Curcumin Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Curcumin Stops Cancer Cell Growth, New Research Confirms

The AHA! Team — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:24:05 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – With its spiky purple flowers and dull green leaves, milk thistle may appear to be nothing more than an ordinary weed growing wild in vacant lots and fields. Turmeric, a kitchen spice from India and Southeast Asia, has long been treasured by natural healers for its ability to fight inflammation, regulate blood sugar, and combat infections. But turmeric benefits extend even beyond these traditional uses. Ongoing research suggests that its active ingredient – a plant pigment known as curcumin – could be a valuable weapon in the fight against cancer. Many studies have supported turmeric’s anticancer effects, including its ability to reduce the number and size of tumors. However, studies also revealed a dramatic and encouraging “twist:” turmeric can potentially target several particularly aggressive and lethal forms of cancer while leaving noncancerous cells unharmed. For instance, recent research has shown that curcumin may help fight colorectal cancer by influencing how cancer cells clean out damaged parts (autophagy) and self-destruct when unhealthy (apoptosis), offering new hope in combating this common and deadly disease. An international team of scientists concludes that curcumin inhibits an enzyme involved in carcinogenesis Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, Peking University, and Zhejiang University collaborated on a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The researchers used multiple models to show that turmeric can powerfully inhibit a specific enzyme called DYRK2 (or dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase 2). The team used cutting-edge X-ray crystallography to obtain 3D images – in which curcumin could be seen binding to the enzyme at the atomic level. This is significant because binding to and inhibiting DYRK2 impairs the activity of proteasomes – protein complexes involved in cancer development. The team noted that inhibiting proteasome activity in cancer cells interfered with proliferation, reducing tumors, slower cancer growth, and an overall lessening of the cancer burden. Curcumin targets the “Achilles heel” of lethal cancers Some cancers – including triple-negative breast cancer and multiple myeloma – are classified by scientists as “proteasome-addicted,” meaning they are dependent on proteasome complexes. Impairing the activity of the proteasome inhibits tumor development, leading scientists to theorize that this dependency may well be the “Achilles’ heel” of these aggressive, hard-to-treat cancers. Pharmaceutical proteasome inhibitors have already been developed and approved, but there is a catch: these medications damage noncancerous cells. In response, resourceful researchers have been focusing on inhibiting proteasome activity by identifying and manipulating proteasome regulators. This is where the power of turmeric comes into play. By depleting DYRK2, curcumin suppresses proteasome activity – with very little damage to healthy cells in the area. Curcumin strengthens the cancer-fighting effects of pharmaceutical proteasome inhibitors – meaning that smaller dosages – and fewer side effects – may be possible. When used with carfilzomib – an FDA-approved proteasome inhibitor used to treat multiple myeloma – curcumin increased apoptosis (cancer cell death) – while causing minimal harm to healthy cells. Curcumin uses multiple pathways to target cancer If curcumin’s only cancer-fighting abilities were impairing the DYRK2 enzyme and inhibiting proteasome activity, it would still be a promising area for study in cancer prevention and treatment. However, curcumin has an impressive variety of cancer-fighting pathways. Curcumin helps inhibit angiogenesis, the growth and development of new blood vessels to nourish and support tumors. It also “switches off” genes that promote tumor development while helping the immune system identify and destroy malignant cells. In addition, curcumin can help to protect your DNA from potentially cancer-causing mutations caused by radiation and environmental toxins. It also suppresses the production of MMPs or matrix metalloproteinases. These enzymes attack the extracellular matrix and facilitate the invasion of cancer cells. Finally, by reducing the production of adhesion molecules that cling to cell walls, curcumin stops cancer cells from settling in place – effectively “throwing a monkey wrench” into the ability of cancer cells to metastasize. Additional research supports curcumin’s effectiveness. In one study, curcumin supplementation caused a 36 percent reduction in the size of lung tumors. In another, it caused a 40 percent decrease in the development of colon tumors. And – in one particularly promising clinical study – curcumin cut the growth rate of prostate-specific androgen (a marker of tumor progression) in half. How can I take curcumin? Study co-author Sourav Banerjee, Ph.D., a postdoctoral scholar at UCSD School of Medicine, remarked on curcumin’s “chemical drawbacks,” noting that orally administered curcumin is broken down and eliminated by the human body very quickly. Dr. Banerjee says, “It (curcumin) needs to be modified to enter the bloodstream and stay in the body long enough to target the cancer.” This is why experts say that adding turmeric to food may not provide enough bioavailable curcumin to obtain therapeutic results. The best option currently is to seek a high-quality, high-potency organic curcumin extract standardized to contain at least 95 percent curcuminoids. Note: Do not attempt to treat cancer or any other serious medical condition with turmeric or curcumin without the guidance of a qualified doctor. Before supplementing with curcumin, get the go-ahead from your trusted holistic healthcare provider. Simply put, as scientists continue to discover curcumin’s multiple effects against cancer, this amazing flavonoid seems destined to play a major role in natural cancer therapies and cancer prevention. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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6 Ways to Defuse your ‘Cancer Time Bomb’

