Turmeric Study (04:07)

FREE PREVIEW

Cancer rates are low in countries where people cook with turmeric. Volunteers will consume turmeric powder, take a supplement, or take a placebo for six weeks. An oxidative stress test will measure their immune response and a ground-breaking test will measure cancer precursors.

Glucosamine Test (03:37)

Dr. Chris van Tulleken discusses using unregulated glucosamine supplements for joint pain. His team analyzes the chemistry of nine brands; two have 30% less glucosamine than the others. There is no scientific consensus that it reduces arthritis.

Arthritis Study (05:25)

Osteoarthritis expert Dr. Phil Conahan runs an experiment with volunteers doing knee exercises or taking a placebo glucosamine supplement. After eight weeks, 80% of the exercise group and 55% of the supplement group have reduced pain.

Home Cholesterol Monitoring (05:05)

Dr. Zoe Williams recruits volunteers to test over-the-counter test kits measuring blood protein carrying cholesterol. None of the kits are very accurate against baseline blood samples. Hear recommendations for lowering LDL and raising HDL.

Cancer Screening Program (03:12)

Caroline has a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer; she had a bilateral mastectomy and her ovaries removed. Dr. Gabriel Weston explains DNA methylation. Epigenetics researchers discovered it can go wrong, leading to cancer.

Cancer Early Warning System (04:18)

Dr. Martin Widschwendter identified a DNA methylation signature predicting breast cancer; changes are reversible. He is developing a test looking for aberrant patterns in several cancer types. Turmeric may reduce cancer risk, as well as smoking and alcohol cessation.

Meningitis (05:29)

Dr. Saleyha Ahsan explains the condition in which the brain lining and spinal cord become inflamed. College students are vulnerable to bacterial meningitis, as well as children and the elderly. Learn about symptoms and vaccines.

Mindfulness and the Brain (04:43)

Michael Mosley practices meditation to manage stress. Dr. Peter Malinowski fits him with electrodes and shows him disturbing images. He practices mindfulness for five minutes, and then watches them again. The second time, his brain "neutralizes" the images.

Mindfulness and the Real World (03:18)

Dr. Willem Kuyken explains how mindfulness can be used to treat recurrent depression. It can also help insomnia and anxiety. Apps and online tools can reach a larger audience.

Hormone Replacement Therapy Alternatives (03:55)

Weston explains menopause; HRT can alleviate symptoms. Hear side effects and drug interactions for evening primrose oil, ginseng, vitamin E, black cohosh, and St. John's wort. Isoflavones in soy and flaxseed may also reduce symptoms.

Turmeric Study Results (05:30)

After six weeks, volunteers taking turmeric supplements, cooking with turmeric powder, and taking a placebo showed no immune system changes. DNA methylation tests showed positive changes in the turmeric powder group in depression, asthma, and cancer genes.

Credits: Trust Me...I'm a Doctor, Series 5—Episode 3 (00:47)

Credits: Trust Me...I'm a Doctor, Series 5—Episode 3