So, with some non-cancer treatment related bumps, my husband is recovering well from hip replacement. It's been a very long six weeks, but well worth having the surgery. Has dramatically improved qol. Anyway, one of the bumps in the road was a severe gout attack which is now under control. He was advised to stop indomethacin due to how hard it can be on his one kidney. So have to get serious about diet. Among the dietary changes he's making, he wants to start Tumeric. His MO's PA at UCSF said there's no interaction with his medications. However, it seems that I may have read somewhere it could have some impact. My internet research is ambivalent on the subject. So I wanted to run it by you all, if anyone has personal experience or research.Thank you
Tumeric: So, with some non-cancer... - Advanced Prostate...
Tumeric
Read this:
prostatecancer.news/2019/04...
And watch "Apple Cider Vinegar" on Netflix.
Great info, thank you. I will send this link to his MO also. He was hoping to be able to use tumeric instead of Allopurinol for gout control. You and this forum have been invaluable. And the doctors at UCSF have had no issues with me asking questions about what I've learned here.
No interaction of Curcumin (on-off-on) with my PSA in my case. 3 personal tests are more conclusive than any random cohort paper, in my book.
In circumstances of prostate cancer or metastatic prostate cancer, should one take turmeric or curcumin?
1. INTERFERENCE - Tall Allen's essay posted here should be read. The supplement interferes with PSA readings so they may be useless, and also has other possible bad effects on our therapies.
2. BIOAVAILABILITY - It's very very difficult to actually take curcumin orally and have it show up in your blood. So you're wasting your money.
3. POISON - There are huge problems with lead metal contamination and other metals in turmeric. You need to be really confident in the source of your supplement.
4. CONFUSION - Curcumin is what we are interested in and it's only part of turmeric. And the amount present is very variable. Are you prepared to research and understand this?
5. NO PROOF - And as per Tall Allen's essay, there's no statistical evidence, despite lots of attempts to do so, and aside from any interference with PSA measuring, that it actually helps delay prostate cancer progression.
Obviously there is a lot of research about curcumin. And it is widely hyped. But it's risky in multiple dimensions and there's no evidence that it actually works.
I take a few supplements, but the more I know about supplements, the scarier they are. I made a list of things that one needs to know about when taking a supplement.
For example, what is the reputation of the company providing the supplement? What is the typical kind of deterioration of the supplement from manufacture to store shelf? Is it heat or cold sensitive? What what are typical common contaminants, if any, of said supplement? What are the known interactions with other supplements or therapies one is taking? Are there suspicions that said supplement may in fact in some circumstances make things worse? Is there any decent evidence that the supplement maybe significantly helpful? Exactly how does the supplement work? My list of these questions about supplements is now over 50.
What about supplements that are non-controversial? And very good for us? There is a lot of evidence that exercise is the best supplement.
There's no controversy on our forum about the importance of exercise. And one can even say the more the better. (Of course one needs a good plan to balance aerobic and resistance exercise, and take precautions in terms of any stress on the heart depending on one's circumstances, or risk of bone fracture in the case of metastases.)
Exercise is more than just "good for you" in terms of a pat on the head. In three ways. (1) Exercise actually can produce substances in the body that actually fight cancer! (2) Exercise helps maintain cardiovascular health, which is a unfortunate side effect of our therapies, beyond any existing cardiovascular risk. (3) Exercise can help maintain bone mineral density against the side effects of therapies!
Okay you didn't ask about exercise 😂 . I read your husband's bio, and I see a lot of prior posts which I didn't read. Maybe exercise is already in place!
LoL. My posts get pretty wordy, so hard to get through them sometimes 🙈🙊He was hoping to take Tumeric instead of Allopurinol for gout cobtrol, but going to scratch the Tumeric.
Yes, he's extremely active and dedicated to his exercise routine.
Thank you very much for the detailed reply, truly appreciated.
Yeah, I kinda got into it 😃 - other people interested in turmeric/curcumin might read too.
Yes! Hopefully. I searched tumeric in our group, but the info was old and nothing specific. So may help others with updated research.
If the curcumin contains piperine (many do to enhance availability) the piperine can interfere with common drugs.
Interesting to read in the T/A responce that cercumin can increase risk of liver damage. I have been taking Theracurmin almost every day so will stop that one.
Does saw Palmetto have same effect on the liver I wonder? It reduces trips to toilet at night.
To: ARIES29,
Can cercumin (curcumin) or Theracurmin increase risk of liver damage?
Yes, curcumin and Theracurmin may increase the risk of liver damage, though the risk is low and can be reduced by taking precautions.
Explanation
Curcumin
Curcumin is an active compound in turmeric that has been linked to liver injury in some people. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warns that medicines and supplements containing curcumin may cause liver injury in rare cases.
Theracurmin
Theracurmin has been linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in some people, particularly those aged 45 and older.
Precautions
Consuming turmeric in concentrated forms, such as high-dose supplements, may increase the risk of liver injury.
Consulting with a doctor before taking new supplements or vitamins is recommended, as they may interact with current medications.
Physicians and lab tests can monitor supplement usage to avoid toxicity.
Additional information
Turmeric has a long history of safety, and several trials on humans have not shown toxic effects. However, there have been several dozen instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury linked to turmeric products.
************************************************************************************************
Does saw Palmetto have effect on the liver?
AI Overview
Learn more
While generally considered safe, saw palmetto has been linked to rare cases of liver damage, although the exact cause remains unclear and most studies show little to no evidence of liver injury when taken as directed; if you experience any concerning symptoms while taking saw palmetto, consult a healthcare professional.
