Saturday, January 9, 2016

Turmeric's 'Smart Kill' Properties Put Chemo & Radiation To Shame

Turmeric's 'Smart Kill' Properties Put Chemo & Radiation To Shame

Turmeric's 'Smart Kill' Properties Put Chemo & Radiation To Shame

The ancient Indian spice turmeric strikes again! A new study finds turmeric extract selectively and safely killing cancer stem cells in a way that chemo and radiation can not.

A groundbreaking new study published in the journal Anticancer Research reveals that one of the world's most extensively researched and promising natural compounds for cancer treatment: the primary polyphenol in the ancient spice turmeric known as curcumin, has the ability to selectively target cancer stem cells, which are at the root of cancer malignancy, while having little to no toxicity on normal stem cells, which are essential for tissue regeneration and longevity.

Titled, "Curcumin and Cancer Stem Cells: Curcumin Has Asymmetrical Effects on Cancer and Normal Stem Cells," the study describes the wide range of molecular mechanisms presently identified by which curcumin attacks cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are the minority subpopulation of self-renewing cells within a tumor colony, and which alone are capable of producing all the other cells within a tumor, making them the most lethal, tumoriogenic of all cells within most if not all cancers.  Because CSCs are resistant to chemotherapy, radiation, and may even be provoked towards increased invasiveness through surgical intervention, they are widely believed to be responsible for tumor recurrence and the failure of conventional treatment.

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The study identified the following 8 molecular mechanisms by which curcumin targets and kills cancer stem cells:

  • Down-regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6): IL-6 is classified as a cytokine (a potent biomolecule released by the immune system) and modulates both immunity and inflammation. It's over expression has been linked to the progression from inflammation to cancer. Curcumin inhibits IL-6 release, which in turn prevents CSC stimulation.
  • Down-regulation of interleukin-8 (IL-8): IL-8, another cytokine, is released after tumor cell death, subsequently stimulating CSCs to regrow the tumor and resist chemotherapy. Curcumin both inhibits IL-8 production directly and indirectly.
  • Down-regulation of interleukin-1 (IL-1): IL-1, a family of cytokines, are involved in response to injury and infection, with IL-1 β playing a key role in cancer cell growth and the stimulation of CSCs. Curcumin inhibits IL-1 both directly and indirectly.  
  • Decrease CXCR1 and CXCR2 binding: CXCR1 and CXCR2 are proteins expressed on cells, including CSCs, which respond to the aforementioned cytokines in a deleterious manner. Curcumin has been found to not only block cytokine release, but their binding to these two cellular targets.
  • Modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway: The Wnt signaling pathway regulates a wide range of processes during embryonic development, but are also dsyregulated in cancer. Curcumin has been found to have a corrective action on Wnt signaling.
  • Modulation of the Notch Pathway: The Notch signaling pathway, also involved in embryogenesis, plays a key role in regulating cell differentiation, proliferation and programmed cell death (apoptosis), as well as the functioning of normal stem cells. Aberrant Notch signaling has been implicated in a wide range of cancers. Curcumin has been found to suppress tumor cells along the Notch pathway.
  • Modulation of the Hedgehog Pathways: Another pathway involved in embryogenesis, the Hedgehog pathway also regulates normal stem cell activity. Abnormal functioning of this pathway is implicated in a wide range of cancers and in the stimulation of CSCs and associated increases in tumor recurrence after conventional treatment. Curcumin has been found to inhibit the Hedgehog pathway through a number of different mechanisms.
  • Modulation of the FAK/AKT/FOXo3A Pathway: This pathway plays a key role in regulating normal stem cells, with aberrant signaling stimulating CSCs, resulting once again in tumor recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy. Curcumin has been found
  • in multiple studies to destroy CSCs through inhibiting this pathway.

As you can see through these eight examples above, curcumin exhibits a rather profound level of complexity, modulating numerous molecular pathways simultaneously. Conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy is incapable of such delicate and "intelligent" behavior, as it preferentially targets fast-replicating cells by damaging their DNA in the vulnerable mitosis stage of cell division, regardless of whether they are benign, healthy or cancerous cells.  Curcumin's selective cytotoxicity, on the other hand, targets the most dangerous cells – the cancer stem cells – which leaving unharmed the normal cells, as we will now learn more about below.

