Aa
Stevia/curcumin, INTERESTING
Herbal Product Stevioside Inhibits HCV Replication and Curcumin Suppresses Fibrogenic Cell Activity in Laboratory Studies
Last updated:26June2008
Intro
Stevioside
Curcumin
By Liz Highleyman hivandhepatitis.com
Intro
Given the suboptimal response rate and difficult side effects associated with standard interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, many patients have used various alternative and complementary therapies, and researchers have assessed several such agents in laboratory and clinical studies.
At the Digestive Disease Week 2008 conference last month in San Diego, researchers reported on 2 plant-derived therapies that may have the potential to inhibit HCV and improve liver fibrosis.
Top
Stevioside
In the first study, Kazuhisa Yuasa and colleagues assessed the in vitro anti-HCV activity of stevioside, an agent derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant that is used as a natural non-caloric sweetener.
Stevioside has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as an antiviral effect on rotavirus. According to background information provided the investigators, some chronic hepatitis C patients who regularly use stevioside have exhibited decreased HCV RNA or undetectable viral load in the absence of interferon-based therapy.
In the present study, the researchers evaluated the antiviral effect of stevioside on HCV replication using HCV replicon systems. They used ORN/C-5B/KE cells supporting genome-length HCV RNA encoding the luciferase reporter gene, and O cells replicating the genome-length HCV RNA in a real-time transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis.
Both cell systems were exposed to several concentrations of sterilized stevioside. The investigators assessed cytotoxicity, effect on signal transduction pathways, and anti-HCV activity (with and without interferon).
Results
• A diluted solution of stevioside demonstrated no cytotoxicites to either ORN/C-5B/KE cells or O cells.
• In both replicon systems, diluted stevioside suppressed HCV RNA in a dose-dependent manner.
• A 1000 times diluted stevioside solution inhibited HCV replication by about 30%.
• The same solution activated interferon-stimulated response element and 2-5A synthesizing enzyme gene promoter, but not the NF-kappa-?B gene promoter.
• Exposure to stevioside and interferon in combination produced an additive, but not a synergistic antiviral effect.
"We showed [the] anti-HCV effect of stevioside and the additive anti-HCV effect by combination of stevioside with interferon in vitro, and the activation of interferon signal was considered as one of the mechanism[s]," the investigators stated.
Thus, they concluded that, "stevioside is a possible antiviral agent for hepatitis C virus infection," and they plan to conduct a pilot study of the safety and efficacy of stevioside therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Top
Curcumin
Looking at another herbal therapy, Anping Chen and colleagues presented 3 laboratory studies assessing at the effect of curcumin on hepatic stellate cells.
Curcumin is the main component of the curry spice turmeric, derived from the Curcuma longa plant. Prior research indicates that it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. Hepatic stellate cells produce extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen that are responsible for liver fibrosis.
In the first study, the investigators found that curcumin promotes peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) gene expression and suppresses expression of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol receptor gene, which in turn lowers the level of intracellular cholesterol and thereby reduces the stimulatory effect of LDL on hepatic stellate cell activation.
In the second study, the researchers demonstrated that curcumin diminished the activating effect of oxidized LDL on stellate cells by suppressing LOX-1 gene expression, again via PPAR-gamma activation. Conversely, pre-treating the cells with a PPAR-gamma antagonist (PD68235) eliminated the inhibitory effect of curcumin.
Finally, the investigators showed that by increasing oxidative stress, insulin stimulates hepatic stellate cell proliferation and collagen production. But curcumin suppressed insulin-induced stellate cell activation by interrupting the insulin signaling pathway and reducing oxidative stress, via the same PPAR-gamma mechanism.
Hyperlipidemia (elevated blood lipid levels), obesity, and insulin resistance are features of the metabolic syndrome, which is associated with liver steatosis (accumulation of fat in hepatocytes). Steatosis is linked to fibrosis in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as those with chronic hepatitis C. Further, steatosis and insulin resistance are factors associated with poor response to interferon-based anti-HCV therapy.
