Category Archives: Curcumin Plus

Curcumin, Curcumin Liposomal Liquid, Curcumin Plus

Curcumin – beyond the curry: an extremely beneficial nutrient

Turmeric. That’s that exotic yellowy-orange spice that pops up a lot in Indian cooking, right? Yes, indeed; but if you thought all turmeric’s good for is to flavour a curry then you’re in for a surprise. For, thanks to one of the nutrients it contains, namely curcumin, this humble spice offers a dazzling array of health benefits for the body. So much so there’s a very good chance you’ll be aiming to incorporate it into your everyday diet far more often from this point on.

Curcumin is a diarylheptanoid chemical and, within turmeric, is responsible for the spice’s vibrant pigmentation. More pertinently, though, when consumed, digested and properly absorbed into our bodies it actively seeks to provide therapeutic assistance in a wide range of ways – that is, everything from acting as an antioxidant to aiding wound healing and everything from soothing irritated tissue to maintaining good function of the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and immune systems1.

Curcumin benefits

In greater detail then, curcumin’s many health-friendly benefits include:

  • Antioxidant properties – thanks to the fact it’s an antioxidant, curcumin is an effective combater of oxidative stress (which sees harmful ‘free radicals’ roam about the body causing problems by seeking out various molecules with which to ‘pair off’); so, as an antioxidant compound, curcumin inhibits the success of these free radicals, enabling the body to heal itself of any damage done naturally. Indeed, research suggests that curcumin’s antioxidant potential is at least 10 times greater than that of resveratrol, the often talked-about antioxidant present in red wine – moreover, it appears curcumin even enhances other antioxidants’ positive contributions in the body1.
  • Aids the cardiovascular system – in actual fact, it’s also thanks to curcumin’s antioxidant properties that the cardiovascular system benefits from the nutrient, as – in combating the hazardous toxicity that some particularly aggressive, if necessary medical treatments expose to the body – it helps to support normal and healthy functioning of the heart2
  • Good for gastrointestinal health – not only does curcumin promote normal, healthy gallbladder function and the flow of bile (which is critical for the digestion of fats), it’s been found through studies that it plays an important role in supporting the health of stomach cells1 
  • Promotes liver health – recent research highlights curcumin’s efficacy for protecting the liver from several different toxins and promoting regular functioning of this organ3; indeed, the latest studies in the area indicate it may also be able to address fatty liver disease4 
  • Fights fungi – curcumin is also effective in preventing the body from being harmed by unwanted organisms; for instance, different kinds of fungi1, 5 – in vitro testing has discovered that turmeric extracts (containing curcumin, obviously) can prevent such organisms from growing and making the digestive system their home, where they go on to wreak havoc1
  • Soothes swollen tissue – it appears curcumin is also capable of soothing irritation to tissue caused by swelling; moreover, by consuming the chemical – within turmeric or via supplementation – on a daily basis, so many studies attest, tenderness, stiffness and joint-swelling can be reduced1
  • Helping to heal wounds – finally, research suggests that both wound repair and the natural production of skin cells are successfully encouraged by the presence of curcumin in the body – in fact, whether the chemical’s applied to the wound itself or consumed orally seems to make no difference in terms of efficacy1

Bioavailability and nanocurcumin

So, the above surely makes it abundantly clear that curcumin is incredibly nutritious and useful for the human body. And it undeniably is, yet it may too come with a drawback – its bioavailability. What does this mean? It’s a term that refers to how ‘available’ to different parts of the body that needs its goodness a specific nutrient is; in other words, how effectively all of a nutrient’s goodness is absorbed once it’s digested, broken down and transported around the body.

And, like it or not, the bioavailability levels of curcumin unfortunately aren’t as high as they might be. However, that’s not to diminish the fact that it’s a very beneficial nutrient. Moreover, work is presently taking place to find ways to improve its bioavailability. For instance, one line of research is looking into nanocurcumin, a form of the chemical in which its particles are contained in a kind of emulsion.

The thinking with nanocurcumin is that the bioavailability – the absorption – should be improved because (on a microscopic scale) this curcumin compound features a larger surface area, which means its physical stability is improved, thus requiring less energy on the digestive system’s part to break it down and process it6. And, away from nanocurcumin, research also shows that, by adding to the nutrient alkaloid piperine (which features in black pepper), ordinary curcumin’s bioavailability soars by up to 2,000%7. Something to think about!

