Could Getting Spicy Aid Your Treatment of Cancer July, 2005

Wow, as a two time survivor of cancer I found it amazing that I might be able to eat my self free of cancer. Well, that is an over statement but new research is showing that Curcumin to have strong cancer fighting properties. Curcumin also called turmeric is compound that gives curry its yellow tint. Curcumin has long been known for its antioxidant properties and is being studied now for it benefits in treating several different diseases. Cancer researchers have taken an interest in Curcumin because many countries with curry-rich cuisines have lower cancer rates than Western countries have.

Researchers from University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found Curcumin, blocks a key biological pathway needed for development of melanoma and other cancers. The study was published in August 15, 2005 issue of American Cancer Society journal “Cancer”. The study tested varying doses of Curcumin on three melanoma cell lines. It showed that Curcumin stops laboratory strains of melanoma from proliferating and induced apoptosis (programmed cell suicide). The results were same for high concentrations of Curcumin over short periods of time and smaller doses over longer periods of time.

A New York ophthalmologist called Dr William Bates, developed a series of eye exercises to improve eyesight without resorting to lenses or surgery. Dr Bates felt that many eye problems had their root causes in stress, tension and laziness of eye and he thought that because of these causes, eyes could be treated without correction such as lenses, spectacles or even surgery. Dr Bates' methods were first devised at beginning of 20th century, but many people still practice them today.

Dr Bates' theory revolved around notion that muscles of eye became fixed on a scene causing strain to eyes. Dr Bates felt that eyes could be re-trained to relax and improve link between optic nerves and brain.

Dr Bates' theories have been largely ignored by world of medicine. However, many people around world have claimed remarkable improvements in short sight, long sight, astigmatism, squints and lazy eyes using these methods. Even young children are able to practice exercises and people with normal vision may improve concentration, reading skills and co-ordination by following routines suggested by Dr Bates.

In essence, you can expect to perform some simple exercises for about half an hour a day. These can involve some of following:-

• 'Palming.' To rest and relax your eyes, sit comfortably in front of a table, resting your elbows on a stack of cushions high enough to bring your palms easily to your eyes without stooping forward or looking up. Close your eyes and cover them with your cupped palms to exclude light, avoiding pressure on sockets. Breathe slowly and evenly, relaxing and imagining deep blackness. Begin by doing this for 10 minutes, two or three times a day.