The results of these laboratory studies suggest that curcumin or related agents that work by a similar mechanism might reduce fibrosis associated with hyperlipidemia or insulin resistance in individuals with or without hepatitis C.
6/10/08
References
K Yuasa, K Sato, A Naganuma, and others. Stevioside as a possible antiviral agent for hepatitis C virus infection. Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2008. San Diego, CA. May 17-22, 2008. Abstract S1943.
Q Kang and A Chen. Curcumin suppresses LDL receptor gene expression, leading to the inhibition of cholesterol/LDL-induced hepatic stellate cell activation. Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2008. San Diego, CA. May 17-22, 2008. Abstract S1584.
Last updated:26June2008
Intro
Stevioside
Curcumin
By Liz Highleyman hivandhepatitis.com
Intro
Given the suboptimal response rate and difficult side effects associated with standard interferon-based therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, many patients have used various alternative and complementary therapies, and researchers have assessed several such agents in laboratory and clinical studies.
At the Digestive Disease Week 2008 conference last month in San Diego, researchers reported on 2 plant-derived therapies that may have the potential to inhibit HCV and improve liver fibrosis.
Top
Stevioside
In the first study, Kazuhisa Yuasa and colleagues assessed the in vitro anti-HCV activity of stevioside, an agent derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant that is used as a natural non-caloric sweetener.
Stevioside has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as an antiviral effect on rotavirus. According to background information provided the investigators, some chronic hepatitis C patients who regularly use stevioside have exhibited decreased HCV RNA or undetectable viral load in the absence of interferon-based therapy.
In the present study, the researchers evaluated the antiviral effect of stevioside on HCV replication using HCV replicon systems. They used ORN/C-5B/KE cells supporting genome-length HCV RNA encoding the luciferase reporter gene, and O cells replicating the genome-length HCV RNA in a real-time transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis.
Both cell systems were exposed to several concentrations of sterilized stevioside. The investigators assessed cytotoxicity, effect on signal transduction pathways, and anti-HCV activity (with and without interferon).
Results
• A diluted solution of stevioside demonstrated no cytotoxicites to either ORN/C-5B/KE cells or O cells.
• In both replicon systems, diluted stevioside suppressed HCV RNA in a dose-dependent manner.
• A 1000 times diluted stevioside solution inhibited HCV replication by about 30%.
• The same solution activated interferon-stimulated response element and 2-5A synthesizing enzyme gene promoter, but not the NF-kappa-?B gene promoter.
• Exposure to stevioside and interferon in combination produced an additive, but not a synergistic antiviral effect.
"We showed [the] anti-HCV effect of stevioside and the additive anti-HCV effect by combination of stevioside with interferon in vitro, and the activation of interferon signal was considered as one of the mechanism[s]," the investigators stated.
Thus, they concluded that, "stevioside is a possible antiviral agent for hepatitis C virus infection," and they plan to conduct a pilot study of the safety and efficacy of stevioside therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Top
Curcumin
Looking at another herbal therapy, Anping Chen and colleagues presented 3 laboratory studies assessing at the effect of curcumin on hepatic stellate cells.
Curcumin is the main component of the curry spice turmeric, derived from the Curcuma longa plant. Prior research indicates that it has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. Hepatic stellate cells produce extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen that are responsible for liver fibrosis.
In the first study, the investigators found that curcumin promotes peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) gene expression and suppresses expression of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol receptor gene, which in turn lowers the level of intracellular cholesterol and thereby reduces the stimulatory effect of LDL on hepatic stellate cell activation.
In the second study, the researchers demonstrated that curcumin diminished the activating effect of oxidized LDL on stellate cells by suppressing LOX-1 gene expression, again via PPAR-gamma activation. Conversely, pre-treating the cells with a PPAR-gamma antagonist (PD68235) eliminated the inhibitory effect of curcumin.
Finally, the investigators showed that by increasing oxidative stress, insulin stimulates hepatic stellate cell proliferation and collagen production. But curcumin suppressed insulin-induced stellate cell activation by interrupting the insulin signaling pathway and reducing oxidative stress, via the same PPAR-gamma mechanism.
