curcumin

Turmeric, active ingredients are turmerone oil and water-soluble curcuminoids, among which curcumin has been the focus of research

• Native to south Asia
• Orange colour used in cosmetics and as a food colouring agent
• Absorption is poor and it’s metabolised rapidly. Absorption can be improved if taken with pepper (piperine) or fat, but this depends on if you have a therapeutic goal. 
• A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials revealed that curcumin is effective in decreasing the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a key mediator in many inflammatory diseases.

Gut 

• Turmeric may help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis,

Joints

• Turmeric extract was found to be safe and equally effective as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Need to absorb it so take with piperine/fat. 

Cancer

• Curcumin has been studied to have anticancer properties through really the 3 main pathways of cancer development: 

1. It’s antioxidant properties and protection against DNA mutations and cell damage

2. It’s antiproliferative properties that reduce tumour growth and spread including inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and 

3.Curcumin has shown ability to kill cancer cells directly by activating “execution enzymes” that destroy cancer cells from within. 

• As an added benefit, curcumin seems to focus on the cancer cells and leave our healthy cells alone, unlike chemotherapy and RT that can’t distinguish between malignant and healthy cells.
• Several animal studies suggest that turmeric helps to prevent colon, stomach, and skin cancers in rats exposed to carcinogens. 
• Human studies are underway to validate these findings in humans
• What’s interesting is that while curcumin shows benefit in breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, multiple myeloma, myelogenous leukaemia and skin, kidney and colorectal cancer, turmeric as a whole food has in some cases been shown to be even more effective!
• In fact, a study was undertaken with turmeric where they removed the active component curcumin, and it was found to be just as effective!!
• Topical turmeric-based cream has shown some ability to reduce radiotherapy-induced dermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer; and oral mucositis
• Can interfere with some chemotherapy agents 

Other

• May improve concentrations of liver enzymes
• Some but insufficient evidence for treatment of kidney stones and reduction in stomach and intestinal gas

When it’s not a good idea

• Can interfere with many drugs, blood thinners and chemo agents when taken as a supplement. 
• One study  - These findings support the hypothesis that dietary curcumin can inhibit chemotherapy-induced apoptosis through inhibition of ROS generation and blockade of JNK function, and suggest that additional studies are needed to determine whether breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy should avoid curcumin supplementation, and possibly even limit their exposure to curcumin-containing foods. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12097302

Other spices with similar impact 

It’s not the only option...Other anti-inflammatory and health promoting spices

1. Cumin

• May improve digestion by increasing activity of digestive enzymes and increase release of bile from liver. 
• May assist IBS - a low level study explored cumin essential oil and found it reduced abdominal pain, bloating, fecal urgency and presence of mucus discharge during and after treatment with Cumin extract.
• May improve BG control in Diabetes - still unclear the exact mechanisms or exactly how much is required to obtain the desired therapeutic outcomes.
• Some studies suggest that supplementation may improve chol profile
• The salicylic acid and other phenolic acids may have a anti-inflammatory and free-radical reducing properties to reduce cancer risk 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210012/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814608002483

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24829694

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25766448

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27664636

https://nutritionfacts.org/2019/12/26/the-foods-with-the-highest-aspirin-content/?utm_source=NutritionFacts.org&utm_campaign=b4e7d340b4-RSS_BLOG_DAILY&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_40f9e497d1-b4e7d340b4-26955981&mc_cid=b4e7d340b4&mc_eid=b327dd2e50

1. Cinnamon - coined gift fit for kings

• Anti-inflammatory properties similar to that of turmeric  - high concentration of antioxidants (polyphenols). 
• Reduce insulin resistance - Cinnamon has shown to be able to improve insulin sensitivity, which means better able to reduce our BGLS.
• Cinnamon  contains contains enzymes which work  in our GIT which slowing down the breakdown of CHO’s. This reduces the amount of glucose in our blood after a meal.
• 120mg per day can reduce total chol, LDL, TGs 
• May help protect neurons, normalize neurotransmitter levels and improve motor function - researchers interested for Alzheimer'. Human studies are lacking, however watch this space..

