Nutrition

Reuters - Overweight and obese patients with heart failure seem buy methyl sulfonyl methane have a lower risk of dying than their normal-weight counterparts, according to a review of published studies involving more than 28,000 heart failure patients who were followed for an average of nearly three years.

Curcumin supplements and curcuminoid creams are extraordinarily useful in supporting recovery from wounds, but this supplement buy caffeine not equally useful at every stage of the healing process.

Wounds heal through an orderly progression of events.

In the early stages of a wound, inflammation is actually beneficial. The hormones that cause inflammation also constrict natural l-carnitine vessels and control bleeding.

Similarly, during the early stages of a wound, blood clotting is also beneficial. Thromboplastin and platelets make a clot that closes the skin and closes the unnatural exposure of the circulatory system to air.

After a few days of inflammation, wounds heal through a process called proliferation. First there is granulation, when specialized skin repair cells known as fibroblasts manufacture collagen.

Collagen fills in the wound. Inflammatory processes taper off and allow new blood vessels to provide oxygen and nutrients to tissues as they repair themselves. Collagen continues to form and give shape to tissues under the scar.

So when do you use curcumin?

Never apply creams, and avoid taking supplements, right after you notice a wound.

Curcumin is anti-inflammatory. In the earliest stages of wound healing, the wound needs inflammation to stop bleeding and prevent infection.

Curcumin is helpful after inflammation has stopped. For a diabetic ulcer or a pressure wound, this could be while the wound is still being debrided (cleaned), but taking curcumin while the wound is bleeding is too soon.

Why take this natural product?

Laboratory work offers an explanation of how this centuries-old Ayurvedic remedy works. Through its effects on transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b), curcumin helps the tissue under the newly re-forming skin to model to fit the space left by the wound. Curcumin encourages the formation of new skin (reepitheliazation), and also enhances a signal to the immune system that recruits macrophages to "recycle" dead tissue.

Is there anybody who shouldn't take it?

Here are some essential precautions for supplements and creams.

Supplements (taken by mouth):

To be on the safe side, avoid curcumin supplements taken by mouth if you are on any kind of oral anticoagulant medication, including but not limited to clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid, or warfarin (Coumadin). Do not take this natural product if you have peptic or duodenal ulcers. Since curcumin stimulates bile production, do not take curcumin if you have gallstone.

Creams (usually provided by a formulating pharmacist):

If are on an anticoagulant, let your doctor know before you use a curcumin cream. It's always best to test a very small area of healthy skin with the skin before applying it to a wound to make sure you are not allergic.

Read How Curcumin May Lower LDL and Raise HDL Cholesterol and Could Curcumin Cure Congestive Heart Failure? Robert Rister is author or co-author of nine books and has been guest or writer on 300 radio and TV shows. Visit his natural health news website Savvy Natural Healer.