This is going to be a busy work week for me, so I probably won’t be able to spend much time doing research and writing. I have some extra translating work to do, which is good for our household budget, of course…
But I will continue to find time for my daily readings. Here are some of the most interesting ones:
A “Guardian” article titled “Coping with cancer: you, me and the big C.” Three different stories about cancer…three different perspectives: http://goo.gl/CKq9P Well-written and moving. And a mention of curcumin in the first one, too.
A “Mail and Guardian” article on cancer-busting foods: http://goo.gl/AXlM8 I love looking at food lists. You never know what you might find in ’em. 🙂 To my surprise, this particular one mentioned margarine as “a healthy option.” Say whaaaaat? I’ve always avoided margarine like the plague. How can it suddenly be a “healthy” choice??? Any thoughts?
But this article intrigued me mainly because it lists Rooibos tea among the cancer fighters. I hadn’t even heard of this tea until recently. But now, whenever I’m home in the afternoon, I like to have a cuppa. Well, this article states that Rooibos tea boosts glutathione levels. Hmmm. That triggered a vague memory in the back of my mind: isn’t it bad to boost glutathione levels in myeloma? I tried looking that up but found way too much information for the little free time I have. However, I did find this: according to Dr. James Berenson’s 2004 “Biology and management of multiple myeloma,” glutathione levels are increased in melphalan-resistant myeloma cells. Increasing one’s glutathione levels would therefore appear not to be a good idea for those on melphalan. But what about the rest of us? Should I stop drinking this tea? Does anyone here have any thoughts/advice/etc.? Help! 🙂
While I was looking for more info on glutathione and myeloma, I came across this 2009 study, which shows that myeloma patients have reduced levels of antioxidants: http://goo.gl/f7zYs Now, that’s INTERESTING, and I quote: MM is closely associated with oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant capacity. Aha. Food for thought…
More than 60% of Americans get their health information online, according to this Science Daily article: http://goo.gl/fC9RP But How might information accessed online affect individual health decisions? In my case, A LOT! 🙂
P.S. Today’s blog photos were taken in a vineyard behind the Castello di Brolio, near Gaiole in Chianti, on Saturday.
Ciao Margaret,
I am drinking tea many times a day. I am learning the spiritual aspects of it as well as the healing properties. White tea is supposed to be the most beneficial. Then green tea. I read that a man drank 10 cups of green tea per day and never got sick. Also a new tea is gynastemma and Ron Teagardens Longevity Tea.
I don’t eat any dairy products and my numbers stay low. When I eat dairy, my number skyrocket. No sugar and no dairy and Dr. Berenson is scratching his head. Hmmmmmmmm? Now how did your numbers go down without more drugs? How did you numbers go down when you were off all meds for your back operation? I maybe it’s the TBL-12 and the oxygen chamber and the boat load of supplements that I take. Oh and drinking white, green and fresh garlic teas Ciao Ciao.
Yes, Margaret. I keep in mind those studies that I now can’t quote, that its good to watch the glutathione levels in food and otherwise when treating MM. Course for normal cells its a good thing to strengthen the cell walls so must find a balance. I read about this when looking into how feverfew might be a good supplement but to watch the glutathione taken in at the same time. Like don’t take the supplements with a gluthione boosting tea, just defeats the attempt. Your facts are so much better researched, but I wanted to put in my 2 cents that I remember this. My milk thistle supplement boosts glutathione, but I wouldn’t stop taking it because of the clear benefit I get for my liver. So I don’t take that with other supplements.
Margaret,
Butter intake is clearly a risk factor given two studies with which you are likely familiar in Yugoslavia and Italy. So getting away from butter is likely a stronger recommendation than margarine. Personally, hydrogenated fats are not good for overall health, and options such as olive oil or margarine without trans fats (e.g. Promise or Smart Balance Light).
Hope this helps.
– Danny
I think the margarine mentioned as being healthy, was canola margarine only, Margaret, due to the omega 6 and omega 3 content ratio 2:1
I have heard canola oil is not healthy either. Only coconut and olive oils. I willpower look for the canola oil information .
http://breathing.com/articles/canola-oil.htm
I don’t know what to believe. There are many articles about this.
Hi Margaret, A while ago you cited an article about not taking N-acetyl-cysteine, and NAC as it is called is a precursor to glutathione. I would love to see more research/information on why glutathione is so bad for us because it is one of the best anti-oxidants there is. Love what you do, keep up the good work.