disease • It’s a powerful anti‐microbial agent that can kill E. coli and other bacteria

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is another spice that has a variety of healing properties and has been studied by science for a variety of ailments. One recent study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food

discovered that an extract of nutmeg seeds elicited a significant antidepressant-like effect in mice; in some doses comparable in potency to the antidepressants imipramine and fluoxetine.

In fact, reducing anxiety and treating insomnia are two ailments that nutmeg has been traditionally used for.

Another study in the Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering found that nutmeg extract has antibacterial activity that can significantly reduce certain strains of E. coli.

Nutmeg is also beneficial for:

• Calming muscle spasms • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea • Indigestion • Joint pain and gout • Lowering blood pressure • Male infertility and impotence • Improving concentration • Increasing circulation • Lowering cholesterol • Toothaches (nutmeg oil)

** Please note that nutmeg contains volatile oils comprised of alkyl benzene derivatives, terpenes and myristic acid. The spice has a long history of abuse; taking too much nutmeg (one to three nuts; in some cases less) can cause side effects such as nausea, hallucinations, swelling and shock.

Ginger

Ginger is another spice with a potent flavor that is great for warming your body and adding kick to foods. Its medicinal properties include:

• Most notably and reliably known for its consistent ability to resolve nausea, motion sickness, morning sickness, and other stomach upset

• Anti‐inflammatory properties • Eliminates intestinal gas • Relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract • Antioxidant properties • Relieves dizziness • Boosts your immune system • Protects against bacteria and fungi • Encourages bile flow • Promotes cardiovascular health

Peppermint

The therapeutic effects of fresh peppermint leaves have been known since ancient times. It’s been used to sooth the digestive tract, and one study published in the journal BMJ earlier this year found peppermint oil may be beneficial in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Other healing properties include:

• May protect against cancer • Inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungus • Relieves the symptoms of allergies and asthma

Curcumin

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties of curcumin, the powerful yellow spice found in both turmeric and curry powders, has undergone intense research in various parts of the world.

According to researchers from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, curcumin blocks a key biological pathway needed for development of melanoma and other cancers. Results showed that regardless of how much curcumin was used, the spice still worked to stop the growth of melanoma by inducing cell suicide.

Can Some Spice Each Day Keep the Doctor Away?

While there are many benefits to be had by adding spices to your diet, remember that spices, just like drugs and supplements, should not be considered as "cures" for your health problems. They should not be taken every day or you run the risk of developing an allergy to them.

Only by addressing the underlying causes of illness with a healthy diet and lifestyle will you be able to achieve optimal health.

That said, spices used with the above advice in mind are indeed an excellent way to add flavor and healing properties to your diet. They have very low calorie content, they’re relatively inexpensive, and they can turbo-boost the natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power of your food.

Just remember to use care when selecting your spices.

The U.S. irradiates over 65 million pounds of spices, herbs and dry ingredients each year. Fortunately, in the U.S. and Canada irradiated spices must to be labeled with the international symbol for irradiated foods, the "radura" symbol. So before you purchase a spice, be sure to check the label to ensure that it has not been irradiated.

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Ayurveda sees that the senses and the mind work in conjunction with one another and greatly influence our physiology.

Ayurveda is not just a medical system. It sees human beings as an integral part of nature. It believes that human beings should live in harmony with nature just as the animals and plants do, and utilize the laws of nature to create health and balance within. It adheres to this focus in guiding human beings to maintain health by using the inherent principles of nature to bring an individual back into equilibrium with his or her true self.

The ancient texts reveal that Ayurveda was also originally used as a regime to remove obstacles on one’s path to Self-Realization. At some point the medical aspects began to take priority over the spiritual forms of healing.

Today, these spiritual aspects of Ayurveda have taken a back seat to the medical focus. As Ayurveda becomes more commercially viable, the spiritual aspects may continue to lose ground. Yet there are a growing number of practitioners who employ these spiritual therapies and find better results than limiting their approach only to the medical, physical realm.

Understanding Ayurveda

Ayurvedic wisdom offers life-enhancing practices as well as herbal medicinal preparations for the health and well being of the whole human being: body, mind, and soul. It is much more than just a system to treat symptoms or physical illness.

Ayurveda describes three fundamental energies that govern our health and well being, and are seen both in our internal and external environments. Called ‘doshas’ these three energies are known as:

• Vata (Air/Wind) • Pitta (Fire/Sun) • Kapha (Earth & Water)

Ayurveda sees these primary forces in a unique combination in every individual, and as relating to the characteristics of our mind and body. Every individual has a unique proportion of these three forces that shapes our nature.

These doshas also have the characteristic of being: movement (Vata), transformation (Pitta) and structure (Kapha). We are all made up of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The ratios of the doshas vary in each individual. Because of this, Ayurveda sees each person as a special mixture that accounts for our diversity.

Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup of the three doshas (and sub-doshas), and thereby design treatment protocols that specifically address a person’s health challenges.

Herbs are often recommended to supplement the nutritional requirements on a regular basis to build and maintain a healthy physiology. As some of the Ayurvedic herbs are now recognized to be the most potent and powerful adaptogens on the planet -- and since stress is now known to be a significant factor in over 80 percent of all illnesses -- these herbs are essential in any health program designed to promote and maintain a healthy human body.

When any of the doshas become aggravated, thereby upsetting the natural harmony for the individual, Ayurveda suggests specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines as well as specific medicinal herbs to assist the individual in reducing and rebalancing the dosha that has become excessive or out of balance.

Ayurveda goes into great detail to describe the medicinal attributes of many herbs and their correct usage to compliment and hasten the healing process, and to strengthen the body’s organs and systems.

Ayurvedic Herbs: Controversy Over Pharma Attempts at Patents2

Growing awareness in the west of the efficacy of Ayurvedic herbs and formulations has led to controversy and battles with the western pharmaceutical companies trying to patent these herbs.3

Only recently discovered in the west, Ayurvedic herbs such as Neem, Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Shatavari, Turmeric, Amalaki and Brahmi as well as traditional preparations such as Triphala and Trikatu have long been known to have significant medicinal value without adverse side effects.

Several pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions in the west have come into conflict with Indian academic institutions and traditional Ayurvedic practitioners over the intellectual property rights of herbal products researched by the western agencies.

The Ayurvedic practitioners have known about the efficacy of such products for centuries, and so contend that they carry precedence with regards to patent rights on such products.

Free Trade Industrial Agriculture Rules Threaten the World’s Farmers

Per the World Trade Organization Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights Agreement:4

“Indian farmers, traditional practitioners, and traders will lose their market share in local, national and global markets. For example, recently the U.S. government granted a patent for the anti-diabetic properties of karela, jamun, and brinjal to two non-resident Indians, Onkar S.Tomer and Kripanath Borah, and their colleague Peter Gloniski. Yet the use of these substances for control of diabetes is everyday knowledge and practice in India. Their medical use is documented in authoritative treatises such as Wealth of India, the Compendium of Indian Medicinal Plants and the Treatise on Indian Medicinal Plants.

If there were only one or two cases of such false claims to invention on the basis of biopiracy, they could be called an error. However, biopiracy is an epidemic.

Neem, haldi, pepper, harar, bahera, amla, mustard, basmati, ginger, castor, jaramla, amaltas and new karela and jamun have all been patented. The problem is not, as was made out to be in the case of turmeric, an error made by a patent clerk. The problem is deep and systemic. And it calls for a systemic change, not case-by-case challenges. The potential costs of biopiracy to the Third World poor are very high since two-thirds of the people in the South depend on free access to biodiversity for their livelihoods and needs. Seventy percent of seed in India is saved or shared farmers’ seed; 70 percent of healing is based on indigenous medicine using local plants.”

Obtaining Potent, Efficacious, Organic (Heavy-Metal Free) Ayurvedic Herbs

It has been mostly individual practitioners who procure, grow, dry and prepare these herbs and preparations in an effective, potent manner, whereas commercially available Ayurvedic products have been of substandard quality.

It is only recently that a few companies have started producing high quality organic Ayurvedic herbal products, most notably, ORGANIC INDIA Pvt. Ltd. Headquartered in Lucknow, UP. North India.

Ayurveda Moving West

Clinical practice, research and education in Ayurvedic medicine remain the most authentic in India. However, attempts are being made by westerners to export the essence of Ayurveda to complement their own medical systems, where the pharmaceutical industry and allopathic medicine predominates.

As a result of regulations in medical practice in Europe and America, the most commonly practiced Ayurvedic treatments in the west are massage, dietary counseling and herbal advice.

The NAMA (National Ayurvedic Medical Association-USA) is one of several groups seeking to set standards for Ayurveda in the west.

There are 26 schools in the US and dozens in Europe which are teaching 500+ hour courses for proficiency at Ayurvedic Health Practitioners, certified but not licensed.

In the United States, the NIH NCCAM expends some of its $123 million budget on Ayurvedic medicine research. In addition, the National Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine, established by Dr. Scott Gerson, is an example of a research institute that has carried out research into Ayurvedic practices.

Dr. Gerson has published part of his work on the antifungal activities of certain Ayurvedic plants in medical journals. Other notable researchers on ayurveda in the West include Dr. Bala Manyam, the Maharishi Ayurveda group in Fairfield, Iowa, and Dr. Mano Venkatraman at the University of Washington, Seattle.

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including traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, perhaps first came about when it was noticed that the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease among older adults in India is more than four times less than the rate in the United States. Why such a significant difference? Some researchers believe the answer for this drastic disparity in Alzheimer's patients is a direct result of curcumin. The researchers in this most recent study said curcumin appears to prevent the spread of amyloid protein plaques, which are thought to cause dementia in your brain. In 2004, meanwhile, a study involving genetically engineered mice suggested that curcumin could inhibit the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids ‐‐ a component of the neurofibrillary tangles and plaques attributed to Alzheimer's disease ‐‐ in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, as well as break up existing plaques. Based on the findings, researchers determined:

• Curcumin is more effective in inhibiting the formation of the protein fragments than many other potential Alzheimer's treatments • The low molecular weight and polar structure of curcumin allows it to penetrate the blood‐brain barrier effectively and bind to beta amyloid • Alzheimer's symptoms caused by inflammation and oxidation are eased by curcumin's powerful antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties

It seems, too, that even eating curry just a couple of times a year may offer some benefit. In one study that tested the brain power of more than 1,000 Asian people, those who ate curry even just once every six months had better results than those who said they "never or rarely" ate it! Further, UCLA researchers tested the effect of curcumin on isolated cells called macrophages (part of your body's immune system that eliminates waste products like the disease‐causing amyloid beta) in blood samples taken from a half‐dozen Alzheimer's patients for a day. The blood samples from three Alzheimer's patients improved dramatically after being treated with curcumin, improving the digestion of the amyloid beta cells by the macrophages, present from birth in your body's innate immune system. One important fact: Blood samples from younger patients responded better to curcumin, meaning the earlier Alzheimer's is recognized, the better the curry chemical appears to work.

“Holy Powder’s” Benefits Reach Far Beyond Your Brain

People in India refer to turmeric as “holy powder” because it has such a broad range of health effects. In fact, curcumin has been shown to influence more than 700 genes, with benefits that include:

• Strengthening and improving your digestion • Supporting healthy liver function and detoxification • Purifying your blood • Fighting cancer and arthritis • Anti‐inflammatory properties


• Cystic fibrosis • Type 2 diabetes • Crohn’s disease • Psoriasis • Rheumatoid arthritis • Cataracts • Gallstones • Muscle regeneration • Inflammatory bowel disease

To take advantage of some of these benefits you can absolutely use turmeric in your cooking, and in case you haven’t tried it, it has a warm, peppery flavor. However, be sure to choose a pure turmeric powder rather than a curry powder, as at least one study has found curry powders tend to contain very little curcumin compared to turmeric powder. Be sure to listen to your body as always. If you love curry then feel free to indulge in it often. But if turmeric is a spice you do not enjoy it may be a sign that it’s not right for your body. If you are not one who enjoys the flavor of curry, you can also get the benefits of turmeric by taking it in a high‐quality, organic supplement form.

Ten Important Ways to Avoid the Coming Alzheimer’s Epidemic

By 2010 there will be 500,000 new cases of Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed each year, so NOW is the time to start taking action. Fortunately, your lifestyle can make a major difference in your risk of this disease. The tips that follow will bolster your brain health and keep your mind in top working order even as you get older.

1. Optimize your vitamin D levels through safe sun exposure, a safe tanning bed and/or vitamin D supplements.

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Preliminary studies in mice suggest that curcumin, a compound found in the curry spice turmeric, may block the progression of multiple sclerosis.

According to researcher Dr. Chandramohan Natarajan of Vanderbilt University in mice with an MS-like illness showed little or no signs of disease symptoms after being injected with curcumin, while animals without the treatment went on to severe paralysis.

No one knows what causes multiple sclerosis, in which the body's immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the brain and spine. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis include muscle weakness and stiffness, balance and coordination problems, numbness and vision disturbances.

Interest in the potential neuroprotective properties of curcumin rose after studies found very low levels of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's in elderly Indian populations. Added to this were studies confirming curcumin as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, effective in wound healing. And just last fall, researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles reported that curcumin appeared to slow the progression of Alzheimer's in mice.

In their 30-day study, Natarajan and co-researcher Dr. John Bright gave injections of 50- and 100-microgram doses of curcumin, three times per week, to a group of mice bred to develop a disease called experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) -- an autoimmune condition used by researchers as a model for multiple sclerosis because it also results in the slow erosion of myelin. They then watched the mice for signs of MS-like neurological impairment.

By day 15, mice who had not received curcumin developed EAE to such an extent that they displayed complete paralysis of both hind limbs.

In contrast, mice given the 50-microgram dose of the curry compound showed only minor symptoms, such as a temporarily stiff tail. And mice given the 100-microgram dose appeared completely unimpaired throughout the 30 days of the study.

In Asian countries, such as India, China, who are eating more spicy foods, more yellow compounds like curcumin...there are only very, very rare reports of MS. The doses the mice received were roughly equivalent in human terms to those found in a typical Indian diet.

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• You don’t need to eat bananas for the potassium! (Although it is present in bananas, potassium is the predominant nutrient among most all fruits and vegetables.)

• Bananas are high in sugar, so they should not be eaten if you have blood sugar problems.

• Don’t eat bananas on an empty stomach; combining them with a bit of protein will help to normalize the insulin response caused by the sugar in the banana.

• Green‐tipped bananas are better for your health than over‐ripe bananas. • On a side note: Because bananas are so popular, rainforests are often destroyed to make way

for banana plantations.

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Beet Greens/Root

• Beet greens contain notable amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus

• They also contain vitamins A, B‐complex and C • Beet roots are high in carbohydrate levels and should therefore

be used sparingly

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Broccoli

• Broccoli contains twice the vitamin C of an orange • It has almost as much calcium as whole milk‐‐and the calcium is

better absorbed • It contains selenium, a mineral that has been found to have

anti‐cancer and anti‐viral properties • Broccoli is a modest source of vitamin A and alpha‐tocopherol

vitamin E • It also has antioxidant properties

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Celery

• Celery is the best vegetable source of naturally occurring sodium.

• It is high in potassium. • The high water content in celery makes it ideal for vegetable

juicing. • As an easy way to reduce grains in your diet, spread peanut

butter on celery rather than bread.

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Cilantro

• Cilantro may be useful to treat urinary tract infections • Both the leaves and seeds aid digestion, relieve intestinal gas,

pain and distention • They also treat nausea, soothe inflammation, rheumatic pain,

headaches, coughs and mental stress • Cilantro is a member of the carrot family

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Chicory

• Chicory contains insulin, which helps diabetics regulate their blood sugar levels

• Chicory is closely related to lettuce and dandelion but is a member of the sunflower family

• It may be cleansing to the liver and gallbladder • Chicory is beneficial for digestion, the circulatory system and

the blood • Chicory leaves are a good source of calcium, vitamin A and potassium

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Chinese Cabbage

• Chinese cabbage has anti‐inflammatory properties • It is an excellent source of folic acid • Chinese cabbage is low in calories and low in sodium • It is also high in vitamin A and a good source of potassium

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Dandelion Greens

• Dandelion is beneficial to digestion and is an antiviral that may be useful in the treatment of AIDS and herpes

• It may also be useful in treating jaundice, cirrhosis, edema due to high blood pressure, gout, eczema and acne

• Dandelion is also used to treat and prevent breast and lung tumors and premenstrual bloating

• Dandelion greens are high in vitamin A in the form of antioxidant carotenoid and vitamin C • They also contain calcium and potassium • Dandelion root contains inulin, which lowers blood sugar in diabetics

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Fennel

• Fennel contains the antioxidant flavonoid quercetin • This herb is anticarcinogenic and can be useful for cancer

patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation • Fennel can be useful for indigestion and spasms of the digestive

tract • It also helps expel phlegm from the lungs

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Green Beans

• Fresh beans contain vitamin A, B‐complex vitamins, calcium and potassium

• Green beans are diuretic and may be used to treat diabetes • A fresh bean should snap crisply and feels velvety to the touch

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Jicama

• Jicama is low in sodium and high in potassium • It has a slightly sweet flesh that's on the order of water

chestnuts, but crunchier • Due to their high carbohydrate content, they should be used

sparingly

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Kale

• Kale eases lung congestion and is beneficial to the stomach, liver and immune system

• It contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eyes from macular degeneration

• It also contains indole‐3‐carbinol, which may protect against colon cancer

• Kale is an excellent source of calcium, iron, vitamins A and C, and chlorophyll

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Kohlrabi

• Kohlrabi, which belongs to the cabbage family, is an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium • It is also high in fiber • Kohlrabi helps to stabilize blood sugar and is therefore useful hypoglycemia and diabetes • It can also be effective against edema, candida and viral conditions

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Mustard Greens

• Mustard greens are an excellent anticancer vegetable • They may also be beneficial for colds, arthritis or depression • While mustard greens sold in the United States are relatively

mild in flavor, some mustard green varieties, especially those in Asia, can be as hot as a jalapeno pepper depending on their mustard oil content

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Onions

• Onions are an excellent antioxidant, and they contain anti‐allergy, antiviral and antihistamine properties.

• Sulfur compounds in onions help to detoxify the body. • Onions aid in cellular repair. • Onions are a rich source of quercetin, a potent antioxidant. • To obtain the maximum nutritional benefits, onions should be

eaten raw or lightly steamed.

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Parsley

• Parsley is useful as a digestive aid • It helps to purify the blood and stimulate the bowels • Parsley is an anticarcinogen • It contains three times as much vitamin C as oranges, and twice

as much iron as spinach • Parsley contains vitamin A and is a good source of copper and

manganese • For a natural breath freshener, try a sprig of parsley!

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Peanut Butter

• When buying peanut butter, only buy organic varieties. • Non‐organic peanut butters are high in pesticides and fungus

and contain aflatoxin, a potent carcinogenic mold. • To increase the protein in peanut butter (peanuts have about

the same amount of protein as soy), Brewer’s yeast can be mixed in. This is especially useful for vegetarians.

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Peanuts

• Peanuts contain beneficial protein, but many people are allergic to them and find them hard to digest.

• They also contain aflatoxin, a carcinogenic, which may explain why peanut farmers have been found to have disproportionately high rates of cancer.

• Peanuts are high in fungus and, often, pesticides. They do not contain any omega‐3, which can contribute to distorting your omega‐6:omega‐3 ratio.

• The peanut is actually a legume, not a nut (which is why they are often roasted). • Peanuts contain about the same amount of protein as soy and are low in starchy carbohydrates. • Did you know? George Washington Carver was largely responsible for popularizing the peanut

as a food in America.

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Pumpkin Seeds

• Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is good for the prostate and building the immune system.

• They also contain fatty acids that kill parasites. • Raw pumpkin seeds contain essential fatty acids and beneficial

proteins.

• For maximum nutritional benefits, seeds should be eaten raw. • Roasted seeds contain damaged fat that can lead to plaque in the arteries.

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Radishes

• Radishes have antibacterial and anti‐fungal properties • They are a member of the cabbage family • Radishes contain vitamin C, potassium and other trace minerals • Grown in Egypt since at least 2780 B.C., radishes were originally

black

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Sweet Potato

• Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of carotenoid antioxidants

• They contain calcium, are high in vitamins A and C and contain thiamine

• Be careful: eating too many may cause abdominal swelling and indigestion

• Sweet potatoes are also high in sugar and therefore should be used sparingly

• Sweet potatoes are not related to the potato nor the yam‐‐they are actually a member of the morning glory family

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Tomatoes

• Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, flavonoids and other phytochemicals with anticarcinogenic properties

• Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C (the vitamin C is most concentrated in the jelly‐like substance that surrounds the seeds)

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American Journal of Epidemiology July 26, 2006

New Scientist August 4, 2006

The Scotsman August 3, 2006

"The Spice that Ignites Your Body's Astonishing Immune System*" 5 to 8 times stronger than vitamin E and stronger than vitamin C, this 'antioxidant breakthrough' may help boost your immunity, maintain normal cholesterol levels, and put the brakes on aging.*

You may already know I place a strong emphasis on eating as much unprocessed, organically grown food as possible for optimal health.

One frequently overlooked way to enhance and optimize health with organically grown food is the use of herbs and spices – unprocessed and organic, of course.

One amazing benefit of these herbs is that they’re very low in calories, while being dense in vitamins and minerals.

In the same vein, they’re thermogenic, meaning they naturally boost your metabolism to help you burn calories.* You feel satisfied more easily, so you eat less.* Studies show that consuming certain herbs and spices before each meal can potentially reduce your caloric intake.*

Due to their nutrient-dense status, they promote your overall wellbeing with antioxidants more potent than many fruits and veggies.*

Herbs and spices promote health and wellbeing in your entire body, not just in a particular area.*

This "whole person" approach is why I believe these spices and herbs can benefit you so greatly.

But I consider one particular spice the “granddaddy” of them all, because its benefits are so amazing and far-reaching.

Don't Waste Your Time and Health with Synthetically Processed Herbs and Spices

Just as it's important to select and consume wholesome, unprocessed organic foods, you should do the same with herbs and spices.

