Can Vitamin D or Tumeric Help Fight Alzheimers?

Sometimes the solution to our health ills can be found in the use of everyday products. Our ancestors knew this. Now it is time for us to revisit these useful applications.

It is now thought that vitamin D can help remove the protein Amyloid Beta from the Brain. This protein is one of the causes of alzheimers. 

A team of academic researchers has identified the intracellular mechanisms regulated by vitamin D3 that may help the body clear the brain of amyloid beta, the main component of plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Published in the March 6 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, the early findings show that vitamin D3 may activate key genes and cellular signaling networks to help stimulate the immune system to clear the amyloid-beta protein.

Previous laboratory work by the team demonstrated that specific types of immune cells in Alzheimer's patients may respond to therapy with vitamin D3 and curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric spice, by stimulating the innate immune system to clear amyloid beta. But the researchers didn't know how it worked.

"This new study helped clarify the key mechanisms involved, which will help us better understand the usefulness of vitamin D3 and curcumin as possible therapies for Alzheimer's disease," said study author Dr. Milan Fiala, a researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System.

If you need a technical reason to take vitamin D here it is:

Researchers found that in both Type I and Type II macrophages, the added 1a,25–dihydroxyvitamin D3 played a key role in opening a specific chloride channel called "chloride channel 3 (CLC3)," which is important in supporting the uptake of amyloid beta through the process known as phagocytosis. Curcuminoids activated this chloride channel only in Type I macrophages.

The scientists also found that 1a,25–dihydroxyvitamin D3 strongly helped trigger the genetic transcription of the chloride channel and the receptor for 1a,25–dihydroxyvitamin D3 in Type II macrophages. Transcription is the first step leading to gene expression.

Immune system rejuvenation could cut death from flu and pneumonia in the aged. Also, the potential to cut the incidence of cancer with better immune systems is very real. Rare people have exceptional immune systems for fighting cancer and aged immune systems with shorter telomeres are associated with higher cancer risk.

Horoscope for the Week of September 30, 2024 - Venus Enters Scorpio

Venus moves from flirtatious Libra into passionate Scorpio. Our juices get boiled and our expressions of love become more intense. See how all this passion spills over for you.

Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2024 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 12th printing and available as an eBook.

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)

Powerful feelings multiply, Aries, and this can lead to some intensely passionate interactions. Good! It’s time to dispense with complacency and go with those emotions that bring you (much) closer to certain folks. You can find that there are those in your immediate circle who are far more interesting that you first thought….

TAURUS (APRIL 21-MAY 21)

Whatever you aim to accomplish within certain relationships at this time, you can do it, Taurus. You seem to intrinsically know what others need and how you can deliver a welcome message. In fact, any effort that you undertake to reach out to others and reach consensus has long term positive impact at this time.

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)

Focus on any task that has been gathering dust on your desk, Gemini. Work projects call to you. You  accomplish anything you set your mind to do with a fierce concentration and successful application. Co-workers are also happy to help where they can. But for some reason I see you handling it all on your own … and expertly.

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)

It’s time to kick back and have some fun, Cancer. Whatever charms you or piques your interest will be front and center of your personal activities. You are inspired and impassioned by a range of happy stimuli and enlist others to join in the festivities. Use your creativity to manifest some masterful results and shine.

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)

Any family activity has its intense moments, Leo. Passions can flair and uncover all sorts of things. Good times can become great and memorable. This is great for forging much closer connections or at least clearing the air. Also focus on making your surroundings more comfortable and meditative for you, like a calm refuge.

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)

Not only are you an expert communicator now, Virgo, you are able to ascertain what motivates others and find the right message for their ears and reach their souls. Use this talent for good and see where it can take you. Go with poise and grace and see how you can change more than a few minds on a variety of subjects.

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)

Not only can you figure out more successful money strategies, you use whatever little extra dough you have on the side for something sweet and rewarding. Enjoy your gotten gains, Libra and find more ways to strategize and invest for the future. You seem to have more than a few great ideas that can gather steam and pop.

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)

Your charm increases exponentially, Scorpio. Whatever you want to accomplish and whoever you want to meet and impress, now is the time to do so. Your energies are focused and you are able to make a beautiful first impression on others. There are important people swimming in your orbit. Your gravity reels them in.

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)

If your intuition is piqued, go with the cosmic flow, Sagittarius. You are careful enough to be able to discern fact from fiction and even have a few guardian angels helping you navigate. What can you accomplish on a cosmic level? Charitable efforts take you far and create a better future personal ecosystem.

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)

Friends and acquaintances gravitate to you, Capricorn. You are in the epicenter of all of the social activities because your ability to charm others is at a high point. Immerse yourself in group efforts and see what new things you experience and learn. You not only amaze others with your congeniality, you also amaze yourself.

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)

Aquarians who are on a professional path not only are able to wheel and deal with the power players, they also impress bosses who facilitate ultimate success. So focus on what you need to do to go far. Find ways to get in front of certain very important people and razzle dazzle them.  Then you will be in control. Heh. Heh.

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)

Expand your mind with a range of new and curious activities, Pisces. Your mental capacity is active and strategic and your ability to totally immerse yourself in a variety of subjects leads you to new thought processes and opinions. The most important thing you can do now is to remain open to all of the possibilities.

