Will curry alleviate disease?

Q. Ten years ago, I lost much of my cognitive ability. An MRI showed that my brain had shrunk radically, and I couldn’t answer most of the questions my family doctor and a neurologist asked me. I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

We moved, and I began seeing a new doctor who prescribed Razadyne (galantamine). She cautioned that no drug could stop the progress of the disease, but that the Razadyne might help a little. It helped enough that I was able to search the Internet. I discovered that turmeric (found in curry powder) seems to be active against Alzheimer’s disease since the incidence in India is lower than in the U.S. I started taking 1,600 mg/day of turmeric with my meals and continued taking the Razadyne. When it began to upset my stomach, I started mixing curry powder into chicken salad at least three times a week.

I have recovered my abilities to the extent that my doctors now doubt I ever had Alzheimer’s disease. I believe that I had and perhaps still have Alzheimer’s disease, but my treatments (turmeric and Razadyne) are working.

A. Your story is remarkable, but we don’t know if anyone else would benefit in the same way. There are cellular studies and even some animal research to suggest the active ingredient in turmeric (curcumin) might be beneficial against dementia. There are, however, no human studies that demonstrate improvement in symptoms or activities of daily living. Until well-conducted clinical trials reveal progress against Alzheimer’s disease, we would urge caution.

We have received reports from some people taking turmeric (or its active ingredient curcumin) as an anti-inflammatory agent that it may interact dangerously with Coumadin (warfarin) and increase the risk of bleeding. Since turmeric is a common spice used in cooking, we don’t see any problem incorporating it into meals several times a week for people who are not taking this anticoagulant.

Q. A year ago, my doctor said my cholesterol was way too high and wanted me to take simvastatin to lower it. Instead I made some changes. I ate oatmeal every morning and quit taking the glucosamine and chondroitin I was using for joint pain. My cholesterol improved a lot, but my arthritis is acting up. Are there natural ways to relieve my sore joints and also keep my cholesterol under control?

A. Many people tell us that glucosamine and chondroitin raise their cholesterol. Research shows no benefit from these supplements for joint or back pain (BMJ online, Sept. 16, 2010, and Journal of the American Medical Association, July 7, 2010). Natural approaches for arthritis include foods such as cherries, curry, ginger, pineapple, pomegranates, gin-soaked raisins and Certo and grape juice. To lower cholesterol, a low-carbohydrate diet may help, along with foods such as almonds, apple-cider vinegar, beets, cinnamon, fish and oatmeal. For more details on these and other natural approaches, you may find our book “Favorite Foods: Mother Nature’s Medicine” of value (online at www.peoplespharmacy.com).

2011 King Features Syndicate Inc.