Avoid breezing down the spice aisle of your local grocery store to pick up any old herb or spice.

It is important to be very selective.

If the herb or spice you're looking for is processed or not organically grown, you risk missing out on their most potent active ingredients, which provide you with optimal benefits.

If the herb or spice isn't cultivated, harvested, produced, and packaged using certified organic processes, you could be robbed of its healthful active ingredients.

In fact, I recommend you totally avoid herbs and spices that aren't 100% certified organic. Why waste your time -- and risk potential health consequences from artificial ingredients and questionable chemical processes?

India is the home of Ayurveda, recognized as an authoritative source of knowledge and truth in natural health promotion -- with herbs and spices lying at the very heart of Ayurvedic practice. So it would make perfect sense to consider using herbs that were grown in India if you are considering Ayurvedic herbs

How this Ancient Spice Originated Thousands of Years Ago

That's one of the reasons I traveled over 15,000 miles to India last year -- to find a high quality source of these herbs. During my trip to India, I witnessed firsthand how the Ayurvedic holistic approach and organic processes work in unison.

And of the many herbs and spices I studied, the one in particular that caught my immediate attention was turmeric. It provides you with these whole-person benefits:

• Supports your healthy joint function* • Promotes your radiant skin* • Helps improve your digestion*

And so much more...

There's some debate about the timing of turmeric's first use as a healthy spice.

But one thing is certain. Thousands of years ago, people in India and China used the spice. In fact, some stories suggest usage dates back 10,000 years in India when they say Lord Rama walked the earth.

And the ancient Polynesians carried turmeric with them on their incredible voyage across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii. Today, Hawaiians still use this spice -- known to them as Olena.

While in China, Marco Polo in 1280 AD recorded information on turmeric in his diary:

"There is also a vegetable which has all the properties of true saffron, as well the smell and the color, and yet it is not really saffron."

So, turmeric has been used as a substitute for saffron (an old world spice) in Europe for over 700 years.

One of the main healthful ingredients in turmeric is curcumin (a curcuminoid), which as I said, gives turmeric its yellow color.

Western scientists first isolated the curcumin molecule in 1815, obtained its crystalline form in 1870, and determined its overall structure in 1910.

Curcumin can potentially benefit you by: Promoting your immune system against stress*

• Promoting your immune system* • Helping you maintain your healthy digestive system* • Supporting your healthy bones, joints, and overall skeletal system* • Helping you maintain cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range* • Promoting your healthy blood and liver functions*

How Turmeric and Curcumin Provide Antioxidant Nutrients*

You probably know that antioxidants are important for your health.

I believe antioxidants are your body's #1 way to neutralize free radicals and help you potentially slow down the signs of normal aging.*

Oxidation by free radicals can damage cells and organs -- and thus impact your aging process* -- something I’m sure you’d rather put the brakes on.

Antioxidants are also key nutrients in:

• Supporting your memory function* • Promoting your heart health* • Boosting your immune system*

Turmeric's antioxidants help protect your cells from free radical damage.*

The antioxidant content within turmeric comes from active compounds called curcuminoids.

These curcuminoids deliver antioxidants that may be:

• 5 to 8 times stronger than vitamin E ‐‐ and also stronger than vitamin C • 3 times more powerful than grape seed or pine bark extract • Strong enough to scavenge the hydroxyl radical ‐‐ considered by many to be the most reactive

of all oxidants*

How Turmeric Enhances Your Outer Beauty*

Speaking of antioxidant nutrients and their potential to impact the aging process, some of the first aging signs you may see as you get older are changes to your skin.

Believe it or not, the organic ingredients found in turmeric can help promote your healthy skin.*

How, you ask?

Curcuminoids support important blood and liver functions, healthy joints, and your overall well-being,* which in turn helps promote radiant, supple skin.*

Turmeric has been considered to be ‘skin food' for thousands of years in India and other cultures.*

Turmeric helps:

• Cleanse your skin and maintain its elasticity* • Provide nourishment to your skin* • Balance the effects of skin flora*

So, turmeric can act as your one-two punch against normal aging with its skin promotion and antioxidant capabilities -- outer beauty plus inner purity.*

Your TripleAction Cellular Booster and Adaptogen*

Another potential advantage from turmeric usage involves the smallest living things within you -- your cells.

Turmeric can assist your cells in three ways, by:

• Helping neutralize substances that can cause cellular stress* • Maintaining your cells' integrity when threatened by occasional environmental stressors*

• Providing the antioxidants you need to help support your cells against excessive oxidation and free radicals*

Turmeric is also recognized as an adaptogen -- helping to support your body against stress and providing immune system support.*

How this Ancient Spice has Become Embedded in India's Ayurvedic Practice

Turmeric, like other herbs and spices, is a principle herb in Ayurveda -- India's ancient holistic health system. Ayurveda means "knowledge of life" -- with herbs lying at the very heart of Ayurvedic practice.

Turmeric has multiple uses within Ayurveda, including blood cleansing and maintaining healthy skin.*

In Ayurvedic terminology, turmeric includes the following:

• Verdana sthapana ‐‐ promotes your healthy nervous system and helps you with occasional discomfort*

• Sangrahani ‐‐ supports your absorption of vitamins and minerals* • Anulomana ‐‐ helps you in purging out wastes and building healthy blood* • Rakta stambhaka ‐‐ promotes the wellness of your circulatory system*

And this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Ayurvedic turmeric uses.

What does this mean to you?

Simply, turmeric has been used in Indian culture for thousands of years for a multitude of health-promoting reasons.* An estimated 500 million Indians still use the spice today.

What's Your Best Sources for Turmeric?

So by now, you might be wondering about potential sources of turmeric.

Well, you may already know you can find it in the spice aisle of your local grocery store. But as mentioned earlier, I don't recommend using your local grocery store, due to the quality of their herbs and spices.

Even though there may be some good spices available there, it's very difficult to verify their purity and potency.

Also, the turmeric powder you buy in your store is a spice. It doesn't necessarily come from high-quality organic herbs -- and is not produced using certified organic processes, causing you to risk missing its healthful benefits.

What's more... with store-bought turmeric powder, you'll probably just use it once in awhile to cook with -- not on a daily basis to consistently take advantage of the benefits it offers.

So, what other options do you have?

I recommend searching for a high-quality, 100% organic-based turmeric supplement.

But there are some things you should watch for when choosing a turmeric supplement.

Avoid Unnecessary Fillers, Additives, and Excipients

When I did my own research on available turmeric supplements, I found a surprising array of choices.

Besides, curcumin and curcuminoid ingredients, I found products with questionable ingredients like fillers, additives, and excipients. An excipient is a substance added to the supplement as a processing or stability aid.

One ingredient, magnesium stearate (also know as stearic acid), is a potentially toxic metal additive from pill production.

Another ingredient I found in many turmeric supplements, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate (DCP), may even inhibit the absorption of essential minerals within your system.

There are others you may find as well, but the bottom line is... you don't want or need these ingredients in your turmeric supplement. Some pose potential health risks -- and all are unnecessary.

Make Sure Your Herbal Supplement Comes from a Certified Organic Producer Committed to Quality Processes

The key to delivering an organic-based turmeric supplement rests in the manufacturer's commitment to quality and excellence.

In fact, I believe that without these quality processes in place, it really doesn't matter what organic herbs are harvested. You simply won't end up with a top-notch consistent organic formula. In turn, you won't receive the maximum potential value of the herb.

So, it's important to highly scrutinize and research the manufacturer's credentials.

In fact, you may not be able to stop with the manufacturer alone. Keep in mind, the total organic process involves planting, cultivation, selective harvesting, and then producing and packaging the final formula.

Here's the type of certifications I recommend you look for:

• Hazards and Critical Control Points (HACCP) ‐‐ International food safety certification that World Health Organization (WHO) standards are met

• Safe Quality Food (SQF) ‐‐ HACCP‐based food safety and risk management system covering the identification of food safety, quality risks, and the validation and monitoring of control measures

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) ‐‐ International certification verifies all required practices necessary for an effective food safety program are followed

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2000 ‐‐ International standard for quality, safety, ecology, economy, reliability, compatibility, inter‐operability, efficiency, and effectiveness

• Orthodox Union (OU) Kosher ‐‐ Certifies compliance for Kosher observers and followers • International organic certificationssuch as: USDA, EU, and NSOP (India)

Use This Checklist to Find Your Highest Quality Turmeric

To take advantage of all the great benefits turmeric has to offer you, I created a checklist on what you should look for in a turmeric supplement.

Whatever you do, don't settle for second best.

Here's my checklist to help you find the best turmeric source:

• Contains only 100% certified organic ingredients ‐‐ Turmeric extract with at least 95% curcuminoids

• Comes in supplement form ‐‐ Don't rely on your typically low quality and unpredictable local grocery store spice. Additionally when you heat the spice during cooking many of the beneficial properties are lost.

• Avoids fillers, additives, and excipients ‐‐ No need for questionable "other ingredients" in the formula

• Provides a vegetable capsule ‐‐ Avoid gelatin‐based capsules whenever possible • Is produced by a certified organic manufacturer with high‐quality organic and safe production

practices ‐‐ Don't settle for second best here!

13 Ways this Ancient Herb Can Help You Spice Up Your Life (and Your Health*)

Let me summarize thirteen ways this 100% certified organic-based Turmeric can spice up your whole person:

1. Boosts your antioxidant protection against free radicals* 2. Helps promote your healthy skin* 3. Supports your overall eye health* 4. Provides you immune system support* 5. Aids your skeletal system and joint health* 6. Encourages your healthy liver function* 7. Helps you maintain healthy cells with support against free radicals* 8. Balances the health of your digestive system* 9. Aids you in support of healthy blood and your circulatory system* 10. Helps you maintain normal cholesterol levels to support your cardiovascular system* 11. Assists your neurological system's healthy response to stress* 12. Promotes a healthy female reproductive system* 13. Helps you maintain blood sugar levels already within the normal range*

And more...

Millions of people use turmeric on a daily basis in their lives today. In India alone, up to 500 million people use it in one form or another every day.

Isn't it time you gave your body what it deserves?

My Recommendation for a Turmeric Supplement

My time researching and studying herbs and spices here in India convinced me there's only one turmeric supplement I can recommend -- my USDA Certified Organic Turmeric.

This supplement not only satisfies all of the selection checklist items above, it also provides you an additional bonus -- Organic India produces it.

Let me explain why I consider this a bonus.

During my travels to India, I witnessed firsthand many of Organic India's cultivation and production processes. And to say I was impressed doesn't do them justice.

Organic India goes far beyond producing the highest quality organic turmeric by:

• Helping preserve and enrich the environment ‐‐ As a result, this manufacturer received exclusive rights to harvest certified organic crops from central and northern India.

• Adhering to and setting new standards of certification ‐‐ As the manufacturer of the Turmeric, Organic India seriously commits to follow the highest quality standards for producing organic products.

• Committing to holistic quality and environmentally responsible business practices ‐‐ From preservation of seed and enrichment of soil... through cultivation, harvesting, manufacturing, and packaging, all phases of the production cycle reflect the quality commitment.

• Educating and certifying organic growers and farmers ‐‐ Organic farmers receive training and education in all aspects of sustainable organic farming methods. A 3rd party international agency certifies farmers as "certified organic."

• Respecting and honoring the organic farmers ‐‐ By honoring the well‐being and dignity of local farmers, a win‐win scenario continues to evolve for everyone involved.

Organic India is among the few herbal companies in India to receive the following certifications:

• SQF ‐‐ Safe Quality Food (certified by SGS India Pvt. Lmt.) • HACCP ‐‐ Hazards and Critical Control Points (by SGS) • GMP ‐‐ Good Manufacturing Practices (by SGS) • ISO 9001:2000 ‐‐ International standard for quality and safety • OU Kosher ‐‐ Certifies compliance for Kosher observers and followers • Organic certifications from: Skal International, Ecocert International, USDA, EU, and NSOP (India)

So, not only is the Turmeric formula of the highest quality, the producer is totally committed to protecting the environment and the organic farmers.

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The contamination has now been linked to several liver damage cases in Scandinavia, including two deaths due to liver failure.

Nimesulide is a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory (NSAID) drug with fever reducing and analgesic properties. However, it’s a powerful drug that is known to cause liver problems. According to its drug information sheet, it should be used for the shortest time possible to treat acute symptoms of inflammation and pain. It clearly should not be taken daily as a food supplement.

In fact, the side effects of this drug are so potent and dangerous that it’s been banned in several countries, including Finland, Spain, and Turkey. The drug was never approved for use in the U.S., Canada, Britain, or Australia

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The Natural Healing Power of Turmeric

Turmeric is well known for its potent anti‐inflammatory properties, which come from curcumin. This is the pigment that gives turmeric its yellow‐orange color, and which is thought to be the active ingredient responsible for many of its other medicinal effects as well.

For example, curcumin has been shown to influence more than 700 genes responsible for strengthening and improving your digestion; supporting healthy liver function; detoxification; and purifying your blood.

Recent research has discovered that curcumin acts by inserting itself into your cells’ membranes where it changes the physical properties of the membrane itself, making it more orderly. This improves your cells" resistance to both infection and malignancy, and may help prevent a number of debilitating diseases – even cancer.

A Potent Cancer Fighter, Right in Your Kitchen?

Numerous studies have looked into turmeric’s potential as a natural cancer‐fighter, with promising results. For instance, curcumin has been found to:

• Inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells • Inhibit the transformation of cells from normal to tumor • Help your body destroy mutated cancer cells so they cannot spread throughout your body • Inhibit the synthesis of a protein thought to be instrumental in tumor formation • Prevent the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth

However while it is useful to use turmeric as a spice in cooking, heating the herb tends to decrease many of its beneficial properties so if you really want to get all the benefits consider taking turmeric capsules.

Turmeric May Protect Against Alzheimer’s

Curcumin is also believed to be able to inhibit the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids‐‐a component of the neurofibrillary tangles and plaques attributed to Alzheimer"s disease ‐‐ as well as break up existing plaques in your brain. One 2005 study determined that:

Curcumin is more effective in inhibiting the formation of the protein fragments than many other potential Alzheimer"s treatments

The low molecular weight and polar structure of curcumin allows it to penetrate the blood‐brain barrier effectively and bind to beta amyloid

Alzheimer"s symptoms caused by inflammation and oxidation are eased by curcumin"s powerful antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties

Even More Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is surely worthy of its nickname “holy powder,” as science has established curcumin’s beneficial role in numerous diseases, including:

• Cystic fibrosis • Type 2 diabetes • Crohn’s disease

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If you're in the habit of grilling any type of meat -- hamburgers, steak, chicken, pork -- make it a point to explore different spices and become comfortable with using them every time. This simple step could drastically cut down on your exposure to cancer-causing substances that are formed during the cooking process.

Reduce CancerCausing Compounds by 40 Percent

Any time you cook food, it degrades nutrients, damages enzymes and, in the case of high-temperature cooking (grilling, broiling, barbecuing and frying), it can also lead to the formation of cancer-causing substances like heterocyclic amines (HCAs).

In terms of HCAs, the worst part of the meat is the blackened section, which is why you should always avoid charring your meat, and never eat blackened sections.

Scientists have estimated the average cancer risk because of heterocyclic amine exposure ranges from 1 per 10,000 for the average person to more than 1 per 50 for those ingesting large amounts of well-done muscle meats. According to Kansas State University researchers, cooked beef is the type of meat most likely to form HCAs, and hamburger patties may be the greatest source of HCAs in the human diet.

By integrating spices into your meat, however, you can drastically cut down on this risk.

When the following three spices were added to meat before grilling, it cut down on HCAs by upwards of 40 percent:

• Rosemary: the strongest protector against HCAs • Turmeric: the yellow curry spice that's also widely used in yellow mustard • Fingerroot (Chinese ginger): commonly used in Thai cooking

You needn't use all three of these together; adding even one spice to the meat will provide benefits.

Have You Tried Turmeric?

By expanding into spices you may not be familiar with, you can really kick the flavor of your meals up a notch while also getting some phenomenal health benefits.

Turmeric is one such spice that I highly suggest you try out, if you haven't yet.

For more than 5,000 years, turmeric has been an important part of Eastern cultural traditions, including traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Valued for its medicinal properties and warm, peppery flavor, this yellow-orange spice has more recently earned a name for itself in Western medicine as well.

In India where turmeric is widely used, the prevalence of four common U.S. cancers -- colon, breast, prostate and lung -- is 10 times lower. In fact, prostate cancer, which is the most

frequently diagnosed cancer in U.S. men, is rare in India and this is attributed, in part, to turmeric.

It appears that curcumin -- the pigment that gives turmeric its yellow-orange color -- is responsible for many of turmeric's medicinal effects, which stretch far beyond the potential to fight cancer.

In fact, in India people refer to turmeric as "holy powder" because it has such a broad range of health effects. In fact, curcumin has been shown to influence more than 700 genes, with benefits that include:

• Strengthening and improving your digestion • Supporting healthy liver function and detoxification • Purifying your blood • Fighting cancer, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease • Anti‐inflammatory properties


• Cystic fibrosis • Type 2 diabetes • Crohn's disease • Psoriasis • Rheumatoid arthritis • Cataracts • Gallstones • Muscle regeneration • Inflammatory bowel disease

The flavor of turmeric enhances many foods. Just be careful to choose a pure turmeric powder, rather than a curry powder, as at least one study has found curry powders tend to contain very little curcumin, compared to turmeric powder.

If turmeric is a spice you do not enjoy, you can also get the benefits of turmeric by taking it in a high-quality, organic supplement form.

What Other Spices are Beneficial for Cooking?

Spices are not only beneficial for reducing levels of HCAs. They can also help cut back on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (cancer-causing compounds formed in the smoke that surrounds food during grilling) and advanced glycation end products, or AGEs, which are also formed during high temperature cooking.

AGEs build up in your body over time leading to oxidative stress, inflammation and an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease.

Fortunately, one study found that adding a spice blend to burgers could reduce the level of malondialdehyde, a chemical marker for oxidation, in the meat by 71 percent and levels in participants' urine by 49 percent.

This benefit likely comes from spices' potent antioxidant content. On a per gram fresh weight basis, oregano and other herbs rank even higher in antioxidant activity than fruits and vegetables, which are known to be high in antioxidants too.

You can experiment with a range of spices, as each will have a unique set of health benefits to offer, but even the popular standbys will help to boost the medicinal value of your meal. For instance, for the above study researchers used a blend of:

• Cloves • Cinnamon • Oregano • Rosemary • Ginger • Black pepper • Paprika • Garlic powder

You can use the spices as a dry rub or mix them up into a healthy marinade. Choose those that appeal most to you flavor-wise, or alternatively you can choose them according to their health benefits -- above and beyond reducing cooking byproducts -- too.

For instance, The Huffington Post featured a handy list of herbs based on their health benefits that you can reference when planning your next barbecue:

• Rosemary and basil for their anti‐inflammatory power • Cumin and sage for their dementia‐fighting power • Cayenne and cinnamon for their obesity‐fighting power • Coriander and cinnamon for their sugar regulating powers • Lemon grass, nutmeg, bay leaves and saffron for their calming effects on your mood

• Turmeric for its cancer fighting power • Oregano for its fungus‐beating power • Garlic, mustard seed and chicory for their heart‐pumping power • Basil and thyme for their skin‐saving power • Turmeric, basil, cinnamon, thyme, saffron, and ginger for their immune‐boosting power • Coriander, rosemary, cayenne, allspice and black pepper for their depression‐busting power

The Healthiest Way to Eat Your Meat?

I believe that most of the negative health associations of eating meat is related to the fact that the meat is cooked. Just as cooked vegetables are not as healthy as uncooked ones, meat undergoes damage when heated. Even if it isn't heated over a barbecue, when you heat it over 170 degrees you will cause damage to the proteins similar to that occurs when milk is pasteurized.

You can easily avoid all these problems by eating your meat uncooked. The problem with doing that in our current culture is that most meat is raised under factory farming conditions. The animals are very unhealthy and likely to harbor infections that can harm you.

However, if you can find humanely raised organic meat, then that risk is virtually eliminated.

In order for meat to be its healthiest, it should be organic and grass-fed, and it should be eaten raw or cooked as little as possible. If you like, you can quickly sear the meat on both sides, leaving the inside mostly raw. This gives the illusion that you're eating cooked meat, with many of the benefits of raw.

I would strongly encourage you to experiment with integrating this into your lifestyle. Many people have no problems eating sushi or steak tartar, so it is not as drastic a leap as you might think at first.

Go ahead and season your meat with spice rubs or homemade marinades even if you don't plan to cook it. Cooking reduces spices' antioxidant levels by 45-70 percent, so by eating spice-enhanced meats raw, this will result in even higher levels of antioxidants (and also far lower levels of toxins).

Eight Grilling Tips Every HealthConscious Person Should Know

Grilling is really not a healthy way to cook. But, if you're going to do it anyway, at least take the following steps to cut down on the hazardous byproducts created:

1. You can reduce the amount of PAHs when you grill by not cooking fatty meats, and by trimming the fat off before you grill.

2. When grilling, cook your food with indirect heat, such as on a rack rather than directly on the coals. Cooking on a cedar plank is also helpful.

3. Always avoid charring your meat (and don't eat the black parts). 4. Cook meat partially before putting it on the grill, or cook smaller pieces of meat, which take less

time to cook, and therefore give HCAs less time to form. 5. You can reduce the amount of AGEs in your food by using an acidic marinade that contains

lemon juice or vinegar. 6. Marinating meats before grilling or broiling them can reduce HCAs (according to some experts

by 90 percent or more). However, only use natural ingredients for marinades, and keep the coating thin to avoid charring.

7. Flip your burgers often, as this will help cut down on HCAs. 8. Add blueberries or cherries to your burgers, as similar to spices they can also help prevent the

formation of HCAs.

And remember, once you become accustomed to using spices on your meats, branch out to using them on other foods as well, as herbs and spices are some of the most potent antioxidants out there.

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It is important to note that oregano is a perennial herb which means in most US climates you can plant it and it will come back every year. It is very easy to grow and all you need to do is pick the leaves in the fall and dehydrate them and store in a glass jar and you have an amazing fresh organic herb that you can use year round.