Supplementation

Fair enough, it could be that you might struggle to work turmeric into your diet on a daily basis (possibly you might find it a little monotonous?), so you may be on lookout for another way to get your regular fill of curcumin. Naturally-derived supplements then are undoubtedly the answer here – the following curcumin supplements are all highly recommended and available through us at The Finchley Clinic:

liposomal-curcumin

Curcumin (Liposomal liquid) – this supplement’s unique and dynamic liposomal process (involving nano-particle technology) overcomes curcumin’s absorption issues, ensuring the supremely beneficial and entirely natural nutrient is effectively delivery throughout the body at the cellular level.

curcumin-forte

Curcumin Forte – offering curcumin in micellar form (thus boosting its availability to at least, if not in excess of, that achieved via the liposomal process), this supplementary curcumin is both water- and fat-soluble, as well as pH stable, and 185 times more absorbable than standard forms of the nutrient.

curcumin-plus

Curcumin Plus – a supplement that presents the nutrient in micellised form for maximum efficacy, along with additional naturally-derived antioxidants from the likes of pine bark, ursolic acid, sage and ginger.

References:

1. Braun L. and Cohen M. ‘Herbs and Natural Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide: Volume 2.’ Australia, Churchill Livingstone. Nov 2014.

2. Wongcharoen W. and Phrommintikul A. ‘The Protective Role of Curcumin in Cardiovascular Diseases’. International Journal of Cardiology., vol. 133, no. 2, 24, Feb 2009, pp. 145–51.

3. Rivera-Espinoza Y. and Muriel P. ‘Pharmacological Actions of Curcumin in Liver Diseases or Damage’. Liver International, vol. 29, no. 10, Nov 2009, pp. 1457–1466.

4. Kuo J.J. et al. ‘Positive Effect of Curcumin on Inflammation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Obese Mice with Liver Steatosis’. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, vol. 30, no. 3, July 2012, pp. 673–9.

5. Wang Y. et al. ‘Study on the Antibiotic Activity of Microcapsule Curcumin Against Foodborne Pathogens’. International Journal of Food Microbiology., vol. 136, no. 1, Sept 2009, pp. 71–4.

6. Jaiswal M., Dudhe R. and Sharma P. K. ‘Nanoemulsion: An Advanced Mode of Drug Delivery System’. 3 Biotech 5.2 (2015): 123-127.

7. Shoba G., et al. ‘Influence of Piperine on the Pharmacokinetics of Curcumin in Animals and Human Volunteers’. Planta Medica., vol. 64, no. 4, June 1998, pp. 353–6.

Curcumin Plus, Immune Glucans, Immune health, Immune products, NADH

Better Diet, Exercise and Supplements: How To Boost Your Immunity

Given it’s our last line of defence, you’d think we’d do more to ensure it works as it should and keep us healthy. It’s the thing that, once we’ve picked up a cold, a bug or any other infectious micro-organism that. via our mouths or noses, gets into our digestive or respiratory systems, ensures we can still function and recover.

Yes, we’re talking the immune system – one of the most crucial of all the human body’s systems. And yet, all too often we take it for granted and don’t help our body make sure it can operate as well as possible. So how can you look after your immune system better? How can you boost your immunity?

A complicated collection of interconnected cells, tissues and organs, the immune system is what protects these different bits and pieces of the body from harmful pathogens. And it does so by finding and isolating these pathogens as soon as it possibly can, then transporting them to the spleen, where they’re filtered from the blood – along with damaged white/ red blood cells – and removed as waste from the body.

In actual fact, though, the immune system’s more complex than that – in that it’s also formed of two halves. The first is the innate immune system; it’s this that helps you heal on the outside by fighting infections that could otherwise turn cuts and bruises into wounds. The second is the adaptive immune system, which cleverly adapts your immunity so you become immune to individual viruses and don’t get ill from them again should you catch them more than once.

Immunity disorders

Unfortunately, however, some people are born with immune system disorders, while others – whom may have originally boasted perfectly healthy immune systems – can develop such disorders due to the likes of diseases, allergies and bad nutrition. As such then, the following are common immunity disorders:

  • Autoimmunity – this occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissue it should actually be protecting; there are in excess of 80 recognised autoimmune diseases1, including type-1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Immunodeficiencies – when your immunity’s weakened, it could be because of a drop in white blood cell levels (the soldiers of the immune system) which, in turn, be caused by poor diet, too little exercise2 or exposure to cigarette smoke, pesticides, toxic metals and other pollutants3
  • A hypersensitive or over-reactive immune system – with this condition, when the immune system detects a harmless allergen, it will create an unnecessary response that may well damage tissue and organs and even lead to disease.