The AHA! Team — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:49:02 +0000

Dr. Veronique Desaulniers via NaturalHealth365 – According to estimates by the American Cancer Society, in 2024, over 2 million new cancer cases and over 600,000 cancer deaths are projected to occur in the United States. Fifty-two years ago, a “war on cancer” was pronounced by President Nixon. Since that declaration, the United States government alone has spent well over $100 billion on cancer research in the hopes of removing the threat of this ticking ‘time bomb.’ But instead, countless lives have been lost as a result of toxic therapies and “experimental drugs” offering false hope. According to estimates by the American Cancer Society, in 2024, over 2 million new cancer cases and over 600,000 cancer deaths are projected to occur in the United States. So, how do we STOP this madness? Christopher Wild, the former director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, clearly understands the solution to the cancer epidemic. “We cannot treat our way out of the cancer problem. More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally.” One out of 3 women and one out of 2 men are destined to develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. So, how do we solve the problem? The answer lies in prevention through education and early detection. Scientists now recognize that we have enormous control over our health by using specific nutrients that can turn our “good genes on” and our “bad genes off.” Six ways that nature can help us diffuse our ‘cancer time bomb’ 1. Decrease cancer-promoting inflammation: Cox-2 is an enzyme responsible for increasing inflammation and promoting cancer. Choosing anti-inflammatory foods and supplements may have a significant impact on reducing inflammation in your body. A few examples are curcumin, clean fish oils, and an extract of cruciferous vegetables called DIM I3C. 2. Prevent DNA damage: Most cancers, including breast cancer, begin with some functional or structural DNA damage, which can trigger a cell to become cancerous. Sometimes a tumor-suppressor gene becomes silenced, or a tumor-promoter gene gets turned on. These nutrients have proven anti-breast cancer effects. Sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts The trace mineral selenium Genistein from fermented (organic, non-GMO) soy Curcumin EGCG found in green tea 3. Block abnormal estrogen production: Toxic aromatase inhibitors block the body’s estrogen production and have serious side effects. If you are concerned with estrogen overload, nature has provided us with natural estrogen regulators that have a protective effect. Lignans from flax seeds bind excess aggressive estrogens and expel them from the body. Melatonin is a cytotoxic hormone that literally puts breast cancer cells to sleep. Pomegranate-derived compounds exhibit anti-proliferative and anti-aromatase activity in breast cancer cells. 4. Trigger cancer cell death: Our normal healthy cells eventually go through a process called ‘apoptosis’ or cell death. Cancer cells turn a deaf ear to the signals that promote cell death. Thus, they keep replicating. Nutrients like curcumin and DIM I3C – from cruciferous vegetables – cause breast cancer cells to self-destruct. 5. Stop the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors: Once tumors develop, they create their own blood supply to feed the tumor. This process is called angiogenesis. Many nutrients can be found in a healthy diet that block this process and cause the cancer cells to “starve.” EGCG from green tea, curcumin, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish and flax are a few examples. 6. Prevent metastasis or spreading of breast cancer: Breast cancer is often associated with metastasis or spread to other organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain. Specific nutrients can actually impair the tumor’s ability to spread by blocking the enzymes that cause the “seeding” of the cancer. Here are a few examples: Sulforaphane from cruciferous vegetables and Broccoli sprouts Curcumin Green tea polyphenols Melatonin The foods and supplements mentioned here are simply the tip of the iceberg. Organic, fresh food, herbs, and spices contain a plethora of anticancer properties. Although Hippocrates had no scientific “proof” that food could heal the body, he innately knew that food was a prescription for health when he stated, “Let food be your medicine.” You CAN defuse your cancer time bomb by being proactive and by making conscious, informed decisions about your health. Editor’s note: Find out how to stop cancer cell growth naturally, own the Stop Cancer Docu-Class created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: Wiley.com NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Indian Spice Cuts Dementia Risk by 40%

