Vitamin E counters diabetic nerve damage October 29, 1998 NEW YORK (Reuters Health) -- The antioxidant vitamin E may counteract the nerve damage often found in patients with type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes, researchers report. The finding supports the theory that damage to nerves in diabetics may be due to oxidative stress, according to the study published in the November  issue of the journal Diabetes Care. Oxidative stress occurs when byproducts of cellular metabolism, called "free radicals," injure healthy cells. Certain antioxidant compounds, such as vitamins A, E, and beta-carotene, are thought to 'mop up' free radicals, reducing damage to cells. In their study, researchers at Hacettepe University in Ankara, Turkey, studied the effect of vitamin E on diabetic neuropathy in 21 patients with type 2 diabetes. About half of the subjects were given daily vitamin E supplements while the other half received a placebo (an inactive pill). The authors report that after 6 months of treatment, the diabetic patients who had received vitamin E supplementation showed significant improvement in nerve function. The vitamin supplementation had a more positive effect on the nerves in the arms and hands than those in the legs and feet, the researchers note. The Turkish team believe that their study, while small in size, "provides the basis for further studies with larger groups of patients with longer duration of (vitamin E) treatment." SOURCE: Diabetes Care 1998;21:1915-1918.

Got Milk? Myth #1 - Milk builds strong bones.    American parents pass this myth on to their children, and misguided nutritionists reinforce it.  Actually, milk and other dairy products weaken bones and accelerate osteoporosis.  That’s right, consumption of milk causes the very condition it’s advertised to prevent.  Dairy products with their high protein content, and non-absorbable mineral calcium fortification, promote calcium loss.  Studies examining the incidence of osteoporosis have found that high consumption of dairy products is associated with high rates of osteoporosis.  If you want strong bones don’t drink milk. Myth #2 – Ultimate Health Drink The notion that milk is healthy for you is, excuse me, “udder” nonsense.  While eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains has been documented to lower the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and cancer, the widely touted health benefits of dairy products are out right marketing lies!  In fact, dairy products are clearly linked as a cause of osteoporosis, heart disease, obesity, cancer, allergies and diabetes.  Dairy products are anything but “health” food. Myth #3 – Children Need Milk Here are three reasons why kids and milk don’t mix.  First, milk is the leading cause of iron-deficiency anemia in infants, and, in fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics now discourages giving children milk before their first birthday.  Second, it has been shown that milk consumption in childhood contributes to the development of type I diabetes.  Third, milk allergies are very common in children and cause sinus problems, diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue.  They are a leading cause of chronic ear infections that plague up to 40% of all children under the age of six. Milk allergies are also linked to behavior problems in children and to the disturbing rise in childhood asthma.  Even Dr. Benjamin Spock changed his recommendations in his later years and discouraged giving children milk. Myth #4 – Milk is Pure and Wholesome.   The chemical giant Monsato Company, and the FDA have turned a bad thing into a terrible thing.  In 1994 the FDA approved the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST), a genetically engineered hormone from Monsanto that increases milk production in cows by 10 to 25%.  Milk from cows treated with rBST contains elevated levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), one of the most powerful growth factors ever identified.  While IGF-1 doesn’t cause cancer, it does stimulate its growth.  Recent studies have found a seven-fold increase in the risk of breast cancer in women with the highest IGF-1 levels, and a four-fold increase in prostate cancer in men with the highest levels.  rBST also increases infections of the cows’ udders.  Therefore, cows treated with rBST are given more antibiotics, so higher traces of these drugs, as well as pus and bacteria from infected udders, are found in their milk.  This problem is so bad, all of Europe and Canada have banned this hormone and we are the only major industrial country espousing and using it.  Monsanto is applying pressure to the media to stay away from this issue with threats of pulling ads on any station that airs the truth about this hazardous practice.      Dr. Drumright

Super Tonic