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003790/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14633804

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24019277

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2901047/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19433898

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23531502

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24349472

1. Ginger

• Ginger root contains compounds that may help relieve or prevent nausea and vomiting. These substances can increase the flow of saliva and digestive juices and may also help calm the stomach and intestines. Some studies have found ginger may help nausea caused by chemotherapy, but larger studies are needed to confirm these effects.
• Eating fresh ginger in high doses can have blood-thinning effects by preventing platelets from sticking together. 
• Laboratory studies suggest that ginger can protect brain cells from the plaques that cause Alzheimer’s disease, but this effect has not been studied in humans.
• Some data in OA and RA 
• May reduce BGL 
• May reduce drug dependence! 
• May improve digestive health - reduce diarrhoea, gas and bloating
• Supplemental doses can interfere with warfarin or blood thinners, NSAIDs, insulin, during pregnancy or pre-surgery. Stick to the real food! 

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/ginger

1. Ashwaghandha (Indian or asian Ginseng)

• May assist with angina, T2DM management, immune function and…
• Sexual dysfunction benefits for erectile dysfunction 
• Some reports of manic and psychotic episodes with supplements - stick to the food! Make into a tea or add to asian soups 

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/ginseng-asian

Supplemental doses of many of these spices can interfere with warfarin or blood thinners, NSAIDs, insulin, during pregnancy or pre-surgery or cause nasty side effects so stick to the real food! 

Chili

• What is it: Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chilli, cayenne pepper, capsicum 
• What for: Neuropathic pain and neuropathy, OA pain, weight loss, psoriasis, cluster headaches 
• Caution: GIT lining, reflux 

Health benefits of capsaicin 

• Weight loss: There is evidence to suggest intake of chilis (containing capsaicin) can enhance fat burning potential and reduce appetite, which of course can assist with weight loss. As always the literature suggested that regular ingestion of capsaicin compounds in conjunction with a healthy diet & lifestyle showed the most promising outcomes.
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257466/
• Pain management: There is some low level evidence to support that Capsaicin has the ability to bind to pain receptors to reduce the pain sensation. However these were small studies and effects were not lasting.

Be cautious of:

• GIT upset (abdominal pain/cramping or diarrhoea) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4102147/
• Cancer: There is some suggestion of chemoprotective effects however the evidence of safety vs risk is mixed regarding chili consumption. As mentioned, adding too much chili may have the ability to burn the lining of our GIT and this has been seen in some observational studies.
• Long term topical use may increase risk of skin cancer - eat don’t rub it Look out for capsaicin as active ingredient in some topical creams and nasal sprays. It is also available in a prescription-strength patch. 
  • https://academic.oup.com/aje/article-abstract/139/3/263/63603?redirectedFrom=fulltext
  • https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/capsaicin

In summary: See what agrees with your body! If you love chilli, enjoy it! If you don’t moderate the amounts you eat.

Eat your spices

• Add cinnamon and turmeric to oats - try our carrot cake bircher or make this into balls with some dates. Add yoghurt if you need to absorb it. 
• Ginger tea or water, stir fry, bliss balls, 
• Chilli, cumin, paprika, turmeric to your evening meals - veg chilli con carne, dhal or curry  
• Ginseng tea or add to your soup 
• TO DO: buy minced chilli, garlic, ginger, dried cumin, paprika, chilli, turmeric 

Join cohost Vallery for a conversation with Kanchan Koya. Kanchan has a doctorate in Molecular Biology from Harvard Medical School and training from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. While studying DNA repair as a PhD student, Kanchan’s lab began studying the cancer-fighting powers of curcumin, the active compound in the ancient spice, turmeric. This sparked Kanchan’s interest in the science-backed health benefits of spices, which she had grown up enjoying on a daily basis in India. Upon becoming a mother, she founded Spice Spice Baby, a platform dedicated to shedding light on the healing potential of spices, demystifying them for a global audience, and inspiring their use in food for the whole family. Kanchan’s recipes are original, eclectic, nutritious, and packed with spice. She is part of the Creators Program at Buzzfeed Tasty creating recipes and digital content for a global audience of millions. Kanchan recently launched the Momlightpodcast and platform helping mothers feel their best using cutting-edge science based food and life style changes.

Why Food? is powered by Simplecast.