The AHA! Team — Mon, 13 May 2024 08:01:26 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – By age 60, you have a 50/50 chance of having a clinically enlarged prostate. And it only gets worse every year. When your prostate isn’t functioning properly, it’s hard to enjoy life. There is a new study from Harvard University that demonstrates the power of special plant compounds called flavonoids. It reinforces the advice I’ve been giving my patients for more than 30 years… Increasing your intake of specific nutrients can head off – and even reverse – early signs of memory loss. The Harvard researchers came to this conclusion after tracking the dietary habits and cognitive outcomes of 78,000 study participants for 20 years. They found that those with a high intake of certain flavonoids were almost 40% less likely to experience cognitive decline.1 While it’s not entirely clear how flavonoids protect your memories, researchers believe the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of these plant metabolites are in play. But what is clear is that dementia and other forms of cognitive decline are not due to the “Alzheimer’s gene” (APOE-e4) or any other aspect of your DNA. It’s another strong indication genes aren’t to blame for the 110% increase in Alzheimer’s that’s projected to happen by 2050. As a regular reader, you know Big Agra’s endless production of processed carbs is the key cause of Alzheimer’s. Our bodies simply weren’t designed for the industrial, grain-based foods modern humans eat. This starchy diet touches off an inevitable cascade of insulin resistance, inflammation, weight gain, and cellular damage. And it’s one reason a growing number of researchers are beginning to refer to Alzheimer’s as “type 3 diabetes.”2 But I see a bright side to the Harvard study. It supports the message I’ve been sharing with my patients for years now… With the right nutrients, you CAN protect yourself from this terrible disease. Why Your Brain Wants You to “Eat the Rainbow” I encourage my patients to “eat the rainbow.” Flavonoids give fruits and vegetables their bright, rainbow-like colors. Think of red and green peppers, purple grapes, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, carrots, oranges, grapefruit, and so forth. Other food sources of flavonoids include onions, celery, artichokes, and broccoli – as well as spices like parsley and oregano. But given the increasingly alien environment we live in, there’s one brain-protective flavonoid that stands above the rest. And I recommend all my patients include it in their diet. I’m talking about curcumin. Curcumin is the bright compound that gives turmeric it’s unique golden color. Studies show it contributes to significant memory improvement and stronger cognitive function. Turmeric is the ingredient that gives curry its savory, earthy taste. It’s a member of the ginger family. Some researchers believe the heavy curry consumption in rural India explains the low incidence of dementia there. It’s only about a third of the rate seen in Europe and the United States.3 Protect Your Brain with Indian Curry My family loves to make curry. Here’s one of our favorite recipes: Ingredients: 1 teaspoon coconut oil 4 boneless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces 2 cups diced yellow onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh ginger 6 two-inches pieces of fresh turmeric root, peeled and grated 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 can (13.6) ounces of coconut milk 1 cup chicken stock 1/2 teaspoon garam masala 4 cups cubed butternut squash 1 tablespoon lime juice Instructions: Sauté chicken in coconut oil until cooked, then remove and set aside. Sauté the onion until it begins to soften. Then add ginger and garlic. Add remaining spices and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the butternut squash, coconut milk, and broth. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add salt to taste along with freshly squeezed lime juice. Add chicken and serve. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Yeh, Tian-Shin, et al. “Long-term dietary flavonoid intake and subjective cognitive decline in US men and women.” Neurology. 2021 Sept;97(10):e1041 – e1056. 2. de la Monte S, and Wands R. “Alzheimer’s disease is type 3 diabetes: Evidence reviewed.” J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2008 Nov; 2(6): 1101–1113. 3. Chandra V, et al. “Incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in a rural community in India: The Indo-US Study.” Neurology. 2001 Sep 25;57(6):985-9. To read the original article click here.

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Study Finds Curcumin Is a Potential Therapeutic Agent Against the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2

AHA Publisher — Wed, 04 May 2022 07:00:59 +0000

Shanet Susan Alex via News-Medical – A recent study published in the journal Computers in Biology and Medicine demonstrated that the phytochemical curcumin is a potent therapeutic prospect against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant. Background The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused over 508 million SARS-CoV-2 cases and six million deaths to date globally. As of now, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant is the dominant strain worldwide. Omicron was designated a variant of concern (VOC) since it can evade vaccine- and infection-induced immunity due to several mutations in its spike (S) protein, including 15 amino acid substitutions across the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Recent studies indicate that many of the most widely used COVID-19 vaccinations offer little or no immunity against Omicron infection. To date, no specific therapeutic regimen for this VOC has been recommended. As a result, Omicron might jeopardize worldwide attempts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic by posing a public health risk. About the Study The present paper aimed to profile seven phytochemicals (capsaicin, gingerol, allicin, curcumin, piperine, zingeberene, and cinnamaldehyde) and discover possible therapeutic options against the Omicron variant. The researchers built a three-dimensional layout of Omicron S RBD by integrating 15 amino acid alterations to the Native S structure. The team contrasted the structural changes of the Omicron S with the Native S. The authors docked the seven phytochemicals with the Omicron S-human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) complex and the Omicron S protein… Conclusions The study findings illustrated that curcumin harbored the most significant inhibitory capability with Omicron S protein out of the seven phytochemicals tested. The authors also found that curcumin could disturb the Omicron S-hACE2 aggregate. Further, the MD simulation showed that curcumin might establish a stable complex with Omicron S in the physiological milieu. To summarize, the present data depicted that curcumin has the potential to be used as a medicinal agent against the highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. This article has been modified. To read the original article click here.

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Turmeric with Black Pepper: What It’s Good for and How to Take It