Every year the season changes and your body has to adapt to the new environmental stresses of fall and winter.  The major media channels along with orthodox medicine will be bombarding us with propaganda about taking flu shots to keep from getting this years designer bug.          Recent research shows that vaccinations do not prevent you from getting a disease.  Worse yet, it has been shown that receiving 4 flu shots in a row will increase your chances of getting Alzheimer's by over 400%. You see the immune system is much more complex than we ever knew.  Now we know  that there are two parts to the immune system.  The short term reactionary side that you experience when you get a cold or flu, and the long term low grade inflammation seen in allergies asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.  It turns out that using vaccinations to stop the short term effects of infections will increase the likelihood that you will develop long term allergies instead.  Please ask me for my references on this interesting new finding.         The following recipe is a sure fire way to ward off the effects of coming seasonal stresses.  If your remember how effective this was last year, spread the word! 1 bulb garlic 1 large white onion 1 hand size chunk of fresh ginger 6” of fresh Horse radish 6 fresh hot peppers 1 quart apple cider vinegar 1 quart 80 proof vodka Separate the bulb of garlic (not just a clove), chop the onion, ginger root, hot peppers (the hotter the better), and fresh horseradish root into 1/2” parts and toss them into your blender.  Cover with a quart of 80 proof vodka.  Blend for 2-3 minutes and pour into a sealed bottle.  Let this mixture stand for 14 days shaking every day.  Then strain off the majority of the pulp and add vinegar to taste.  Take one teaspoon twice a day to prevent illness or every hour if you are already sick.  This tonic will boost your immune system, improve digestion, clear your arteries and open your sinuses all with no side effects!   ****THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO BE REFRIGERATED!

Aspirin

Alternative Medicine Alert, February 2004 Aspirin - An example of how botched up something can get! Every patient with cardiovascular problems comes to my office taking aspirin. You hear it everywhere, especially from your doctor, "An aspirin a day will reduce heart attacks and strokes by 50%." However, it's just not so. These claims are massive exaggerations at best and shamefully skewed science at the worst. Whatever the reason, too many people are taking aspirin. How did all this aspirin use get started? Let's look at the history of aspirin studies. Doctors and people alike noticed that that when a person on aspirin cut themselves, they seemed to bleed longer. So in 1968, Dr.J.R. O'Brian of Portsmouth, England suggested that aspirin could reduce the stickiness of platelets, and that this might reduce clot formation. He also suggested that taking an aspirin a day might prevent heart attacks, strokes from clots, and pulmonary embolisms (a clot striking the lungs). He designed a study to see if there would be less blood clots after surgical procedures if aspirin was taken. The results were published in The Lancet,the British medical journal, in 1971. Aspirin was found to be of no benefit. Regardless, the fascination with aspirin for prevention continued. In 1974 two more tests were completed in England and reported in medical journals. The tests were designed to determine if aspirin could prevent or reduce the number of second heart attacks in those who already had a previous heart attack. The British Medical Journal followed 1,233 coronary patients and the Lancet reported on 1,682 patients, which were followed . Both tests suggested such a small benefit from aspirin that it was considered of nostatistical significance.The matter was closed in England. In a 1979 trial at the University of Oregon, aspirin was used to try to keep vein grafts open after coronary artery bypass surgery. Dr. George Partely reported the findings in the New England Journal of Medicine.Aspirin was of no benefit in keeping vein grafts open. In 1980 in the USA, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (now the National Institute of Health) did a similar study to see if second heart attacks could be avoided with aspirin. They used only people who already had a past heart attack. They spent 16 million dollars and did a much larger study than the ones done in England. Their conclusion, reported by Dr. R.L. Levy,director of National Heart, Lung, and Blood, was particularly clear. Aspirin did no good in preventing a second heart attack. Aspirin did cause ulcer-like abdominal pain, stomach inflammation, and bleeding from the stomach and the intestines. 