Which Spices are the Healthiest?

Each spice has a unique set of health benefits to offer, but one study, published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods, found a direct correlation between the antioxidant phenol content of many extracts of spices and herbs, and their ability to inhibit glycation and the formation of AGE compounds, making them potent preventers of heart disease and premature aging.

According to this study, the top 10 most potent herbs and spices are:

1. Cloves (ground) 2. Cinnamon (ground) 3. Jamaican allspice (ground) 4. Apple pie spice (mixture) 5. Oregano (ground) 6. Pumpkin pie spice (mixture) 7. Marjoram 8. Sage 9. Thyme 10. Gourmet Italian spice

Choosing Spices for Their Medicinal Benefits

However, when it comes to herbs and spices, you really can’t go wrong. You should let your taste dictate your choices, choosing the flavors that appeal most to you. You can also choose spices based on their health effects. For instance, the following herbs and spices are some of the best for building a strong immune system that functions correctly:

• Licorice: Buffers the inflammatory response by increasing steroid output by your adrenal glands; a good buffer if your immune system is over responding to the flu.

• Turmeric: ORAC (a measure of antioxidant activity) score of 159,277; general immune system booster due to its high antioxidant capacity, and an anticancer agent as well; turmeric is 5 to 8 times stronger than vitamins C and E, and even strong enough to scavenge the hydroxyl radical, which is considered by some to be the most reactive of all oxidant

• Black Pepper: Increases the bioavailability of just about all other foods -- herbs and other compounds.

• Oregano: ORAC 13,970; active agent is rosmarinic acid, a strong antioxidant.

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Researchers have discovered that mice given curcumin experience a reduction in the formation of fat tissue and the blood vessels that feed it. Curcumin is the major polyphenol in the spice turmeric. The growth and expansion of fat tissues requires new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. In fat tissue, this process is mediated by the secretion of adipokines, such as leptin, adiponectin, resistin, interleukin‐6 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The researchers first investigated the effect of curcumin in cultured human cells to which adipokines had been added to stimulate angiogenesis. They found the ability of curcumin to inhibit angiogenesis was partly due to the reduced expression of VEGF. They then fed mice a high‐fat diet supplemented with 500 milligrams curcumin per kilogram diet for 12 weeks. Weight gain was reduced in mice that received curcumin. The researchers attributed this reduction to a decrease in total body fat in the curcumin‐fed animals. Mice that received curcumin also had lower liver weights, and experienced a reduction in VEGF, indicating reduced angiogenesis.

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In fact, there have been many promising studies looking into curcumin as a potent cancer‐fighter, and so far it’s been found to:

• Inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells • Inhibit the transformation of cells from normal to tumor • Help your body destroy mutated cancer cells so they cannot spread throughout your body • Decrease inflammation • Enhance liver function • Inhibit the synthesis of a protein thought to be instrumental in tumor formation • Prevent the development of additional blood supply necessary for cancer cell growth Beyond cancer, curcumin’s effects appear to extend throughout your entire body, with benefits that include:

• Strengthening and improving your digestion • Supporting healthy liver function and detoxification • Purifying your blood • Fighting arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease • Anti‐inflammatory properties And the benefits do not even end there. For a complete list of reasons why turmeric has been valued by Eastern cultural traditions, including traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, for more than 5,000 years, please read Super Spice Secrets: Can This Miracle Spice Stop Cancer, Alzheimer's and Arthritis?

Should You Take Turmeric if You’re Struggling With Your Weight?

Turmeric should not be your only strategy for weight loss if you’re currently overweight or obese, but it certainly can’t hurt to add it to your comprehensive program. You can reap some of turmeric’s health benefits simply by using fresh turmeric powder in your cooking, however when you heat this spice you may lose some of its benefits. So if you don’t enjoy the warm peppery flavor this spice lends to food, or if you want to be sure you’re getting the maximum benefits that raw turmeric has to offer, you can take it in supplement form. If you opt for this route, always look for a high‐quality, organic supplement from a reputable company. The All‐Natural Weight Loss Program I Most Highly Recommend

Of course, along with turmeric your weight loss plan should also cover the three “E’s”: Eating, Exercise and Emotions:

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This article is about a toxin that few people know about, a toxin that affects most of us in very quiet and insidious ways. It is called depleted uranium. Learning about and coming to terms with this toxin requires us to learn about it with our heads, keep our hearts open to the human suffering involved, and our wills active to take the needed actions guided by conscience.

Many of us have learned about the central toxins of our times, and they are many.

These include, but are not limited to: mercury and other heavy metals, vaccines, fluoridated water, chemicals, and microwaves and electromagnetic smog. To say nothing of the psychological entanglements and blind loyalties from the families into which we were born.

We are developing ways of coping with or detoxifying from these toxins. We can remove and replace our amalgam fillings and take products that help us eliminate mercury from all the places in our body that can do damage. We can stop giving our children vaccines. We can drink purified water. We can eat food that is not sprayed with chemicals, and buy products not made with toxic chemicals. We can stop using cell phones and cordless phones and microwaves, and purchase a protective canopy to put over our beds so that in sleep we are not affective by nearby cell phone towers.

Yet with depleted uranium it is different.

Most of the toxins listed above have well-documented evidence of their effects upon the human body and upon the environment. And more people are becoming aware of them and taking action either individually or collectively. With uranium, we are playing catchup ball.

Uranium and Depleted Uranium

There is uranium and there is depleted uranium. Understanding the distinction between this two is critical.

Uranium is a weakly radioactive element. It is present naturally in our environment. There is research that exposure to low levels of what is called ionizing radiation from earth emanating uranium helps us.

It is physiological and helps us in repairing our DNA. It can stimulate immune function, help us to have better sleep, and is anti fungal. This area of understanding is called radiation hormesis. In distinction, the primary use that humans make of uranium is in making nuclear bombs and in nuclear reactors.

Uranium itself can have chemical and radioactive effects in the human body. It is a nonessential element, and is naturally present in the land especially in areas that are high in granite rocks.

If we take in enough natural uranium, far beyond the range of low level radiation hormesis, it can damage kidneys and bones. It can substitute for calcium in the bones and thus contribute to developing osteoporosis. It can combine with and bind citrates and carbonates in your body. It can deposit in your liver, spleen, and kidneys.

With enough exposure it has been implicated in the development of diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, and obesity. And of course if there is a meltdown of a nuclear reactor, let alone a nuclear bomb, the results upon all life are catastrophic.

Then there is depleted uranium. What is the difference between the two?

Depleted uranium is the waste product of uranium enrichment in nuclear reactors. It is the residue left in massive quantities when bomb-grade uranium is refined or enriched to make reactor fuel and nuclear weapons.

Natural uranium has only 0.7 percent of fissionable uranium that can be used to make nuclear fuel and nuclear bombs. Modern reactors require 3% percent of fissionable U235. So the enrichment process increases the amount of this fissionable U235 from 0.7 percent to 3 percent, and produces depleted uranium as its byproduct.

Why is this significant?

After all, depleted uranium has only 1/3 of the radioactive isotopes of naturally occurring uranium. And it is much less absorbed through the skin. However, it is a biological time bomb when it is inhaled. This is the big problem we have, as you will see.

Tiny uranium oxide particles are inhaled, and then lodge in your lungs, brain, and bone marrow especially, and do damage for years.

Radioactivity: Two Types

Let us look at this area of radioactivity in relationship to depleted uranium. There are two types of radiation: non-ionizing and ionizing. The distinction refers to whether the particular form of radiation carries enough energy to ionize an atom or molecule -- that is, to remove an electron.

Non-ionizing radiation, regardless of the media and business claims, can still do damage, as we have seen in the volume of research in microwave radiation from cell phones, cordless phones, microwave ovens, motion detectors, radar, Wi-Fi, power lines, and cell phone towers.

The industries that make products that use these forms of radiation would have us believe they are harmless. There is ample research and observations now that non-ionizing radiation can be very harmful, even in short periods of exposure. The reader may refer online to such articles as The Radiation Poisoning of America. This, however, is the subject for another article.

Ionizing radiation consists of subatomic particles, like depleted uranium, that have enough energy to detach electrons from atoms or molecules, thus ionizing them. Whether ionization occurs does not depend upon the number of particles in exposure, but rather on the energy of the impinging particles or waves. Examples of ionizing particles are alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons.

We are increasingly exposed to this ionizing radiation. It comes from radioactive materials, X-ray tubes, particle accelerators, and other applications common to modern allopathic medicine.

Acute exposure can cause significant burns and radiation sickness if the doses are high enough, and cancers and genetic damage at lower doses. In its most extreme, this is the area of killing thousands of people with a nuclear bomb.

Whereas we can limit the sources of ionizing radiation from medical sources if we limit our exposure to such testing on an individual basis, our abilities to limit such exposure becomes more difficult because of the world in which we live.

If there is leaking from a local nuclear facility, we are exposed. If there is nuclear fallout somewhere else in the world, we are exposed. Just as in the area of non-ionizing radiation, ionizing radiation is a social problem and not just a medical issue. Again, the entire area of ionizing radiation is also a subject for another more in-depth discussion.

Why Depleted Uranium?

Why and how would a waste product of nuclear fission in a nuclear reactor become such a worldwide and insidious toxin, one that very few people are even aware of? The answer lies in the ways that science and the military have discovered how depleted uranium can be used.

In the civilian sector, depleted uranium is used in a number of ways. It is in counterweights used in aircraft. Radiation shields used medically have depleted uranium. As do containers for the transport of radioactive materials.

The military sector has also found applications for this byproduct known as depleted uranium. It is used in defensive armor plates. And, it is used to make the most devastating weapons the military uses -- the kinetic energy penetrators in hardened artillery shells that will penetrate tanks and other heavily armored vehicles and buildings. When used, it is like a hot knife that slices through armored tanks.

On impact, depleted uranium ignites. It generates fires and explosions, and death to those in near proximity. In addition, it also generates airborne oxides. This is where the great and long-term damage occurs to millions; 40% of the depleted uranium is left on the battlefield after the battle.

The particles of depleted uranium oxide (DUO) cannot be seen. They are nano particles. Some are smaller than the wavelength of light. To provide perspective, they are 1/10,000 the diameter of a red blood cell. These microsized particles have never existed in the natural environment until now.

The Danger of Depleted Uranium

Depleted uranium kills many people quietly. It is an inhalation time bomb. There is nothing depleted about depleted uranium. Inhaled DU nano particles easily cross the lung/blood barrier in inhalation, and the blood/brain barrier through the nose and into the brain.

The serious and real danger with depleted uranium is in the inhalation of these microparticles of alpha radioactivity.

Such radioactivity is natural at low levels in the environment. It is a highly ionizing form of radiation. And, it is not dangerous unless inhaled. Once inhaled, which DUO universally is, it is the most destructive form of ionizing radiation by far. One gram of DU releases 13,000 alpha particles (a helium nucleus) per second. One alpha particle can cause cancer under the right conditions.

DU inhaled nano particles, less than 10 microns big, stay lodged in tissue for decades, emitting radiation that does great and cumulative damage.

Nobel Prize winner Dr. Herman Muller has described the tiny genetic mutations that are passed on to offspring through family lines after exposure. This has great relevance not only to our soldiers returning from war since 1990, but also to their offspring.

Depleted uranium in your body is like miniature cannons going off for decades inside your body. They fire high-energy particles at 12,000 shots per second. They wreck and damage DNA chains. They induce chemical changes inside cells. And if the particles survive, they can replicate and do even more damage.

To put perspective on DNA damage: It requires 6-10 eV's, or electron volts, to break the DNA or other large molecules in the body. One DU particle inside the body is an emitter of alpha particles. Each alpha particle carries the force of 4.2 million electron volts.

Worldwide and USA

DU is a worldwide toxin. Because it is aerosolized, it can travel great distances from where it is used to penetrate armor in a war. It began to be used in war in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, then in the Gulf War in 1990-91, and continues to be used today.

Gulf War veterans were found to have DU in their clothing, bodies, and semen; 67 percent of them have offspring with birth defects. Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and chronic neurological conditions are much more common among them than in the general public. Lauren Moret, eminent scientist, has stated that DU is the main cause of Gulf War Syndrome.

Whereas only 400 soldiers were killed in the war, 11,000 of the 580,000 soldiers are now deceased, and over 325,000 are on permanent disability as of 2000.

In the areas of the world where it has been used most, mainly the Middle East and in the areas in and around Serbia, the soil and air is so contaminated with depleted uranium that millions of Iraqis and others in the area, as well as their offspring, will be developing cancers for decades to come, cancers they otherwise would not have developed.

Even in Great Britain it is reported that the highest levels of depleted uranium that were ever measured in the atmosphere were transported on currents of air from the Middle East and Central Asia during and immediately after the Tora Bora bombing in Afghanistan and the "Shock and Awe" bombing of Iraq in 2003.

In the USA, serious side effects have been observed in a number of areas. These include areas such as Hanford, Washington; Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Portsmouth, Ohio, among others. In Colonie, New York near Albany, 23 years after a US arms plant was shut, it has been discovered that 20 percent of the people in the area are contaminated who have lived there for over 10 years.

DU and Human Illness

The adverse effects on human health include the following:

• Lung cancer • Reactive airway disease • Neurological abnormalities • Vision degradation • Lymphoma and other cancers • Birth defects in offspring

Children exposed are much more susceptible, having much higher absorption rates as the blood is used to build and nourish bones and soft tissue. The number and type of birth defects in Iraqi children are common and difficult to look at.

Dr. James Howensteine, M.D., has written in April 2006 that we have a lung cancer epidemic from depleted uranium in the US, and that it has just begun. It was reported in 2006 on CNN News American Morning that there are usually 175,000 new cases of lung cancer per year in the US, yet in January and February of 2006 alone there were 172,000 new cases.

In perspective, you can develop lung cancer if you smoke for 30 years, or if you have exposure to depleted uranium in 30 days.

The scientist Leuren Moret, as a result of his research, has stated that the use of depleted uranium in weapons has caused the global diabetes mellitus epidemic. Both mercury and uranium bind on specific biochemical sites of insulin receptors in the human body.

Radiation exposure, whether it be acute in a nuclear bomb or chronic in depleted uranium exposure, generates cascades of free radicals that decimate your body's supply of glutathione and allows free radicals to run rampant through our tissues and organs and do considerable damage.

Unfortunately, the International Atomic Energy Commission continues to state that "...there is no evidence that either natural uranium or depleted uranium is carcinogenic." Yet two-thirds of all breast cancer deaths in the United States occur within 100 miles of a nuclear power plant.

Diagnosis of Depleted Uranium Toxicity

There is no real accurate method of diagnosis of DU poisoning. Hair mineral analysis of uranium does not distinguish between isotopes. And the particles are likely so small as to not be detectable by any conventional means of diagnosis. We cannot wait for an accurate diagnostic test before taking action.

Treatment, Decontamination and Eliminating DU

There are many approaches here. This article will discuss a few.

The general principles and approaches that apply include:

1. Ample amounts of necessary minerals such as magnesium, iodine, selenium, zinc, and others 2. Saunas, both infrared and far‐infrared 3. Raising core energy levels with botanical formulas 4. Supporting and improving individual capacities to mobilize and eliminate toxins 5. Therapeutic Clays to remove positively charged particles

There are many botanicals that help in this process, including Siberian ginseng, Reishi, Panax Ginseng, Aloe Vera, Dandelion root, Red Clover, and many others. Herbal adaptogenic formulas normalize, are nontoxic, and are nonspecifically supportive.

Other supplements that may be of help include:

1. Vitamin D in adequate amounts to protect bone strength

2. Thiol supplements such as cysteine and ALA to help improve detoxification pathways 3. L‐glutamine to repair intestinal damage.

Important are ample quantities of:

• Chlorella, which is not only a heavy metal chelator but is also radioprotective • Spirulina, which was used at a dose of 5 grams per day for 45 days after Chernobyl Cilantro,

which has research demonstrating its effectiveness in protecting bones from lead and uranium contamination

• Other forms of chelation such as EDTA, DMPS, DMSA and others

Readers are advised to become aware of these treatments and to use them with a qualified health care provider who has experience in their application.

As the reader can surmise, there is no clear treatment for poisoning with depleted uranium. Our focus must be on:

1. Eliminating exposure 2. Correcting damage and mutation of DNA with effective doses of botanicals such as green tea,

Japanese Knotweed, curcumin, and others 3. Supporting general health and detoxification 4. Minimizing or eliminating exposure to other forms of radiation, both ionizing and non‐ionizing 5. Ingesting foods that strengthen the core energetic systems of the body

Anti-radiation foods include miso soup, spirulina and chlorella, brassica vegetables, beans, sardines and anchovies if not contaminated, olives and olive oil, avocado, and grass-fed animal meat.

More specifically, there are foods to strengthen the three main energetic systems of your body:

1. Kidney/Endocrine: eggs, walnuts, black sesame seeds, yams, berries, sea vegetables, adzucki and black beans

2. Spleen/Immune Network: nourish with yams, carrots with ginger, wild salmon and halibut, pearled barley and some other grains

3. Liver Detoxification Network: dark green leafy bitter vegetables like arugula, collards, kale, spinach, dandelion greens, parsley, radicchio, and others

It is important to also mention that, in spite of the cumulative toxicity to which we are exposed, there is a growing body of insight and experience demonstrating that our illnesses are the manifestation of unresolved inner conflicts.

The German New Medicine work of Hamer, Sabbah, and Renaud (totalbiology.ca), as well as the work of Bert Hellinger, have shown this to be true in thousands of patients with illnesses.

The Value of "Normal"

Our society places a high value on what we come to perceive as normal. This includes vaccinations, drinking milk, having silver fillings and root canals, watching television, using microwaves and cell phones.

It is now considered normal to save a few lives with vaccinations at the price of chronic health conditions for millions. We make some teeth stronger with mercury/silver fillings but at the price of millions with chronic neurological and immune system impairment. We use depleted uranium in battle to make sure we lose fewer soldiers to death, at the price of millions of soldiers and civilians and their offspring being poisoned for generations.

Summary

Uranium from depleted uranium is now a worldwide toxin on par with mercury in its devastating effects. It is like a hidden microchip that will do internal damage to millions of human bodies, and of course animals and other life on the planet, for decades.

Radioactive DU may claim more lives than either Hiroshima or Nagasaki. The environment in Iraq, Serbia, and nearby areas of the Middle East and Central Asia are completely radioactive with DU particles.

What the world requires now is to ban depleted uranium munitions and the use of DU.

In addition, if we are a humanity of conscience, then this requires us to evaluate and treat all exposed, and to find and remove all DU penetrator fragments and contaminated equipment.

Or, we face a progressive poisoning of all life on earth.

It is anything but clear at this time if there is the honesty to face these realities and the will to do what is right. We have the means and the understanding of how to do all of this, and the treatment modalities that can be effective. What is lacking is the will to take the necessary actions outlined here.

Depleted uranium is an epidemic of deception of which very few people are aware. It kills millions quietly.

We are at a critical stage of development as a species and as a civilization. This can be seen clearly in our worldwide economic crisis, environmental changes, medical system meltdown, as well as in the cumulative exposures that include DU, mercury, fluoride, vaccinations, thousands of chemicals, and serious chronic infections like Lyme disease.

The time for denial and piecemeal approaches are over. Integrative Medicine provides the template for the comprehensive approaches that are and will increasingly be necessary to help people heal from the effects of depleted uranium poisoning and the many other cumulative assaults on the human body and all life.

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Well, previous studies have shown that soldiers who have retained DU shrapnel fragments in their bodies continued to excrete uranium in their urine seven years later, and that effects of this can be seen in both the reproductive and central nervous systems.

Unfortunately, you may not hear about this major issue in the mainstream issue anytime soon. The system is not set-up so that "truth" always prevails. This is why other travesties such as mandatory vaccinations, water fluoridation, and the drugging of our children and our entire population continues.

If You Have Been Exposed to DU …

For those in the military who have had close contact with DU (or have a loved one who has been), please seek the help of a knowledgeable natural health practitioner who can help you to detoxify and take Dr. Zieve’s detoxification steps (listed above) to heart.

What you’ll notice is that many of the recommendations to protect your body involve eating healthy foods and supporting detox with certain botanicals, vitamins and herbs.

Among them are vitamin D, chlorella, and curcumin (turmeric) -- all of which are health supportive for nearly all of us at varying times in our lives.

While I strongly encourage you to get professional guidance if you’ve been exposed to DU in significant quantities, you can all take a healthy step toward detoxifying and protecting your health by adhering to healthy lifestyle principles.

How to Make Turmeric Tea 3 Ways to Prepare this Popular Healing Herb

Apr 29, 2009 Cindy Ausbrooks

Turmeric Powder ‐ Sanjay Acharya

Turmeric tea can be prepared in several different ways to improve gastrointestinal complaints, joint pain, acne, sore throat, and a variety of other ailments.

An herbaceous plant in the ginger family, turmeric is native to South Asia. However, it’s become a popular culinary and medicinal herb around the world. Most praised for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, it’s also known as a powerful gastrointestinal remedy, and as a treatment for wounds and skin infections, chronic stomach upsets, gastrointestinal disorders, acne and skin disorders, arthritis and bursitis, and bad breath and gingivitis.

Turmeric’s healing benefits are attributed to curcumin, the compound responsible for the herb’s yellow pigment. Practitioners of Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medical system, believe the herb can cleanse and heal the entire body when taken internally. Use any of these turmeric tea recipes to make your own healing beverage.

Turmeric Tea with Ginger

This tasty adaptation of turmeric tea includes ground ginger, maple syrup, and lemon juice. It’s recommended to help ward off colds, flu, and other viral infections, any gastrointestinal problems, and to detoxify the body.

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups spring or distilled water • ½ teaspoon each powdered ginger and turmeric • 1 tablespoon maple syrup • Juice from ½ fresh lemon

Directions:

1. Bring the water to a boil, and add powdered ginger and turmeric. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

2. Strain the liquid into a clean coffee mug, and add the maple syrup and lemon. Stir to combine, and drink immediately.

Turmeric Tea for Joint Pain

This is an Ayurvedic turmeric tea recipe that is believed to aid in joint pain relief. It’s thought to lubricate the joints and is recommended for arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis sufferers, or anyone with chronic joint pain.