AHA Publisher — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 07:00:48 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Historians have gathered evidence showing that people—from long ago and from around the world—have used herbs, often in a sophisticated way. Quinine from Cinchona bark, for instance, was used to treat the symptoms of malaria long before the disease had even been identified, and the raw ingredients of a common aspirin tablet have been a popular painkiller for far longer than we have had access to tablet-making machinery. In fact, many pharmacological classes of drugs today include a natural product prototype that we had originally discovered through the study of traditional cures and folk knowledge of indigenous peoples. A plant in South Asia called adhatoda—from adu meaning “goat” and thoda meaning “not touch” because it’s so bitter even goats won’t eat it—has compounds that help open our airways. Adhatoda tea, with its leaves steeped with black peppercorns, has been used traditionally to treat asthma. I can see why tea would be made from that plant, but why incorporate black peppercorns? In 1928, scientists discovered what the South Asians evidently had already known: Adding pepper increases the anti-asthmatic properties of the adhatoda plant’s leaves. Why Black Pepper with Turmeric? The Indian spice turmeric, which gives curry powder its characteristic golden color, is so beneficial that my Daily Dozen recommends we get at least a quarter teaspoon every day. Why should we pair it with black pepper? Key Active Ingredients Curcumin in Turmeric Approximately 5 percent of the spice turmeric is composed of an active compound called curcumin, which is responsible for turmeric’s bright yellow color. Piperine in Black Pepper About 5 percent of black pepper by weight is comprised of piperine, a compound that gives the spice its pungent flavor. Piperine is a potent inhibitor of drug metabolism. One of the ways our liver gets rid of foreign substances is by making them water soluble so they can be more easily excreted. But, this black pepper molecule inhibits that process. How Do Turmeric and Black Pepper Work Together? Within an hour of consuming turmeric, we get a little bump in the level of curcumin in our bloodstream. We don’t see a large increase because our liver is actively trying to get rid of it. Would taking just a quarter teaspoon’s worth of black pepper suppress that process? Indeed. By adding just a little black pepper, the bioavailability of curcumin shoots up by 2,000 percent, as I discuss in more detail in my video Boosting the Bioavailability of Curcumin. Even just a little pinch of pepper—1/20th of a teaspoon—can significantly boost curcumin levels. And guess what a common ingredient in curry powder is besides turmeric? Black pepper. Other Ways to Boost Turmeric’s Benefits When we consume curcumin in its whole food form of turmeric root, whether fresh or dried as a powder, absorption of the pigment is also boosted. Natural oils found in turmeric root and turmeric powder can enhance the bioavailability of curcumin seven- to eight-fold. What’s more, when eaten with fat, curcumin can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lymphatic system, thereby in part bypassing the liver. In India, this is exactly how turmeric is commonly used culinarily—with fat and black pepper. Amazing! Unfortunately, their traditional knowledge certainly failed them with ghee, which is practically pure butter fat. That may explain India’s relatively high rates of heart disease despite all the turmeric in their diet. What Is Turmeric Good For? What makes turmeric so healthful that it has a spot on my Daily Dozen? Treating Ulcerative Colitis: Curcumin seems to be a promising and safe medication—no side effects at all reported—for maintaining remission in patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis. Treating Lupus: A quarter teaspoon of turmeric has shown to be effective for the treatment of uncontrollable lupus (SLE) nephritis. Treating Osteoarthritis: Turmeric may work as well as, or better than, anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Speeding Recovery from Surgery: In the weeks following surgery, curucmin has been demonstated to lead to a dramatic drop in pain and fatigue. Treating Alzheimer’s: A teaspoon per day of turmeric may be effective and safe for the treatment of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Fighting Cancer: Curcumin has the ability to kill tumor cells and not normal cells. Furthermore, because it can affect numerous mechanisms of cell death at the same time, it’s possible that cancer cells may not easily develop resistance to curcumin-induced cell death like they do to most chemotherapy. Improving Endothelial Function: The efficacy of curcumin for boosting endothelial functionis comparable to that obtained with exercise. Therefore, regular ingestion of curcumin could be a preventive measure against cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. Preventing Diabetes in Prediabetics: In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of folks diagnosed with prediabetes, in the group that were given curcumin supplements, none went on to get full-blown diabetes after nine months. They group saw a significant improvement in fasting blood sugars, glucose tolerance, hemoglobin A1C, insulin sensitivity, pancreatic insulin-producing beta cell function (measured two different ways), and insulin sensitivity. What if you already have diabetes? Same beneficial effects, and at a fraction of the dose. Treating Inflammation Eye Conditions: From conjunctivitis (pink eye) to uveitis, to a low-grade form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, turmeric displays dramatic anti-inflammatory effects. What Are the Side Effects of Turmeric? I love cooking with turmeric and recommend including it into our daily routine that way rather than taking curcumin supplements, especially during pregnancy. Gallstones It takes about 40 milligrams to get a 50 percent gallbladder contraction, which keeps bile from stagnating. If you have a stone blocking your bile duct and eat something that causes your gallbladder to squeeze down hard, you may be seeing stars from the pain! Patients with biliary tract obstruction should be careful about consuming curcumin, but, for everyone else, these results suggest that curcumin can effectively induce the gallbladder to empty and thereby reduce the risk of gallstone formation in the first place and, ultimately, perhaps even gallbladder cancer. Kidney Stones Too much turmeric may increase the risk of kidney stones. The spice is high in soluble oxalates, which can bind to calcium and form insoluble calcium oxalate, which is responsible for approximately three-quarters of all kidney stones. Those with a tendency to form kidney stones should restrict turmeric intake to one teaspoon per day. How Much Turmeric and Black Pepper Should You Take Daily? With few downsides at culinary doses and myriad potential health benefits, I’d suggest trying to find ways to incorporate turmeric into your daily diet. I recommend consuming at least a quarter teaspoon of turmeric every day as part of my Daily Dozen checklist, and flavor your dishes with black pepper for added kick and added healthful benefits. How to Take Turmeric with Black Pepper Simply add these spices to your favorite soups and stews. They can also be blended with bananas and cashews to make a golden turmeric smoothie. Here are two of my favorite recipes that feature both turmeric and black pepper: Garden Veggie Tempeh Veggie Mac & Cheese Conclusion I’ve previously covered the topic of food synergy in videos such as Apples and Oranges: Dietary Diversity and Garden Variety Anti-Inflammation, emphasizing the importance of eating different plant foods to take advantage of some of these interactions. The black pepper mechanism reminds me of stories about grapefruit (Tell Your Doctor If You Eat Grapefruit) and broccoli (The Best Detox). A testament to the power of plants! I briefly mentioned the painkilling properties of aspirin. Did you know they’re found naturally throughout the plant kingdom? See Aspirin Levels in Plant Foods. In some circumstances, the wisdom of traditional medicine seems incredible, as I discuss in Tomato Effect. It can also be dangerous, as you can see in Get the Lead Out. Thank goodness for science! For all of our videos on the latest research on turmeric, visit our Turmeric topic page. In health, Michael Greger, M.D To read the original article click here.