Hyperlipidemia (elevated blood lipid levels), obesity, and insulin resistance are features of the metabolic syndrome, which is associated with liver steatosis (accumulation of fat in hepatocytes). Steatosis is linked to fibrosis in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as those with chronic hepatitis C. Further, steatosis and insulin resistance are factors associated with poor response to interferon-based anti-HCV therapy.
The results of these laboratory studies suggest that curcumin or related agents that work by a similar mechanism might reduce fibrosis associated with hyperlipidemia or insulin resistance in individuals with or without hepatitis C.
6/10/08
References
K Yuasa, K Sato, A Naganuma, and others. Stevioside as a possible antiviral agent for hepatitis C virus infection. Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2008. San Diego, CA. May 17-22, 2008. Abstract S1943.
Q Kang and A Chen. Curcumin suppresses LDL receptor gene expression, leading to the inhibition of cholesterol/LDL-induced hepatic stellate cell activation. Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2008. San Diego, CA. May 17-22, 2008. Abstract S1584.
The FDA are a bunch of idiots.....sorry...they say its ok to put all the preservatives and pseticides in our foods,,,but a simple natual sweetener is toxic....FDA CAN KISS MY ***
The recent study showed that Stevioside lowered viral load and the investigators knew patients who used Stevia regularly and cleared the virus without treating with interferon.
Many studies have shown that Stevia lowers insulin resistance, and it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Since many heppers are insulin resistant, and insulin resistance lowers SVR, Stevia may be a way of increasing SVR.
And unlike the grapefruit study which didn't use interferon, the Stevioside study DID! And Stevioside and interferon showed a dose-dependent ADDITIVE effect. So together they lowered the viral load more. But they didn't show a SYNERGISTIC effect. That means that Stevioside doesn't affect the concentration or blood level of interferon, which would make it safe to use during treatment. Plus, the serving size for Stevia is very small.... about the size of a sesame seed. And the study used a diluted solution. So you wouldn't need to take much.
A word of caution:
Be aware that many of the companies that sell Stevia add fillers to their products to make them weigh more. Things like ....rice, corn, silica, lactose, etc. So make sure you look at the list of ingredients. It should have nothing added to it.
Stevia contains Rebaudioside and Stevioside. The Rabinoside is sweeter, so companies will tell you that their product is/tastes better because it has more Rabinoside than other products. But what you want is the STEVIOSIDE (that's what the HCV study used to lower the viral load), which has a slightly bitter, licorice or grassy taste. Also, stay away from the liquid Stevia....it's diluted and sometimes it contains a small amount of alcohol.
Stevia is very sweet so the serving size is a very tiny amount....about the size of a sesame seed so you don't need to buy large amounts. And no, I'm not a distributor....LOL
Many studies have shown that Stevia lowers insulin resistance, and it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Since many heppers are insulin resistant, and insulin resistance lowers SVR, Stevia may be a way of increasing SVR.
And unlike the grapefruit study which didn't use interferon, the Stevioside study DID! And Stevioside and interferon showed a dose-dependent ADDITIVE effect. So together they lowered the viral load more. But they didn't show a SYNERGISTIC effect. That means that Stevioside doesn't affect the concentration or blood level of interferon, which would make it safe to use during treatment. Plus, the serving size for Stevia is very small.... about the size of a sesame seed. And the study used a diluted solution. So you wouldn't need to take much.
A word of caution:
Be aware that many of the companies that sell Stevia add fillers to their products to make them weigh more. Things like ....rice, corn, silica, lactose, etc. So make sure you look at the list of ingredients. It should have nothing added to it.
Stevia contains Rebaudioside and Stevioside. The Rabinoside is sweeter, so companies will tell you that their product is/tastes better because it has more Rabinoside than other products. But what you want is the STEVIOSIDE (that's what the HCV study used to lower the viral load), which has a slightly bitter, licorice or grassy taste. Also, stay away from the liquid Stevia....it's diluted and sometimes it contains a small amount of alcohol.