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Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Ronald Reagan's Letter To His Son


Love Dad


In June of 1971, 26-year-old Michael Reagan married his 18-year-old fiancée in a beautiful ceremony that took place in Hawaii, but which sadly couldn’t be attended by his dad, the future President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. A few days before the ceremony, however, Michael did receive something invaluable that would be treasured for years to come: a heartfelt, loving, and sage letter of fatherly advice, on the subject of love and marriage. 

“It was straight from Dad’s heart,” Michael said of the letter in his 2004 book, In the Words of Ronald Reagan, “Honest, old-fashioned, and wise. I cried when I read it, and I’ve read it many times in the years since then.”

(Source: Reagan: A Life In Letters; Image: Ronald Reagan, via.)

Michael Reagan
Manhattan Beach, California
June 1971

Dear Mike:

Enclosed is the item I mentioned (with which goes a torn up IOU). I could stop here but I won't.

You've heard all the jokes that have been rousted around by all the "unhappy marrieds" and cynics. Now, in case no one has suggested it, there is another viewpoint. You have entered into the most meaningful relationship there is in all human life. It can be whatever you decide to make it.

Some men feel their masculinity can only be proven if they play out in their own life all the locker-room stories, smugly confident that what a wife doesn't know won't hurt her. The truth is, somehow, way down inside, without her ever finding lipstick on the collar or catching a man in the flimsy excuse of where he was till three A.M., a wife does know, and with that knowing, some of the magic of this relationship disappears. There are more men griping about marriage who kicked the whole thing away themselves than there can ever be wives deserving of blame. There is an old law of physics that you can only get out of a thing as much as you put in it. The man who puts into the marriage only half of what he owns will get that out. Sure, there will be moments when you will see someone or think back to an earlier time and you will be challenged to see if you can still make the grade, but let me tell you how really great is the challenge of proving your masculinity and charm with one woman for the rest of your life. Any man can find a twerp here and there who will go along with cheating, and it doesn't take all that much manhood. It does take quite a man to remain attractive and to be loved by a woman who has heard him snore, seen him unshaven, tended him while he was sick and washed his dirty underwear. Do that and keep her still feeling a warm glow and you will know some very beautiful music. If you truly love a girl, you shouldn't ever want her to feel, when she sees you greet a secretary or a girl you both know, that humiliation of wondering if she was someone who caused you to be late coming home, nor should you want any other woman to be able to meet your wife and know she was smiling behind her eyes as she looked at her, the woman you love, remembering this was the woman you rejected even momentarily for her favors. 

Mike, you know better than many what an unhappy home is and what it can do to others. Now you have a chance to make it come out the way it should. There is no greater happiness for a man than approaching a door at the end of a day knowing someone on the other side of that door is waiting for the sound of his footsteps.

Love,

Dad

P.S. You'll never get in trouble if you say "I love you" at least once a day.


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Monday, January 4, 2016

Turmeric & Coconut Milk Bedtime Drink – Powerhouse Anti-Inflammatory

Turmeric & Coconut Milk Bedtime Drink – Powerhouse Anti-Inflammatory

turmeric-milk

Turmeric is one of the most healthiest spices on earth. It has great anti-inflammatory properties that is good to treat any kind of pain. But adding 5 different ingredients together other than coconut and turmeric…makes for a real Power House Anti-Inflammatory bedtime drink. Learn how to make your own Power House Anti-Inflammatory bedtime drink on the Next Page.

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Pages: 1 2

Learn how to make your own anti-inflammatory turmeric and coconut milk.  Check out the article we found over at Eat Local Grown.

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Turmeric milk is a traditional Indian and Ayurvedic beverage that is typically drunk before bed. Similar to what we do here in the States with warm milk before bed. Although, I never really enjoyed warm milk before bed as a kid, I sure do enjoy this delicious beverage. The warming effect it has on the body puts you right to sleep!

I chose to add ginger to my recipe to further enhance the anti-inflammatory properties (especially for the digestive tract!). Honey is optional as a sweetener…but it does also add more medicinal properties! I use coconut milk because it is full of healthy fats and contains lauric acid, antimicrobial lipids and capric acid, which have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do!