Ingredients:

Read on

• How to Soothe a Sore Throat • Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices in Sri Lanka • Two Medicinal Members of the Ginger Family

• ¼ cup spring or distilled water • 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder • 3 cardamom pods • 1 cup whole, organic milk • 2 tablespoons cold‐pressed almond oil • Honey or maple syrup to taste

Directions:

1. Bring the water to a boil, and then add the turmeric powder and cardamom pods. Reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for 5‐10 minutes.

2. Add milk and almond oil to the liquid. Heat just to the boiling point, but do not allow the mixture to come to a boil.

3. Remove from heat, and strain the tea into a clean coffee mug. Add honey or maple syrup to sweeten, if desired, and drink immediately.

Turmeric Tea – Milk & Honey

This recipe may be the most popular way to consume turmeric spice, aside from its use in culinary dishes. Turmeric tea made with milk and honey is soothing to the whole system, and recommended for sufferers of muscle aches, acne or skin problems, colds, and sore throat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole, organic milk • 1/8 teaspoon turmeric powder • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar to taste

Directions:

1. Heat the milk on low heat until very warm, but don’t allow it to come to a boil, and be careful not to scald.

2. Add the turmeric powder, and mix well to combine. Transfer the tea to a clean coffee mug and add honey or sugar to taste. Drink immediately.

Turmeric Tea Dosage Information and Precautions

Drink 2-3 cups of turmeric tea per day, as necessary. Although turmeric is safe to consume, it should be taken in moderation, as with any herbal remedy. Women who are pregnant or nursing and sufferers of congestive heart failure, gallstones, or obstruction of the bile ducts should not take turmeric tea.

References:

White, M.D., Linda B. and Stephen Foster. The Herbal Drugstore. New York: Rodale, 2000. Print.

Copyright Cindy Ausbrooks. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

Healthy Turmeric Tea

By Brad Lemley DrWeil.com News

A spicy dish of Indian biryani and a hot dog purchased at the ball game may seem to have little in common, but both feature a liberal quantity of turmeric (Curcuma longa). In the biryani, the spice is an essential part of the curry mixture that gives the dish its distinctive zing. In the dog, turmeric is what makes the slathering of American mustard bright yellow.

The good news about this cross-cultural spice is that elderly villagers in India, who eat turmeric in their daily curries, have the world's lowest rate of Alzheimer's disease. That does not appear to be a coincidence. In a study at the University of California at Los Angeles, scientists fed curcumin, an active compound in turmeric tea, to rats prone to accumulate beta-amyloid plaque in their brains - the abnormality associated with Alzheimer's disease in humans. Curcumin blocked the plaque's accumulation. It also appeared to reduce inflammation related to Alzheimer's disease in neural tissue. The rats fed curcumin also performed better on memory tests than rats on normal diets.

Other studies have suggested turmeric has broad anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects as well. But few Americans eat enough curry to achieve these protective effects. Although Dr. Weil does not recommend daily mustard-laden hot dogs as the ideal turmeric delivery device, he found a potential solution during one of his many trips to Okinawa, the island nation with the world's longest average life span, 81.2 years.

Okinawans drink copious quantities of turmeric tea. Some brew it fresh, but others simply buy cans or powdered instant versions of unsweetened tea from their local stores.

If you would like to try it, here's a recipe. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and flavorings until you find a combination that suits your taste:

• Bring four cups of water to a boil. • Add one teaspoon of ground turmeric and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. • Strain the tea through a fine sieve into a cup, add honey and/or lemon to taste.

Some people like to add a teaspoon of ginger along with the turmeric. While ground versions are more convenient, it's worthwhile to experiment with freshly grated turmeric for a more vibrant flavor. These distinctive, deep-orange roots are increasingly available in American grocery and natural food stores. Enjoy!

Read other articles by Dr. Weil and explore the power of tea.

more »

How to Make Turmeric Tea By an eHow Contributor

Modern medicine is only now beginning to confirm the benefits of turmeric. The active compound in turmeric is curcumin, the spice that gives Indian food its characteristic yellow color. Turmeric helps joint and bone health, aids in the clearing of skin plagued with acne and even heals the scars of bad acne. Turmeric tea can be made easily and benefits your health if taken multiple times a day.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water • Turmeric • Ginger powder • Honey • Lemon • Cup • Small pot • Strainer

1. 1

Measure 4 cups of water into a small pot and bring to a boil on the stove. Make sure that the water has come to a full boil.

2. 2

Add 1 tsp. of turmeric and 1 tsp. of ginger powder to the boiling water and reduce to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. This will extract the beneficial compounds from the turmeric and ginger. Ginger has many benefits for health also.

3. 3

Remove the pot from the stove and strain the tea into a cup. The particles of turmeric and ginger will be filtered out.

4. 4

Add honey to taste and a slice of lemon. The honey and lemon will make the tea a bit more palatable.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink turmeric tea 2 to 3 times a day. Since the recipe makes 4 cups of tea, you can make it in the morning and drink it throughout the day until it is gone. Being natural, it will not harm you if taken 4 times a day.

3 Reasons to Eat Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a culinary spice that spans cultures - it is a major ingredient in Indian curries, and makes American mustard yellow. But evidence is accumulating that this brightly colored relative of ginger is a promising disease-preventive agent as well, probably due largely to its anti-inflammatory action.

One of the most comprehensive summaries of turmeric studies to date was published by the respected ethnobotanist James A. Duke, Phd., in the October, 2007 issue of Alternative & Complementary Therapies, and summarized in the July, 2008, issue of the American Botanical Council publication HerbClip.

Reviewing some 700 studies, Duke concluded that turmeric appears to outperform many pharmaceuticals in its effects against several chronic, debilitating diseases, and does so with virtually no adverse side effects. Here are some of the diseases that turmeric has been found to help prevent or alleviate:

• Alzheimer's disease: Duke found more than 50 studies on turmeric's effects in addressing Alzheimer's disease. The reports indicate that extracts of turmeric contain a number of natural agents that block the formation of beta‐amyloid, the substance responsible for the plaques that slowly obstruct cerebral function in Alzheimer's disease.

• Arthritis: Turmeric contains more than two dozen anti‐inflammatory compounds, including sixdifferent COX‐2‐inhibitors (the COX‐2 enzyme promotes pain, swelling and inflammation; inhibitors selectively block that enzyme). By itself, writes Duke, curcumin ‐ the component in turmeric most often cited for its healthful effects ‐ is a multifaceted anti‐inflammatory agent, and studies of the efficacy of curcumin have demonstrated positive changes in arthritic symptoms.

• Cancer: Duke found more than 200 citations for turmeric and cancer and more than 700 for curcumin and cancer. He noted that in the handbook Phytochemicals: Mechanisms of Action, curcumin and/or turmeric were effective in animal models in prevention and/or treatment of colon cancer, mammary cancer, prostate cancer, murine hepatocarcinogenesis (liver cancer in rats), esophageal cancer, and oral cancer. Duke said that the effectiveness of the herb against these cancers compared favorably with that reported for pharmaceuticals.

How can you get more turmeric into your diet? One way is via turmeric tea. There are also extracts in tablet and capsule form available in health food stores; look for supercritical extracts in dosages of 400 to 600 mg, and take three times daily or as directed on the product.

And, of course, one can simply indulge in more curried dishes, either in restaurants or at home. However you do it, adding turmeric to your diet is one of the best moves toward optimal health you can make.

Two Medicinal Members of the Ginger Family The Curative Powers of Common Ginger and Turmeric

Sep 19, 2009 Deborah Aldridge

Common Ginger ‐ abcdz200 / sxc.hu

In the practice of herbal medicine, two members of the ginger family have been used for thousands of years for everything from arthritis to sore throats.

The Zingerberaceae family has over 1,300 species, most ornamental, but some edible. Both common ginger and turmeric as used as spices, but have also been used for centuries for their healing properties.

Zingiber officinale Common Ginger

Ginger is the root that is found in the grocery store in both the produce section fresh, as dried powder, or candied. It is used for cooking and seasoning, and can be used fresh, dried, or preserved. In addition to being a tasty addition to many dishes, and a desirable candied treat, it also has many medicinal properties.

The most common medicinal use of common ginger is as a treatment for nausea. Although the use of ginger capsules is counter-indicated during pregnancy, ginger tea can be safely used. It is effective with the nausea associated with chemotherapy. Candied ginger has long been used as a digestive aid.

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In her October 2006 article, "Ginger in Autoimmune Disease: The Medicinal Properties of Ginger Root", Elaine Moore states that its antibiotic properties have been shown to be effective in relieving the inflammation of arthritis and helpful with inflammation caused by auto-immune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Ginger has also been used for its antibiotic properties, particularly the use of ginger tea for gastritis and ulcers. Ginger poultices can be used for infected sores, but caution must be used, as it may burn if left on too long.

Ginger can be taken in capsules, in a tea, or eaten in candied form.

Curcuma longa Turmeric

Turmeric has long been used as an anti-inflammatory in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of liver and digestive disease.

Read on

• The Top Ten Health Benefits of Ginger • Herbal Honey Recipes • Turmeric

In her January 2007 article, "Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and Other Medicinal Properties of Turmeric", Elaine Moore says that turmeric is able to counteract to some degree, the effects of uveitis, an autoimmune eye disorder, without the side effects of steroids.

Studies have also shown anti-tumor properties, and an ability to fight infections, as well as having a healing effect on the liver.

Turmeric is used as a dry powder, mixed with food, or in capsule form, but is said to be more effective when taken as a loose powder.

Precautions When Using Ginger and Turmeric

The Botanical Online website article, "Properties of Ginger" states that during pregnancy, ginger should only be used in tea form, and not for more than two months.

Turmeric should not be used by those with gallbladder disease, due to its effect on bile production.

Any time herbal remedies are used, there is a risk of side effects. Check with your physician if you are on medication before using any herbal remedy. If symptoms do not improve in a week, or worsen, or if a high fever is present, consult a physician.

Copyright Deborah Aldridge. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

How to Soothe a Sore Throat Homeopathic Treatment and Natural Remedies

Dec 2, 2009 Katrina Rief-Derrico

Sore Throat ‐ riefderrico

A sore throat is often the first symptom of a cold, the flu or viral/bacterial infection such as strep throat or mononucleosis.

Waking up in the morning with the raw, burning sensation of a sore throat is an extremely common symptom during the fall and winter months. The scratchy irritation in the back of your throat can be caused by dry indoor air, allergies, smoke, pollution or infection. Sore throats generally will subside on their own in a few days.

In the meantime, here are a few holistic remedies help strengthen the immune system, soothe a sore throat and speed recovery.

Healing Begins from the Inside

Eating the right foods at the onset of a cold or the flu will help strengthen your immune system, lessen symptoms and speed healing.

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• Garlic ‐ Garlic contains a compound called Allicin (what makes garlic smell like garlic). It has natural antibiotic and anti‐fungal properties that can heal many types of infections including a sore throat. Take two ‐ three cloves, crushed or whole at the first sign of a sore throat and continue eating two cloves per day until your sore throat symptoms are relieved.

• Vitamins C and D ‐ Vitamin C and its benefits at the onset of a cold or flu are well known. But upping the intake of vitamin D will support and encourage a healthy immune system.

Gargles and Teas to Soothe a Sore Throat

Topical applications such as gargles and teas provide immediate relief for irritated, scratchy throats.

• Honey and Vinegar Gargle ‐ Dissolve one teaspoon of honey and one tablespoon of cider vinegar in a glass of warm water. Gargle with this mixture five ‐ six times per day.

• Honey and Lemon ‐ This is the traditional remedy for soothing a sore throat. Honey and lemon contains antibacterial, anti‐fungal and disinfectant properties.

• Goldenseal Herbal Tea ‐ Gargle with goldenseal tea two‐three times per day. Pour boiling water over two ‐ three teaspoons of dried goldenseal; steep for 10 minutes and strain. Allow to cool. Use as a mouthwash two‐three times per day.

• Sage Herbal Tea ‐ Gargle with sage tea two ‐ three times per day. Pour boiling water over two‐three teaspoons of fresh sage leaves; steep for 10 minutes and strain. Allow to cool. Use as a mouthwash two ‐ three times per day.

• Drink fresh ginger and pineapple juice. Juice three pineapple rings together with one quarter of an inch thick slice of fresh ginger. Both ginger and pineapple both contain natural anti‐inflammatory agents that can speed up the healing of a sore throat.

• Turmeric Gargle ‐ Stir one half of a teaspoon of turmeric into a cup of hot water. According to Ayurveda, gargling with turmeric mixture before bed will soothe your sore throat.

Soothing Vapors

Chamomile, oregano and thyme have antimicrobial, antispasmodic and expectorant properties. The essential oils from these plants have a direct effect on the mucous membranes when inhaled.

Mix equal parts chamomile, oregano, and thyme and pour one quart of hot water over one half of a cup of the mixture. Lean over the mixture and cover your head with a towel. Inhale vapors for 15 minutes, first through the nose then through the mouth. This will clear not only your sinuses but also ease the throat, tonsils and lungs.

Read on

• Herbal Properties and Health Benefits of the Herb Thyme • Congestion and Pain: Natural Cold & Flu Remedies • Causes of Sore Throat

Note: You can use one-two drops of essential oils instead of dried herbs if you prefer.

Cold Throat Wraps

Wrapping your throat loosely with a cold compress will cause the body to respond by warming up that part of the body. This process is accomplished by sending more blood to that area, delivering more oxygen, more white blood cells and more antibodies to fight the infection. As more blood travels through this area toxins and mucus will be removed, allowing for healing to take place.

A Word of Warning

* If you suffer from gastrointestinal upset or just don’t like the taste of raw garlic, you can cook bake or stir-fry the garlic or take garlic supplements from your health food store to get the benefits you need.

* See your medical doctor if the pain persists for more than three days, if you have a fever of 101ºF or higher; if you have a reddish rash on your torso; have a history of rheumatic fever; been exposed to strep or mononucleosis; or get sore throats frequently.

Sources:

• Judith H. Morrison, The Book of Ayurveda: A Holistic Approach to Health and Longevity; London, Gaia Books Limited (1995)

• Reader’s Digest, The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs, NY, The Readers Digest Association, Inc. (2009)

• The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, (various contributors), MM International Masters Publishers AB

• Mark Evans B. Phil. FNIMH, Natural Healing: Remedies & Therapies, NY, Hermes House (2002) • Laurel Sherer, Herbs a Spiritual Approach, University of Metaphysical Sciences (2005)

Copyright Katrina Rief‐Derrico. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

Two Digestion Promoting Indian Spices and How to Use Them Aug 9, 2010 Arathi Srikantaiah

Turmeric detoxifies the liver ‐ wikimedia‐Sanjay Acharya

Turmeric and cumin not only add flavor and color to Indian dishes, but also soothe upset stomachs. Learn how to cook with them to promote healthy digestion.

Integral to an Indian kitchen, the spices turmeric and cumin have an irreplaceable value in the sub-continent’s cuisine. Although the spices are famous for giving Indian dishes their characteristic earthy aromatic flavors, their therapeutic properties are not so well known. Among many other health benefits, both turmeric and cumin are incredible digestive aids. They cure common complaints of the stomach and the intestines and prevent these ailments from occurring in the first place, when used on a regular basis.

Turmeric Stimulates the Digestive System

With its golden yellow color and distinctive flavor, turmeric defines the taste of Indian dishes. A member of the ginger family, turmeric powder is made from the roots of the turmeric plant. Highly regarded as a medicinal spice, the curative properties of turmeric are numerous and well documented. Among many documented benefits such as preventing the risk of developing colon cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and treating inflammatory bowel disease, the spice is well known both in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine to stimulate a sluggish digestive system, ease indigestion and detoxify the liver.

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A mild spice, turmeric may be used to enhance the taste and color of many dishes.

• Use it to add flavor and color to rice, cauliflower, potato and chick pea dishes. • Sprinkle it on vegetable stir fries, salads and soups. • Make a tummy soothing tea by adding ½ a teaspoon of turmeric and some freshly grated ginger

to a cup of hot water. Add honey to sweeten the tea.

Cumin eases Indigestion

Resembling caraway seeds and belonging to the parsley-dill family, cumin adds both flavor and texture to stir-fries, rice pilafs and curries. Almost as ubiquitous as turmeric in Indian cooking, the spice is used both in its whole seed and powdered forms. Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, recommends the spice relieve indigestion and flatulence and detoxify the digestive system. Research shows that the spice may stimulate the production of pancreatic enzymes that in turn promote healthy digestion and better absorption of nutrients, according to the World’s Healthiest Foods, an online resource on scientifically proven information about the benefits of healthy eating.

Read on

• Healthy South Indian Cooking • Curry ‐ Origins and HIstory • Spices and Health

A fragrant spice, cumin seeds may either be powdered or used whole to add flavor to dishes.

• Roast cumin seeds until they are dark brown, crush in a mortar and pestle and add to lassi (an Indian yogurt drink) and garnish with mint leaves.

• Sautee whole seeds in olive oil until dark brown and use both the seeds and the oil to garnish potato and rice dishes.

• Use powdered cumin along with turmeric to add flavor to soups and vegetable stir fries.

Sources:

• The World’s Healthiest Foods; Turmeric. Accessed August 8, 2010 • The World’s Healthiest Foods; Cumin. Accessed August 8, 2010 • AyurBalance; Ayurvedic Spices‐Cumin. Accessed, August 9, 2010

Copyright Arathi Srikantaiah. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication. Q

Is DLPA a Good Option for Chronic Pain?

I have heard that DLPA is good for chronic pain, but I don't see any reference to it on your website. Will it help?

A

Answer (Published 9/18/2009)

You're asking about a mixture of the two forms of phenylalanine, an amino acid that is the precursor of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. L-phenylalanine has been used for treatment of depression; D-phenylalanine, which is believed to help prevent breakdown of the brain's natural painkillers may help some people with chronic pain. DLPA includes both forms.

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I discussed DLPA in my book Natural Health, Natural Medicine and warned that people with high blood pressure should be cautious about taking the L form by itself. The mixture in DLPA is less likely to raise blood pressure.

Today, I find the evidence for DLPA's effectiveness weak and no longer recommend it. I'm familiar with claims that it can help some people get by with lower doses of opiates for chronic pain, but I'm not convinced. Instead, I suggest trying other treatments such as hypnotherapy or acupuncture as well as natural anti-inflammatories such as ginger and turmeric.

Here are some more approaches I recommend for dealing with chronic pain:

• See a pain specialist or find a pain center that offers a full range of conventional and alternative

treatments.

• Try mind‐body approaches. Breath work, guided imagery, hypnotherapy and meditation can

help you raise your pain threshold, in part by triggering the release of pain‐mitigating chemicals

in the brain.

• Rethink your pain. Use mind‐body approaches to help you alter your perception of pain.

• Follow my anti‐inflammatory diet. Season your meals with turmeric and ginger, natural anti‐

inflammatory agents than can reduce pain related to inflammation. Or take 300 to 500 mg of an

extract of turmeric standardized to 90 to 95 percent curcuminoids up to three times a day

(supplemental turmeric may thin the blood, so be cautious with anticoagulant drugs). Look for

products that include piperine, a component of black pepper that increases the bioavailability of

curcuminoids.

• Explore alternative therapies. Massage, movement therapies such as the Alexander Technique

and Feldenkrais Method, and acupuncture are natural ways to tackle pain. Percutaneous

electrical nerve stimulation (PENS), the use of electric current delivered through acupuncture

needles may also help quiet pain signals.

• Tailor pain medications to support a healthy lifestyle. This may take some trial and error, but

working with your physician you may be able to come up with a combination of pain medication

that gives you enough relief to engage in daily activities and exercise. Be sure to speak up if you

develop side effects or if a drug isn't working.

• Don't suffer needlessly. Get medical help sooner rather than later ‐ chronic pain can trigger

anxiety and depression, both of which can make matters worse.

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Andrew Weil, M.D.

Q

Can Herbs Combat Inflammation? Is there an herb that is anti-inflammatory that I can use instead of ibuprofen?

A


Yes, there are a number of excellent anti-inflammatory herbs. The most important are:

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric accounts for the yellow color of curry and American

mustard and has a distinctive sharp flavor. I recommend turmeric for all inflammatory disorders,

including arthritis, tendonitis, and auto immune conditions. Take 400 to 600 milligrams of

turmeric extracts (available in tablets or capsules) three times per day or as directed on the

product label. Whole turmeric is more effective than isolated curcumin, its major constituent.

Look for products standardized for 95% curcuminoids. Be patient: the full benefit takes two

months to develop. Don't use turmeric if you have gallstones or bile duct dysfunction. Pregnant

women shouldn't use it without their doctors' approval. In rare cases, extended use can cause

stomach upset or heartburn.

• Ginger: Powdered dry ginger is an excellent anti‐inflammatory. Take one to two capsules (500 to

1,000 mg) twice a day with food. As with turmeric, you won't get the full effect for two months.

• Boswellin: This is the extract of the herb Boswellia, used in Ayurvedic medicine and available in

capsule form. It may be useful for generalized inflammatory conditions such as fibromyalgia. The

dosage is two capsules twice a day unless the product label directs differently.

You can take all of these herbs in combination. In fact, I most frequently recommend the herbal remedy Zyflamend, from New Chapter, Inc., which includes most of them and more, including holy basil, another Indian remedy. Follow the dosage directions on the package.


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In addition to herbs, you can also take dietary steps to reduce inflammation. The specific fats in your diet affect the way the body makes prostaglandins, a group of hormones that regulate

inflammation. Some prostaglandins intensify the inflammatory response while others reduce it. To help your body reduce inflammation eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils and all foods that contain trans-fatty acids (read food labels to check for the presence of these oils). Instead, use extra-virgin olive oil as your main fat and increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids found in oily, cold-water fish, flaxseeds or oil, and walnuts.