15% of the study participants had to quit due to these adverse symptoms. They advised that heart attack patients not be given aspirin on a sustained basis. In 1980 and 1987, aspirin was combined with another drug called dypridamole, in a multi-nation European study. Studies showed stroke deaths from clots reduced 50% and heart attack deaths decreased 35%. Remember this was from aspirin plus another drug, not aspirin alone. So it is 1987 and there's still no scientific reason to take aspirin for your heart. But here's where it gets interesting. In 1988 and 1989 a big group of doctors themselves begin to take aspirin along with a matched group of doctors who did not (The Physician's Study). One group was in England, the other in the USA. The English group reported no reduction in heart attacks, but the USA group reported "44% less non-fatal heart attacks." The 44% figure got stretched through popular use to 50%! But the question is, were there just as many fatal heart attacks in the USA study? The answer: yes, there were just as many fatal heart attacks! There was no reduction in deaths. So what is a non-fatal heart attack anyway? A milder one. One that doesn't kill you! Well if aspirin causes 44% less of these milder heart attacks, wouldn't that be a good thing? But wait a minute! Why didn't the English study report 44% less non-fatal heart attacks? The answer is simple. The English study used pure aspirin. But in the USA, the Bufferin company provided the aspirin and they provided Bufferin, which is aspirin plus a pinch of magnesium(to soothe the stomach). As far as I'm concerned, these well run studies proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that a pinch of magnesium reduces nonfatal heart attacks by 44%. Can you imagine what happens when a full dose of magnesium is taken? In fact,a study was done where emergency room patients with chest pain were given, or not given, a single injection of magnesium before being admitted to the hospital. There was about a 50% reduction in cardiovascular mortality,from that one shot alone,during the subsequent hospitalization! How about stroke prevention and aspirin? There are two kinds of strokes: strokes from clots and strokes from hemorrhages. Aspirin was found to reduce strokes from clots by the same percentage that it increased strokes from hemorrhages. Any benefit is canceled out. That's it. Aspirin is said to work by reducing platelet aggregation and thus reducing clots. But there's no proof that it is clinically effective, as I have shown. In fact there are three ways to reduce platelet aggregation and aspirin works in one of those ways. Drug companies are currently looking for substances which would work in more than one way. Such a substance might be a welcome improvement over aspirin. Most orthodox physicians sadly have been brainwashed via the pharmaceutical industry into believing that aspirin is effective. Most orthodox physicians do not know of any alternatives to aspirin,other than another drug, Plavix. Yet I found it interesting that a recent poll revealed that 73% of cardiologists who prescribed aspirin for their patients,themselves take vitamin E! I suggest they have seen the studies regarding antioxidants in cardiovascular disease. In my opinion, it would be wiser and safer to use natural substances, which are known to reduce platelet aggregation. These include: magnesium, vitamin E, fish oils, flaxseed oil, garlic and onion oils, ginger, feverfew, ginkgo biloba, mucopolysaccharides, Pleo-MUC, bromalain, and more. My recommendation: Get started on these items and discontinue your aspirin now. GordonJosephs, MD(H)

Chiropractic Advice for Moms-to-Be As many new mothers can attest, the muscle strains of pregnancy are very real and can be more than just a nuisance. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the increased stress placed on the body by the baby, may result in severe discomfort. Studies have found that about half of all expectant mothers will develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies.1-3 This is especially true during late pregnancy, when the baby's head presses down on a woman's back, legs, and buttocks, irritating her sciatic nerve. And for those who already suffer from low-back pain, the problem can become even worse. During pregnancy, a woman's center of gravity almost immediately begins to shift forward to the front of her pelvis. Although a woman's sacrum-or posterior section of the pelvis-has enough depth to enable her to carry a baby, the displaced weight still increases the stress on her joints. As the baby grows in size, the woman's weight is projected even farther forward, and the curvature of her lower back is increased, placing extra stress on the spinal disks. In compensation, the normal curvature of the upper spine increases, as well. While these changes sound dramatic, pregnancy hormones help loosen the ligaments attached to the pelvic bones. But