Spices Could Help Fight Breast Cancer

According to new research published in the November online edition of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, popular spices, such as, pepper and turmeric, contain compounds which could help in treating breast cancer by limiting the growth of stem cells.

Turmeric and pepper have been widely explored as potential cancer treatments, however, this is the first study that suggests the two spices could also prevent cancer by targeting stem cells. Currently cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, are unable to eliminate cancer stem cells.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Centre studied curcumin (found in turmeric, an Indian spice) and piperine (a black peppercorn derivative) when administered to cell cultures reduced the number of stem cells without affecting normal cells. Both spices were used in a very high concentration - about 20-times the potency of that which would be consumed in a normal diet. More research on the role of these compounds in breast cancer treatment is needed before adding extra curcumin or piperine to our diets.

Curcumin has other well known health benefits in traditional Asian medicine for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and arthritis. Piperine has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to improve digestion, weight loss and improves absorption of nutrients from the diet.

Reference: PubMed

Targeting breast stem cells with the cancer preventive compounds curcumin and piperine.
Kakarala M, Brenner DE, Korkaya H, Cheng C, Tazi K, Ginestier C, Liu S, Dontu G, Wicha MS.
Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, 2150 Cancer Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, USA, mkakaral@umich.edu.

6 Tips for Endometriosis

From: Dr. Weil's Newsletter

Posted 12/21/09

Endometriosis, a condition where tissue resembling the lining of the uterus is found in the abdomen, is marked by severe pain, most often in the form of menstrual cramps. Its exact cause is not yet known, but it does have a strong inflammatory component and, like the lining in the uterus, is influenced by estrogen. (Endometriosis may result in powder-burn spots, ovarian cysts and pelvic scar tissue otherwise known as adhesions. At times, it can be significant enough to scar the fallopian tubes closed.) A number of dietary measures can help relieve symptoms by reducing inflammation and addressing the activity of estrogen in your system.

Start managing endometriosis nutritionally with an anti-inflammatory diet and try the following dietary changes:

1. Eliminate dairy foods (allow at least three weeks to observe any improvements).
2. Eat only hormone-free meat to avoid any additional estrogen exposure.
3. Emphasize whole soy foods in your diet. Tofu, tempeh and soymilk are rich in plant estrogens and seem to modulate the actions of other forms of estrogen.
4. Limit alcohol intake, which may influence estrogen production.
5. Choose organic foods whenever possible.
6. Drink a cup or two of red raspberry leaf tea daily to help relieve cramps.

Graphic interpretation

Endometriose = endometriosis

Schokolade-Zyste = chocolate cyst (endometrioma cyst of the ovary)

Myom = uterine fibroid

Adhasion = adhesion

Hysterosalpingogramm = hysterosalpingogram (dye-infusion test to asses for tubal patency and uterine anatomy.)

ConsumerLab Issues Statement on Probiotic Quality

Studies have shown that probiotic supplements have been found beneficial for treatment of vaginal yeast infections, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea caused by viral illnesses or antibiotic therapy, upper respiratory viral infections, facial acne and even high blood pressure. Probiotics are otherwise known as the “friendly” bacteria of the bowel. They can be purchased in yogurts, powders, miso, beverages or capsules.

However beneficial, not all probiotics are equal. According to a recent ConsumerLab report many brands don’t contain the bacteria cited on their label. The products may contain as little as 7 to 58 percent of the amount of viable organisms mentioned on the label. “It’s really shocking how many products really don’t have what they claim on their labels,” says Tod Copperman, the president of ConsumerLab.

What’s more, the amount of living cells (the bacteria must be alive to be effective) varied widely amongst the different probiotic products ranging from less than one hundred million to over 10 billion cells per dose. Because probiotic are not standardized, Mary Ellen Sanders, a probiotics exepert unaffiliated with ConsumerLab, states that, “The best products on the market are the ones that have been tested in human studies and have been shown to have a benefit.”

According to ConsumerLab, the highest quality probiotics they tested included Advocare Probiotic Restore, GNC Nature Brand Best Super Acidophilus and Jarrow Formulas Jarro-Dophilus.

The products with the lowest bacterial content were Nature’s Secret Ultimate Probiotics (13% viable bacteria), Swiss Natural Sources “5” Strain Dophilus (13% viable bacteria) and Dr. D Chocolate-Flavored (Pediatric) Probiotics (7% viable bacteria).

For the full ConsumerLab report, click here.