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Dementia

Dementia is a progressive decline in mental ability, affecting memory, thinking, judgment, attention span and learning. Although dementia usually develops after the age of 60, it is not a natural part of aging.

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The most common type of dementia results from Alzheimer’s disease. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear, but some researchers suspect that genetics may play a role, as this disease seems to run in families and may be influenced by certain gene abnormalities.

The second most common cause of dementia is due to multiple small strokes, often referred to as multi-infarct dementia. Recurrent mini strokes may not cause the same type of weakness and paralysis that large strokes produce, but over time the brain cells will be compromised. An infarct refers to a blockage of blood flow to tissue, causing it injury. As these injuries accumulate in the brain, its normal functioning is affected, hence the term multi-infarct dementia.

Causes and Symptoms

Alzheimer’s disease begins slowly, and gets progressively worse over time. There is a gradual decline in memory, the ability to keep track of time, and the ability to recognize people, places and objects. It becomes more and more difficult to find and use the appropriate words. There are often changes in personality as well. In contrast, multi-infarct dementia has a more predictable, step-like progression.

Recommended Lifestyle Changes

The steps listed above for preventing mild memory loss will also help you establish a reserve against dementia. Some additional preventive measures include the following: 1. Maintain a positive attitude. Studies show that a positive emotional state may help ward off cognitive decline. Social ties, involvement in church and community, and meaningful relationships all seem to be protective. 2. Keep your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure is the strongest risk factor for multi-infarct dementia. 3. Exercise regularly. You can slow memory loss with regular aerobic exercise. 4. Keep your mind active. Combine physical and mental exercise: sing familiar songs while walking, or read the newspaper while riding a stationary exercise bike.

Nutrition and Supplements

Consider a daily low-dose aspirin. Some studies link the use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Try turmeric, a unique spice. Recent animal research suggests that the yellow spice turmeric, a major ingredient in American mustard and Indian curry, can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This may help explain the unusually low incidence of Alzheimer’s in India, where people consume significant amounts of turmeric as part of the daily diet.





HEALTHY SWEETS How much: Sparingly Healthy choices: Unsweetened dried fruit, dark chocolate, fruit sorbet Why: Dark chocolate provides polyphenols with antioxidant activity. Choose dark chocolate with at least 70 percent pure cocoa and have an ounce a few times a week. Fruit sorbet is a better option than other frozen desserts.

RED WINE How much: Optional, no more than 1-2 glasses per day Healthy choices: Organic red wine Why: Red wine has beneficial antioxidant activity. Limit intake to no more than 1-2 servings per day. If you do not drink alcohol, do not start.

SUPPLEMENTS How much: Daily Healthy choices: High quality multivitamin/multimineral that includes key antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, mixed carotenoids, and selenium); co-enzyme Q10; 2-3 grams of a molecularly distilled fish oil; 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 Why: Supplements help fill any gaps in your diet when you are unable to get your daily requirement of micronutrients. Click here to learn more about supplements and get your free recommendation.

TEA How much: 2-4 cups per day Healthy choices: White, green, oolong teas Why: Tea is rich in catechins, antioxidant compounds that reduce inflammation. Purchase high-quality tea and learn how to correctly brew it for maximum taste and health benefits.

HEALTHY HERBS & SPICES How much: Unlimited amounts Healthy choices: Turmeric, curry powder (which contains turmeric), ginger and garlic (dried and fresh), chili peppers, basil, cinnamon, rosemary, thyme Why: Use these herbs and spices generously to season foods. Turmeric and ginger are powerful, natural anti‐inflammatory agents.

OTHER SOURCES OF PROTEIN How much: 1-2 servings a week (one portion is equal to 1 ounce of cheese, 1 eight-ounce serving of dairy, 1 egg, 3 ounces cooked poultry or skinless meat) Healthy choices: High quality natural cheese and yogurt, omega-3 enriched eggs, skinless poultry, grass-fed lean meats Why: In general, try to reduce consumption of animal foods. If you eat chicken, choose organic, cage-free chicken and remove the skin and associated fat. Use organic, reduced-fat dairy products moderately, especially yogurt and natural cheeses such as Emmental (Swiss), Jarlsberg and true Parmesan. If you eat eggs, choose omega-3 enriched eggs (made by feeding hens a flax-meal-enriched diet), or organic eggs from free-range chickens.

COOKED ASIAN MUSHROOMS How much: Unlimited amounts Healthy choices: Shiitake, enokidake, maitake, oyster mushrooms (and wild mushrooms if available) Why: These mushrooms contain compounds that enhance immune function. Never eat mushrooms raw, and minimize consumption of common commercial button mushrooms (including crimini and portobello).

WHOLE SOY FOODS How much: 1-2 servings per day (one serving is equal to ½ cup tofu or tempeh, 1 cup soymilk, ½ cup cooked edamame, 1 ounce of soynuts) Healthy choices: Tofu, tempeh, edamame, soy nuts, soymilk Why: Soy foods contain isoflavones that have antioxidant activity and are protective against cancer. Choose whole soy foods over fractionated foods like isolated soy protein powders and imitation meats made with soy isolate.

FISH & SEAFOOD How much: 2-6 servings per week (one serving is equal to 4 ounces of fish or seafood) Healthy choices: Wild Alaskan salmon (especially sockeye), herring, sardines, and black cod (sablefish) Why: These fish are rich in omega-3 fats, which are strongly anti-inflammatory. If you choose not to eat fish, take a molecularly distilled fish oil supplement that provides both EPA and DHA in a dose of 2-3 grams per day.

HEALTHY FATS How much: 5-7 servings per day (one serving is equal to 1 teaspoon of oil, 2 walnuts, 1 tablespoon of flaxseed, 1 ounce of avocado) Healthy choices: For cooking, use extra virgin olive oil and expeller-pressed organic canola oil. Other sources of healthy fats include nuts (especially walnuts), avocados, and seeds - including hemp seeds and freshly ground flaxseed. Omega-3 fats are also found in cold water fish, omega-3 enriched eggs, and whole soy foods. Organic, expeller pressed, high-oleic sunflower or safflower oils may also be used, as well as walnut and hazelnut oils in salads and dark roasted sesame oil as a flavoring for soups and stir-fries Why: Healthy fats are those rich in either monounsaturated or omega-3 fats. Extra-virgin olive oil is rich in polyphenols with antioxidant activity and canola oil contains a small fraction of omega-3 fatty acids.

WHOLE & CRACKED GRAINS How much: 3-5 servings a day (one serving is equal to about ½ cup cooked grains) Healthy choices: Brown rice, basmati rice, wild rice, buckwheat, groats, barley, quinoa, steel-cut oats Why: Whole grains digest slowly, reducing frequency of spikes in blood sugar that promote inflammation. "Whole grains" means grains that are intact or in a few large pieces, not whole wheat bread or other products made from flour.

PASTA (al dente) How much: 2‐3 servings per week (one serving is equal to about ½ cup cooked pasta) Healthy choices: Organic pasta, rice noodles, bean thread noodles, and part whole wheat and buckwheat noodles like Japanese udon and soba Why: Pasta cooked al dente (when it has "tooth" to it) has a lower glycemic index than fully‐cooked pasta. Low‐glycemic‐load carbohydrates should be the bulk of your carbohydrate intake to help minimize spikes in blood glucose levels.

BEANS & LEGUMES How much: 1-2 servings per day (one serving is equal to ½ cup cooked beans or legumes) Healthy choices: Beans like Anasazi, adzuki and black, as well as chickpeas, black-eyed peas and lentils Why: Beans are rich in folic acid, magnesium, potassium and soluble fiber. They are a low-glycemic-load food. Eat them well-cooked either whole or pureed into spreads like hummus.

VEGETABLES How much: 4-5 servings per day minimum (one serving is equal to 2 cups salad greens, ½ cup vegetables cooked, raw or juiced) Healthy Choices: Lightly cooked dark leafy greens (spinach, collard greens, kale, Swiss chard), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, bok choy and cauliflower), carrots, beets, onions, peas, squashes, sea vegetables and washed raw salad greens Why: Vegetables are rich in flavonoids and carotenoids with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Go for a wide range of colors, eat them both raw and cooked, and choose organic when possible.

FRUITS How much: 3-4 servings per day (one serving is equal to 1 medium size piece of fruit, ½ cup chopped fruit, ¼ cup of dried fruit) Healthy choices: Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, nectarines, oranges, pink grapefruit, red grapes, plums, pomegranates, blackberries, cherries, apples, and pears - all lower in glycemic load than most tropical fruits Why: Fruits are rich in flavonoids and carotenoids with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Go for a wide range of colors, choose fruit that is fresh in season or frozen, and buy organic when possible.

Additional Item:

WATER How much: Throughout the day Healthy choices: Drink pure water, or drinks that are mostly water (tea, very diluted fruit juice, sparkling water with lemon) throughout the day. Why: Water is vital for overall functioning of the body.

Is Vasculitis Causing Too Many Sores? For 11 years I have been getting from two to nine sores on my body and finally was diagnosed with a mild case of vasculitis of the skin. I've been on antibiotics for almost a year now. Can you recommend anything else?

A


Vasculitis is an inflammatory disease of blood vessels that can affect any number of organs, including the skin. The sores that you get result from leakages of blood from damaged blood vessels. The cause of vasculitis is unknown, but there is probably an autoimmune aspect to it. That is, the immune system is mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Vasculitis can occur on its own or be a component of other autoimmune disorders such as lupus. In addition to localized injury, patients with vasculitis often experience generalized symptoms: fevers, weight loss, fatigue, and diffuse aches and pains.


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Because vasculitis appears to be autoimmune in nature and is not an infectious disease, antibiotics (which work against bacteria) are unlikely to help. The conventional medical treatments for autoimmune disorders are steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs that are useful for short-term management of the worst crises but can cause terrible toxicity when they are used long term. Instead, I recommend several measures that can bring about dramatic improvement in patients with autoimmune disorders. First, follow my anti-inflammatory diet.

In particular:

• Eliminate cow’s milk and cow’s milk products (substitute other calcium sources).

• Eat more fruits and vegetables (make sure that they are organically grown).

• Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially

hydrogenated oils, all foods (such as deep‐fried foods) that might contain trans‐fatty acids. Use

extra‐virgin olive oil as your main fat.

• Increase your intake of omega‐3 fatty acids. Take two to three grams of fish oil a day.

Several supplements can also help:

• Take anti‐inflammatory herbs such as ginger and turmeric. Try my new unsweetened turmeric

tea. Take Zyflamend, a combination of ginger, turmeric, and other botanicals with anti‐

inflammatory properties.

• Consider taking grape seed extract, a source of powerful antioxidant compounds called OPCS

(oligomeric proanthocyanidins). Research has shown these compounds to be useful in protecting

blood vessels, making them more elastic and less likely to leak.

Aside from dietary measures, note that:

• Because autoimmune diseases tend to flare up in response to emotional ups and downs, I

suggest that you also try some form of mind/body treatment ‐ hypnosis may be especially

helpful. Psychotherapy, biofeedback and guided imagery are other good options.

• You might try consulting a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. I have seen this system

produce good results with vasculitis and other forms of autoimmunity.

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Osteoarthritis

Arthritis refers to an inflammation of a joint or joints in the body. One of the most common types of arthritis is osteoarthritis or "degenerative arthritis." Often described as "wear and tear" arthritis, it affects more than 15 million Americans.

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Osteoarthritis follows the breakdown of cartilage in a joint, eventually leading to abnormal bone changes. The role of joints is to provide flexibility, stability, support and protection to the skeleton, allowing movement of limbs and the entire body. Cartilage assists in these functions by coating the ends of the bones. In the early stages of osteoarthritis, the surface of the cartilage becomes swollen, forming tiny crevasses which hinder normal joint functioning. Inflammation may also occur in the synovium, a fluid-filled sac that surrounds the joint and provides nutrients and oxygen to the joint components. As the cartilage loses elasticity, it becomes vulnerable to further damage from repetitive use, which can cause a great deal of pain and swelling. In advanced cases, there is a complete loss of cartilage cushion between the joint and bone, which ultimately limits joint mobility.

Osteoarthritis is not a systemic condition - it does not spread throughout the body, but instead affects only the joint or joints where the deterioration has occurred. The joints most commonly affected are the knees, hips, spine, hands and toes.

Causes and Symptoms

Osteoarthritis can result from trauma or from repetitive use, although there is often no single identified cause. It is typically divided into two broad categories:

• Primary osteoarthritis commonly occurs with aging, as the water content in the cartilage increases and the protein portion degenerates.

• Secondary osteoarthritis is usually due to another disease or condition, such as repeated trauma, infectious disease, gout or surgery on a joint. Obesity is a frequent contributor, as excess weight puts additional stress on the cartilage, particularly on the joints in the knees and hips.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Pain in the affected joint(s) after repeated use, especially later in the day. • Swelling, pain and stiffness after long periods of inactivity, such as waking in the morning, that

subsides with movement and activity.





• Continuous pain, even at rest, is a symptom of advanced osteoarthritis, when there is total loss of cartilage.

In osteoarthritis of the spine, pain can occur in the neck or lower back. If bony spurs develop, the nerves exiting from the spine can be irritated, causing numbness, tingling and severe pain in the back or limbs. Osteoarthritis in the fingers can result in hard bony enlargements, and bunions can form at the base of the big toe if the feet are affected.

The degree of symptoms varies among individuals. Some people become completely debilitated, while others may experience few symptoms despite the severity of their condition. Symptoms may also be intermittent, and some individuals go for long periods of time relatively symptom-free.

Suggested Lifestyle Changes

• Lose weight if you are overweight; it can alleviate excess mechanical stress on the affected joint(s).

• Avoid intense activities that injure or strain the joint cartilage. • Exercise. This can actually be beneficial as long as it is performed at a level that does not stress

the affected joint(s). Strengthening surrounding muscles will support and protect the joint, and physical activity helps improve and maintain joint mobility and aids weight‐reduction efforts. The safest activities are swimming, stationary cycling and light weight training – which put little stress on the joints.

Nutritional Supplements and Bone Health

Dietary changes may help alleviate or reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Research has shown that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and the spices ginger and turmeric may help reduce inflammation. Foods rich in antioxidants – plentifully found in most vegetables and fruit – may help reduce tissue damage from inflammation.

• Eat oily fish such as salmon, or try another source of omega‐3 fatty acids such as walnuts or freshly ground flax seed daily.

• Regularly use ginger and turmeric. Ginger tea is a good example. • Eat generous amounts of organically grown vegetables and fruit every day.

The following are nutrients, botanicals and other compounds that Dr. Weil’s Vitamin Advisor recommends for joint health:

• Glucosamine Sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate provides the joints with the building blocks they need to help repair the natural wear on cartilage caused by everyday activities. Specifically, glucosamine sulfate provides the raw material needed by the body to manufacture a mucopolysaccharide (called glycosaminoglycan) found in cartilage. Supplemental sources are derived from shellfish. Taken in supplement form, glucosamine may help improve the maintenance of healthy cartilage with an enhanced deposition of glycosaminoglycan.

• Chondroitin. Chondroitin protects the cartilage and attracts fluids that give the tissue its shock absorbing quality.

• Evening primrose oil. A source of gamma‐linolenic acid (GLA) which may help maintain healthy joints by modifying inflammation.

• Bone health‐related herbs and spices. Ginger, holy basil, turmeric, green tea, rosemary, scutlellaria and huzhang all have naturally occurring anti‐inflammatory compounds known as COX‐2 inhibitors.

• Omega‐3 fatty acids. Containing primarily EPA and DHA, which have been shown in studies to help maintain bone health and flexibility.

Q

Preventing Phlebitis?

I am being treated for phlebitis. I am 54, female, overweight and have lots of visible veins on my legs and abdomen. What should my follow-up be once the problem clears up? Can I do water aerobics? Walking or biking? Could weight be a factor? Can you recommend a diet or supplements that would help my vascular system?

A Answer (Published 10/14/2010)

Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein, usually in the leg, that may be caused by a blood clot within the vein (thrombophlebitis) or infection. The symptoms are redness, swelling, tenderness and pain along the course of a vein, which may be near the surface of the skin (superficial phlebitis) or deep within a muscle (deep vein thrombosis or DVT).



start, try Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor. It is free, and provides a personalized recommendation based on your

health history. Visit today!

Risks for phlebitis are increased by long period of inactivity (such as when you’re confined to bed after surgery or sit for long stretches while driving or flying); by excess weight, pregnancy, use of birth control pills or estrogen therapy, with a family history of a blood clotting disorder, and with varicose veins and smoking.

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• Dr. Weil's Anti‐Inflammatory Food Pyramid is a simple tool that helps today's families prevent disease while eating well.

• The pyramid combines an educational graphic featuring categories of anti‐inflammatory foods, beverages and spices with information on specific food choices and serving frequencies.

• Designed as a practical eating guide that consumers of all ages can use, it also provides tips on how to prevent aging related diseases and improve overall health.

• An anti‐inflammatory diet helps counteract chronic inflammation, a root cause of many serious diseases, including:

• Heart disease • Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases • Age‐related disorders, including cancer • Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

Components of Dr. Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Pyramid:

• Vegetables ‐ 4‐5 servings per day. Lightly cooked organic dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower), carrots, beets, onions, peas, squashes, sea vegetables and washed raw salad greens ‐ all are rich in antioxidants and anti‐inflammatory components.

• Fruits ‐ 3‐4 servings per day.Brightly coloredfruits, especially berries, peaches, nectarines, oranges, pink grapefruit, red grapes, plums, pomegranates, cherries, apples and pears provide antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory flavonoids and carotenoids.

• Whole and Cracked Grains ‐ 3‐5 servings per day. Whole grains (brown rice, basmati rice, wild rice, buckwheat, groats, barley, quinoa and steel‐cut oats) that are intact or in a few pieces rather than ground into flour, digest slowly, reducing frequency of spikes in blood sugar that promote inflammation.

• Pasta (al dente) ‐ 2‐3 servings per week. Pasta cooked al dente has a lower glycemic index than fully cooked pasta and can help minimize spikes in blood sugar. Opt for organic pasta, rice noodles, bean‐thread noodles or Japanese noodles such as udon and soba.

• Beans and Legumes ‐ 1‐2 servings per day. Beans are a low‐glycemic‐index food rich in folic acid, magnesium, potassium and soluble fiber. Eat a variety of beans, such as Anasazi, adzuki, black beans, chickpeas, black‐eyed peas and lentils.

• Healthy Fats ‐ 5‐7 servings per day. Healthy fats are those rich in either monounsaturated or omega‐3 fatty acids. Dr. Weil suggests extra virgin olive oil, expeller‐pressed organic canola oil, nuts (especially walnuts), avocados and freshly ground flaxseeds.

• Fish and Seafood ‐ 2‐6 servings per week. Fish rich in omega‐3 fatty acids, such as wild Alaskan salmon (especially sockeye), herring, sardines and black cod are strongly anti‐inflammatory. An option for those who don't eat fish is taking a molecularly distilled fish oil supplement at 2‐3 grams per day.

• Whole Soy Foods‐ ‐ 1‐2 servings per day. Tofu, tempeh, edamame, soy nuts and soymilk provide isoflavones that have antioxidant activity and are protective against cancer.

• Cooked Asian Mushrooms ‐ Unlimited servings. Cooked (never raw) mushrooms such as shiitake, enokidake, maitake and oyster mushrooms contain compounds that help enhance immune function.

• Other Sources of Protein ‐ 1‐2 servings per week. Eat natural cheeses, low‐fat dairy, omega‐3 enriched eggs or eggs from free‐range chickens, skinless poultry and lean meats, and choose organic, cage‐free chicken (with skin and fat removed).

• Healthy Herbs and Spices ‐ Consume as desired. Add flavor to foods without adding sodium by using as much turmeric, curry powder, ginger and garlic, chili peppers, basil, cinnamon, rosemary and thyme as desired. Turmeric and ginger are powerful, natural anti‐inflammatory agents.

• Tea ‐ 2‐4 cups per day. White, green and oolong teas provide catechins ‐ antioxidant compounds that reduce inflammation.

• Red Wine ‐ 1‐2 glasses per day maximum. Organic red wine provides beneficial antioxidants. However, if you don't drink alcohol, do not start.

• Healthy Sweets ‐ Sparingly. Unsweetened dried fruit, dark chocolate and fruit sorbet are healthier options than sugared candy. Dark chocolate provides polyphenols with antioxidant activity.

• Supplements ‐ Daily. A daily high‐quality multivitamin/multimineral can help fill nutritional gaps in the diet when circumstances make it difficult or impossible to fulfill the daily requirement for micronutrients from food sources alone. Dr. Weil recommends choosing a supplement with key antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, mixed carotenoids and selenium; co‐enzyme Q10; 2‐3 grams of a molecularly distilled fish oil; and 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. For consumers interested in learning more about which vitamins are best suited for them, log onto www.DrWeil.com and select Dr. Weil's "Vitamin Advisor" page.

• Tofu Salad • Description Did you know that you can make a delicious vegan alternative to egg or tuna salad

from tofu? Tofu ‐ made from curdled soy milk in a process similar to making cheese ‐ is an extremely versatile source of soy, and varies in firmness relative to the amount of liquid that has been pressed out. Firm tofu works best in this recipe for an appetizing look and taste. I suggest you seek out the freshest possible tofu made from organic soy, and avoid buying the type sold in bulk in big vats, as it can easily be contaminated. Keep your tofu submerged in fresh water in the refrigerator, change the water daily and eat it within a week. This recipe is easy to whip up in a few minutes. Use it as a sandwich filling or as a snack on whole grain crackers. Be sure to choose crackers made without partially hydrogenated oil.

• Food as Medicine One of the healthiest changes you can make in your diet is to incorporate soy foods on a regular basis. Soy is rich in protein, iron and compounds called isoflavones, which seem to protect against hormone-driven cancers such as prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. Soy also helps protect your heart.

• Ingredients 1 pound firm tofu 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 tablespoon prepared mustard 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish 3 tablespoons chopped celery 3 tablespoons chopped onion 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley Dash paprika Salt to taste Hot‐pepper sauce or salsa (optional) Instructions 1. Drain the tofu well and mash it roughly in a bowl.