even these natural changes designed to accommodate the growing baby can result in postural imbalances, making pregnant women prone to having awkward trips and falls. What Can You Do? The ACA recommend the following tips for pregnant women: Exercise Safe exercise during pregnancy can help strengthen your muscles and prevent discomfort. Try exercising at least three times a week, gently stretching before and after exercise. If you weren't active before your pregnancy, check with your doctor before starting or continuing any exercise. Walking, swimming, and stationary cycling are relatively safe cardiovascular exercises for pregnant women because they do not require jerking or bouncing movements. Jogging can be safe for women who were avid runners before becoming pregnant-if done carefully and under a doctor's supervision. Be sure to exercise in an area with secure footing to minimize the likelihood of falls. Your heart rate should not exceed 140 beats per minute during exercise. Strenuous activity should last no more than 15 minutes at a time. Stop your exercise routine immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, dizziness, nausea, weakness, blurred vision, increased swelling, or heart palpitations. Health and Safety Wear flat, sensible shoes. High or chunky heels can exacerbate postural imbalances and make you less steady on your feet, especially as your pregnancy progresses. When picking up children, bend from the knees, not the waist. And never turn your head when you lift. Avoid picking up heavy objects, if possible. Get plenty of rest. Pamper yourself and ask for help if you need it. Take a nap if you're tired, or lie down and elevate your feet for a few moments when you need a break. Pregnancy Ergonomics: Your Bed and Desk Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to take pressure off your lower back. Full-length "body pillows" or "pregnancy wedges" may be helpful. Lying on your left side allows unobstructed blood flow and helps your kidneys flush waste from your body. If you have to sit at a computer for long hours, make your workstation ergonomically correct. Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below your eye level, and place your feet on a small footrest to take pressure off your legs and feet. Take periodic breaks every 30 minutes with a quick walk around the office. Nutrition Eat small meals or snacks every four to five hours-rather than the usual three large meals-to help keep nausea or extreme hunger at bay. Snack on crackers or yogurt-bland foods high in carbohydrates and protein. Keep saltines in your desk drawer or purse to help stave off waves of "morning sickness." Supplementing with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day before and during pregnancy has been shown to decrease the risk of neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida. Check with your doctor before taking any vitamin or herbal supplement to make sure it's safety for you and the baby. How Can Your Doctor of Chiropractic Help? Before you become pregnant, your doctor of chiropractic can detect any imbalances in the pelvis or elsewhere in your body that could contribute to pregnancy discomfort or possible neuromusculoskeletal problems after childbirth. Many pregnant women have found that chiropractic adjustments provide relief from the increased low-back pain brought on by pregnancy. Chiropractic manipulation is safe for the pregnant woman and her baby and can be especially attractive to those who are trying to avoid medications in treating their back pain. Doctors of chiropractic can also offer nutrition, ergonomic, and exercise advice to help a woman enjoy a healthy pregnancy. Chiropractic care can also help after childbirth. In the eight weeks following labor and delivery, the ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten up again. Ideally, joint problems brought on during pregnancy from improper lifting or reaching should be treated before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state-to prevent muscle tension, headaches, rib discomfort, and shoulder problems. References Östgaard HC, et al. Prevalence of Back Pain in Pregnancy. Spine 1991;16:549-52. Berg G, et al. Low back pain during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 1988;71:71-5. Mantle MJ, et al. Backache in pregnancy. Rheumatology Rehabilitation 1977;16:95-101

