I’ve spoken of berberine before, but additional studies have come to light, showing its promise in improving health in other areas. First, let me review (For those of you that subscribe to Whitaker’s Health & Healing, this you already know). Berberine is an alkaloid plant that has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for years. In a clinical trial published in Metabolism, people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into groups and assigned to take the pharmacological drug Metformin or berberine. Berberine was every bit as effective as metformin, with NO side effects. In addition, berberine did something diabetes drugs did not. Berberine lowered triglycerides by 35.9%, LDL cholesterol by 21%, and total cholesterol by 18%, compared to minimal declines in cholesterol and an increase in triglycerides in the other group. Also, recent research suggests that berberine has a role in cancer prevention and treatment-it inhibits the growth of cancer cells, curbs the development of blood vessels that feed tumors, and helps prevent metastasis. There are also studies that demonstrate  that berberine improves bone density and preserves cartilage, protects against acute brain damage and neurodegenerative disorders, and may play a role in warding off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Whitaker predicts that berberine will be the next big thing in anti-aging medicine. For more details, read Dr. Whitaker’s Health & Healing, February 2012.

I recently had a minor cold that morphed into a sinus infection. I was going to get some antibiotics, and mentioned this to a homeopathic doctor  who I provide services for. He instead suggested the nutritional supplements liquid silver and lomantium dissectum var. multifida, known by the label LDM-100. I am more than pleased to say that within 5 days, the infection was gone (I try to avoid taking antibiotics whenever I can).

An article in a previous Health & Healing, January 2012, lauded the protective effects of curcumin on prostate cancer. As I’ve said many times, curcumin helped cure my ulcerative colitis, and is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin also interfere’s with the spread of cancer cells by regulating the body’s inflammatory responses, and promoting tumor cell death (apoptosis). For those at risk or diagnosed with prostate cancer, Dr. Whitaker recommends 4-8 grams daily.

Here’s a few “Did You Knows?” 1). Smelling peppermint oil every two hours was shown to reduce appetite and calorie intake. 2). Ginger root extract, 2 g/day, reduces inflammation in the colon, which protects against colon cancer. 3). Cherries are high in sleep-inducing melatonin-they may help with sleep. 4). Overweight women who lose considerable weight have significant increases in vitamin D. And, my favorite; taking a single step uses about 200 muscles.

Stay well, John R Blilie, M.S.

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