This CBC News article actually contains no huge surprises. I mean, it’s no huge surprise to discover that the immune system’s little helper is curcumin. Yup. But the article will add some NEW information to our body of curcumin knowledge…namely, that curcumin increases levels of a protein called CAMP that helps the immune system to fight off bacteria, viruses and fungi the first time they try to attack: http://goo.gl/ymJhT I don’t think I’d ever heard of CAMP before…In case you’re wondering 😉 , CAMP stands for “cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide.” Anyway, this is a very INTERESTING article…please have a look…
I now have a scientific explanation for something that happened to me when I first began taking curcumin, which I find verrrrry exciting. In a nutshell, for those who don’t know: throughout 2005 (that is, before I’d ever even heard of curcumin), I suffered from chronic and very painful yeast infections…couldn’t get rid of ’em…took truckloads of antibiotics (I didn’t know any better, back then…), but nothing worked. On the contrary, everything I tried (prescribed by my GYN, of course) only seemed to make matters worse.
Well, soon after I began the curcumin protocol (= January 2006), the infections disappeared. Completely. At first I didn’t make the connection with my curcumin intake. But one day, bingo!, I realized that curcumin’s antibacterial and antiviral effects had probably done the job. For the record: I haven’t had one single infection since then…a huge RELIEF, let me tell ya…!!! 🙂
This morning I read that this CAMP peptide can even prevent the development of sepsis, wow…and that another way we can boost our CAMP levels is to keep our vitamin D levels NORMAL, which we want to do anyway (remember the 2009 Mayo Clinic study? Yeah.). Well, this is all very interesting…
I already have a list of studies that I want to read when I return to Italy. This CAMP study is definitely one of ’em. But right now I want to enjoy spending time with my parents.
Time…it’s zipping by sooo incredibly fast…
“Vitamin D also increases levels of CAMP but high amounts of the vitamin can lead to more calcium being released into the blood. That’s one reason researchers are testing other natural alternatives like curcumin”
THIS is what I was trying to warn you all about.
My calicum shot up 10 point within a few weeks, and I was told to STOP takingit, and my levels of calicum went back to what they were…
This article KNOWS what they are talking about.
I found the confirmation on Vit D on a site called cancertutor, who warned against the Vit D and Melatonin for myeloma people.
I think one huge problem is taking LARGE doses of vitamin D. That’s a mistake. I don’t take more than 2-3000 IUs per day, and my calcium has always been normal.
Of course, we’re all different, so what applies to me may not necessarily apply to you…
Still, as we now know, based on studies and empirical observations (= the Mayo myeloma-vitamin D study, e.g.), it is soooo incredibly important for us to keep our vitamin D levels NORMAL. Therefore, especially if our D levels are found to be low!!!, I firmly believe we should take it every day in small doses and then monitor our blood results carefully, since, of course, we don’t want to overdo it…
When, years ago, I first asked my hematologist about having my D levels checked, she didn’t know much about this topic. Now she does.
Luckily, therefore, things are changing (see what Dr. Berenson has to say on the vit D topic, e.g.).
Paula, while Cancer Tutor has some interesting ideas here and there, in my opinion it is not a reliable source…JMO, of course! 🙂
Hi Paula,
I remember reading that about melatonin on the Cancer Tutor also, but I have not been able to find any actual studies that would tend to confirm that statement. Actually, it is much easier to find studies that suggest that melatonin may be of some benefit in certain types of cancer. This brief abstract suggests as much and is typical of many others: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22612707
Hi Margaret,
I agree with your thought about Cancer Tutor, they do have interesting ideas, but more specific information is often incomplete or lacking.
Art
I am a stage IVocular melanoma patient. we watch your curcumin result with great interest. I took 8g till ipilimumab caused a colitis since I have had a hard time trying to get back on it.
Do you know whether “curcumin- phospholipid(lecithin,MERIVA) formulation (NORFLO tablet) contains curcumin in sutiable amounts. I just cannot tolerate curcumin with bioprene any more.
saw it in a trial of treatment for a retinopathy not seen it before do you know of anything?
Lesley
Hi Lesley, you may want to try kefir, similar to a liquid yogurt. It is quite good, probiotic and helps boost your immune system, most of which is formed in your gut. I also eat a lot of kimchi which is naturally fermented and aids the immune system…but with colitis that might be a little too spicy. good luck. terry
Lesley
The product is available in 250mg sustained release or 500mg standard release. According to MD Anderson you can start with 500 mg per day and up as needed after that.
Thanks all
Terry I only want curcumin because it is tested in mice and active against ocular melanoma.
Ron
Are you talking abtou Meriva and Norflo which one is the sustatined release- very little info from internet.
Thanks