Chiropractic Approach to Ear Infections Ear problems can be excruciatingly painful, especially in children. With 10 million new cases every year, ear infections (otitis media) are the most common illness affecting babies and young children and the number one reason for visits to the pediatrician—accounting for more than 35 percent of all pediatric visits. Almost half of all children will have at least one middle ear infection before they're a year old, and two-thirds of them will have had at least one such infection by age 3. The symptoms can include ear pain, fever, and irritability. Otitis media can be either bacterial or viral in origin, and frequently results from another illness such as a cold. For many children, it can become a chronic problem, requiring treatment year after year, and putting the child at risk of permanent hearing damage and associated speech and developmental problems. Standard treatment for most cases of otitis media is with antibiotics, which can be effective if the culprit is bacterial (antibiotics, of course, do nothing to fight off viruses). But, according to many research studies, antibiotics are often not much more effective than the body's own immune system. And repeated doses of antibiotics can lead to drug-resistant bacteria that scoff at the drugs, while leaving the child screaming in pain. Frequent ear infections are also the second most common reason for surgery in children under 2 (with circumcision being the first). In severe cases—for example, when fluids from an ear infection haven't cleared from the ear after several months, and hearing is affected—specialists sometimes prescribe myringotomy and tympanostomy, more commonly known as "ear tubes." During the surgical procedure, a small opening is made in the eardrum to place a tube inside. The tube relieves pressure in the ear and prevents repeated fluid buildup with the continuous venting of fresh air. In most cases, the membrane pushes the tube out after a couple of months and the hole in the eardrum closes. Although the treatment is effective, it has to be repeated in some 20 to 30 percent of cases. And this kind of surgery requires general anesthesia, never a minor thing in a small child. If the infection persists even after tube placement and removal, children sometimes undergo adenoidectomy (surgical removal of the adenoids)—an option that is effective mostly through the first year after surgery. Before yet another round of "maybe-they'll-work-and-maybe-they-won't" antibiotics or the drastic step of surgery, more parents are considering chiropractic to help children with chronic ear infections. Dr. Joan Fallon, a chiropractor who practices in Yonkers, New York, has published research showing that, after receiving a series of chiropractic adjustments, nearly 80 percent of the children treated were free of ear infections for at least the six-month period following their initial visits (a period that also included maintenance treatments every four to six weeks). "Chiropractic mobilizes drainage of the ear in children, and if they can continue to drain without a buildup of fluid and subsequent infection, they build up their own antibodies and recover more quickly," explains Dr. Fallon. She'd like to see her pilot study used as a basis for larger-scale trials of chiropractic as a therapeutic modality for otitis media. Dr. Fallon uses primarily upper-cervical manipulation on children with otitis media, focusing particularly on the occiput, or back of the skull, and atlas, or the first vertebra in the neck. "Adjusting the occiput, in particular, will get the middle ear to drain. Depending on how chronic it's been and on where they are in their cycle of antibiotics, children generally need to get through one bout of fluid and fight it off themselves." That means, for the average child, between six and eight treatments. If a child's case is acute, Dr. Fallon will check the ear every day, using a tympanogram to measure the ear and track the movement of the eardrum to make sure that it's draining. "I'll do adjustments every day or every other day for a couple of days if they're acute, and then decrease frequency over time." Dr. Fallon, whose research garnered her the acclaim of childrearing magazines like Parenting and Baby Talk, often sees great success when she treats a child for otitis media. "Once they fight it themselves, my kids tend to do very well and stay away from ear infections completely. Unless there are environmental factors like smoking in the house, an abnormally shaped Eustachian tube, or something like that, they do very well," she says. "I have two large pediatric groups that refer to me on a regular basis. In the winter, when otitis is most prevalent, I see five or six new children each week from each group," says Dr. Fallon. "It's safe and effective and something that parents should try, certainly before inserting tubes in their children's ears." Chiropractic Care Can Help... Talk to your doctor of chiropractic about your child's ear infections. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will use a gentler type of treatment for children. In addition, doctors of chiropractic can also prescribe exercises designed to help children develop strong muscles, along with instruction in good nutrition, posture and sleeping habits.