Here is how to make this delicious healing beverage:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups coconut milk (or milk of your choice)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (the absorption of turmeric is actually enhanced when combined with black pepper)
  • 1″ piece of ginger sliced
  • raw honey to sweeten, if desired

*Note: If you have an ulcerative intestinal problem, omit the black pepper as it can be problematic with ulcers. Black pepper can even make small cuts in the bowels of people with Crohn’s disease

Directions:

  • In a saucepan add all ingredients (except honey, if using) and whisk to combine
  • Heat over medium heat until it starts to bubble
  • Then turn heat down to low and simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld
  • Strain out the ginger
  • Add honey and stir
  • Makes 2 servings, so you can share the love

Next ArticleSTUDIES PROVE TURMERIC IS AS EFFECTIVE AS 14 DRUGS

Read full article: Try This Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric-Coconut Bedtime Drink For Better Digestion


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Mango

Mango

Mangos are one of the most popular and nutritionally rich fruits in the world and are often referred to as “The King of the Fruits”. Mangos are an amazing source of vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex as well as health promoting flavonoids such as beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. Mangos are a powerful anti-cancer food and are specifically known to help prevent lung, breast, colon, prostate, blood, and oral cancers. 

They are also highly beneficial in the prevention of strokes, heart disease, arthritis, cognitive disorders, respiratory diseases, and kidney disease. Mangos can help to alkalinize the whole body by helping to flush out toxic acids and rebuild the alkali reserves in the body. Mangos are packed with enzymes and are a prebiotic food, meaning they contain compounds that stimulate and feed the good bacteria in the intestines which greatly aids in digestion and assimilation. 

Mangoes contain a significant amount of pyridoxine (B-6) which is vital for the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Pyridoxine is also essential in maintaining hormonal balance and proper immune function as well as for helping the body break down sugars, fats and proteins. Mangos are thought to help prevent insomnia and provide for a better nights sleep. In some countries mangos are eaten right before bed as a natural sleep aid. 

Mangos are known to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol due to its significant fiber, pectin, and vitamin C content. Mangos are also excellent for promoting good eyesight and helping to prevent night blindness and dry eyes. They are also wonderful for skin health and can be used both internally and externally to help clear clogged pores, eliminate pimples, and add a natural glow to the skin. Mangos are one of the worlds most versatile fruits and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. 

Consider using mango in your smoothie, salads, salsa, avocado, and vegetable dishes. Spices also pair well with mango and try experimenting with cinnamon, curry, cloves, and chili pepper to boost the flavor and nutrition of your meals. Start or end your day with a simple but delicious mango pudding. Blend 2-4 ripe mangos (peel and pit removed) in a blender or food processor until creamy and smooth. 

Pour into a bowl and top with fresh berries. There are several varieties available in supermarkets throughout the year including Tommy Atkins, Kent, Yellow, Ataulfo, Keitt, and Champagne. Some are sweet and creamy while others are juicy and bright. Experiment with finding new ways to add mangos into your diet. Your body will love you for it.

This item posted: 05-Mar-2015



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Ginger Water

Ginger Water

Ginger water is helpful in aiding in digestion and assimilation and is widely regarded to help prevent colds, flu, motion sickness, and vertigo. Ginger water can also help to alleviate menstrual cramps, nausea, heart burn, migraines, sore throats, exhaustion, fatigue, and constipation and it is great in providing relief from the stomach flu and food poisoning. 

It also contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols and is a powerful painkiller which makes it especially beneficial for those who suffer with joint, muscle, and nerve pain. Ginger water has incredible immune-boosting and germ fighting abilities and has even been shown to help provide protection and relief from E.coli, Staph infections, and Candida albicans.

Ginger Water

Ingredients
1-2 inches of fresh ginger root
2-3 cups of water
1/2 lemon
raw honey

Preparation
Grate the 1-2 inch piece of ginger root. Add 2-3 cups of water and a squeeze of lemon. Sweeten with raw honey. Strain, and enjoy warm or cold. Sip this throughout the day for its powerful protective properties against illness.

This item posted: 30-Dec-2015



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GINGER: Cleansing Recipe

A Simple Cleansing Recipe To Start The New Year...

Happy new year! Thank you so much for being a part of the Medical Medium community. I sincerely appreciate each and every one of you. 

 

The beginning of the year is typically a time when people feel a renewed commitment to their health, ready to cleanse away some of the habits and choices that weren't serving them from the year before. While there's many ways to support your body, some of the best are extremely simple, like drinking the Ginger water recipe I'm sharing with you today. 

