Curcumin looks like a Winner against Diabetes and Breast Cancer

Curcumin is the active ingredient in the tumeric herb and has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Today studies continue to confirm the benefits of this amazing compound.

Researchers in the United States and Korea recently published a study which found  curcumin lowered blood glucose levels, cholesterol and triglycerides in diabetic mice after being supplemented with curcumin for just six weeks. No changes were observed in the the healthy non-diabetic mice. The researchers concluded: “These results suggest that curcumin seemed to be a potential glucose-lowering agent and antioxidant in type 2 diabetic db/db mice”.

A 2009 study released by the Department of Internal Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Michigan observed that curcumin enhanced with piperine decreased the number of cancerous cells in breast tissue. Once again no changes or toxicity were observed in normal healthy cells.

“This shows that these compounds are not toxic to normal breast tissue,” researcher, Kakarala says. “Women at high risk of breast cancer right now can choose to take the drugs tamoxifen or raloxifene for prevention, but most women won’t take these drugs because there is too much toxicity. The concept that dietary compounds can help is attractive, and curcumin and piperine appear to have very low toxicity.”

Some products add piperine to boost the absorption of curcumin because curcumin typically has low bioavailability. Bioavailability is the extent to which a substance can be absorbed. How much you consume of a supplement is less important than how much you absorb.

Curcumin Extreme™ is a unique product formula containing a patented form of enhanced bioavailable and 100% natural curcumin called BCM-95® . BCM-95® is six times more readily absorbed than standard curcumin.

Curcumin Extreme™ promotes liver detoxification, healthy glutathione levels and normal cell regeneration. In addition, Curcumin Extreme™ contains broccoli seed extract known as another antioxidant that supports immune system function.

Curcumin – Nature’s Antidepressant

Curcumin is the most biologically active ingredient found in the herb, tumeric, which is part of the ginger family. Grandpa and sonUsed for centuries in Indian cooking, this potent phytochemical (plant chemical) has been identified as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-amyloid (inhibits abnormal protein deposits – like brain plaque), anti-tumor (causes apoptosis or cell death in cancerous cells) and enhances immune system function by increasing the production of glutathione.

If that wasn’t enough – there’s more!

A recent study published in Psychopharmacology on curcumin found that it behaves like a natural antidepressant by increasing serotonin as well as dopamine levels.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), is often treated with antidepressants to balance MAO’s (monoamine oxidase enzymes). A safe and natural compound like curcumin could be a very welcome option for many.

Unfortunately, most natural forms of curcumin are not very bioavailable. By the time they pass from the stomach into the small intestine for absorption the active ingredient is quite degraded and has lost its potency. However, a naturally-occurring and patented form of curcumin has been developed called BCM-95®, which delivers six times more bioactive curcumin into the blood than typical curcumin.

Curcumin Extreme™ contains this optimal type of pharmacologically bioactive curcumin known as BCM-95® in a unique synergistic formula.

The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease published study results recommending that vitamin D3 be used in conjunction with curcumin to prevent Alzheimer’s and cellular damage/destruction to brain cells caused by free radicals through oxidative stress.

According to Dr. Milan Fiala, study author and a researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, “We hope that vitamin D3 and curcumin, both naturally occurring nutrients, may offer new preventive and treatment possibilities for Alzheimer’s disease.”

Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2 is a drinkable, highly bioavailable and active form of D3. Using Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2 along with Curcumin Extreme™ would be an excellent response to Dr. Fiala’s suggestion.

New video on Vitamin D shows profound impact on Breast Cancer

This newly aired video shows a striking correlation between breast cancer and vitamin D.

A March 2009 article published in the Archives of Internal Medicine explored the dramatic decrease of vitamin D in the overall population from 2001 to 2004. Seventy five percent of adults have insufficient levels of vitamin D. In addition, a significant number of teenagers, young children, and even 40% of infants have been found to be seriously low as well. Inadequate levels of vitamin D have also been measured in 50-80% of pregnant women, even though over 90% of those tested were using a prenatal vitamin.

Supplementation and dietary changes are advised to increase blood serum levels of vitamin D rather than more sun exposure according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

A study of Hawaiian skateboarders (who tended not to use sunscreen) validated this recommendation. Even in this group, 51% had significantly low levels of vitamin D. This is noteworthy considering that just 30 minutes of sunlight on the skin produces approximately 10,000 iu’s of vitamin D in the body.

Healthy adults utilized about 4000 iu’s of vitamin D daily. The Vitamin D Council suggests that supplementing with up to 10,000 iu’s daily of vitamin D3 is very safe for most people.