Dr Karen Goldrick is an integrative veterinarian with an impressive array of experience and education in the fields of acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Western herbal medicine and integrative oncology. In this very interesting episode, we discuss Karen's approach to treating cancer from the moment she sets eyes on a patient, including implementing targeted anti-cancer therapies, supporting whole body health and empowering pet owners. 

Topics discussed include:

• The importance of managing owner expectations early
• Nutrition as the building block of health and the particular importance of diet quality and type for cancer patients 
• The ketogenic diet for dogs with cancer
• Supplements for cancer treatment, including fish oil, probiotics, antioxidants, melatonin and L-glutamine
• Intravenous vitamin C therapy; benefits and risks 
• The controversy of using antioxidants alongside chemotherapy and radiation therapy 
• Herbal support for cancer patients including medicinal mushrooms, TCM, curcumin, boswellic acid, milk thistle and green tea 
• Acupuncture for cancer care 
• Discussing end of life care with owners 

You can contact Karen directly at karen@naturalvet.com.au and All Natural Vet Care, where she practices, by calling (02) 9712 5844, emailing reception@naturalvet.com.au or exploring the website at http://naturalvet.com.au/.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/inflammation

Thomas DeLauer is one of the leading experts in the world of chronic inflammation as well as the response of the human body to a low-carb diet. He is noted for his personal transformation from a 280-pound overweight corporate executive to not only being on the cover of health and fitness magazines worldwide but pioneering some of the mainstream awareness of auto-immune diseases and inflammation in general!

Thomas been highlighted in over 20 magazines showcasing his transformation and has been featured worldwide on the cover of Ironman Magazine, Muscle and Performance Magazine, Natural Muscle Magazine, ICON Magazine, Platform Magazine and Ironman Japan. His background is in Sports Psychology, although it is this passion for psychology coupled with a career in healthcare as a physician recruiter and owner of an ancillary lab services company that sparked his love for nutritional science and what makes the body tick. He is currently working on a project in the 2nd phase of trials with Doctors at UCLA to identify a strain of bacteria that may help modulate inflammation within the body. It is partially due to his involvement in this study that he has developed such an interest in the world of cellular inflammation in the first place. Residing near Santa Barbara, California, with his wife, three dogs, two horses, and soon to be first son. Thomas promotes a lifestyle of living as close to the earth as possible to obtain the best possible results while still achieving maximum performance in very possible area of life.

During our discussion, you'll discover:

-The top nutrients Thomas plans on feeding his newborn son to enhance his health...[10:00]

-The tactics Tom used to go "from a 280-pound overweight corporate executive to not only being on the cover of health and fitness magazines"...[13:10]

-The intriguing connection between an inability to lose fat and the presence of inflammation...[18:00]

-How a special form of lactobacillus 456 can colonize the gut and cause a quelling of inflammation and enhanced fat loss...[22:15]

-Whether you would want to combine a ketone such as beta-hydroxy-butyrate with glucose and when that would be a problem...[34:12]

-Why Thomas believes curcumin should not be combined with black pepper, and better ways to improve absorption of curcumin...[40:45 & 43:45]

-Why excess iron is a big problem for your gut, and how to get rid of it using something called "lactoferrin"...[53:10]

-The single herbal extract that Thomas considers to fly under the radar but that has an extremely powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect...[60:23]

-The answer to the "million dollar" question on when you wouldn't want to quell inflammation...[65:30]

-And much more...

Resources from this episode:

-The Purathrive anti-inflammatory compound Thomas and I discuss (get a 15% discount with this link) -The shocking before-after photos of Thomas after he lost all his weight and became a magazine cover model -USWellnessMeats headcheese and braunschweiger -My baby nutrition podcast with Dr. Thomas Cowan -My podcast on "Deep Nutrition" with Cate Shanahan -Viome full bacterial analysis podcast with Naveen Jain -The Greenfield Longevity Testing Packages for inflammation

Show Sponsors:

-Quip - Go to GetQuip.com/ben to get your first refill pack FREE with purchasing a Quip electric toothbrush.

-Human Charger - Go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/humancharger and use the code BEN20 for 20% off.

-Organifi - Go to BenGreenfieldFitness.com/Organifi and use discount code BEN for 20% anything else!

-HealthGains - Text the word "GREENFIELD" to 313131 to receive a $150 voucher toward your HealthGAINS treatment.

Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Thomas or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.