Diet and Nutrition: Research for Breast Cancer Prevention and Risk of Recurrence

TanyaRD · 09-12-2009, 08:46 AM

Thanks for your question Diannes. Curcumin (dietary Tumeric) has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory (COX-2) properties which may have some benefit in the diet or in supplement form. The studies have been mixed and most of which are animal studies or done on specific cell lines thus may be difficult to apply to humans. Many of these studies suggest a promotion of cancer cell death (apoptosis) with the addition of curcumin (tumeric). Some recent animal studies have shown though that curcumin may inhibit the anticancer action of chemoagents used to treat breast cancer such as cyclophosphemide and doxorubicin. As with most strong antioxidants I would advise against supplementing with curcumin during active treatment. However, if you are done with treatment and you discuss it with your physician there may be some benefit to including this in your diet or overall regimen. As far as risks or side effects go we know that curcumin is a mild blood thinner and can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore it is important to understand any drug interactions that may occur when starting this supplement.

Becky · 09-12-2009, 11:42 AM

I would like to add that if taking it as a supplement, take it with food (particularly food that has alittle fat - perhaps the evening meal which tends to have meat or some cheese in it). Curcumin is better absorbed this way and I get a slightly upset stomach if I take it on an empty stomach.

DianneS · 09-12-2009, 03:24 PM

Hi Becky,

How much mg's of curcumin do you take?

Thanks,
Dianne

Becky · 09-12-2009, 05:25 PM

From the manufacturer I buy from, I take one capsule a day and it contain 545mg of standardized curcumin. A normal portion of "chicken curry" contains about 300 mg of curcumin.

I don't want to overdo as I take an aspirin, cranberry (get UTIs from no estrogen), and fish oil which all thin the blood.

DianneS · 09-13-2009, 10:45 PM

Hi Becky,

Do you mind telling me who your manufacturer is?

Do you get any stomach problems from it? Would it be a good idea to take with food, do you think?

Thank you,

Dianne

Becky · 09-14-2009, 09:53 AM

I always take my supplements with meals as it enhances absorption of almost anything I can think of.

I buy most of my herbal supplements online from Viable Herbal Solutions

www.viable-herbal.com

I have had problems taking supplements on an empty stomach but not right after I have had a meal.