The bottom line conclusion is: ”Current recommendations for vitamin D supplementation are inadequate to address the growing epidemic of vitamin D insufficiency.” – 2009 March, Archive of Internal Medicine

Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2 provides 5000 iu’s of cholecalciferol (a bioavailable form of vitamin D3) plus 45 mcg of vitamin K2 in a drinkable isotonic form.

Allergies, Psoriasis and Cancer Share a Common Link

An interesting connection has been discovered between psoriasis, eczema, Hodgkin’s disease and lymphoid cancer. allergies The connection is a type of white blood cell called a mast cell.

Mast cells are part of our immune system and jump into action when an allergic reaction occurs.  An irritant or foreign substance will trigger the release of antibodies, which attach themselves to mast cells.  When the irritant comes into contact with the antibody the mast cell erupts, releasing proteins and histamine that, in turn, cause swelling, itching, and/or congestion. 

People with high inflammatory symptoms, like those found in psoriasis, eczema, and lymphoid cancers have high levels of mast cells and another immune system protein called CD30. CD30 is a protein found in T-lymphocyte white blood cells.  A study done by the Karolinska Institute discovered that CD30 can stimulate mast cell production in healthy skin cells.  So the presence of CD30 may trigger an inflammatory mast cell response on its own.

Another elevated protein found in psoriasis and many cancer sufferers is known as C-reactive protein.  C-reactive proteins indicate general levels of inflammation in the body.  Infections and many types of long term disease, including heart disease, also generate lots of C-reactive proteins.

Incomplete protein digestion may contribute to the cycle of irritants entering the bloodstream, which in-turn can set the stage for mast cell production, elevated CD30, C-reactive proteins and other inflammatory responses.

Some natural approaches to dealing with this vicious cycle is reducing processed foods and increasing digestive enzymes, vitamin D, vitamin A, zinc, Omega-3 fish oils, aloe vera, and glutathione precursors.  Moderate amounts of sunshine are also advised.

Isotonix® D with K2
Ultimate Aloe® Juice
Ultimate Aloe® Gel
Heart Health™ Omega 3 with E
Isotonix® OPC-3 Beauty Blend
Isotonix® Digestive Enzymes with Probiotics

Vitamin D – you probably need more of the “sunshine vitamin”

The future’s so bright for this super nutrient, it really is going to need shades! Formerly, it seemed like we only heard warnings about too much sun exposure. So we heeded recommendations to use sunscreen to protect us from damage to our skin which could make us look older or give us skin cancer. 

Now doctors are discovering that the majority of sun6adults and children are not getting enough vitamin D and it is contributing to poor health, so they are recommending supplementing with this vitamin for good reason. Lack of vitamin D has been linked to a wide variety of illness and disease, including:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Cancer
  • High blood pressure
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Tuberculosis
  • Low back pain
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Birth defects
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Seasonal affective disorder
  • Periodontal disease

Vitamin D also encourages muscle development. Recent studies done at the University of Manchester have determined that young girls (12-14 years) who were supplemented with vitamin D demonstrated more muscular strength and explosive power. 

When selecting a vitamin D supplement bear in mind that D3 is superior to D2 due to it’s bioavailability.  The best quality vitamin D supplement that I know of is Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2.  Isotonix® D includes a synergistic vitamin known as K2 which, in additional to bone health, promotes vascular integrity. Because this product is an isotonic formula, up to 95% of the nutrients are absorbed and enter into the blood stream just minutes after drinking it. 

Popular Science article on vitamin D

Study shows Obsessive Compulsive Disorders benefit from antioxidants

washing-handsA controlled study conducted in 2006 of antioxidant levels in a group of people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) determined that they had low levels of vitamin E along with high levels of oxidative stress.  One culprit tested for which contributed to the oxidative stress was high amounts of erythrocyte malondialdehydes.

Erythrocyte malondialdehydes are red blood cells which carry a by-product of degraded lipid production that can damage DNA.

The study concluded that there was a significant relationship between OCD and free radical damage caused by oxidative stress.

Antioxidants counteract oxidative stress, improve cellular health and stimulate glutathione production.

Isotonix® OPC-3
Isotonix® L-tryptophan
Isotonix® Multivitamin

Getting More Glutathione and Antioxidant Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

The elusive nature of multiple sclerosis has been a source of clinical studies for years.  Researchers at the VU reaching-manUniversity Medical Center in Amsterdam released the results of a study treating 14 multiple sclerosis patients with a combination of antioxidants and other nerve-protecting agents.  The treatment resulted in reductions of relapses by two to three fold, plus decreases in corticosteroid medications.