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Antidepressant Alternatives Better Than Prozac

AHA Publisher — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 07:54:43 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – Most doctors will tell you depression is caused by a “chemical imbalance” in the brain that leads to low serotonin levels. And once you increase your serotonin levels, your depression improves and you feel better. But this theory is more than 60 years old and doesn’t tell the whole story. While serotonin may play a role in improving mood, I’m now convinced the extent of the depression-serotonin connection was exaggerated by pharmaceutical companies in order to sell their antidepressants, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Big Pharma has made a fortune on our modern epidemic of depression. Most doctors are quick to offer not just one but two, or even three pills for everything from low mood to major depression. And it’s been a huge marketing success. Doctors write more than 250 million prescriptions for SSRIs like Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil every year. But when researchers looked at 38 clinical trials covering 3,000 depressed patients on these drugs, they found that 75% of mood improvement came from the drugs’ placebo effect.1 So you won’t really get better, but you will get a long list of nasty side effects. In addition to headaches, dry mouth, nausea, and stomach upset, these drugs lead to: Trouble sleeping. Almost 25% of people on antidepressants have a hard time falling asleep. Others report sleep disturbances like nightmares and sleepwalking. Daytime sleepiness. Some patients also experience a sedation-like effect during the day. In fact, taking an antidepressant significantly increases your chances of being in a car crash due to sleepiness. Weight gain. About 25% of users gain 10 pounds or more with certain antidepressants.2 Sexual dysfunction. This is the most common side effect — and also the one that bothers patients the most. Up to 70% of patients suffer from a severe decrease in desire or difficulty having an orgasm.3 Stroke and death: A major study shows women taking antidepressants are 45% more likely to have a stroke. And they are 32% more likely to die from any cause.4 I tell my patients that the first thing they need to do to fight depression and improve overall brain activity is to increase the amount of healthy fat – particularly DHA omega-3 – in their diet. Considering how bad our omega-3 deficiency really is, this alone can have a profound effect. But there are other natural ways to help with depression, too. Here are a few you can try today. Relieve Depression Without Big Pharma’s Drugs SAMe. This coenzyme is one of the main building blocks your brain needs to produce neurotransmitters. Although it’s relatively unknown in America, SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) has been used in Europe to treat depression for decades.SAMe raises levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine enhances learning, memory, and motivation and it even helps with attention and sleep. It’s also the key to experiencing pleasure and maintaining an overall sense of well-being and a good mood.In an Ivy League University study, psychiatrists treated 30 patients with major depression who didn’t respond to Big Pharma’s drugs. They gave the patients 800 to 1,600 mg of SAMe daily. After just six weeks, 50% of the patients responded to SAMe. And a remarkable 43% even had a remission of their symptoms!5In another trial, university doctors studied 73 patients who didn’t respond to antidepressants. They added 1,600 mg of SAMe to their daily treatment. After just six weeks, patients adding SAMe had a 105% higher response rate compared to the placebo. They also had a 120% higher remission rate.6I recommend you take 200 mg a day to start. If after two weeks you don’t see big improvement, increase to 400 mg. Magnesium. Low magnesium in the brain is linked to serious depression that resists most drugs. But taking magnesium can quickly help. Research shows it works better than the common antidepressant imipramine with no side effects.Case histories show magnesium supplements can lift major depression in less than seven days. All it took was 125 to 300 mg of magnesium with each meal and at bedtime.I recommend taking between 600 and 1,000 mg of magnesium per day. Look for the glycinate or taurinate forms. Curcumin. Recent studies have found a link between depression and chronic inflammation. Fighting inflammation with a powerful anti-inflammatory like curcumin has been proven to relieve symptoms of depression. In one study, patients with major depressive disorder were divided into three groups. One group took 20 mg of Prozac every morning. Another group took 500 mg of absorption-enhanced curcumin twice a day. And the third group took both. The curcumin group responded just as well as the Prozac group. But with no side effects.7 And in a UCLA study, adults aged 60-85 were given 400 mg of curcumin for 30 days.8 Results showed improved cognitive function and a general sense of well-being, state of calmness and contentedness. Look for a supplement with at least 90% curcuminoids. Also make sure it contains a black pepper extract that boosts absorption. Take between 500 to 1,000 mg each day. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1 Kirsch I. “Antidepressants and the placebo effect.” Z Psychol. 2014; 222(3): 128–134. 2 Deshmukh R, Franco K. “Managing weight gain as a side effect of antidepressant therapy.” Cleve Clin J Med. 2003 Jul;70(7):614. 3 Higgins A, Nash M, Lynch AM. “Antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction: impact, effects, and treatment.” Drug Health Patient Saf. 2010;2:141–150. 4 Smoller J, et al. “Antidepressant use and risk of incident cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among postmenopausal women in the Women’s Health Initiative Study.” Arch Intern Med, 2009; 169 (22): 2128-2139. 5 Alpert JE, Papakostas G, Mischoulon D, et al. “S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) as an adjunct for resistant major depressive disorder: an open trial following partial or nonresponse to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or venlafaxine.” J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2004 Dec;24(6):661-4. 6 Papakostas GI, et al. “S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) augmentation of serotonin reuptake inhibitors for antidepressant nonresponders with major depressive disorder: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.” Am J Psychiatry. 2010 Aug;167(8):942-8. 7 Sanmukhani J, et al.” Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial.” Phytother Res. 2013;doi:10.1002/ptr.5025. 8 Cox KH, et al. “Investigation of the effects of solid lipid curcumin on cognition and mood in a healthy older population.” J Psychopharmacol. 2015 May;29(5):642-51. To read the original article click here.

