F-Turmeric Tea

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Can Thyroid Treatment Prevent Weight Gain? - Dr. Weil

it is true that thyroid hormones influence the body's basal metabolic rate (BMR) - the rate at which we burn calories Correcting a thyroid deficiency could result in some weight loss - or perhaps simply prevent weight gain- but taking supplemental thyroid hormone isn't a magic bullet for maintaining energy balance.Because this is such a complex process, there's no way to predict the effect on weight of treatment for low thyroid function. And even if a thyroid deficiency is appropriately corrected, you can still gain weight if you take in more calories than you burn.

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Three Reasons to Eat Turmeric - Dr. Weil

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

• Alzheimer's disease: The reports indicate that extracts of turmeric contain a number of natural agents that block the formation of beta-amyloid, the substance responsible for the plaques that slowly obstruct cerebral function in Alzheimer's disease.
• Arthritis: Turmeric contains more than two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds, including sixdifferent COX-2-inhibitors (the COX-2 enzyme promotes pain, swelling and inflammation; inhibitors selectively block that enzyme). By itself, writes Duke, curcumin - the component in turmeric most often cited for its healthful effects - is a multifaceted anti-inflammatory agent, and studies of the efficacy of curcumin have demonstrated positive changes in arthritic symptoms.
• Cancer: Duke found more than 200 citations for turmeric and cancer and more than 700 for curcumin and cancer. He noted that in the handbook Phytochemicals: Mechanisms of Action, curcumin and/or turmeric were effective in animal models in prevention and/or treatment of colon cancer, mammary cancer, prostate cancer, murine hepatocarcinogenesis (liver cancer in rats), esophageal cancer, and oral cancer. Duke said that the effectiveness of the herb against these cancers compared favorably with that reported for pharmaceuticals.

How can you get more turmeric into your diet? One way is via turmeric tea. There are also extracts in tablet and capsule form available in health food stores; look for supercritical extracts in dosages of 400 to 600 mg, and take three times daily or as directed on the product.

Healthy Turmeric Tea

• Bring four cups of water to a boil.
• Add one teaspoon of ground turmeric and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
• Strain the tea through a fine sieve into a cup, add honey and/or lemon to taste.

Some people like to add a teaspoon of ginger along with the turmeric. While ground versions are more convenient, it's worthwhile to experiment with freshly grated turmeric for a more vibrant flavor. These distinctive, deep-orange roots are increasingly available in American grocery and natural food stores. Enjoy!

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Dr. Andrew Weil: Disease Mongering: Good for Big Pharma, Bad for You

A British Medical Journal article said it more succinctly, "A lot of money can be made from healthy people who believe they are sick."
A central disease-mongering tactic is to attach polysyllabic, clinical-sounding names to what used to be seen as trivial or transient conditions. In most cases, the new, formidable names come complete with acronyms, which add even more gravitas. Thus:

• Occasional heartburn becomes "gastro-esophageal reflux disease" or GERD.
  
• Impotence becomes "erectile dysfunction" or ED.
  
• Premenstrual tension becomes "premenstrual dysphoric disorder" or PMDD.
  
• Shyness becomes "social anxiety disorder" or SAD.
  
• Fidgeting legs becomes "restless leg syndrome" or RLS.

If it is, the best "medicine" may be low-tech, inexpensive and safe measures such as small modifications in diet or exercise patterns, or some simple stress-reduction techniques. Or -- even more radical! -- the answer may simply be to wait, give the body's own healing mechanisms a chance to find equilibrium, and get on with our lives.

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