The study concluded that oxidative stress can be counteracted by naturally occuring antioxidant enzymes which go on to provide protection against future oxidative damage to cells and tissue.

Glutathione is a naturally occuring antioxidant which is produced within the cells of our bodies providing protection against toxins.  Lack of glutathione is seen in virtually every instance of disease, including multiple sclerosis.

Glutathione can only be internally generated, therefore it is important to ingest supplements which will stimulate glutathione production.  Vitamin D3, vitamin K, pycnogenolalpha-lipoic acid, curcumin, resveratrol, B vitamins, and L-tryptophan all stimulate the cellular production of glutathione.

Isotonix® D with K2
OPC-3®
Curcumin Extreme
Isotonix® Resveratrol
Isotonix® B Complex
Isotonix® L-tryptophan

Lift your mood and get great sleep naturally

happy-couple3Millions suffer from depression and feelings of sadness along with difficulty falling asleep.  Incorporating a simple, natural amino acid like L-tryptophan may be just the ticket to an elevated mood and peaceful sleep!

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid which promotes seratonin and, in turn, melatonin balance.  A common myth is that tryptophan is what causes sleepiness after eating turkey on Thanksgiving.  The actual cause of fatigue is the body’s demand for increased blood flow to the digestive system to handle all the excess calories.  Eating any type of large meal can cause sleepiness.

Tryptophan triggers seratonin and melatonin production.  Seratonin is the “feel good” hormone which enhances mood and produces feelings of happiness.  Melatonin regulates sleep cycles which are often out of order in many people’s hectic lives.  Proper amounts of melatonin encourages natural sleep patterns.

Between 1982 and 2005 the FDA banned all forms of tryptophan due to contamination concerns.  The only exception was a trademarked form of l-tryptophan known as Tryptopure®. Tryptopure is 99-100% pure and safe.

A study done in 2002 by the College of Medicine in South Korea found that seratonin and melatonin also reduce oxidative stress in the brain. 

Unlike many over-the-counter and perscription mood enhancers and sleep aides, l-tryptophan can be used long term quite safely and produces no negative side effects.

Isotonix® L-Tryptophan is made from Tryptopure® and synergistically combines vitamin C, B-3 and B-6 improving the metobolism of this amino acid.  Genuine isotonic formulas are extremely bio-available and 95% absorbed unlike capsules, tablets and liquid supplements.

What makes Market America’s Curcumin Extreme unique?

I’ve posted several articles on the health benefits of curcumin, the powerful antioxidant found in the spice tumeric.  The product that my husband and I take is Curcumin Extreme™ from Market America.  So what makes Curcumin Extreme™ different from other curcumin products on the market?

BCM-95®

One of the issues with curcumin is that it is not very bioavailable, which means that your body can’t readily absorb it.  Studies have shown that we can only absorb a small amount of curcumin when ingested.  However, a special formulation called BCM-95® by Dolcas Biotech has been shown in clinical studies to be over 6 times more bioavailable than regular curcumin.  BCM-95® contains the natural spectrum of the turmeric rhizome and is 100% natural.

Clinical study on BCM-95® bioavailability.  (Additional studies available at www.bcm95.com)

Broccoli Seed Extract

Curcumin Extreme™ also includes 167mg of broccoli seed extract, a powerful source of sulphoraphane glucosinolates. Sulforaphanes support the normal production of Phase II liver detoxification enzymes including glutathione synthase, heme-oxygenase and catalase. Sulforaphanes also support gene transcription, the process by which genetic information is copied from DNA to RNA. They also support the body’s natural defense systems. Glutathione is the master antioxidant in the human body which serves to preserve and protect the brain and other body tissues by protecting them from the damage of free radicals. Furthermore, glutathione recycles vitamins C and E which are also powerful antioxidants.

Related research:  Immunomodulatory activity of sulforaphane, a naturally occuring isothiocyanate from broccoli (Brassica oleracea). Phytomedicine vol. 14: 538-545, 2006.

Selenium

Selenium is a required cofactor for selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidase. Selenomethionine is incorporated directly into proteins because selenomethionine cannot be distinguished from methionine during the translation of mRNA into protein. This serves as a storage form of selenium and is liberated upon protein catabolism. Selenium accumulates in the prostate, promoting the health of the prostate. Selenium supports immune function by promoting normal growth and development of T helper cells.

Related research:  Selenium, selenoproteins and human health: a review. Public Health Nutrition vol. 4: 593-599, 2001