Stevia is very sweet so the serving size is a very tiny amount....about the size of a sesame seed so you don't need to buy large amounts. And no, I'm not a distributor....LOL
"It is illegal in both the US and Europe to use stevia as a food additive, primarily because of its carcinogenic properties"
Japan, Brazil and Paqraguay have used Stevia as a food additive for years. In the US, the FDA determined that there wasn't sufficient proof that it was non-toxic and banned its use as a food additive....but it is sold as a "food supplement" and used for food and drink items billing themselves as "dietary supplements", such as the Stevia-sweetened diet drink Zevia.
The FDA based their decision on two studies done back in 1968. The first study done on female rats showed that drinking a concoction of Stevia LEAVES and STEMS reduced fertility. The second study showed that STEVIOL, a breakdown product of Stevia, MIGHT cause genetic mutations.
However, one should note that the present Stevia products are now purified and neither stems nor Steviol are used.
Stevia contains Rebaudioside and Stevioside.
The component of Stevia used in the HCV study that lowered the viral load was Stevioside....and Rebaudioside is the part used as a sweetener.
Furthermore, in 2006, the World Health Organization reviewed dozens of studies done on Stevia and concluded that Stevioside and Rebaudioside were unlikely to harm DNA or the reproductive system.
Last month, the Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology published 8 studies that showed no reproductive toxicity in rats exposed to Stevia for two generations. And two human studies showed that 1000mg of Rebaudioside daily was safe.
Rebaudioside is considered safe. It is now on store shelves in New York under the brand name "TRUVIA".....with the FDA's blessing.
Japan, Brazil and Paqraguay have used Stevia as a food additive for years. In the US, the FDA determined that there wasn't sufficient proof that it was non-toxic and banned its use as a food additive....but it is sold as a "food supplement" and used for food and drink items billing themselves as "dietary supplements", such as the Stevia-sweetened diet drink Zevia.
The FDA based their decision on two studies done back in 1968. The first study done on female rats showed that drinking a concoction of Stevia LEAVES and STEMS reduced fertility. The second study showed that STEVIOL, a breakdown product of Stevia, MIGHT cause genetic mutations.
However, one should note that the present Stevia products are now purified and neither stems nor Steviol are used.
Stevia contains Rebaudioside and Stevioside.
The component of Stevia used in the HCV study that lowered the viral load was Stevioside....and Rebaudioside is the part used as a sweetener.
Furthermore, in 2006, the World Health Organization reviewed dozens of studies done on Stevia and concluded that Stevioside and Rebaudioside were unlikely to harm DNA or the reproductive system.
Last month, the Journal of Food and Chemical Toxicology published 8 studies that showed no reproductive toxicity in rats exposed to Stevia for two generations. And two human studies showed that 1000mg of Rebaudioside daily was safe.
Rebaudioside is considered safe. It is now on store shelves in New York under the brand name "TRUVIA".....with the FDA's blessing.
just thought this was worth briinging up again...if stevia does lower the hep c virus..this would be a great thing to do before starting tx...wouldnt you all agree?
Hi...I'm a very part time lurker with hcv geno 1b. Tx was and still very bad for ME..and of course didn't work. Shall see about treating again..but differently. Not sure.
Anyway...Hello!
I just purchased some Curcumin and Stevia for medicinal use. However I have been using these in the more natural forms..leaves and whole root of turmeric ( the Indonesian variety, i think it is, is the most potent) in foods and beverages and won't get into the debate here.
Today, I bought a bottle of Stevia after studying all the various companies and types.
I chose the bio-chelated form that is alcohol free and is cold processed and concentrated. Serving size is 14 drops in water and it does state it contains per serving 500 mg of the fluid extract and guaranteed..they say..to have at least 50 mg of the Steviosides.
The others don't have much, if any, info on amounts.
The latest findings on Stevia intrigued me because someone had introduced me to a manufacturer of an herbal tincture that uses the whole herbs and one of the ingredients is Stevia. From the smell, taste, looks and texture, I think that Stevia is more at the top of the short list of this extremely expensive concoction than the other herbs and roots.
The concoction is supposed to lower viral load and alt/ast tremendously within 3 to 9 months.
If anyone is interested, say so and I will send info...and no...i have not a thing to do with the company.