2. Add the turmeric, mustard, sweet pickle relish, celery, onion, parsley and paprika, and salt to taste. 3. Mix and mash well. Correct seasoning. Add hot‐pepper sauce or salsa to taste. Want more healthy, delicious recipes? Join the Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging online guide for access to hundreds of anti‐inflammatory recipes and our exclusive eating guides. Sign up today and get 14 days free!

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What is irritable bowel syndrome? Once called "spastic colon," irritable bowel syndrome, commonly known as IBS, is a common disorder that involves the entire digestive tract. Studies estimate its prevalence in the United States at 10 to 20 percent of the population; worldwide, the prevalence differs from country to country. Don't confuse IBS with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome? IBS usually begins to manifest as early as the teens and 20's. Although they vary from person to person and frequently change over time, IBS symptoms can include any combination of constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, abdominal pain or discomfort, fatigue, and headaches. Because these symptoms occur in many different disorders, other possible causes may have to be ruled out before IBS can be diagnosed.

What are the causes of irritable bowel syndrome?

There is no known cause for IBS, and it is generally considered a "functional disorder" meaning it interferes with the body's normal activities by influencing the sensitivity of a system, or by impairing the way the brain controls and regulates that system. IBS is believed to stem from a glitch in nervous system regulation of the normal functioning of the lower digestive tract. The digestive tract appears to become very sensitive to even minor stimuli, and people with IBS often experience extreme discomfort from simple gas or normal muscle contractions. While there's nothing wrong with the structure of the





intestine itself, in some patients there may be a problem with its muscle movement. The intestinal walls are lined with layers of muscle that normally move digested material through the digestive tract toward the rectum, but in IBS, these contractions may be stronger, and last longer, than is optimal, leading to bloating, gas and diarrhea. Conversely, the opposite may occur ‐ food passage becomes slower, and stools become hard and dry. Not everyone with IBS will have these abnormal contractions, and this abnormal activity does not always coincide with changes in bowel habits.

Inflammation at the microscopic level (as opposed to more severe inflammation characteristic of inflammatory bowel disease) in the lower intestine may also play a role. While they don't cause IBS, certain foods, emotional factors (anxiety, stress, fear, and depression), and other irritants can trigger and worsen symptoms.

What is the conventional treatment? Treatment is very individualized. If a particular food appears to be a trigger, it is eliminated from the diet. Likewise, if certain situations are identified that cause stress and flare ups, patients are advised to avoid them. The usual pharmaceutical approach is to prescribe antispasmodic medications, which slow the function of the gastrointestinal tract, but these drugs aren't very effective and can cause significant side effects. Some doctors also treat IBS with antidepressants and potentially habit-forming tranquilizers.

What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for irritable bowel syndrome? The symptoms of IBS can be troubling, but it also appears that the condition is being "promoted" by drug company advertising campaigns to instill fear and drive drug sales. "What for many people is a mild functional disorder - requiring little more than reassurance about its benign natural course - is currently being reframed as a serious disease attracting a label and a drug, with all the associated harms and costs," concluded an article by a Australian researchers called "Selling Sickness: the pharmaceutical industry and disease mongering," published in the April, 2002, issue of the BritishMedical Journal.

Dr. Weil believes there is merit in this view and that, in many cases, digestive discomforts that might be diagnosed as IBS will resolve on their own within a few days.

However, if the diarrhea, stomach pain or other symptoms have become chronic - meaning that they have persisted for more than four to six weeks, or if they have become steadily worse in character -it may be advisable to consult with your primary health care provider. Note that reducing the stress that can bring on symptoms is key to controlling this disorder. There are also numerous lifestyle and dietary changes that include increasing your intake of fiber and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes

• Learn to reduce stress. Try the relaxing breath, biofeedback, yoga or meditation. • Hypnosis. Several scientific studies have shown that hypnosis can help ease IBS symptoms. In a

British study published in 2003, almost 75 percent of the IBS patients who attended 12 weekly hypnotherapy sessions and received an audiotape for home use reported an improvement in their symptoms. Of this group, 81 percent said that the benefits lasted for more than five years,

and most of them continued to practice self‐hypnosis.You can get a referral to a certified professional in your area from the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy. This form of psychotherapy can help you see how self‐defeating thoughts and actions contribute to stress and subsequently to IBS symptoms. Learning coping skills can reduce IBS symptoms.

• Acupuncture. This traditional therapy seems to help relieve bloating. • Exercise. Physical activity helps to maintain bowel regularity and reduce stress.

Nutrition and Supplements

• Avoid trigger foods. Keep a diary that will help you identify foods that set off your symptoms. You may have to track what you eat for a month or more to determine which foods are responsible. A study published in July 2005 in the American Journal of Gastroenterology showed that IBS patients are more sensitive to wheat, beef, pork, lamb and soybeans. Beans and raw fruits and vegetables are frequent triggers of gas and bloating.

• Increase your fiber intake. Eat lots of whole grains and cooked vegetables and fruits. Sprinkle a tablespoon of freshly ground flax seeds on cereals, soups and/or salads daily. If you can't get enough fiber through your diet, use Metamucil or an equivalent fiber supplement. A high fiber diet can ease constipation (but may worsen diarrhea).

• Avoid stimulants. Caffeine, tobacco and other stimulants can irritate the bowels and worsen diarrhea. Decaffeinated coffee can have the same effects.

• Avoid dairy foods. Eliminating milk and milk products, including anything that contains casein, has helped many people.

• Don't overeat. Too much food in a single meal can set off IBS symptoms; instead, opt for small, frequent meals when possible.

• Avoid certain non‐nutritive sweeteners. Sorbitol and xylitol can exacerbate diarrhea in people with IBS.

• Avoid carageenan. This common food additive is used as a thickener and emulsifier in ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese and other processed food products, including soy milk. It has been linked to intestinal ulcerations in animal studies.

• Try probiotics. These products contain "friendly" bacteria that can stabilize the digestive tract; you can find milk‐free brands (such as Culturelle) in health‐food stores. Take probiotics with meals.

• Take carob powder for diarrhea. Used occasionally, a tablespoonful of carob powder (mixed with applesauce and honey) can soothe irritated intestines.

• Take peppermint oil. Enteric‐coated capsules taken 15 to 30 minutes before meals led to significant improvement in IBS symptoms among participants in a Chinese study. Peppermint oil can reduce muscle spasm or cramping and is best used for abdominal pain and discomfort. Take one or two capsules three times a day between meals.

• Try turmeric. A standardized extract of this spice reduced IBS symptoms by 50 percent or more in a pilot study published in 2004. Turmeric may help by reducing inflammation and abnormal muscle contractions in the bowel. I suggest taking 300 to 400 mg to three times a day. One reliable product is Turmericforce from New Chapter.

• Try slippery elm. Obtained from the inner bark of the red elm tree (Ulmus rubra), slippery elm powder can heal irritated digestive tract tissues. Prepare a soothing gruel by combining one teaspoon of the powder with one teaspoon of sugar and two cups of boiling water. Stir well. Flavor with cinnamon and drink one or two cups twice a day.

Graves' Disease

What is Graves' disease? Graves' is an autoimmune disease first described in the mid-1800's by Dublin physician Matthew Graves, who treated three successive women with heart palpitations and overly large thyroid glands. It is the most common form of hyperthyroidism and occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to enlarge and overproduce thyroid hormone. This can greatly increase the body's metabolic rate, leading to a host of health problems. What are the symptoms of Graves' disease and how is it diagnosed? The thyroid plays a critical role in metabolism. When, as in Graves' disease, it makes too much thyroid hormone, the body's metabolism is greatly accelerated. This results in symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which can begin mildly with anxiety, distracted attention, nervousness, irritability, heat intolerance, and difficulty sleeping. Gradually, a patient can begin to become fatigued, experiencing a rapid or irregular heartbeat, shaking, increased perspiration, changes in libido, weight loss despite normal food intake, brittle hair, frequent bowel movements, and in women, light menstrual periods. In some cases, the tissue and muscles behind the eyes swells,

making them bulge. The skin near the ankles may also develop a thick red rash.

If a thyroid anomaly is suspected, blood tests are usually performed to determine levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine, one of the circulating thyroid hormones. TSH, produced by the pituitary gland, is the hormone that normally stimulates the thyroid. In Graves' disease, abnormal antibodies are present in the blood, which are detectable and mimic the actions of TSH, causing elevated thyroxine even while natural TSH levels remain low.





A radioactive thyroid uptake exam can also be done to assess thyroid function. The body needs iodine to make thyroid hormone; and by ingesting a small amount of radiolabeled iodine, then later measuring how much of it is taken into the thyroid, a doctor can see how well the gland is producing. High iodine uptake indicates that the thyroid is making too much hormone, as is the case in Graves' disease.

What are the causes? In Graves' disease, the immune system mistakenly targets the thyroid gland, making a faulty antibody (TRAb) that stimulates the thyroid to make excessive amounts of hormone. The thyroid is normally tightly regulated by areas of the brain - the pituitary gland and hypothalamus - that tell it to appropriately turn on and off. This antibody interrupts the normal feedback mechanism that regulates production of adequate amounts of thyroid hormone, causing levels to be abnormally high. We still don't know what factors may precipitate the immune system to attack the thyroid gland. There does seem to be a genetic component, as Graves' is found more commonly in certain families and in twins. Other risks, such as gender - it occurs more in women - and age (it usually affects people over the age of 20) also play a role. Recent illness or infections, as well as stress, are additionally linked with developing Graves' disease.

What is the conventional treatment? In the U.S., an overactive thyroid is initially treated with radioactive iodine taken orally (as a capsule or drink). The radiation helps to shrink the gland and permanently reduce its hormone output within three to six months. (Radioactive iodine rarely has side effects, and all the radioactivity is eliminated in the urine within two to three days.) . Sometimes anti-thyroid drugs such as propylthiouracil or methimazole (Tapazole) may be given initially to reduce hormone levels; in about a third of cases, taking these medications for a year or more can produce a long-term remission. Still, relapse is common, prompting patients to seek out radioactive iodine treatment. Dr. Weil suggests these proven therapies be considered before having all or part of the thyroid gland surgically removed. Risks of this surgery can include potential damage to the vocal cords and the parathyroid glands, tiny glands located adjacent to the thyroid that control calcium absorption. Following thyroid surgery or treatment with radioactive iodine, people frequently develop low levels of thyroid hormone, becoming hypothyroid in the process and needing long-term thyroid hormone replacement. Graves' disease is a more serious condition than an underactive thyroid since the rapid heartbeat it can cause can progress to other serious heart problems if not adequately treated.

Beta blockers, including propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), and metoprolol (Lopressor) can often relieve the rapid heart rate, nervousness and tremors that come from an overactive thyroid. These medications aren't a cure for Graves' because the body will still overproduce thyroid hormone, but they can block some of its action. Beta blockers are often used with other forms of treatment until or unless thyroid function stops or becomes too low.

What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for Graves' disease? There is no known, reliable treatment to stop the immune system from producing the antibodies that cause Graves' disease. Dr. Weil typically recommends conventional medical approaches, which are effective in slowing down production of thyroid hormone or blocking its action.

However, uncontrolled case reports suggest that dietary and lifestyle treatments may offer some benefit in addressing autoimmunity, including:

• Dietary changes: o Decrease protein intake toward 10 percent of daily calories; replace animal protein as

much as possible with plant protein, see the anti‐inflammatory food pyramid. o Eliminate milk and milk products, substituting other calcium sources. o Eat more fruits and vegetables regularly; make sure they are organically grown. o Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially

hydrogentated oils, and all foods (such as deep‐fried foods) that might contain trans‐fatty acids. Use extra‐virgin olive oil as your main fat.

• Mind/Body: Mind‐body measures like guided imagery and hypnosis are worth practicing to help reduce stress and normalize immune function, but it's not clear if such methods will lessen symptoms. Dr. Gary Conrad, an integrative medicine colleague, has written an excellent article published in the November/December, 2007, issue of Explore magazine entitled: Spontaneous Remission of Graves' Disease: A Spiritual Odyssey. Dr. Conrad recommends the use of a multisystem, integrative approach that encompasses "all healing modalities" most appropriate to address an individual's needs. One key component to his healing was learning how to optimize the mind‐body connection to achieve states of deep relaxation ‐ what Dr. Conrad calls the "opposite of Graves' Disease" ‐ along with accessing the inner healing wisdom of the body to give insight about further treatment options. Dr. Conrad's article makes two key points about autoimmune conditions like Graves' disease. First, they can go into spontaneous remission over time ‐ a focus of treatment should be trying to get the condition to "burn itself out." Secondly, stress is often a key precipitator in aggravating these conditions, and working to decrease or better manage stress can often balance immune system function and facilitate healing.

• Supplements: o Ginger, start with one capsule twice a day. o Turmeric, try "Turmeric Force" capsules from New Chapter and follow dosage directions

on the package. o In Europe, a mildly overactive thyroid is treated with the herb bugleweed (Lycopus

virginicus), but there's little scientific evidence for its effectiveness.

Q

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: An Autoimmune Threat?

I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and have read that it could lead to another autoimmune problem. True? If so, what can I do to prevent it?

A


Hashimoto's thyroiditis occurs when the immune system targets the thyroid gland. Because this attack interferes with the production of vital hormones that regulate metabolism, it often results

in thyroid deficiency (hypothyroidism). Symptoms include weakness and fatigue, weight gain (because your body isn't burning calories at its normal rate) and increased sensitivity to cold. Your skin may become dry, rough and pale, and you may notice some hair loss. Other common symptoms are muscle or joint aches, constipation, depression, irritability, memory loss, abnormal menstrual cycles with heavy flow, and decreased sex drive.


Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging for a Healthy Body, Mind and Spirit ‐ Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging for a Healthy

Body, Mind and Spirit ‐ A healthy body, mind and spirit are the fundamental components of a successful

life. The Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging online guide combines therapies, an exclusive version of Dr. Weil's

Anti‐Inflammatory Food Pyramid, spiritual assessments and more to help promote better overall

health. Sign up today and get 14 days free!

Since autoimmune diseases tend to flare up and subside in response to emotional ups and downs, I recommend experimenting with some type of mind/body treatment - hypnosis, psychotherapy, or guided imagery therapy. You might also consult a practitioner of Chinese medicine in addition to working with a conventional endocrinologist. In most cases, Hashimoto's thyroiditis eventually "burns out," leaving you with an underactive thyroid and the need to continue with

thyroid hormone replacement indefinitely.

It is true that persons with Hashimoto's thyroiditis are at increased risk of developing other autoimmune disorders. For that reason, I suggest following my anti-inflammatory diet, and the recommendations below, which are helpful for anyone who has experienced autoimmunity:

• Decrease protein intake toward 10 percent of daily calories; replace animal protein as much as

possible with plant protein.

• Eliminate cow's milk and all cow's milk products, substituting other calcium sources.





• Eat more fruits and vegetables regularly and make sure that they are organically grown.


hydrogenated oils, and all foods (such as deep‐fried foods) that might contain trans‐fatty acids.

Use extra‐virgin olive oil as your main fat.

• Increase your intake of omega‐3 fatty acids.

• Take ginger (start with one capsule twice a day) and turmeric supplements (follow the dosage

directions on the package).

• Protect yourself from harmful effects of stress, start by learning and practicing the 4‐7‐8

breathing exercise I recommend.

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Q

Is Memory Loss One Of The Symptoms Of Menopause?

What accounts for the memory problems women develop at menopause? Are they hormonal symptoms of menopause or just a sign of aging?

A


Actually, the complaints about failing memory so many women voice may be more illusion than reality. Results of a recently completed study showed that menopausal women demonstrated no signs of mental decline and that their scores on memory tests improved over the time they participated in the study. The results were published in the September 23, 2003, issue of the medical journal Neurology.


Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging for Women's Health Issues ‐ If you are going through menopause, a support

group can be helpful. The Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging online guide has a vibrant, active community of

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now!

Researchers at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago recruited 803 white and black women, ages 42 to 52, most of whom hadn't yet stopped menstruating completely. None of the participants took hormone replacement therapy. Once a year for almost six years, the researchers gave the women memory tests that involved repeating long strings of numbers

backward and quickly identifying pairs of symbols and digits. The researchers expected to see scores drop as the women got older, but instead all the scores rose. On one of the memory tests, scores rose by an average of three percent.

Until now, researchers assumed that declining levels of estrogen affect healthy brain function and therefore might explain the forgetfulness so many menopausal women notice as one of the possible symptoms of menopause. In light of their results, the research team speculated that any memory problems menopausal women encounter may be due less to hormonal changes and more to stress, such as that of dealing with adolescent children, aging parents, and the conflicting responsibilities of home and work. The researchers admitted, however, that their tests may not have revealed changes in specific kinds of memory that might be more affected by hormones. Some studies have shown that memory of words may decline, although other studies haven't confirmed this connection.

If you're concerned about your memory, try reducing the stress in your life with meditation and other relaxation techniques. Some foods can be helpful, particularly those containing omega-3 fatty acids (including salmon, sardines and flax seeds) and those containing anthocyanin pigments (blueberries are the best source). Also, recent research indicates that the yellow spice turmeric may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and take a good multi-vitamin/multi-mineral supplement. Regular aerobic exercise can further help, as can keeping your mind active by reading, doing puzzles or discussing current events.

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Read other articles by Dr. Weil on symptoms of menopause.

Q

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Natural Remedies? I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Do you have any suggestions for natural methods of pain management or to control the disease?


Updated on 6/20/2005

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common autoimmune disorders, diseases caused by the immune system attacking the body's own tissues. Autoimmune reactions may be triggered by infection, tissue injury, or emotional trauma in people with a genetic predisposition to them. Conventional medicine treats rheumatoid arthritis (and other autoimmune diseases) with steroids and other immunosuppressive medications, most of which are toxic when used long-term. Try to avoid these strong drugs if you can. Patients who are dependent on them are less likely to respond to natural treatments.


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has herbs and supplements that can help nutritionally support the normal processes of maintaining bone

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Lifestyle changes can moderate autoimmunity, and other strategies can help you control the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Here are my basic recommendations:

• Follow a low‐protein, high‐carbohydrate diet; minimize consumption of foods of animal origin.

• Eliminate milk and milk products including commercial foods made with milk.

• Avoid all polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, and products made

with partially hydrogenated oils of any kind.



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• Increase intake of omega‐3 fatty acids by eating more cold water fish, walnuts or freshly ground

flaxseeds. You may also want to consider taking a fish oil supplement to help keep your protein

intake low.

• Get regular aerobic exercise (swimming is best for those with rheumatoid arthritis).

• Practice relaxation techniques. In addition, visualization can help moderate autoimmune

responses, and psychotherapy can help you change emotional states that keep the immune

system off balance.

• Try hypnotherapy or guided imagery. Look for a therapist willing to take on an autoimmune

disease. Meditation and yoga can help, too.

• Avoid health care practitioners who make you feel pessimistic about your condition.

• Eliminate or reduce intake of coffee and tobacco as both have been liked to an increased risk for

rheumatoid arthritis.

Here are specific recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis management:

• One at a time, eliminate the following categories of food for two months: (1) all sugar except

natural fruits; (2) all citrus fruits; (3) wheat, corn and soy. At the end of each trial period, restore

the eliminated items to your diet. You may find that one or more has an influence on your

arthritis symptoms.

• For symptomatic treatment use aspirin and other over‐the‐counter anti‐inflammatory drugs.

• Take feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) for its anti‐inflammatory effect; one to two capsules

twice a day.

• Use anti‐inflammatory herbs. Ginger and turmeric are particularly effective. I recommend

Zyflamend, made by New Chapter Inc., which includes both. You can continue to take these herbs

indefinitely.

• Experiment with traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, homeopathy, Native American

medicine, and healers.

• Try long‐term fasting in a facility staffed by experienced health professionals. For additional

information on fasting, check out www.dmoz.org.

• Investigate apitherapy (bee‐sting treatment); a local bee keeper should be able to advise you.

Andrew Weil, M.D. Q

Are There Natural Remedies for Multiple Sclerosis?

I have been suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) for several years. Do you have any suggestions for natural remedies to help someone like me?

A


Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most baffling of all diseases - we know very little about what causes it and what factors influence its progression and outcome. MS begins with localized inflammatory damage of the myelin sheaths surrounding the nerve fibers due to an attack by the immune system. The resulting damage interferes with nerve impulses and can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, loss of vision, and a variety of other neurological impairments.


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Although considered an autoimmune disease, it is not clear what causes the immune system to attack nerve sheaths. Researchers have been studying a possible viral trigger, but this would not explain why MS is more common among those who live in northern latitudes and uncommon in those near the equator. Additionally, scientists are unable to explain why there are so many different forms of MS, why some people have transient symptoms that never return, while others experience cycles of exacerbation and remission. In some people MS is relentless, leading to

complete disability and death.

A drug called beta-interferon has become the conventional treatment for MS patients, especially those with the remitting variety. It can slow the progression of the disease, but is expensive and produces unpleasant side effects. Really effective medical treatment is still not available for most patients. I like to work with patients who have MS because of its variability and potential to go





into remission, as well as its responsiveness to stress reduction, mind/body treatments and changes in lifestyle.

These are a list of suggestions I recommend for my new patients to experiment with, so give it a try and see what works best for you.

• Decrease protein toward 10 percent of daily caloric intake. Replace animal protein as much as


• Eliminate milk and milk products, substituting other calcium sources.

• Eat organically grown fruits and vegetables as much as possible as well as organic products

made from wheat and soy.


hydrogenated oils, all foods (such as deep‐fried foods) that might contain trans‐fatty acids. Use

extra‐virgin olive oil as your main fat.

• Increase intake of omega‐3 fatty acids from fish, walnuts, or flax and hemp seeds.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables.

• Eat ginger and turmeric regularly.

• Take acidophilus culture and psyllium if constipation is a problem, or use the ayurvedic herbal

bowel regulator, triphala.

• Take my antioxidant and daily multivitamin formula and a B‐50 complex vitamin, and a multi‐

mineral supplement daily.

• Take 5 grams of soy lecithin granules daily (store this in the refrigerator).