 

Ginger water is helpful in aiding in digestion and assimilation and is widely regarded to help prevent colds, flu, motion sickness, and vertigo. It can also help to alleviate menstrual cramps, nausea, heart burn, migraines, sore throats, exhaustion, fatigue, and constipation and it is great in providing relief from the stomach flu and food poisoning.

 

Ginger water also contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols and is a powerful painkiller which makes it especially beneficial for those who suffer with joint, muscle, and nerve pain. Ginger water has incredible immune-boosting and germ fighting abilities and has even been shown to help provide protection and relief from E.coli, Staph infections, and Candida albicans. 

 

Ginger Water 

 

Ingredients: 

1-2 inches of fresh ginger root 

2-3 cups of water 

1/2 lemon 

raw honey

 

Click here for the full recipe.

 

Read on to find out how to tune in to today's radio show on Food Wars...



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Sunday, January 3, 2016

This Is What Happens To Your Body If You Eat 1 Teaspoon of Turmeric Every day

This Is What Happens To Your Body If You Eat 1 Teaspoon of Turmeric Every day

Posted Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 06:35pm EST

A teaspoon of turmeric a day keeps inflammation, toxins, pain, and cancers at bay.

In India, turmeric has been used and crowned the “Queen of all Spices” for over 2500 years. Although it was first used as a dye, over the centuries its true healing powers slowly came to light.

Long known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and detoxing properties, recent studies reveal how this natural wonder can treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer, too.

Here are 7 proven ways on how turmeric can improve your health and happiness. I’m sure that after reading this article you will start adding this miracle spice to your diet every day.

1.      Fights inflammation naturally

Chronic inflammation is believed to be the culprit of many of our modern diseases. Curcumin, or turmeric’s active compound, is found to be a potent anti-inflammatory compound which matches or even exceeds the effectiveness of many anti-inflammatory drugs available. (1)

2.      Protects your brain

Cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s are often linked to decreased levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is a type of growth hormone.  Researchers have found that curcumin positively influences the levels of BDNF and may delay or even reverse many brain diseases or age-related decline of our brain functions. (2)

3.      Reduces the risk of several types of cancer

Turmeric may be one of the most potent natural anti-cancer substances out there.  Not only can it prevent cancer growth, but inhibits the development and spread as well and may even hold the natural cure for this dreadful disease. (3)

For more info, also read: Turmeric and Cancer: How a Cooking Spice Can Cure a Dreaded Disease

4.      Improves digestion

Eating turmeric on a daily basis stimulates the gallbladder, reduces bloating and gas, and prevents inflammation of the digestive tract.  However, when suffering from a gallbladder disease, turmeric should not be taken on a daily basis to avoid overstimulation, which can make things worse. (4)

5.      Protect your heart

Curcumin has shown to reduce LDL (or bad) cholesterol, prevent blood clotting, and remove plaque build-ups in the arteries. (5)

6.      Soothes symptoms of Arthritis

Although more research is needed in this field, many people report various improvements of their condition. It helps them fight chronic inflammation and reduces the pain too. Some even claim curcumin supplements work better than many OTC or prescribed drugs available on the market today. And without any side-effects. (6)

7.      Delays aging and improves longevity

Free radicals and inflammation are believed to play a major role in aging and curcumin affects both. And given that it also protects our heart and fights cancer, which are 2 of the biggest killers in today’s world, it obviously benefits longevity too. (7)

These benefits are only the tip of the iceberg of what turmeric can do for you.

To improve overall health and happiness, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric to smoothies, juices, soups, curries, stir-fries, homemade cultured sodas, and dressings on a daily basis.

FYI: curcumin, or turmeric’s most active and healing compound, is poorly absorbed by our body. Luckily there are a few ways to up the absorption by up to 2000 percent. Adding a pinch of black pepper is one of them. Click here to discover 3 more ways to up curcumin’s absorption to make sure you get the full benefits of adding turmeric to your daily diet.

Sources include:

  1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19594223
  2. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0031211
  3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18462866
  4. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/turmeric
  5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19233493
  6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22407780
  7. http://www.immunityageing.com/content/7/1/1

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Oh and if you are looking for a way to live a healthy lifestyle while eating delicious, colorful meals and losing or maintaining weight, click here



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