Fish Oils

3/8/2005 - Further support for the action of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory conditions comes from new research on lipids in humans that are triggered by aspirin, as well as fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to benefit patients with cardiovascular disease and arthritis, although the mechanism for these actions is not yet fully understood. Discovery of mechanisms help support the use of nutritional ingredients for prevention of disease and could add to evidence of omega-3’s benefit to joint health. Foods containing omega-3s are allowed to make a qualified health claim in the US for their action on heart health. A similar claim is expected in coming weeks from the UK’s voluntary health claims body. However joint health claims have less support. Makoto Arita from the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School and US-based colleagues have recently identified a new class of aspirin-triggered bioactive lipids in humans, called resolvins, that could partly explain fish oils’ anti-inflammatory effects on joints and blood flow. Resolvins are made from the omega-3 fatty acids by cellular enzymes and can reduce inflammation in mice. The main bioactive component of this class of lipids, identified in mice, has been named resolvin E1. The researchers have now identified this lipid in plasma taken from volunteers given omega-3 fatty acids and aspirin. Writing in the 7 March issue of The Journal of Experimental Medicine (vol 201, no 5, 713-722), the authors said that human resolvin E1 inhibits both the migration of inflammatory cells to sites of inflammation and the turning on of other inflammatory cells. This study also reveals a potential pitfall of COX-2 inhibitors, drugs designed to block inflammation but recently been shown to have negative side effects on the cardiovascular system. COX-2 is involved in making resolvin E1 and the authors suggest that inhibition of vascular COX-2 by these drugs might block the synthesis of resolvin E1, which would eliminate an important anti-inflammatory pathway.

BIRTH PLAN We are both very excited about the upcoming birth of our child, and have been preparing ourselves extensively in order to stay healthy, low risk and educated throughout this pregnancy.  Because this is such a special and significant event in our lives, we have some preferences that may be different from your standard routine.  As we discussed in consultation with our doctors, we expect to rely on the normal physiological process of labor and delivery without the use of medications or unnecessary interventions.  We do recognize that if a clear problem does arise, we may need to modify our requests and cooperatively confer with our doctors whose judgement we respect and trust.  In the event of some unforeseen complication, we would appreciate a detailed explanation in order to have a clear understanding of the problem, possible outcomes as well as our choices.  We sincerely appreciate your support and encouragement with regards to our requests. Labor 1.   Freedom of movement to walk around and labor in any position. 2.  No offer of medication during labor, words of encouragement gladly accepted. 3.   Minimum use of electronic fetal monitoring. 4.   Allow for normal spontaneous labor without the rupturing or stripping of membranes. 5.   Limited vaginal exams (at initial arrival and once prior to pushing) 6.   Allow mother to drink fluids orally instead of an I.V. drip, but have a saline lock in place. 7.   Mother and father are to be allowed to remain together at all times. 8.   Besides our doctors we would like to limit people in birthing room to the husband (________), Mother's mom (____________l) and friend (____________). Delivery 1.   Freedom to change positions during second stage delivery. 2.   Upon reaching 10 cm, we ask that there be no "time limit" on pushing, but that we are allowed to follow the natural urge to push until baby is born. 3.   Spontaneous delivery of baby without traction, forceps or vacuum extraction. 4.  Allow father to participate as much as possible. (i.e. catch baby) 5.  If not too much time lapse, then let shoulders deliver with next contraction 6.  No routine episiotomy: allow for perennial massage and warm compresses with direction from the doctor for a slow delivery of baby's head with counterpressure to allow stretching of perineum and prevent tearing. Post-Partum 1.   To hold and breastfeed baby immediately after delivery. 2.   Allow umbilical cord to stop pulsating before clamping and cutting. 3.   Suction of baby only if necessary. 4.   Assist father in cutting the umbilical cord. 5.   Spontaneous separation and delivery of placenta without time limits. Baby 1.  No eye drops, vitamin K, Hepatitis B shots or any other non-lifesaving procedures to be performed without written parental consent. 2.  Provide newborn care in the presence of parents. 3.  Baby allowed to breastfeed on demand.  No pacifiers, formula or sugar water. 4.  24-hour rooming-in to begin as soon as possible.  We will not need the nursery. 5.  If male child, NO circumcision. We have discussed these requests and agree that each of us will do our part to facilitate a natural and healthy birth.  Thank you again for your support and encouragement.