Like I said, it made me feel ill.
But reminds me of the 'snakeoil' accusations about gyconutrients.
Well. it's proven that in particular is the glyconutrient, lactoferrin..there is low ones made.., is an immune modulator raising interferon-alpha and is therapeutic for inflammatory diseases, cancer, infectious diseases such as chronic hcv. Studies with humans have been done. Not a cure but a very good immunebooster.
I think we who are doing the Stevia should get a blood work up if haven't done so more recently..if possible..and then in a few months, get tested and see how it's doing.
I've gotten a lot out of reading this forum when I do..mainly due to time constraints.
Thanks...rambling here.
Anyway...Hello!
I just purchased some Curcumin and Stevia for medicinal use. However I have been using these in the more natural forms..leaves and whole root of turmeric ( the Indonesian variety, i think it is, is the most potent) in foods and beverages and won't get into the debate here.
Today, I bought a bottle of Stevia after studying all the various companies and types.
I chose the bio-chelated form that is alcohol free and is cold processed and concentrated. Serving size is 14 drops in water and it does state it contains per serving 500 mg of the fluid extract and guaranteed..they say..to have at least 50 mg of the Steviosides.
The others don't have much, if any, info on amounts.
The latest findings on Stevia intrigued me because someone had introduced me to a manufacturer of an herbal tincture that uses the whole herbs and one of the ingredients is Stevia. From the smell, taste, looks and texture, I think that Stevia is more at the top of the short list of this extremely expensive concoction than the other herbs and roots.
The concoction is supposed to lower viral load and alt/ast tremendously within 3 to 9 months.
If anyone is interested, say so and I will send info...and no...i have not a thing to do with the company.
Like I said, it made me feel ill.
But reminds me of the 'snakeoil' accusations about gyconutrients.
Well. it's proven that in particular is the glyconutrient, lactoferrin..there is low ones made.., is an immune modulator raising interferon-alpha and is therapeutic for inflammatory diseases, cancer, infectious diseases such as chronic hcv. Studies with humans have been done. Not a cure but a very good immunebooster.
I think we who are doing the Stevia should get a blood work up if haven't done so more recently..if possible..and then in a few months, get tested and see how it's doing.
I've gotten a lot out of reading this forum when I do..mainly due to time constraints.
Thanks...rambling here.
I am not a vegetarian...i eat organic whey and organic meats and eggs...the meat i only do for a treat ....but i swear by the whey and eggs for PURE protien....stuff i take is called harmonized protien made by a company called Progressive...best protien on the planet....i do believe the human body needs a clean source of animal protien in order to build the best muscle mass and tone....i was only on soya protien tru my last TX ...im thinkn thats why i lost some much weight..thios time ill gorge on my whey from heaven.
I wanna say something about water, I live in Swedens second biggest town 700 000 ppls With suburbs (Gothenburg) the say we have good water compared with other citys.
But I dont like it at all, I have getting my water from a spring in 25 years of and on.
Not the latest 10years though been using the water from the tap when cooking boiling coffee, tea etc but bying in bottles when drinking straight.
I have several times served coffey brewed on springwater without people knowing that, and every time I´ve got coments about what a fantastic delisiuos coffey I had.
If there is such a big differens in how the water taste even when as coffee , kind of make you aware of the differens,
BTW for 9 years i was a vegetarian took alot of drugs though, even iv used for 12 years used springwater when shoting up and persuaded my self I was quite healthy compared with theme darned meet eaters .
Lying in the gutter feeling superior to theme much better of.
And why did i stoped this vegeterian lifestile let me tell you, sometimes I went to a vegeterian resturant and I who has been playing soccer icehockey all the time while growing up.
I suddenly saw that almust everyone that used to eat at that resturant they didn´t look healthy at all on the contrary pail, hardely any muscles whatsoever, that scared the shiit out of me if I would end up looking like them so I went and byed the biggest steak i could find!
End of that vegetarian story and that was 26, 28 years ago or something.
ca
But I dont like it at all, I have getting my water from a spring in 25 years of and on.
