Went for a few routine tests namely CBP , LFT and RFT on 23rd Jan 2018 and noticed that my Globulin Serum had further increased from 3.8 (Nov 2017) to 4.0 . I was a little worried and expressed the same to Dr Nithin , my Ayurvedic Doctor who then changed my medication from Turmeric to Curcumin. I was advised to use Turmeric instead of Curcumin , for a few months during the later part of 2017.
I guess it was too early for me to make the change from Curcumin to Turmeric . Curcumin is an extract from Turmeric and hence more powerful. It is the Curcuminiods in Turmeric which are effective in the activation of Apoptosis (cell death) in the cells.
It is now one month since I changed back to Curcumin. Meanwhile I was down with Sore throat and took Antibiotics during first week of Feb 2018. I discussed with Dr Nithin and he decided to increase the dosage of Curcumin (500mg) from 3 caps / 3 times a day to 4 caps / 3 times a day . Ashwagandha (500mg) was also increased from 2 caps / 2 times a day to 2 caps / 3 times a day.
Its been a month since my last tests and hence went for the routine tests yesterday. The reports were very good. All parameters were normal .
Hb is 11.2
Creatinine is .9
ESR is 34 , not yet in the normal range (0 – 20) . Not too bad , it was 65 last month.
Globulin serum is back to the normal range (1.8 – 3.6) . Reduced from 4 to 3.6 .
This is great news 🙂 . This was something that was worrying me. Feeling very happy now 🙂
Dr Nithin also told me to do a test named Metabolic profile c . Awaiting the results of this test.
Curcumin is definitely helping many patients all over the world in successfully managing Multiple Myeloma .
I have been using Curcumin and Turmeric since 2015.
When I recommended Curcumin to other MM patients/Caregivers , I got a feedback that many were unable to take Curcumin as they were experiencing uncomfortable side effects.
Nose bleeds and  diarrhea seem to be some of the common side effects.
Consumption of Turmeric and its extract Curcumin , might increase the body heat in a few people. This in turn results in the above effects.
I would recommend foods like Cucumber  ,  buttermilk etc which cool the body. These foods help in balancing the body heat.
It is equally important that we avoid foods which increase Body Heat. Avoid Oily foods , Cold Drinks, Caffeine , Spicy food .
Everyday, I carry a box to work , that has Cucumber which has been peeled and cut into pieces. I have it as a snack between breakfast and Lunch.
My Cucumber for today 🙂
I also carry buttermilk , in a bottle , to work everyday.
My advise is to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner rather than losing faith on Curcumin because of the above side effects . These side effects can be easily overcome and managed by simple home remedies and one can realize the benefits of Curcumin.
So , don’t loose heart …. have faith … do your research on the internet… a lot of information on foods that cool the body is available out there on the Internet….and get in touch with an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Turmeric is a root/rhizome, a golden-colored spice that belongs to the ginger family . Widely used in India for different purposes. The words Turmeric and Curcumin are usually used interchangeably but Curcumin is an extract from Turmeric root, which gives the yellow color to the spice and has several healing properties. Different methods are used to extract Curcumin from Turmeric. Turmeric contains various ”curcuminoids” and Curcumin is one of them. Curcumin is a whole Pharmacy in itself and is used to treat several health conditions. Extensive research is being carried out on Curcumin in the western world for its healing properties..
This spice has always been revered in India since thousands of years. But ,it is very unfortunate that the healing properties are unknown to majority of the current generation and the knowledge is slowly getting lost. Hopefully the research that is being carried out in the western world will bring to light the potency of Turmeric and thereby heal the world.
Here is an attempt to describe how Turmeric has been in use since centuries in Indian Customs and traditions.
Hindu Customs and Traditions :
A few drops of water is added to Turmeric powder which is then shaped into a small solid cone . During Hindu festivals this form is worshiped as ”Lord Ganesha” , the remover of all obstacles. It is a fact that none of us  wish to face any obstacles in whatever activity we do/take up. This is a method of reinforcing our will power and also to invoke the blessings of the almighty.