• Take 30 milligrams of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) two or three times a day.

• Do some kind of light aerobic exercise on a regular basis. Choose something you enjoy but do

not push your self to the point of exhaustion.

• Visualization, meditation, and hypnotherapy can redirect your mental energies in positive

directions.

• Experiment with traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine from qualified

practitioners.

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Bunions

What are bunions? Bunions are bony protrusions located at the base of the big toe that develop when the toe is slanted inward or overlaps the next toe. They can be very painful. Bunions form when the

movement of the big toe influences the angle of the bones in the foot. The changes gradually develop into the characteristic bump, which over time becomes more and more noticeable.

What are the signs and symptoms of bunions? In addition to the typical bump, signs of bunions can include red, calloused skin along the foot at the base of the big toe. With bunions, you may also develop calluses on the big toe, sores between the toes, ingrown toenail, and restricted motion of the toe. Some bunions are small and

painless and some are large and extremely painful. Pressure from shoes worsens the problem.

What are the causes of bunions? The main cause of bunions is excessive pressure being placed on the front of the foot, and is usually the result of wearing high-heeled shoes with pointed toes. A study by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society found that 88 percent of women in the United States wear shoes that are too small and that 55 percent of them have bunions. Overall, bunions are nine times more common in women than men. In some cases, bunions are hereditary; they also may be caused by arthritis or polio.

What is the conventional treatment of bunions? Making sure that shoes don't press against the bunion worsening the pain is the first line of treatment. Protecting the bunion with felt or foam pads or devices to separate the first and second toes at night may be recommended as may cutting a hole in a pair of old, comfortable shoes to take the pressure off the bony protrusion. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended to help relieve toe pain. In rare cases, physicians may administer injections of corticosteroids to treat the inflamed bursa (fluid-filled sac located in a joint) sometimes seen with bunions. Custom orthotic devices are another option that may be beneficial in some cases.

If bunions are causing severe foot pain or inflammation and swelling that limits daily activities and doesn't improve with rest, medication and comfortable shoes, surgery may be required. More than 100 surgical options are available for painful bunions. Some realign the foot's anatomy by cutting notches from the metatarsal bone or the bone of the big toe. The bones can then grow back without the slant that promotes bunion growth. The operation is usually done on an outpatient basis, but afterward, you probably will have to stay off your feet for a few weeks. Recovery takes about six weeks. Surgery is not recommended for a bunion that doesn't cause pain.

What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for the treatment of bunions?



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• Wear comfortable shoes that don't squeeze your toes together. Sandals are ideal in warm weather.

• Cushioning the bunion with a donut-shaped bunion pad sold at drugstores can prevent any direct rubbing against your shoes.

• Have your shoes stretched to give your foot more room or consider switching to footwear customized to relieve pressure on the affected area.

• Soak your foot in warm water to help lessen the pain after a day on your feet. • Apply ice packs several times a day to reduce swelling of painful and inflamed bunions. • Take aspirin or ibuprofen for the inflammation and pain, and try supplementing with anti-

inflammatory herbs such as ginger and turmeric (these work more slowly than the drugs). • See a podiatrist for specially fitted shoes or orthotic devices that may help. • Sometimes, surgery is necessary. Seek a second opinion before scheduling any operation. • Q • Mega Mushrooms For The Skin?

I know that you advise eating mega mushrooms for health, but I just heard that you also recommend a mushroom I never heard of, Hypsizygus ulmarius, for topical use. What's the story?

• A • Answer (Published 10/10/2005)

• I would be more surprised if you had heard of Hypsizygus ulmarius. The name itself is a mouthful, and over the years, this mushroom has been called by several other names including "elm oyster," which is probably the easiest to remember. Although it is edible and cultivated as a food mushroom in Japan, I value Hypsizygus ulmarius most for its immune-enhancing and cancer-protective properties, as well as for its ability to reduce inflammation when applied to the skin.

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• Hypsizygus ulmarius is one of several mega mushrooms included in a line of innovative skin-care products I recently helped develop for Origins, a well known cosmetics company I am working with. One of these new "Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins" products is PlantidoteTM Mega Mushrooms Face Serum, which combines Hypsizygus ulmarius with cordyceps and reishi mushrooms, ginger, turmeric, holy basil, resveratrol and argan nut oil to maximize the skin's defenses against aging.

• Many common skin problems, including sensitivity, puffiness, extreme dryness, hyperpigmentation, lines and wrinkles are the end results of inflammation that may be otherwise imperceptible. I chose Hypsizygus ulmarius and the other mega mushrooms

used in these products because they have a long history of enhancing health, boosting resistance to stress, and promoting healthy longevity.

• This fall and winter (2005) Origins will introduce three skin products containing blended mushrooms, all of which have been designed to help reduce the signs of aging and to restore skin vitality. Two are for topical use and one is a mushroom supplement to address skin problems from the inside out.

• If you have skin problems, I also recommend that you get adequate sleep at night. My Origins line will include a supplement (Nite-TritionTM) to help you relax and get to sleep.

• All of my after-tax profits from the Origins products will go to the Weil Foundation, which I established to promote integrative medicine. To learn more about my Origins line, visit the Personal Care section on this site.

• Andrew Weil, M.D. • For more answers to your skin questions, browse Dr. Weil's dermatology section.

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Q Guaifenesin for Fibromyalgia?

What can you tell me about guaifenesin as a treatment for fibromyalgia?


Guaifenesin (pronounced gwai-FEN-es-en) is an ingredient used in many cough syrups to loosen mucus in the respiratory tract. For years it has been promoted as a natural treatment of fibromyalgia by a Los Angeles physician, R. Paul St. Amand, M.D., assistant clinical professor of medicine at Los Angeles Harbor/UCLA Hospital. Dr. St. Amand claims that guaifenesin relieves fibromyalgia symptoms by ridding muscles, tendons, joints, and other tissues of harmful calcium phosphate deposits that result from defective kidney function.

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However, I have found no scientific studies that show that calcium phosphate deposits are a problem in fibromyalgia, or that guaifenesin actually relieves symptoms of fibromyalgia. What's more, there does not appear to be a single study in the medical literature demonstrating that guaifenesin is an effective fibromyalgia treatment. The only research I've seen is a yearlong, double-blinded, placebo-controlled investigation conducted by Robert M. Bennett, M.D., (now retired) professor of medicine and chairman of the Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Bennett's study, completed in 1996, was never published but the results were widely publicized. They showed no difference between guaifenesin and placebo for fibromyalgia treatment - and no significant change in symptoms or in levels of phosphates.

Dr. Bennett's study has been criticized by guaifenesin proponents as "flawed" because participants may have

used cosmetics and other topical products containing salicylates which, supposedly, interfere with guaifenesin. There is no evidence for that assertion either.

Nevertheless, guaifenesin still has adherents, and some patients claim it has helped them. I do not recommend it. Instead, I suggest the following approaches:

• Exercise. Daily aerobic activity (swimming, walking, or riding stationary bikes or using elliptical trainers) is one of the most effective fibromyalgia treatments. Stretching and yoga also help.

• Establish regular sleeping habits and get professional help to correct any sleep disturbances.

• To counteract stress, practice relaxation techniques (meditation, yoga or breathwork).

• Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy to learn how to cope with symptoms and stress.

• Try acupuncture or massage.

• Try the Feldenkrais Method for gentle exercises to help correct poor posture or habits of movement that may contribute to pain.

• Eat a diet rich in organic fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils, and all foods that might contain trans-fatty acids. Use extra-virgin olive oil as your main fat.

• Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

• Eat ginger and turmeric regularly for their anti-inflammatory effects.

• In addition to my antioxidant formula, take 250 mg of magnesium and 500-700 mg of calcium daily to help relax and maintain nerves and muscles. (Men should skip the calcium supplements.)

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Q

Does Exercise Make You Sick? My life partner has been diagnosed with respiratory reactive disease. He is normally a cyclist and hiker. He was ill a great deal last fall and winter. What do you recommend he do to stay healthy and fit?

A


Respiratory reactive disease, sometimes called reactive airway disease and better known as exercise-induced asthma, is a form of asthma that occurs among people who don't have the allergies or recurrent infections that usually trigger asthma symptoms. Instead, their symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath) occur when they exert themselves, as in aerobic exercise. Fortunately, attacks are preventable with proper precautions, changes in diet and lifestyle, and with medications in the form of inhalers for use prior to exercise.


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The following approaches can prevent or minimize symptoms:

• Warm up very slowly to the point where you almost feel the "tightness" associated with

exercise‐induced asthma. Then stop and stretch or, if you're exercising vigorously, slow down.

By taking this break, you often can thwart the development of symptoms. You can then resume

your normal pace. This may take some getting used to, but sometimes can eliminate the need

for medication.

• Try breath work. The most effective approaches are pranayama techniques (breath control

exercises taught in some yoga classes). You can do these after the initial warm‐up when

symptoms are almost upon you. Start with my relaxing breath, which you can learn by visiting

www.drweil.com and searching with the term "relaxing breath."

• Find a form of physical activity that minimizes exercise‐induced symptoms. Sports that have

intermittent rest periods (such as tennis, softball, and golf) can allow you to regain control of

your breathing. Swimming may be better than running outdoors in cold weather, but with

proper treatment no type of exercise is off‐limits.

Here are some other approaches that can help:

• An anti‐inflammatory diet including plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, less rather than

more protein, and a lot of omega‐3 fatty acids. Take my antioxidant formula plus anti‐

inflammatory herbs such as ginger and turmeric.

• Eliminate cow's milk and all cow's milk products from the diet. Milk protein increases mucus

secretion in the respiratory passages. In addition to eliminating dairy products themselves,

check the labels of other foods to make sure that milk is not among the ingredients.





• Drink plenty of water to keep respiratory tract secretions fluid.

• Experiment with traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, both of which

sometimes afford significant help through more specific dietary adjustments and herbal

treatments.

• I also would suggest trying medicinal mushroom tonics, such as cordyceps and reishi that have

been traditionally used to promote lung strength. These mushrooms have also been found to

increase aerobic capacity and boost immunity.

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Treating Cancer: Integrative Medicine

For a new book, Dr. Weil and Donald I. Abrams, M.D., the former director of Clinical Programs at the University of California, San Francisco Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, assembled a team of experts to assess what the emerging field of integrative oncology has to offer cancer patients.

Published by Oxford University Press, Integrative Oncology is aimed at health professionals but can be understood by cancer patients and their families as well as by health-conscious individuals concerned with cancer prevention. The book is the first in a planned series on integrative medicine's role in various medical specialties including psychiatry, rheumatology, asthma and immunology, pediatrics, women's health and others.

Here, in the first of a two-part interview, Dr. Abrams talks about his practice of integrative oncology and how integrative medicine can enhance cancer treatment. In a second article, he will discuss how integrative medicine fits into cancer prevention.

What role does integrative medicine (IM) play in cancer treatment?

The field of oncology (cancer treatment) is fairly new but has exploded in recent years and become more and more specialized. A patient may need a surgical oncologist to remove a tumor, a radiation oncologist for radiation therapy and a medical oncologist to provide chemotherapy, hormone therapy





and targeted cancer therapy (drugs that block cancer spread). Some oncologists now specialize in treating only certain types of cancer, such as colorectal or pancreatic. This increasing specialization benefits patients in that they get care from physicians who are experts in their specific disease, but in the process, the specialist may tend to see only the tumor and not the patient. Integrative oncology looks at the whole patient, body, mind and spirit.

I tell my patients that I think of cancer as a weed. Modern western oncology is focused on destroying the weed while integrative oncology concentrates on the soil the weed grows in and on making the soil as inhospitable as possible to the growth and spread of the weed.

We also recognize that many cancer patients are people who have been highly functional and in control of their lives. A cancer diagnosis takes away that control and puts them at the mercy of doctors. In my practice, I try to return to the patient some sense of control by giving them things they can do to take their lives back into their own hands. At the same time I'm also trying to decrease ongoing inflammation in the body, which is at the root of many chronic diseases, and to enlist the body's innate immunity to fight against the cancer as well as decreasing stress and increasing hope.

Are there dietary changes that can help patients fight cancer? The one thing we know for sure about diet is that obesity increases the risk of a number of different types of cancer. With hormonally driven cancers (such as breast cancer) obese patients have a worse prognosis than those with a healthy body mass index. So it is important for some patients to improve their nutritional status and decrease their weight. The most useful strategy is to eat a plant-based diet focusing on a wide variety of colored fruits and vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage contain a cancer-preventing compound so potent that is being investigated as a chemotherapy agent. Berries are rich in beneficial phytonutrients and antioxidants. Overall, a diet that emphasizes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, cold water fish that provide omega-3 fatty acids (fish eaters have a reduced risk of cancer) is the best nutritional strategy.

At the same time, we recommend decreasing your intake of animal fats in general and red meat and dairy products in particular to control cancer-promoting inflammation in the body. I personally believe that refined sugar and carbohydrates are not beneficial for individuals living with cancer because of their effect on insulin production and insulin-like growth factors, which promote inflammation and are also associated with cancer cell division.

I appreciate the fact that organic fruits and vegetables are expensive, but they are the best choices for cancer patients, not just because they're grown without pesticides and other agricultural chemicals but because plants grown outdoors organically need to protect themselves from other plants, predators (insects, birds and animals) and the sun. Organically grown plants do this by producing more intense protective chemicals, known as phytonutrients, which are beneficial to us.

I also recommend seasoning food with ginger, garlic, onions, turmeric, drinking green tea, all of which have anti-inflammatory effects. If you drink alcohol, stick to red wine. Excessive alcohol consumption is a cancer risk, men who drink alcohol should limit themselves to a maximum of

two drinks daily and women to a maximum of one. For women at risk for breast cancer, one drink a week is safest.

What about IM strategies to counter the side effects of conventional cancer treatment? I refer my patients to Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners on the staff at the Osher Center. I believe that cancer patients treated concurrently with acupuncture tend to do better. In fact, the National Institutes of Health had a consensus conference on acupuncture in 1997 and found that it was useful in treating side effects of chemotherapy, including chemotherapy associated nausea and vomiting. I think it may also be useful for increasing energy, decreasing dry mouth and relieving hormonally induced hot flashes. Traditional Chinese Medicine is all about expelling evil and supporting good. Modern western medicine is mainly about expelling evil. I think my role as an integrative oncologist is to support the good as well as expelling the evil.

You wrote about the uses of medical marijuana in cancer treatment and prevention. What role do you see it playing in the future? I've been an oncologist for almost 30 years so my career has spanned the yin and yang of society's acceptance and rejection of marijuana for medical purposes. We know that cannabis is useful for treating nausea, appetite loss, pain and insomnia that can be side effects of chemotherapy or cancer itself. We now also appreciate that some components of cannabis may have significant anti-cancer effects. I wrote a chapter on cannabinoids and cancer in integrative oncology with Manuel Guzman, a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in Spain who has done a lot of work in this area. Researchers are now looking at the impact of cannabinoids on cancer. I wouldn't be surprised to see an impact on treatment.

Tell us about the importance of mind/body approaches in cancer treatment. These approaches are vital. Patients have lost a sense of control and their bodies have been assaulted with chemotherapy and radiation. Learning mind body techniques - guided imagery, hypnosis, mindfulness, stress, reduction, yoga, T'ai chi - helps decrease stress. Many people blame the stress in their lives for the development of cancer. I don't think stress in and of itself is enough to cause cancer, but it does affect production of hormones such as epinephrine and cortisol that can depress the immune system. So, overall, stress may lead to an increased risk that cancer will spread and to shorter survival. It has been shown that women with ovarian cancer who lack a good support system have more distress and more aggressive malignancies, and this is just one example of a psychological association and a biological marker for more aggressive disease.

Read another interview with Dr. Abrams: Preventing Cancer With Integrative Medicine.

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Q Heberden's Nodes: Why Are My Knuckles Knobby?

My mother suffers from Heberden's nodes on her fingers. I am 58 and am seeing what may be the beginning of these changes. What supplements can I take to keep them at bay?


The lumps or nodules you refer, called Heberden's nodes, occur on the knuckle closest to the end of fingers. Similar lumps are called Bouchard's nodes when they form on the knuckles closer to the palm. In both cases, the nodes are named for the physicians who first described them. The underlying cause is arthritis, and the nodes themselves consist of bone spurs, called osteophytes that develop around the joints in response to a prolonged inflammatory process. Fortunately, Heberden's nodes usually are painless and usually don't limit the function of the fingers. They're most often seen in women over 40, and since they tend to run in families, may represent an inherited form of osteoarthritis, the type of arthritis caused by wear and tear and, sometimes, injury.


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I don't know of any supplement that can prevent the nodes from worsening, but you may be able to keep the underlying arthritis in check by following my anti-inflammatory diet (see my anti-inflammatory food pyramid, as well) and observing these recommendations:

• Read The Arthritis Cure by Jason Theodosakis, M.D.; Brenda Adderly; and Barry Fox, Ph.D., and follow its advice about using glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate.

• Watch your weight. While your hands may be pain free, Heberden's nodes may signal arthritis elsewhere. Being overweight can tax joints making them more painful.

• Take fish oil, 2-3 grams a day in 2 divided doses with meals.

• If you are a woman, take supplemental calcium and magnesium, 1,000 mg of calcium and 500 mg of magnesium daily.

• Take Zyflamend, an herbal combination of anti-inflammatory herbs, including ginger and turmeric.

• Try visualization and meditation to both accept and improve your condition by taking advantage of the mind-body connection.

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Q

Cure for Chapped Lips?

I have chronic chapped lips and have tried many remedies. None have worked. Do you have any recommendations?

A


Because lips don't contain oil glands, they can easily dry and become chapped, no matter what the season. Cold weather and wind can be aggravators, as can sun exposure or dry air at home or work. Habits can also cause chapping - if you lick your lips a lot, they can dry out. Not being well hydrated can also cause the problem, as can some chemicals you may come in contact with. In addition, chapped lips may be a side effect of some medications, such as Inderal used to treat high blood pressure, and can be a symptom of a number of medical conditions. It might be worth your while to consult a dermatologist, if you haven't already, to see if you can pinpoint the cause.


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In the meantime, Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., director of The Fellowship at the Arizona Center for

Integrative Medicine, suggests the following strategy:

• Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated.

• Check to make sure your lipstick doesn't contain propyl gallate.

• Make sure your toothpaste doesn't contain sodium lauryl sulfate, a known lip irritant.

• If your lips are more chapped in the morning upon awakening it may because you are breathing

through your mouth or snoring (if so, put a thick protective barrier of lip balm on your lips

before bed).

• If you have cracking at the angles of your mouth, be sure you're taking a good multivitamin that

provides at least 100 % of the recommended daily intake of B vitamins.

Dr. Low Dog added that if you have tried "everything" else, you might want to apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream 3-4 times per day for one week and then apply your lip balm. I recommend trying a beeswax-containing lip balm, a conditioning lip balm with turmeric, or any type of calendula ointment.

In addition, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a humidifier at home to keep the air moist and covering your mouth with a scarf in cold, windy weather.

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Q

Skin Too Thin?





About four years ago, a doctor prescribed a steroid cream for eczema in my groin area. The eczema is gone, but I was left with shiny, smooth, thin skin in the area that is bothersome. What can I do to restore it to normal?

A


Eczema is an allergic skin condition that produces itchy, thickened, red areas on various parts of the body. It tends to come and go and often occurs in conjunction with other allergic conditions such as asthma. Conventional medicine sometimes treats eczema flare-ups with topical steroids, but the strongest of these are contraindicated for use on thin-skinned areas of the body including the groin because they can lead to precisely the problem you describe: skin thinning (atrophy) as well as a change in color (depigmentation), and acne-like eruptions. Often, affected skin returns to its normal thickness naturally over time, but in your case, after so many years, thats less likely. Newer, topical drugs called 'topical immunomodulators' or TIMs are now available to treat eczema and do not cause skin-thinning with long-term use.


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Approaches to the problem you describe are often quite individualized, and I suggest that you consult a dermatologist who is familiar with this type of concern (check with your local medical society or hospital or find a doctor through the American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org). Such a specialist should know about new therapies used to treat skin atrophy due

to steroid use.





In the meantime, you might try one of the Plantidote formulations I've developed for Origins. These contain Hypsizygus ulmarius, cordyceps and lion's mane - mushrooms with powerful anti-inflammatory effects - as well ginger, turmeric, holy basil and flaxseed oil, all of which benefit the skin and improve its texture.

For general skin problems, I also recommend gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an unusual fatty acid found in evening primrose oil, black currant oil and borage oil that is very hard to come by in the diet. It has specific nourishing effects on skin, hair, and nails. Don't expect to see immediate effects. Results usually take six to eight weeks. The dose is 500 milligrams twice a day.

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Q

Eliminating Toxins With Massage?

Can massage really release toxins, and if so, what specific toxins are we talking about? I am not referring to lymph massage but relaxation massage, such as Swedish.

A


Massage can benefit health in many ways. It can reduce heart rate, blood pressure and levels of stress hormone, enhance immune function, boost levels of endorphins and serotonin (the body's natural painkillers and mood regulators) and increase blood circulation - all this while easing sore and achy muscles. Massage certainly can help address the build up of lactic acid in muscles, and promote the clearing of normal byproducts of muscle metabolism, but I know of no evidence suggesting that massage can remove toxins of any kind from the body.


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The body has its own self-cleaning, self-purifying systems. The best ways to protect yourself from toxicity are to avoid taking toxins into your body and to keep those systems in good

working order. For example, the kidneys are a key component of our blood-purifying apparatus, and you can best protect their health by drinking enough pure water and avoiding dietary stressors such as coffee, alcohol, and excessive protein. In general, I favor relying on the body's own resources for detoxifying, and I urge you to learn about them (I discuss them in my book Natural Health, Natural Medicine).

You also should be aware that none of the many supplements and herbal products purported to detoxify the system and purify the blood are necessary to good health. Neither is colon cleansing. The entire lining of the colon sloughs off and is regenerated every day. If you are eating well, drinking enough water, and getting enough physical activity, your regular eliminations will be sufficient to keep the colon clean and in good working order.