Not the latest 10years though been using the water from the tap when cooking boiling coffee, tea etc but bying in bottles when drinking straight.
I have several times served coffey brewed on springwater without people knowing that, and every time I´ve got coments about what a fantastic delisiuos coffey I had.
If there is such a big differens in how the water taste even when as coffee , kind of make you aware of the differens,
BTW for 9 years i was a vegetarian took alot of drugs though, even iv used for 12 years used springwater when shoting up and persuaded my self I was quite healthy compared with theme darned meet eaters .
Lying in the gutter feeling superior to theme much better of.
And why did i stoped this vegeterian lifestile let me tell you, sometimes I went to a vegeterian resturant and I who has been playing soccer icehockey all the time while growing up.
I suddenly saw that almust everyone that used to eat at that resturant they didn´t look healthy at all on the contrary pail, hardely any muscles whatsoever, that scared the shiit out of me if I would end up looking like them so I went and byed the biggest steak i could find!
End of that vegetarian story and that was 26, 28 years ago or something.
ca
I thought you were referring to stevia to be used for medicinal purposes. Regarding which one to use for antiviral purposes in combination with tx.
With raw, I didn't mean chewing on leaves.... that I would probably not get into either... I meant more raw form than the powder or clear drops... I really like the dark liquid.
I don't use stevia as a sweetener, but I understand that one would not want to drink coffee with licorice taste. For that purpose, I agree that the site you referred to seems to be an excellent choice.
Sorry for the misunderstanding. Marcia
With raw, I didn't mean chewing on leaves.... that I would probably not get into either... I meant more raw form than the powder or clear drops... I really like the dark liquid.
I don't use stevia as a sweetener, but I understand that one would not want to drink coffee with licorice taste. For that purpose, I agree that the site you referred to seems to be an excellent choice.
Sorry for the misunderstanding. Marcia
Just because i drink pure water...distilled i may add...does not mean i have to live in a bubble...i just have a counter top distiller, simple...ya can get em at sears...now i wouldnt mine living in a bubble with solar panels...hey free electricity for my water distiller and i can go fishing in a buuble house too...dont they float?
Also, I did not call YOU a nut. The nuts, as I stated, are the anti-aspartame spammers such as those who basically destroyed my diabetes group, alt support diabetes, with their vitriol and lies. That group was once active and helpful, much like this group, until those folks started filling up the threads with their spam.
If you care to report me to the forum's moderators, fine. I'll report you. I didn't diss anybody here. I only dissed certain notions.
If you care to report me to the forum's moderators, fine. I'll report you. I didn't diss anybody here. I only dissed certain notions.
Would you please provide links to those peer-reviewed articles. I'm always willing to have an open mind.
"The thing that bothers me is that the anti-aspartame nuts frequently seem to be stevia salesmen, which makes the stuff awfully suspicious."
I assure you that that just because one has come to a different conclusion than yourself regarding an artificial sweeter does not mean that one is nuts.
We're trying to share information here that may be helpful to others - not diss each other.
I have reported your post to the forum's moderators.
and I have found two reputable peer-reviewed journal articles regarding links between aspertame and cancer and aspertame and liver disease (insulin insensitivity) which I will be glad to provide to any forum member who, unlike yourself, does not believe that I am a nut.
I assure you that that just because one has come to a different conclusion than yourself regarding an artificial sweeter does not mean that one is nuts.
We're trying to share information here that may be helpful to others - not diss each other.
I have reported your post to the forum's moderators.
and I have found two reputable peer-reviewed journal articles regarding links between aspertame and cancer and aspertame and liver disease (insulin insensitivity) which I will be glad to provide to any forum member who, unlike yourself, does not believe that I am a nut.
I make A chocolate turtle cheese cake with splenda that is superb.
one thing i think allot of us miss is the quality of life quotient, if we
denie ourselves all the good things then what are we living for anyway.
I mean come on do you apes want to live forever???
I for one do not if it means i have to live in a plastic bubble breathing
rareified air and drinking purified water.
sanity and balance are my goals
one thing i think allot of us miss is the quality of life quotient, if we
denie ourselves all the good things then what are we living for anyway.