During Fridays, festivals and other auspicious events, Turmeric paste is applied on the threshold of the main entry door of the house and all other doors that lead outside the house. This ensures that insects and ants do not enter the house. Now a days this is done away with by using paints. Beautiful designs of flowers and leaves are drawn using colourful paints.
A married woman gives Turmeric root/powder along with ‘kumkum’ to other married women  (neighbors, relatives , friends etc), during festivals after inviting them into their homes. This is done as a blessing and good wishes for the long life of the woman and her husband .
Turmeric during weddings :
Wedding preparations start with the making of Turmeric powder at home. An auspicious day and time is chosen for the event. A few women (relatives, friends neighbors) gather and use a mortar and thistle to crush the dry Turmeric root and symbolically prepare Turmeric powder.
A lot of Turmeric powder is used during Hindu weddings. There are a minimum of  5 rituals, spread over a few days , which require the use of Turmeric powder.
Haldi Ceremony is a very important part of a Hindu wedding. The bride and groom are smeared with a paste made by mixing Turmeric powder , sandalwood paste and rose-water, in their respective homes , couple of days before the wedding. Relatives friends and neighbors gather and make it a fun event.The Bride and Groom get a beautiful glow on their skin 🙂 . . This is repeated three times on three consecutive days. A natural beauty treatment instead of going to a beauty parlour or a Spa.
The bride and groom wear clothes that have been dipped in water that is mixed with turmeric powder . The cloth then gets dyed with a light yellow color.
Turmeric powder is mixed with rice which is then called ‘Akshintalu / Akshatalu ‘. These Akshintalu are used during puja and also used to bless others by sprinkling a little on top of the head of the one taking blessings who bows down and touches the elders feet.
In South Indian weddings , this rice is taken with cupped  hands by the bride and groom and  is poured on top of each others head during the wedding ceremony.
A long thread is smeared with Turmeric paste and a Turmeric root is tied at the center of this thread. During the wedding ceremony the groom ties this thread around the neck of the bride with three knots.
Health and Healing :
An Indian kitchen is incomplete without Turmeric powder in its spice box. Almost all Indian recipes contain Turmeric powder.Thus ensuring that turmeric is taken everyday in our diet. Turmeric also enhances the color of the dish. The anti bacterial properties of turmeric prevents food from decaying quickly.
Turmeric powder is Mixed in milk and consumed in order to treat coughs and colds.
Turmeric is supposed to be good for the Liver and digestion.
Turmeric is applied to bruises as it is an antiseptic.
Small balls are made with wet Turmeric powder. A few of these are consumed in order to reduce menstrual cramps .
Turmeric is a blood thinner and reduces cholesterol. Helps in controlling Blood Pressure.
It is anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is the major reason for most of the chronic diseases including Diabetes , Cardiovascular diseases , Arthritis , Cancer etc.
Curcumin induces apoptosis in tumours . It induces cell death in cancerous cells thereby stopping the multiplication of these cells. Â A lot of research is being carried out and there is sufficient proof that this property of Curcumin can treat almost all types of Cancers.
Beauty Treatments :
Many South Indian women apply turmeric paste to their feet every Friday and during festivals and other religious events. Being an antiseptic it protects the feet from infections and cracked feet.
Turmeric paste mixed with other items like milk, chickpea flour etc is applied as a face mask to get rid of acne, pimples and other skin problems . It is also an excellent exfoliant and gives a glow to the skin.
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No wonder Turmeric has always been given a lot of importance in Hindu customs, traditions and rituals since a long time and is treated with piety and respect.
It is highly recommended that everyone include more Turmeric in their diet. It is also advised to prepare your own Turmeric powder instead of using the store-bought powder which is usually adulterated.
I have been using Curcumin every day since Jan 2014 , to fight Multiple Myeloma. Currently not using any other drug. Hope to manage my condition as long as I can.
~Yad Bhaavam Tad Bhavathi  : You become what you think ~