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Natural Antibiotic Alternative

AHA Publisher — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 07:00:05 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – When we had strep throat as kids, my brothers, sister, and I were given a spoonful of penicillin then sent to bed. We stayed home from school for a couple days until we felt better. Today this simple sore throat can be deadly… Here’s why. Decades of misuse and overuse of antibiotics have caused us to lose our power to fight infections. In fact, drug-resistant infections of all kinds are expected to kill 10 million people by 2050.1 But, the problem is even worse than we thought. For decades, doctors have been fighting antibiotic-resistant infections by increasing the dosage of drugs they prescribe. This worked for a little while… But ultimately, these mega doses created bacteria with “higher overall fitness,” according to a recent study from the University of Manchester’s School of Biological Sciences. In other words, they’re reproducing at record speeds – which could result in even more resistant bacteria. If nothing changes, diseases and deaths from minor occurrences like cuts, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections could soon become the norm. The germ that caused my strep throat infection is called Streptococcus. The CDC reports that from 2013 to 2019 – just six years – infections from this bug have quadrupled!2 It’s time to step back and re-examine the natural cures our ancestors used for thousands of years. Concerned these natural cures won’t protect you from an infection? A recent study found herbal antibiotic remedies are just as effective in treating bacterial overgrowth as chemical antibiotics.3 One of the herbs I’ve been researching is CBD. So, I was relieved to see that a study published just this week revealed CBD can effectively kill antibiotic-resistant superbugs – specifically gram-negative bacteria. These bacteria are one of the most significant public health problems in the world. Gram-negative bacteria are responsible for food poisoning, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, meningitis, sepsis, gonorrhea, and gastroenteritis. This type of bacteria has existed for centuries. Even the bubonic plague in the 14th century was caused by gram-negative bacteria, resulting in an epidemic that wiped out 50% of Europe’s population. The CBD study, published in the journal Communications Biology, is being hailed as a medical breakthrough around the world. This research could lead to the first new antibiotic treatment in more than 60 years. Gram-negative bacteria have a tough extra outer membrane that acts as an additional line of defense. And this makes it harder for traditional antibiotic drugs to penetrate it. But the cannabidiol in CBD kills bacteria by breaking through this outer cell membrane. The study comes on the heels of research published in 2020. In this Danish study, scientists found combining CBD with traditional antibiotics makes antibiotic medications much more effective at destroying gram-positive bacteria, like staph and strep. When researchers treated the bacteria with this combination, three things happened: The bacteria could no longer divide normally. There was less cell division. The bacterial membrane became unstable. This one-two combination punch means that less of the antibiotic drug is needed to achieve the same effect. This will lead to fewer drug-resistant bacteria in the long run. Use Nature’s Answer To Wipe Out Superbugs Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics revealed moldy bread was used to heal infected wounds. And a 1,000-year-old recipe using garlic and wine still works today to cure staphylococcus infections or sties in the eyes. Here are two supplements I recommend to my patients… Curcumin: A recent study found that curcumin’s antibiotic action killed 100% of MRSA within two hours. E. coli was wiped out by 80%.4 And a South Korean study found that curcumin not only killed bacteria on the skin, but also created a barrier that prevented further infection from entering a wound.5It also acts against the inflammation caused by the infection. Curcumin reduces inflammation by blocking two inflammatory enzymes (COX-2 and LOX).6 When looking for a supplement, make sure you choose one with at least 90% of curcuminoids. Also, look for one that contains piperine, a black pepper extract that boosts absorption. I suggest taking between 500 mg to 1,000 mg a day. Echinacea: Before the introduction of Big Pharma’s antibiotics, echinacea was the preferred treatment for infections. It contains a complex mix of active substances with antimicrobial, antibiotic, and immune system boosting properties. A study published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology revealed echinacea can kill many different kinds of bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes — the bacteria behind strep throat, toxic shock syndrome, and the flesh-eating disease called necrotizing fasciitis.7 I recommend 500 mg twice a day. I prefer liquid echinacea extract, which can have a powerful antiviral effect on the mucous membranes of the back of the throat. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Solly M. Drug-Resistant Infections Could Kill 10 Million People Annually by 2050. Smithsonian Magazine. 2. More People in the United States Dying from Antibiotic-Resistant Infections than Previously Estimated. Centers for Disease Control. Published 2019. 3. Chedid V, et al. “Herbal therapy is equivalent to rifaximin for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.” Glob Adv Health Med. 2014 May; 3(3): 16-24. 4. Poonam T, et al. “Bactericidal activity of Curcumin is sssociated with damaging of bacterial membrane.” PLoS One. 2015;10(3): e0121313. 5. Mun SH, et al. “Synergistic antibacterial effect of curcumin against methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus.” Phytomedicine. 2013 Jun 15;20(8-9):714-8 6. Rao CV. “Regulation of COX and LOX by curcumin.” Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007;595:213-26. 7. Hudson JB. “Applications of the phytomedicine Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in infectious diseases.” J Biomed Biotechnol. 2012;2012:769896. To read the original article click here.