(c) 2024 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. @thestarryeye Find astrology readings on tinyurl.com/TheStarryEye and a great sun sign book at tinyurl.com/Herscopes

 

Lucky Numbers for the Week of September 27, 2024

Lottery ads tell us you only need a dollar and a dream. But it is also helpful to have a list of lucky numbers to help spur the good fortune ... or fortunes. So with that in mind, here are some lucky numbers that can be used in any helpful way. I gazed into a pool of water, Nostradamus-like, and contemplated the cosmos. Then I mixed the tarot cards and allowed the spirits to guide me to the cards that represent the lucky numbers for this week. Nothing is guaranteed but who knows ....?

Here are the lucky numbers for the week of September 27- October 3, 2024:

I choose eight numbers because 8 is the number of of wealth.

2, 11, 20, 22, 25, 30, 66, 69

There are many ways to delve into your own consciousness to find luck and intuition. Try reading Dream Power/Improve Your Luck (Super Strength Series) and see if your dreams give you any clues and premonitions. Here's a guide to the best books available this month

Palantir CEO Alex Karp and the Kabbalah

A recent article in the New York Times included a profile on Palantir's CEO Alex Karp. Palantir is a data mining company but for me, the interesting aspect of the interview was Mr. Karp's reliance on the Kabbalah for, among other things, deciding how much monetary donations he would make for his preferred causes.

The article states: "When he donates, he said, he does it in multiples of 18 because it's mystical - 18 brings good luck in the tradition of Kabbalah."

I do that too!

 

 

 

 

 

Horoscope for the Week of September 23, 2024 - Sun Enters Libra

The Sun enters Libra and enhances our lives with beauty, art and greater balance. See how you can best manifest the bodacious vibes and showcase your best attributes.

Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2024 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 12th printing and available as an eBook.

ARIES   (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)

Whatever ups and downs certain relationships have experienced in the past, expect a time of relative ease and understanding now. Enjoy the camaraderie, Aries, and find more ways to connect with those who you might not have heard from in a while. More is always better when it comes to reaching out to others.

TAURUS (APRIL 21-MAY 21)

While work projects may have seemed especially onerous and time wasting, you now see a path to completion and fulfillment. Clearing off your desk not only gives you satisfaction, Taurus, it also frees you up for fun activities. Focus efforts on that which has been gathering dust and resolve to get a few things (finally) done.

GEMINI   (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)

There will be more opportunities to just relax and have fun, Gemini. Find outlets for your creativity and enjoyment and worry a bit less about serious subjects which increases your stress level. In other words, take a break and find yourself immersed in happier circumstances. Life is too short to become overwhelmingly serious.

CANCER   (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)

Cancers find that there are more ways to spend a pleasant time with family. You might also consider embarking on long deferred home projects that need your creative and artistic touch. Put family and home planning ideas together. There is so much that you can offer as your imagination soars with great possibilities.

LEO   (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)

Have an opinion on a specific topic, Leo? This is the time to express yourself. Not only are you especially eloquent and compelling, you also manage to find the right audience for your fabulous ideas. Also find time to explore your immediate neighborhood. There are places and people to discover that enhance your life.

VIRGO   (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)

Money issues and their solutions come to the fore, Virgo. That means that if you can focus on what you need to do to become more financially stable, the opportunities will come, Virgo. Do your research and take a calculated risk. You are naturally careful with your dough and now you can find more ways to make it rise.

LIBRA   (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)

You make a grand entrance, Libra, and impress anyone you set your mind to impress. You shine with charisma and charm. So get out there and see what social circles you can enter. Aim high and showcase your many talents and attributes. You also advance some of your long term plans and find supporters along the way.

SCORPIO   (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)

Whatever secretive thing is happening behind the scenes, you find a way to discover it, Scorpio. It is a time of increased awareness of the complexities of the universe. Find ways to do charitable works and give back. Your good karma increases and your path to awareness open. Use your intuition to gauge your next steps.

SAGITTARIUS   (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)

If the past had its lonely moments, it is now in the past, Sagittarius. Friends come to you along with many social opportunities. Get involved in more group activities and expand your circle of influence as you meet more interesting folks. The only caution here is not to over book. Enjoy and savor each encounter.

CAPRICORN   (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)

Professional aspirations are given a boost, Capricorn. If you have been carefully planning your next move, this is a good time to take it the next step. If you are just starting out reviewing where you want to be, you are given valuable insights into your best path and more opportune options. Turn up the charm and get going.

AQUARIUS   (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)

Learn a few new things, Aquarius. You never know what will prove to be very insightful or valuable to you in the future. The main push for you now is to expand your outlook and get out of your rigid thought process. There is a world of possibilities if you are able to pivot. Allow yourself the opportunity to change your mind.

PISCES   (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)

Deep feelings come to the surface for you, Pisces, and it is not a bad feeling after all! In fact, it might even feel liberating and good. Explore subjects that can be described as intense or even uncomfortable. It can be a relief.  You can love large and expand your emotional capacity if you give yourself a chance to open up.

(c) 2024 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. @thestarryeye Find astrology readings on tinyurl.com/TheStarryEye and a great sun sign book at tinyurl.com/Herscopes