Key points about saw palmetto and the liver:
Limited evidence of liver damage:
Most research indicates that saw palmetto does not significantly affect liver function when taken in typical doses.
Case reports exist:
A few isolated cases have reported liver damage associated with saw palmetto use, but these are considered rare and may be due to other factors.
Mild side effects:
The most common side effects of saw palmetto are usually mild and include digestive issues like diarrhea, nausea, and headache.
Consult your doctor:
If you have concerns about taking saw palmetto, especially if you have existing liver problems, talk to your doctor before starting supplementation.
Saw Palmetto - LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf
Apr 2, 2020 — Saw palmetto has been implicated in rare cases of clinically apparent liver injury, but its specific role in causing li...
NCBI
Acute liver damage due to Serenoa repens: a case report - PMC
In published clinical trials, adverse events associated with SP are quite rare, generally of mild severity and comparable with pla...
National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov)
Saw palmetto Information | Mount Sinai - New York
Saw palmetto is generally thought to be safe when used as directed. Side effects are very rare, although headache, nausea, diarrhe...
Mount Sinai
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.
j-o-h-n
Thankyou j-o-h-n for that info, I dont think I could have found that. Like everything I guess, take it in moderation.
Tell me all you know about Tumeric
ChatGPT said:
Turmeric Overview
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a bright yellow-orange spice commonly used in cooking, especially in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cuisine. It is a rhizome (root) of the ginger family and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
1. Nutritional and Chemical Composition
Turmeric contains several bioactive compounds, the most important being curcuminoids, with curcumin as the most well-known. Other components include:
Essential oils (turmerone, ar-turmerone, and zingiberene)
Vitamins (C, E, and K)
Minerals (iron, potassium, magnesium)
Proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber
Curcumin is responsible for turmeric’s yellow color and is known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Health Benefits
A. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant
Curcumin is known to reduce inflammation by blocking molecules like NF-kB, which play a role in chronic diseases.
It has strong antioxidant properties, helping to fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
B. Supports Joint and Bone Health
Often used for arthritis relief, curcumin may reduce pain and stiffness in conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
C. Brain Health & Cognitive Benefits
May enhance brain function by increasing levels of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which supports neuron growth.
Studies suggest it could help in preventing or slowing Alzheimer’s disease by reducing amyloid plaque buildup in the brain.
D. Heart Health
Helps improve blood circulation, reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), and lower blood pressure.
May prevent blood clot formation and reduce risks of heart disease.
E. Digestive Health
Traditionally used to aid digestion, it can help with bloating, gas, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Supports liver function and detoxification.
F. Cancer Prevention
Some studies suggest curcumin has anti-cancer properties, helping to prevent tumor growth and reduce the spread of cancer cells.
G. Immune System Boost
Acts as a natural immune booster due to its antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.
3. Uses of Turmeric
A. Culinary Uses
Common in Indian curries, soups, stews, and rice dishes.
Used in Golden Milk (turmeric latte) for its soothing effects.
Found in spice blends like curry powder.
B. Medicinal Uses
Consumed in supplements (capsules, extracts, or tinctures).
Used in herbal teas.
Applied topically in face masks and skin treatments.
C. Cosmetic & Skincare
Used in face masks for brightening skin and reducing acne.
Helps with wound healing and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
4. Side Effects & Precautions
May cause stomach upset in high doses.
Can interact with blood thinners, diabetes medication, and certain drugs.
Not recommended in high doses during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulation.
Low bioavailability: Curcumin is not easily absorbed, but black pepper (piperine) can significantly enhance absorption.
5. How to Enhance Absorption
Curcumin has poor bioavailability, meaning the body struggles to absorb it effectively. To improve absorption:
Consume with black pepper (which contains piperine, increasing absorption by up to 2,000%).
Take with healthy fats (like coconut oil or olive oil).
Use heat (cooking turmeric slightly can enhance absorption).
6. Fun Facts
Used as a natural dye for fabrics.
In Hindu culture, turmeric is sacred and used in weddings and rituals.
Known as "Indian Saffron" due to its vibrant color.
Would you like more details on a specific area, like recipes, supplement recommendations, or research studies? 😊
Note: My next request is for A I to tell me what was/is sex?
Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.
j-o-h-n
I take 2800 mg of curcumin that contains 5% bio Perrin for absorption. All of my doctors are aware of this. I have been taking it for years for degenerative disc disease. You don’t just go on a forum and ask about a supplement, you do extensive research before you put anything into your body. Curcumin cleanses the liver, lowers bp, improves insulin sensitivity, has heart benefits and the list goes on. But, it can also cause kidney stone’s even though it has been shown to improve kidney function. Because of this I take 400 mg of magnesium daily and absolutely no calcium. Now as far as curcumin lowering Psa, we don’t go by a single test we go by trends so if you take the same amount every day the trend should be accurate even if it is slightly lowered. Also, when my Psa was 5664 I was taking curcumin and Celebrex. You may also want to research the effects of berberine on gout and prostate cancer. You said you read somewhere that curcumin may have some impact on the drugs. This means that if you are on a bp med you really have to watch your bp because they both lower bp. The same with blood sugar. If you are on a glucose lowering drug the level could drop because lower blood sugar. This is especially true with berberine which can make the body more insulin sensitive. God bless.
Asking for my dad!!
Chemo treatment/What happens after chemo? 
Small increase in PSA. Should we be concerned?
Keytruda, a question probably no one can answer.
Stopping By