However, if you're still concerned about toxins, I suggest taking saunas or steam baths, which can help eliminate them through sweating. Otherwise, your best bet is to help the body eliminate toxins naturally by increasing your intake of pure water to boost urinary output and eating plenty of fiber-rich fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to ensure regular bowel movements. And take my daily antioxidant regimen, which includes vitamins C, E, mixed carotenes, and the mineral selenium, to help maintain your body's natural defenses.

In addition, you might try herbs that help the body protect itself from common toxins. Some of the best-researched are concentrated extracts of green tea, ginger, turmeric, and milk thistle.

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Q

Overcoming a Nerve Disorder?

My husband was diagnosed last year with transverse myelitis. He has been prescribed only painkillers and sleeping pills. He is seeing an acupuncturist and trying some alternative therapies. What would you recommend?

AAnswer (Published 11/23/2007)

Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder resulting from inflammation affecting both sides of one section of the spinal cord. Symptoms include a loss of spinal cord function that begins suddenly and progresses over several hours or comes on over a matter of weeks. Often the first sign is sudden lower back pain, followed by muscle weakness in the arms and legs and burning, prickling or tingling in the legs. This can escalate quickly to more severe symptoms including impaired bowel and bladder function and paralysis.



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No one knows for sure what causes this disorder. The inflammation may be set off by a viral infection such as shingles, an abnormal immune system reaction, or insufficient blood flow to the spinal cord. Some cases occur as a complication of measles, syphilis, or Lyme disease, and some patients have other autoimmune disorders, suggesting that transverse myelitis may be autoimmune in nature.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure. Treatment usually begins with steroids to suppress inflammation and abnormal immune activity. Later, the emphasis switches to keeping the body functioning in hopes that the nervous system will recover. About one-third of all those affected recover fully or with few after-effects. Another third may be left with some deficits. The rest do not recover at all and will remain bedridden or confined to a wheelchair.

In addition to conventional treatment, I suggest consulting a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, not just for acupuncture but for herbal therapies, as well. I would also try mind/body



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approaches such as hypnosis or guided imagery. To deal with any residual musculoskeletal problems, try the Feldenkrais Method, a type of body work that can increase ease and range of motion, and improve flexibility and coordination. Learn more at www.feldenkrais.com. Since transverse myelitis may be auto-immune in nature, follow my anti-inflammatory diet and take the measures below:

• Decrease protein intake toward 10 percent of daily calories; replace animal protein as much as


• Eliminate cow’s milk and milk products; substitute other calcium sources.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables regularly ‐ organically grown if possible.


hydrogenated oils, and all foods that might contain trans‐fatty acids. Use extra‐virgin olive oil as

your main fat.

• Increase your intake of omega‐3 fatty acids.

• Take ginger (start with one capsule twice a day) and try "Turmeric Force" capsules from New

Chapter (follow the dosage directions on the package).

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Gallstones

What are gallstones? Every year, more than one million Americans discover that they have gallstones - hardened, pebble-like deposits in the gallbladder. Roughly 50 percent of those people end up in surgery for the removal of the gallbladder. The stones can range in size from tiny (as small as a grain of sand) to the size of a golf ball. You can develop just one large stone, hundreds of small ones or a combination of large and small stones.

You're at greatest risk for gallstones if you're female, overweight, and over 50. Other risk factors include a family history of gallstones, recent rapid weight loss and, among women, pregnancy, using birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy after menopause. According to the American Liver Foundation, by age 60 nearly 10 percent of men and 20 percent of women have gallstones.

What are the symptoms? About 80 percent of gallstones never cause trouble. But symptoms can develop if a stone (or stones) gets stuck while trying to pass from the gallbladder (where they form) to the small intestine. This can cause intense pain in the upper right of the abdomen (the pain can spread to the chest, shoulders, or back and sometimes is mistaken for a heart attack). Other symptoms can

include nausea, chronic indigestion and vomiting. Surgery to remove the gallbladder usually is

recommended if attacks become frequent and intense.

What causes gallstones? Gallstones form from cholesterol and bilirubin, a waste product, both of which are found in bile, a liquid that helps the body digest fats. Bile is made in the liver and stored in the gall bladder until needed. Excess cholesterol and bilirubin can harden into gallstones. About 80 percent of all gallstones are composed of hardened cholesterol. The rest are made of bilirubin. Symptoms occur when a gallstone blocks the duct that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine.

What is the conventional treatment? Treatment for painful gallbladder attacks due to gallstones is removal of the gallbladder. Fortunately, today’s surgery, a procedure called laparascopic cholecystectomy, is easier on patients than the operation of the past, which involved making a large incision in the abdomen. Surgeons now make several small incisions through which they insert their instruments and a small video camera in order to view, detach and remove the gallbladder. Because no abdominal muscles are cut, there is less pain, faster recovery and fewer scars than with the old operation. Most patients recover within days.

In some cases, treatment with the drugs ursodeoxycholic acid (Actigall) or chenodiol (Chenix)can dissolve the stones, and may be used as an alternative to surgery. However, this treatment can take months, and stones can recur. Another approach, lithotripsy, involves the use of sound waves to break up gallstones. However, this procedure is considered appropriate only for patients who cannot undergo surgery. It works best on single stones that are less than two centimeters in diameter. Risks include pain and pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, which can occur within a month of treatment. There is also the chance that not all of the stone fragments will pass through the bile duct out of the gallbladder, leaving patients at risk for future and potentially serious problems.

After gallbladder surgery, some patients continue to have symptoms including intermittent pain, bloating, gas and nausea.

What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for gallstones? There are no alternative treatments for symptomatic gallstones; that is, gallstones that are causing pain and other problems. But since most stones are composed of cholesterol, diet plays a role in





their formation. If you are at risk of developing gallstones, you may be able to prevent them or prevent symptoms from worsening with these measures:

• If you need to lose weight, do so slowly (crash dieting can lead to gallstone formation). • Drink six to eight glasses of water a day to keep the bile in your gallbladder fluid and help you

digest and absorb fat. • Make sure you get 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium from all sources daily (associated with a lower

incidence of gallstones). Women should consider taking 500‐700 mg of calcium in supplement form. This can help bind bile acids and decrease the risk of stone formation However, men should limit calcium consumption to 500 to 600 mg from all sources.

• Take 300 mg of curcumin (an active component of the yellow spice turmeric) three times a day to increase the solubility of your bile. Choose a product standardized for curcuminoid content.

• Take 200 mg of supplemental vitamin C daily (in one study women with higher blood levels of vitamin C were half as likely to develop gallstones as those with lower levels).

• Reduce your fat intake to 25 percent of daily calories. Restrict dietary cholesterol consumption to no more than 300 mg daily.

• Limit your intake of sugar, which may promote gallstone formation. • Increase your fiber intake, and substitute soy protein for animal protein in your diet. • Q • Does Clay Detoxify?

• I have been hearing about the great detox benefits of bathing in and ingesting Terramin. What's your opinion?

• A • Answer (Published 8/24/2009)

• Terramin is a trade name for a type of clay (calcium montmorillonite) that is being promoted on the Internet as a dietary supplement. Products made from this clay are advertised for both internal and external uses. Many clay products on the market are intended for topical use to treat insect bites and stings and soothe itching. According to folk belief, clay draws toxins to the surface of the skin. Taken internally, Terramin is said to provide the body with needed minerals and to help remove internal toxins.

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• I think ingesting clay is probably harmless, but I doubt if it helps with detoxification. My own view is that the body does a pretty good job of cleansing and purifying itself if you stop putting toxins in and focus on good nutrition, regular exercise, and other healthy habits.

• None of the many supplements and herbal products purported to detoxify the system and purify the blood are necessary to good health. Instead, you can help the body rid itself of unwanted materials by drinking more pure water to increase urinary output; taking steam baths or saunas, which can help eliminate toxins through sweating; eating plenty of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains to ensure regular eliminations, and getting enough aerobic activity to stimulate breathing. Taking the herbal remedy milk thistle boosts liver metabolism, aiding its important role in detoxification.

• Taking my daily antioxidant regimen, which includes vitamins C, E, mixed carotenes, and the mineral selenium, can help maintain your body's natural defenses.

• In addition to milk thistle for the liver, you might try other herbs that help the body protect itself from common toxins. Some of the best-researched are extracts of green tea, ginger, and turmeric.

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Q

Can Herbal Remedies Lose Their Power?

I have read that 'exogenous' substances (those that don’t occur naturally in the body) lose their effectiveness after 6-12 months of regular use. Is this true of all medicinal herbs?

A


Yes, many herbs will lose their effectiveness if you use them all the time or too frequently, which is why they're best saved for when they're really needed. Medicinal plants are often dilute forms of natural drugs, not foods or dietary supplements. For that reason, you should not take them casually or for no good reason, any more than you would take a pharmaceutical drug casually or for no good reason. When using medicinal herbs, bear in mind that individuals vary in their responses, so it is best to let your experience be your guide and use only remedies and brands that give you consistent results.


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The exception to the general rule about using medicinal herbs only when needed for a specific purpose are the tonic herbs, or adaptogens, such as ginseng, that can strengthen or invigorate the healing system, and Asian mushrooms that enhance immunity. I use and recommend a number of tonics including garlic, ginger, turmeric, and green tea for toning the cardiovascular system, reducing inflammation and lowering risks of cancer. Ginseng comes from several species in the genus Panax, whose name comes from the same root as "panacea" meaning "all-heal." Used regularly, ginseng increases energy, vitality and sexual vigor, improves skin and muscle tone, and helps build resistance to stress. I often recommend ginseng, especially the American species, to chronically ill patients and to those who are debilitated or lacking in vitality.

I also frequently use mushrooms, such as the Chinese caterpillar fungus (Cordyceps sinensis), as tonics for improving athletic performance and increasing energy, and species like reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), shiitake (Lentinella edodes), and maitake (Grifola frondosa) to boost defenses against infections and cancer. Clinical research on medicinal mushrooms suggests that taking more than one species at the same time often gives better results.

Be sure to give any tonic a reasonable trial - take it regularly for at least two months. With some, you'll experience obvious effects - perhaps an increased sense of well-being and more energy. Or you may find that, over time, a tonic improves your response to both physical and emotional stress and decreases your susceptibility to illness.

Andrew Weil, M.D.

Asthma

What is asthma? Asthma is an episodic constriction of the bronchial tubes. It is a common disorder of both children and adults, often regarded as mysterious and frustrating to treat. What are the symptoms of asthma? The condition is marked by wheezing (especially on expiration), coughing, and difficulty in breathing. Asthma can appear and disappear without warning. If an attack is severe enough, it can kill.

What are the causes of asthma? The immediate cause of an asthmatic attack is tightening of the muscular bands that regulate the size of the bronchial tubes. These muscles are controlled by nerves, but what triggers the nerves to make airways constrict inappropriately is not clear. The triggers for asthma can be primarily allergic or primarily emotional or induced by exercise or respiratory infection, or it can occur with no obvious causes. It is now being considered an inflammatory disorder.

The "hygiene hypothesis" is a proposed explanation for why allergies and asthma are now epidemic, especially in developed countries. The hypothesis holds that children who grow up in crowded and dirtier environments are less likely to develop these ailments than youngsters raised in cleaner, more protected environments. The idea is that the developing immune systems of less privileged kids are exposed to lots of germs from an early age and so become stronger and more protective of health. The hypothesis recently got a big boost in credibility. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center compared the antibodies in the blood of laboratory rats and mice, which grow in a virtually germ-free environment, with those of wild rats and mice. All of the wild rodents had higher levels of IgG and IgE, classes of antibodies associated with immune and allergic diseases, but the wild rodents' antibodies did not tend to bind to the rat's own cells, as did the antibodies produced by the hygienically raised rodents. Instead, the wild rodents' antibodies efficiently and effectively attacked invading organisms. The research was written up in the August, 2006, Scandinavian Journal of Immunology.

Despite this intriguing evidence, we need a lot more proof from human studies before the hygiene hypothesis makes the leap from theory to fact, and I wouldn't worry about a home being "too clean." In fact, random pollution of the home environment has its own drawbacks. Children who breathe secondhand smoke are more likely to develop asthma, and among all youngsters with asthma, those who breathe secondhand smoke have more frequent attacks).

What is the conventional treatment of asthma? Treatment of asthma has two aspects: management of acute attacks and long-term control or prevention. Conventional treatments are sometimes the best choices for acute attacks, where immediate relief can be a life-and-death matter.

For allergic asthma, one of the safest and best drugs is inhaled cromolyn sodium. Most bronchodilating drugs are stimulants that increase sympathetic tone and anxiety. Theophylline, derived from tea, has a long history of use, but may not be as safe as doctors used to think. It can cause dramatic personality changes. Other drugs of this class can be inhaled to relieve and





prevent attacks. These inhalers work, but they are often addictive, since the bronchial tubes are likely to become constricted again when one dose wears off (the same pattern occurs when these drugs are sprayed into the nose to relieve nasal congestion). Newer drugs - the leukotriene inhibitors are useful for some patients and less toxic.

Other inhalers contain steroids. If the steroids are not absorbed into the system, they can be safe and effective. Different products vary greatly in efficacy and absorbability. At this writing the best are Flovent (fluticasone) and Pulmocort (budesonide), both safer than older versions. Steroid inhalers should always be used immediately following inhalation of a bronchodilator.

In my view, conventional protocols for long-term control are more problematic. Oral steroids (prednisone is the commonest) are very dangerous for asthmatics, because it is too easy to become addicted to them, and toxicity from long-term steroid use is devastating. Try to avoid ever going on oral steroids. If you do have to take them, get off as soon as possible. In general, the less medication you can take, the better. Allopathic drugs, being suppressive in nature, tend to perpetuate asthma and may reduce the chance that it will disappear on its own

What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for asthma? For acute attacks, try lobelia, or Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflate). Mix three parts tincture of lobelia with one part tincture of capsicum (red pepper, cayenne pepper). Take twenty drops of the mixture in water at the start of an asthmatic attack. Repeat every thirty minutes for a total of three or four doses.

For long term control and prevention:

• Decrease protein to 10 percent of daily caloric intake. Replace animal protein as much as possible with plant protein

• Eliminate milk and milk products, substituting other calcium sources. • Eat organically grown fruits and vegetables as much as possible. • Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially

hydrogenated oils that might contain trans‐fatty acids, all foods that might contain trans‐fatty acids (such as deep‐fried foods).

• Use extra‐virgin olive oil as your main fat. • Increase intake of omega‐3 fatty acids. • Always drink plenty of water to keep your respiratory tract secretions more fluid. • Experiment with eliminating (one at a time) wheat, corn, soy and sugar for six to eight weeks to

see if the condition improves. • Eat ginger and turmeric regularly for their anti‐inflammatory effects. • Have some manipulative work done on the chest to break up restrictive patterns in nerves and

muscles that develop in chronic asthma. The best systems I know for this are osteopathic manipulation, especially from a practitioner of cranial therapy, and Rolfing, a form of deep‐tissue massage.

• Minimize contact with respiratory irritants, such as smoke, dust, molds, and volatile chemicals. Remove sources of offending materials from your home, install a good air filtration system, or consider moving if the air is generally bad where you live. Experiment with living in other locations: in high mountains, the desert, or near the seacoast. Asthma may improve greatly with a change of climate.

• In adults, GERD (acid reflux disease) may be an underlying cause of asthma. In such cases, successful treatment of the digestive problem will often clear up the asthma.

• Experiment with traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine (the traditional healing system of India). These systems are sometimes able to offer significant help through more specific dietary adjustments and herbal treatments.

Here are some specific recommendations for exercise-induced asthma:

1. Warm up very slowly to the point where you almost feel the "tightness" associated with exercise‐induced asthma. Then stop and stretch or, if you're exercising vigorously, slow down. By taking this break, you often can block the development of asthmatic symptoms. You can then go back to your normal pace. This may take some getting used to, but can sometimes eliminate the need for medication.

2. Try breath work. The most effective approaches are pranayama techniques (breath control exercises taught in some yoga classes). You can do these after the initial warm‐up when symptoms are almost felt. For beginners, start with "The Relaxing Breath," a technique I describe in my books and on this Web site.

3. Find a form of physical activity that minimizes your exercise‐induced symptoms. Sports or activities that have intermittent rest periods (such as tennis, softball, and golf) can allow you to regain control of your breathing. Swimming may be better than running outdoors in cold weather, but no type of exercise is off‐limits with proper treatment. In fact, some of the world's top athletes have exercise‐induced asthma, and they're still able to compete successfully in Olympic‐level events.

Impetigo

What is impetigo? Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the skin caused by two bacteria: group A streptococcus (strep) and staphylococcus aureus (staph). Although it can affect adults, impetigo most commonly appears in children between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. The infection can spread quickly in crowded settings such as schools, daycare centers, and institutions such as nursing homes, prisons, or military installations. It occurs more often in the summer and early fall.

What are the symptoms of impetigo? Impetigo usually starts with the appearance of red bumps on the face, particularly around the nose and mouth. Occasionally, it affects the legs, arms and trunk first. These bumps often fill with fluid and form tiny blisters which burst, ooze and coalesce into a thick honey- or brown-colored crust that firmly sticks to skin. Sores can be as small as a pimple or as large as a small coin. As blisters break and cluster together, this large crusty rash can expand, and can itch greatly.

People with impetigo usually do not have pain, fever or appear ill, although they can have swollen, tender lymph nodes near the site of the rash.

The biggest problem with impetigo is that scratching or touching infected skin can spread it to any area a person comes in contact with, including other individuals. Hands and fingernails are the most common source of spread.

In rare cases, the types of bacteria that cause impetigo can invade beyond the skin and cause more serious illness. This usually occurs in those whose immune systems are compromised. Streptococcal bacteria can cause “strep throat” and other serious complications such as heart valve and kidney disease or scarlet fever, characterized by high fever, chills, sore throat, headache, vomiting, and a fine “sandpaper” rash on the face, trunk and extremities. Staphylococcus aureus usually comes from the skin and noses of healthy people, and if confined to the skin is easily treated . Some strains of S. aureus, however, are highly resistant to antibiotic therapy. If not addressed properly, it can become more invasive and potentially cause life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis.

What are the causes of impetigo? The two types of bacteria that cause impetigo are typically already on the skin surface and enter the body when skin is broken by injury or irritation. Impetigo can originate from other skin conditions, including acne or eczema, as well as poison ivy, insect bites, chickenpox and other viral rashes, or burns, cuts and scrapes. It can also come from direct physical contact with infected individuals. Children may get impetigo after having a cold or allergies that make the skin raw; however, it can also develop when skin is perfectly healthy. Staph infections are more commonly seen around the nose and on the trunk or arms, whereas strep is more frequently seen on the legs, pelvic area (especially when diapers are worn) and other skin areas that are warm and moist. What is the conventional treatment of impetigo? Antibiotics are the mainstay of conventional therapy. Topical anti-microbial ointments are often effective for staph impetigo, and treatments such as Bactroban (Mupirocin) ointment are commonly used. These can also work for strep impetigo, but failures and relapses seem to be more common. Bacteria can often hide under scabs and resist treatment until removed. Soaking in warm water with a liquid antibacterial soap usually works, but gentle rubbing is sometimes necessary. Oral antibiotics such as Keflex (Cephalexin) - or Bactrim (Septra) are used if there are concerns about methicillin-resistant-staph (MRSA). They can used be used in combination with topicals as a faster and more reliable therapy for stubborn cases, and are frequently recommended if the infection appears widespread or deep, or if topical ointments may be removed prematurely by infants who are prone to wipe or lick them off.





In April 2007, the FDA approved a new topical treatment for impetigo, called Altabax (retapamulin ointment) recommended for resistant cases in adults and children older than 9 months old.

What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for impetigo?

1. Dietary changes:

• A diet rich in organic fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in animal‐based proteins can fortify your body's natural defenses and healing system.

• Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils, and all foods (such as deep‐fried foods) that might contain trans‐fatty acids. Use extra‐virgin olive oil as your principal fat.

• Increase intake of omega‐3 fatty acids. • Eat ginger and turmeric regularly for their anti‐inflammatory effects.

2. Mind/Body: Meditation, yoga or breath work can help counteract stress, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you to learn how to cope better with symptoms and stress.

3. Traditional Chinese Medicine: Although not well studied with impetigo, TCM can be very effective at modulating the immune system, and may help keep recurrent infections in check.

4. Supplements:

• Take astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), the root of a plant native to northern China and Inner Mongolia known for its immune‐boosting effects. You can buy astragalus preparations in most health food stores. The dose is two capsules or tablets twice a day unless the product directs otherwise. Liquid extracts and tinctures are available for those who cannot take pills. Follow directions on labels.

• You can also try adding raw garlic to the diet (one to two cloves a day, minced and mixed with food). Garlic is a powerful infection‐fighter with natural antibiotic properties, although this might be tricky to administer to small infants and children.

• Remember to take a good probiotic supplement during and after any course of oral antibiotic therapy.

5. Additionally: One of the main challenges with impetigo is preventing it from spreading. Children with runny noses need to have the area between the upper lip and nose kept clean as it is often colonized with staph and strep. When cuts and scrapes or other skin irritation occurs, wash the area with soapy water and consider applying antibacterial ointment. You can use Bacitracin or Neosporin. You might also try natural topicals such as tea tree or tamanu oil - available at most health food stores. They are easily absorbed, hard to remove and have excellent antibacterial properties. It is important to keep children’s fingernails clipped and clean, as well as working with them to not scratch. Avoid contact with other people or objects that might be infected. Typically, people on treatment are not contagious after 24-48 hours of therapy.

For stubborn infections that seem resistant to antibacterial therapy (particularly persistent ones can take as long as a year to clear up), you might try using medicinal honey instead. Researchers at the University of Waikato in New Zealand have found that honey's antibacterial activity can even stop the growth of MRSA [delete] bacteria. They've also shown that honey has no adverse effects on healthy tissue and can be safely inserted into cavities and sinuses to clear infection. Don't try this with ordinary supermarket honey, though, which might contain undesirable compounds. Two medicinal honeys available commercially include manuka honey from New Zealand and Medihoney from Australia.

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