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15 Simple Super Foods That Support Your Immune System

AHA Publisher — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 07:00:02 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – If you’re looking to support your immune system and stick to a low-carb diet, you’re in luck. There are many low-carb Keto Zone® foods that support your immune system. In fact, while refined starches and sugar actually inhibit immune function, many healthy low-carbohydrate fats, proteins, and vegetables support it. Here is our Top 15 List! 15 Simple Superfoods That Support Your Immune System 1. Anti-Inflammatory Spices i.e. Ginger and Turmeric Looking for a strong anti-inflammatory, immune-supporting punch? Ginger and Turmeric are potent spices with anti-inflammatory components. In fact, the main compound in turmeric, curcumin, can normalize inflammation, joint pain, and provide a plethora of health benefits. What’s more, ginger does many of the same things. It promotes whole-body health, supports the immune system, reducing inflammatory and pain responses with its strong antioxidants. Why is reducing inflammatory responses important in supporting your immune system? Inflammation directly affects the immune system by changing the course of hormones and impacting the immune response (1). 2. Fish Oils and Omega-3 Sources Like anti-inflammatory spices, omega-3 fats from fish and seafood are foods that support your immune system. In fact, they are some of the most potent compounds to reduce inflammatory hormone production. It’s vital to have a good ratio of dietary omega-3 fats compared to omega-6 fats. Both are needed for human health, but modern diets are far too high in omega-6 foods (mostly due to processed foods), and too low in omega-3s from fish and seafood, seeds, nuts, and more. Great choices for omega3 fatsare salmon, halibut, and tuna. 3. MCT Oil Powder While it works differently than omega3 fats, the medium-chain triglycerides in MCT Oil Powder also reduce inflammatory reactions. In fact, studies have shown that MCT oil directly reduces the response of C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation) (2). 4. High Antioxidants Fruits and Vegetables Antioxidants are also vital compounds in foods that support your immune system. Antioxidants fight free radicals that damage all cells and systems, including the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support cellular detoxification. For example, two high-antioxidant superfoods found in Divine Health Fermented Green Supremefood® and Organic Red Supremefood® that support the immune system in this way are beets, spirulina, and wheatgrass (3, 4, 5, 6). Great choices include berries, asparagus, greens, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and more. 5. Oleocanthal Oleocanthal is a special compound isolated from high-quality Greek olive oils. While it’s not easy to find it in most commercial olive oils, it can be consumed in Dr. Colbert’s Oleocanthal (Powerful Antioxidant Concentrated from High-Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil). In fact, it contains disease-fighting antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and compounds that support heart health. Oleocanthal is so strong it reduces inflammation in similar strength to some medications, like ibuprofen (4). Additionally, it provides both antibacterial and antiviral action (5). Oleocanthal is a compound that absolutely supports your immune system. 6. Avocados Avocados are another anti-inflammatory food. It has fats called phytosterols. They are known to combat the inflammation associated with arthritis. Avocados also contain polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols (PFAs), which are also potent anti-inflammatories. Lastly, avocado’s oleic acid supports digestive tract health to directly boost the immune system. 7. Proteins from Eggs, Meats and More While many people consume more protein than they need, it is still a vital macronutrient for the immune system. In fact, when people suffer from protein malnutrition, they are typically unable to fight diseases from bacteria or viruses. The immune system, hormones, cellular growth and repair, and other systems all rely on adequate protein. 8. Collagen and Bone Broth If you’ve been told to eat chicken noodle soup when you’re sick, it’s mostly for the bone broth. The collagen in bone broth and Keto Zone Collagen Powder support the immune system by: Providing amino acids and proteins Fortifying the cells in the digestive tract Reducing inflammation 9. Natural and Supplemental Probiotics One very important step to support your immune system is to support your gut. The cells in the digestive tract and the healthy bacteria that live there are vital to the immune system and nourishment of the whole body. There are many ways to get probiotics, or healthy bacteria, in low-carbs foods. These include probiotics found in Keto Zone Collagen Powder, Organic Green and Red Supremefood®, Keto Zone Living Milled Chia with Probiotics, plain yogurt, kimchi, kombucha and more. By adding healthy bacteria to your diet, you can support your immune system (8). 10. Garlic and Onions Garlic is a wonderful food to support your immune system. Garlic’s compounds fight viruses and bacterias while supporting cellular detox. Studies show that garlic may be effective in supporting natural immune functions against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria (9) and strong viruses. Additionally, onions support your immune system with antioxidants, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer compounds. 11. Lemons and Lemon Juice Vitamin C is one of our most-studied and well-known antioxidants. Lemons contain vitamin C plus antibacterial components effective throughout the mouth and intestines. 12. Black Pepper, Cinnamon, and Cloves Setting in your spice cupboard are incredibly strong foods that support your immune system (in addition to turmeric and ginger). These include: Black peppercorns support your immune system with potent antioxidants like piperine and anti-inflammatory compounds (10. Cinnamon is not only known for being anti-inflammatory, but it’s cinnamaldehyde can also fight infections directly. It inhibits Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Helicobacter pylori. What’s more, it can fight tooth decay and supports the immune response to infection. Cloves, like cinnamon, are a spice that supports immune health, fights bacteria, and fights free radicals. 13. Cauliflower and Broccoli Cauliflower and broccoli are amazing vegetables. In addition to antioxidants that fight oxidative stress, their nutrients specifically support cellular detoxification to keep cells healthy and thriving. This includes both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of cellular detoxification. 14. Apple Cider Vinegar Organic apple cider vinegar is an ingredient in many folk medicine cures. It is known to fight both bacterial and viral infections, yeasts, and more. Importantly, you should never drink it straight. Always dilute to just 1-2 tablespoons per 8 ounces liquid to protect your esophagus. 15. Water, Green Tea, and Black Tea Green and black tea are packed full of antioxidants that fight free radicals, fight bacteria, and support your immune system. In fact, their specific nutrients fight microbes in the mouth. And water? Not only is it necessary for life, but it’s also necessary for the immune system. Especially during times of viral outbreak, it’s important to stay hydrated and keep your mouths and airways moist. Bonus: Introducing DR. COLBERT’S IMMUNE SUPPORT! In addition to consuming immune-supporting foods, now you can also support your immune system with Dr. Colbert’s Immune Support supplement. Dr. Colbert has designed this product specifically to promote healthy skin, gut health, connective tissue, and immune function. Get yours today! Bottom Line You don’t have to go shopping for extravagant foods to eat super foods that support your immune system. In fact, many on our list are likely already in your home. Support your immune system this year with healthy Keto Zone foods and supplements! To read the original article click here.