I mean come on do you apes want to live forever???
I for one do not if it means i have to live in a plastic bubble breathing
rareified air and drinking purified water.
sanity and balance are my goals
I agree that no government agency can be trusted, but who can we trust? If they're not paid off by big pharma, they're paid off by big herbal. And believe me, the herbal supplement industry is huge, and as corporate as any of the pharmaceutical companies.
It's difficult to know the answer to this. But I cannot buy the conspiracy theory that some people expound, because I just cannot believe that every reputable medical journal would play along. All I'm saying is be careful.
When I first became diabetic, I bought into the anti-aspartame story, until some of my diabetic family members set me straight. My sister-in-law, for example, has been diabetic since 1951 - and she's the healthiest person I know. She has been using artificial sweeteners all along, as as every other diabetic I know. As with anything that's made in the lab, she knows not to overindulge. But we shouldn't overindulge in much of anything. Too much licorice causes the runs, for example. And the worst thing for you, the very, very worst thing, is sugar. All kinds of sugar, from sucrose, to fructose, to corn syrup, to honey. Yes, even honey, despite its content of healthy ingredients, can be dangerous in excess. As for sodas, whether diet or naturally sweetened, the carbonation is extremely dangerous for your digestive system and your teeth.
Moderation in all things, I believe, is the way to go.
It's difficult to know the answer to this. But I cannot buy the conspiracy theory that some people expound, because I just cannot believe that every reputable medical journal would play along. All I'm saying is be careful.
When I first became diabetic, I bought into the anti-aspartame story, until some of my diabetic family members set me straight. My sister-in-law, for example, has been diabetic since 1951 - and she's the healthiest person I know. She has been using artificial sweeteners all along, as as every other diabetic I know. As with anything that's made in the lab, she knows not to overindulge. But we shouldn't overindulge in much of anything. Too much licorice causes the runs, for example. And the worst thing for you, the very, very worst thing, is sugar. All kinds of sugar, from sucrose, to fructose, to corn syrup, to honey. Yes, even honey, despite its content of healthy ingredients, can be dangerous in excess. As for sodas, whether diet or naturally sweetened, the carbonation is extremely dangerous for your digestive system and your teeth.
Moderation in all things, I believe, is the way to go.
The Food and Drug Administration hasn't approved the use of stevia as an artificial sweetener or food additive????....how can they...its not...simple as that....FDA are the commericial food industry are in bed together...FDA only approves pharma drugs most off the time...same with the coconut oil delimma we had back in the 60`s i think it was..trying to say it was bad for you...i DO NOT trust the FDA.
From the Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stevia/AN01733
"Stevia is an herb that's used as an artificial sweetener in certain parts of the world. Stevia extracts can be hundreds of times sweeter than sugar. Stevia has virtually no calories and doesn't raise blood sugar levels. Some studies suggest that stevia may help treat type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Side effects of stevia are generally mild, such as muscle weakness, dizziness and nausea. But questions about the risks of stevia linger, including possible effects on the reproductive system and kidneys. In the United States, stevia is available only as a dietary supplement. The Food and Drug Administration hasn't approved the use of stevia as an artificial sweetener or food additive. If you're considering taking stevia as a dietary supplement, consult your doctor about the possible risks and benefits."
So, it MAY be safe, but...
The thing that bothers me is that the anti-aspartame nuts frequently seem to be stevia salesmen, which makes the stuff awfully suspicious.
No legitimate studies have found problems with aspartame, and as a matter of fact, it is now known that cyclamates were mistakenly withdrawn from the market due to improperly conducted research. They would probably be sold again, except that other artificial sweeteners like aspartame and splenda came out in the meantime and taste better.
Again, I challenge you to find me a citation on the dangers of aspartame that does not come from Martini, Roberts, Olney, Mercola et. al. If it comes from a legitimate medical journal, I'll eat my hat (if I owned a hat), but if it comes from one of those "holistic" anti-vaccination sites, it is basically an opinion, not a fact.