How to boost your immunity

Constantly having to fight a plethora of dangerous organisms present in the air, water and food, the immune system then more than welcomes help to boost its effectiveness. Here are four ways you can do just that:

  • Improve your diet – avoid processed foods with their flavourings, sugars and toxins; instead opt for antioxidant-rich organic fruits and vegetables full of vitamins like avocado, blueberries, broccoli, eggplant, kale, lemons, pomegranate and spinach
  • Get consistent exercise – doing so boosts your oxygen intake and lung capacity, drives along your metabolism and helps ensure strong circulation
  • Manage stress levels – stress aggravates the immune system and escalates inflammation, so try to let go of problems when you can, get outdoors, talk to a caring listener or why not try meditation?
  • Focus on nutrition – in addition to adopting and maintaining a better, healthier diet, you might look to consuming herbs and tonics to supplement your nutritional intake (not least as you get older); for instance, make sure you’re getting enough Echinacea4 and oregano oil5.

Immunity supplements

Additionally, you might look to supplement your diet with, yes, supplements especially proven to boost immunity. By all means take a look at the ‘Immunity Health’ section of our website for the wide selection of nutrient-packed supplements available through us at The Finchley Clinic, which include the following three highly recommended examples:

liposomal-curcumin

Curcumin (Liposomal liquid) – one of a new class of bio-available supplements, this turmeric-derived chemical supports immunity and prostate health, reduces inflammation and soothes the gut lining.

NADH

NADH – also known as Coenzyme 1, this very versatile and important antioxidant-packed nutrient’s ideal not just for improving immune health, but also heart health, adrenal support and anti-ageing.

ImunoGlukan-90-capsules

Immune Glucans – supports healthy immunity and it’s especially suitable during periods of illness, over-work and antibiotic treatment, as well as for those sensitive to allergens.

References:

1. ‘Autoimmune Diseases’. MedinePlus. Aug 2014.

2. Winans B., Humble M. C. and Lawrence B. P. ‘Environmental toxicants and the developing immune system: a missing link in the global battle against infectious disease?’ Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, NY). 2011. 31 (3): 327-336.

3. ‘Aging changes in immunity’. MedlinePlus. Oct 2014.

4. Bany J., Siwicki A. K., Zdanowska D., Sokolnicka I., Skopińska-Rózewska E. and Kowalczyk M. ‘Echinacea purpurea stimulates cellular immunity and anti-bacterial defence independently of the strain of mice’. Pol J Vet Sci. 2003. 6 (3 Suppl): 3-5.

5. ‘Oregano Oil May Protect Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria, Georgetown Researcher Finds’. Georgetown University Medical Center. Oct 2001.

Aerobic O7, Antioxidant Supreme, Curcumin Plus, Immune health, Immune products, Tapioca Vitamin C, Vitamin D3

Helping to fight the good fight: how to boost your immune system

As the year gathers speed and summer drifts into autumn, people’s thoughts turn to the weather changing and temperatures dropping. Which means they start to adjust their wardrobe and – in some cases – lifestyle accordingly. They start to think about being more vigilant about protecting themselves from the potential infections and ill health that lower temperatures can bring. In short, they start to think in terms of trying to boost their immune system. But why should they? Why is the immune system so important? What does it do for us? And what can we do to keep it operating as effectively as possible?

Put simply, the immune system is the part of the body that protects us from certain harmful organisms and toxins (some of which can be absorbed into the body when we catch infections in the forms of colds, flu and the like), which stop our body from functioning properly and so, yes, make us feel ill. The system itself is made up of a combination of cells, tissues and organs that, working together as an efficient network, prevent unwelcome pathogens from doing their dirty work in our bodies. In practice, the system’s actually made up of two parts – the innate immune system (protects against infections and aids the healing of cuts and bruises) and the adaptive immune system (protects against viruses, of which there are millions generated each year, thus this part of the system is distinguished by its ability to adapt to fight them).