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Turmeric Latte Recipe (Golden Milk!)

AHA Publisher — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 07:00:19 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN– Are you looking for a way to incorporate the many health benefits of turmeric into your daily life? If so, I have just the beverage for you. It’s a turmeric latte, often lovingly called “golden milk” — suitable for vegan, Paleo, keto and most diets! But wait, could anything with “latte” in the title actually be healthy? In this case, it’s a definite “yes!” The benefits of turmeric range from improving heart health to discouraging cancer. A turmeric latte or turmeric milk always requires two essential ingredients: turmeric and some type of milk. You’re probably wondering what other ingredients go into this healthy elixir. Well, I’m basically taking my Turmeric Tea Recipe to new heights with even more health-boosting ingredients like ashwagandha. Compared to turmeric tea, this turmeric latte is going to have a richer, fuller flavor profile thanks to the use of almond milk or full-fat coconut milk and zero water. The Power of Turmeric in a Hot Drink Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a relative of ginger and an absolute powerhouse when it comes to health. Turmeric contains a potent antioxidant called curcumin. Not only does curcumin give turmeric (and a turmeric latte) its bright color, it’s also one of the reasons why turmeric is such a healthy spice. By consuming a turmeric latte on a regular basis, you can reap the many health benefits of turmeric. According to scientific research, turmeric may help the following health concerns: (2) Bacterial infections Cancer (including breast, colon, prostate and skin cancer) Eye inflammation (such as uveitis) Heart disease Indigestion Neurodegenerative conditions (including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis) Osteoarthritis Stomach ulcers Ulcerative colitis Viral infections I love that golden milk not only makes it easy to incorporate turmeric into your diet regularly, it’s also such a tasty hot beverage. You can have a turmeric latte in between meals as a snack, or you can have it as a post-dinner dessert. The great thing about this latte recipe is that you don’t only get the benefits of turmeric since every other ingredient in this recipe has beneficial health properties as well. Healthy Ingredients almond milk or coconut milk turmeric coconut oil or ghee vanilla powdered ashwagandha cinnamon black pepper ginger root powder maple syrup How to Make I’m happy to say that making a turmeric latte does not require any barista training. It is truly a simple recipe that results in a deliciously flavored and seriously satisfying hot beverage. This is a latte that you can enjoy any time of day since it’s completely caffeine-free. It’s also dairy-free thanks to the use of nut milk rather than cow’s milk. Personally, I really love having it at night when I’m winding down. In a medium pot over medium heat, add your nut milk of choice, turmeric powder, and coconut oil or ghee. Stir until mixture is hot and ingredients are well combined. Put the warm mixture into a high-powered blender, then add in the remaining ingredients (except for the vanilla). Blend on high until all ingredients are mixed well. After it’s mixed, stir in the vanilla. Then, pour the blended mixture into mugs. Serve topped with powdered cinnamon. Turmeric Latte Recipe DESCRIPTION Are you looking for a way to incorporate the many health benefits of turmeric into your daily life? If so, I have just the beverage for you. It’s a turmeric latte, often lovingly called “golden milk.” INGREDIENTS 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or canned coconut milk (go full-fat for keto diet) 1 tablespoon turmeric 1 tablespoon coconut oil or ghee ½ teaspoon powdered ashwagandha ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ⅛ teaspoon black pepper ⅛ teaspoon ginger root powder ½ teaspoon vanilla optional: 1 teaspoon maple syrup (if keto, don’t use) INSTRUCTIONS In a medium pot over medium heat, add nut milk, turmeric and coconut oil or ghee. Stir until mixture is hot and ingredients are well combined. Add mixture to a high-powered blender and the remaining ingredients (except for the vanilla). Blend on high until mixed well. Stir in the vanilla. Serve topped with cinnamon. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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