"Stevia is an herb that's used as an artificial sweetener in certain parts of the world. Stevia extracts can be hundreds of times sweeter than sugar. Stevia has virtually no calories and doesn't raise blood sugar levels. Some studies suggest that stevia may help treat type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Side effects of stevia are generally mild, such as muscle weakness, dizziness and nausea. But questions about the risks of stevia linger, including possible effects on the reproductive system and kidneys. In the United States, stevia is available only as a dietary supplement. The Food and Drug Administration hasn't approved the use of stevia as an artificial sweetener or food additive. If you're considering taking stevia as a dietary supplement, consult your doctor about the possible risks and benefits."
So, it MAY be safe, but...
The thing that bothers me is that the anti-aspartame nuts frequently seem to be stevia salesmen, which makes the stuff awfully suspicious.
No legitimate studies have found problems with aspartame, and as a matter of fact, it is now known that cyclamates were mistakenly withdrawn from the market due to improperly conducted research. They would probably be sold again, except that other artificial sweeteners like aspartame and splenda came out in the meantime and taste better.
Again, I challenge you to find me a citation on the dangers of aspartame that does not come from Martini, Roberts, Olney, Mercola et. al. If it comes from a legitimate medical journal, I'll eat my hat (if I owned a hat), but if it comes from one of those "holistic" anti-vaccination sites, it is basically an opinion, not a fact.
woah! but i thought ppl on tx shouldn't take herbal substances unless their doctor says yes.
We are celebrated a co-workers birthday today and had key-lime pie made with Splenda. mmm, it's was delicious.
Splenda side effects
Observational evidence shows that there are side effects of Splenda, including skin rashes/flushing, panic-like agitation, dizziness and numbness, diarrhea, muscle aches, headaches, intestinal cramping, bladder issues, and stomach pain. These show up at one end of the spectrum — in the people who have an allergy or sensitivity to the sucralose molecule. But no one can say to what degree consuming Splenda affects the rest of us.
http://www.womentowomen.com/nutritionandweightloss/splenda.aspx
Observational evidence shows that there are side effects of Splenda, including skin rashes/flushing, panic-like agitation, dizziness and numbness, diarrhea, muscle aches, headaches, intestinal cramping, bladder issues, and stomach pain. These show up at one end of the spectrum — in the people who have an allergy or sensitivity to the sucralose molecule. But no one can say to what degree consuming Splenda affects the rest of us.
http://www.womentowomen.com/nutritionandweightloss/splenda.aspx
Splenda is refined to the hilt...commericialized junk...sorry for being so blunt...but ya gotta know the facts...again do some research on splenda and you will find out....another benefit if this woderful plant is it actually enchances the flavour of teas...this has to be a plant grown in the gardens of eden
Okay i am a chef, I have diabetes, I have been doing this hep c thing for about eight years.
stevia taste like manure.
I have seen people go down the tubes eating it.
I aint buying it, I will let others guinae pig it first.
aspartame is A tool of the devil.
splenda rocks!!!
white flour, refined sugar are the enemy
my blood sugar is better than non diabetics(80 to 90 in the am)
FINALLY!!! DON'T LAY NONE OF THAT COSMIC **** ON THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL!!!!
stevia taste like manure.
I have seen people go down the tubes eating it.
I aint buying it, I will let others guinae pig it first.
aspartame is A tool of the devil.
splenda rocks!!!
white flour, refined sugar are the enemy
my blood sugar is better than non diabetics(80 to 90 in the am)
FINALLY!!! DON'T LAY NONE OF THAT COSMIC **** ON THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL!!!!
Hey I'm a guy. I eat a few raw vegeatables but I'm not going to go around chewing on leaves. I just plan to replace my Splenda and only for my morning oatmeal, oatbran and only becuase of the original post of this thread that it cust down on the vermin.
The healing properties are anecdotal, I'm thinking. But if they work for you . . . . . .
The healing properties are anecdotal, I'm thinking. But if they work for you . . . . . .
I think we need to open a new thread going back to orleans original post about HCV TX with stevia.
marcia
marcia
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community
Learn about this treatable virus.
Getting tested for this viral infection.
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
4 steps to getting on therapy.
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
How the drugs might affect you.
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