Even more specifically, the nuts and bolts of both these halves of the immune system are white blood cells (or leukocytes). Once they’ve formed, these cells travel through the blood stream and enter the lymphatic system (something of a sub-section of the wider immune system) where they stimulate its organs, including the tonsils and thymus, to produce antibodies that find bacteria and other harmful organisms’ antigens, adhere to them and destroy them.

Disorders

Unfortunately, for some people the efficacy of their immune system isn’t what it should be. This could be down to many different factors, but one thing’s for sure; a weak immune system can be really bad news as you age. Lack of exercise, bad diet and the changes aging brings to the body can all contribute1. The three major types of immunity disorder are:

  • Autoimmunity – these conditions (of which 80 are known to exist, including type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis2) see the immune system attack healthy tissue it’s supposed to be protecting
  • Immunodeficiencies – these disorders may not ensure enough white blood cells are produced; they can be caused by overexposure to the likes of tobacco smoke, certain toxic metals and pesticides3
  • Hypersensitive/ over-reactive immune system – this one involves immune cells targeting and attacking harmless allergens, potentially damaging tissue and organs and increasing the chance of the body suffering from serious diseases.

Support

So to prevent such disorders, what can we do to support our bodies’ immune systems? Well, here are four headline behaviours everyone should make a priority:

  • Develop a healthy diet – processed foods and those containing refined sugars and flavourings, as well as soda, are out; vitamin- and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, blueberries, kale, spinach, lemons, avocado, oregano oil4 and garlic5, are in (especially if organic)
  • Exercise – helping to increase your oxygen intake and thus lung capacity, exercise is terrific at getting your metabolism going and promoting a healthy heart and efficient circulation; note: consistent exercise is key
  • Destress – becoming stressed increases inflammation and so will aggravate your immunity; trying to destress and finding ways to properly relax then are important (talking through problems isn’t a bad idea, nor is meditation)
  • Plant extracts – the nutrients and vitamins packed full in many easily available plant extracts are terrific for boosting your immunity; you might try echinacea (a favourite in traditional medicines for centuries and effective at fighting off colds and flu4), ginseng (especially good at tackling stress) and aloe vera (rich in antioxidants and the immunity-aiding compounds acemannan and aloctin A3, 6).

Supplements

Of course, another fantastic and easy way to consume enormously beneficial vitamins and nutrients is through supplements. The following – all of which are great immune system supplements – are available through The Finchley Clinic and, naturally, we highly recommend every one of them:

Tapioca Vitamin C (1,000mg; 90 capsules) – as this supplement’s sourced from tapioca (cassava root), it’s almost unheard of to cause allergic reactions and contains 99.9% vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid, renowned as an excellent anti-viral antioxidant, immune booster and major facilitator to anti-aging and building collagen

Tapioca-Vitamin-C

 

Vitamin D3 (5,000iu; 90 tablets) – chewable and with a natural apricot flavour, this supplement provides great support for both the immune and skeletal systems; it’s also kosher

Curcumin Plus (90 capsules) – a powerful antioxidant that aids good immune response, not least as it contains both ginger and sage extracts (specifically gingerols and ursolic acid, respectively)

Aerobic-07

Aerobic O7 (70ml) – a stabilised liquid oxygen product that’s excellent at prompting the creation of new white blood cells, which (as made clear above) play a crucial role in the efficacy of the immune system

Antioxidant Supreme (90 capsules) – a great all-rounder but especially for fighting free radicals, thus it can importantly contribute to boosting the immune system.

 

References:

  1. MedlinePlus. ‘Aging changes in immunity’. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004008.htm
  1. MedinePlus. ‘Autoimmune diseases’. https://medlineplus.gov/autoimmunediseases.html
  1. Winans B., Humble M. C. and Lawrence B. P. ‘Environmental toxicants and the developing immune system: a missing link in the global battle against infectious disease?’. Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, NY). 2011; 31(3): 327-336. doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2010.09.004.
  1. Georgetown University Medical Center. ‘Oregano Oil May Protect Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria, Georgetown Researcher Find’. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/10/011011065609.htm
  1. Lissiman E., Bhasale A. L. and Cohen M. ‘Garlic for the common cold’. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006206.pub4.
  1. Bany J., Siwicki A. K., Zdanowska D., Sokolnicka I., Skopińska-Rózewska E. and Kowalczyk M. ‘Echinacea purpurea stimulates cellular immunity and anti-bacterial defence independently of the strain of mice’. Pol J Vet Sci. 2003; 6(3 Suppl): 3-5.