Turmeric: a hot topic in fighting disease KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS October 25, 2005 WASHINGTON - Turmeric, the Asian spice that makes curry yellow, not to mention French's mustard and Hindu priests' robes, has yet another life: It's a promising potential weapon against several cancers, Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis, psoriasis and other diseases.  "We know that it's an effective preventive at low doses," said Dr. Bharat Aggarwal of the experimental therapeutics department at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. "The question is whether larger doses can be therapeutic" for disease sufferers. At least a dozen clinical trials on humans are under way in the United States, Israel and England to test the safety and dosages of turmeric's main ingredient, curcumin. It's a hot topic in health journals, too, cited 967 times since 2000 in articles reported on PubMed, the National Library of Medicine's research service. Used for centuries The spice, which is a relative of ginger, comes from the stems of the root of a large-leafed plant widely grown in Asia, especially in the province of Maharashtra in southwest India. The stems are boiled, dried and crushed to a powder with a bitter woody taste that's widely used as a spice and in folk medicines to cure stomach ailments and skin lesions. Turmeric was in use when the first Westerner, Marco Polo, visited the region in the 13th century.  Low rates among Indians for colorectal, prostate and lung cancers as well as coronary heart disease and Alzheimer's first drew Western researchers to curcumin. While genetics might have explained the low incidences, the rise in rates among Indians whose parents had moved to Western countries suggested a dietary cause. Subsequent lab tests on diseased cells and in mice strengthened claims for curcumin.  It's been demonstrated in animals to protect the liver, inhibit tumors, reduce inflammation and fight some infections. Curcumin has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to researchers, and may help lower cholesterol. Cystic fibrosis trials Unlike newly invented pharmaceuticals, curcumin has been widely used for many years, so a lot is known about it, according to Dr. Christopher Goss of the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. He's recruiting cystic fibrosis patients for a Phase I study of curcumin's safety and efficacy. The patients will take up to 3 grams daily - six of the biggest pills that U.S. pharmacies sell. That's more than 50 times the amount of curcumin in a portion of curry.  Goss also will be seeking insight into findings reported last year in the journal Science that curcumin corrects the cystic fibrosis defect in mice. The defect, which suppresses a mutant protein essential to cell health, results in thick mucous that fatally clogs the lungs and pancreas. Researchers from Yale University and the University of Toronto found that curcumin treatment released the protein and enabled cells and membranes to function normally, at least in mice.  Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics Inc., a nonprofit drug-research arm, sponsored this study and Goss'. Among Indians and Pakistanis living in England, the cystic fibrosis rate is 1 in 10,000, according to an epidemiological study. That compares with 1 in 2,500 among Caucasians. Rates in India and Pakistan are unknown.  The U.S. National Institute on Aging has launched a clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of curcumin for individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. A report in the Journal of Biological Chemistry in December found that in mice injected with a chemical that mimics Alzheimer's, curcumin reduced by half the buildup of knots in the brain called amyloid plaques, which have been linked to Alzheimer's.  M.D. Anderson, the Houston cancer center, has small trials under way testing curcumin on pancreatic and bone marrow tumors. Colon cancer studies using curcumin are under way elsewhere.  All trials are in the earliest and easiest of four stages, preceding any Food and Drug Administration approval of a curcumin-based pharmaceutical by many years. Many drugs that look promising in mice fail to deliver in humans or prove to have dangerous side effects. Popularity growing In the less-regulated dietary supplement industry, curcumin's popularity is surging. Grant Ferrier, the editor of Nutrition Business Journal, projects sales of $20 million in 2005 compared with $15 million last year. Curry Pharmaceuticals of Research Triangle Park, N.C., which hopes to sell a purified chemical analog of curcumin, is working on a curcumin salve for skin diseases such as psoriasis. Curcumin salves are popular in India and Pakistan.  Curcumin's side effects are less of a concern, because it's been so widely used for so long. But there's an issue with it: Curcumin consumed in small amounts from an early age may ward off some Western ailments, Aggarwal said. But once someone's contracted these diseases, curcumin's ability to counteract them is largely unproved.