Podcasts about methicillin resistant staphylococcus

We are back with more exciting IDWeek 2024 content. In this episode, Breakpoints hostesses Drs. Erin McCreary, Julie Ann Justo, Jeannette Bouchard, and Megan Klatt highlight more of our favorite sessions and posters at IDWeek, this episode is a must listen if you are an IDWeek nerd like us! References: Perret et al. Application of OpenAI GPT-4 for the retrospective detection of catheter-associated urinary tract infections in a fictitious and curated patient data set. 10.1017/ice.2023.189 Wiemken et al. Assisting the infection preventionist: Use of artificial intelligence for health care–associated infection surveillance. 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.02.007 Leekha et al. Evaluation of hospital-onset bacteraemia and fungaemia in the USA as a potential healthcare quality measure: a cross-sectional study. 10.1136/bmjqs-2023-016831 Diekema et al. Are Contact Precautions "Essential" for the Prevention of Healthcare-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus? 10.1093/cid/ciad571 Martin et al. Contact precautions for MRSA and VRE: where are we now? A survey of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Research Network. 10.1017/ash.2024.350 Browne et al. Investigating the effect of enhanced cleaning and disinfection of shared medical equipment on health-care-associated infections in Australia (CLEEN): a stepped-wedge, cluster randomised, controlled trial. 10.1016/S1473-3099(24)00399-2 Protect trial: Decolonization in Nursing Homes to Prevent Infection and Hospitalization. 10.1056/NEJMoa2215254 Aldardeer et al. Early Versus Late Antipseudomonal β-Lactam Antibiotic Dose Adjustment in Critically Ill Sepsis Patients With Acute Kidney Injury: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study. 10.1093/ofid/ofae059 Schmiemann et al. Effects of a multimodal intervention in primary care to reduce second line antibiotic prescriptions for urinary tract infections in women: parallel, cluster randomised, controlled trial. 10.1136/bmj-2023-076305 Vernacchio et al. Improving Short Course Treatment of Pediatric Infections: A Randomized Quality Improvement Trial. 10.1542/peds.2023-063691 Advani et al. Bacteremia From a Presumed Urinary Source in Hospitalized Adults With Asymptomatic Bacteriuria. 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.2283 Saif et al. Clinical decision support for gastrointestinal panel testing. 10.1017/ash.2024.15 Bekker et al. Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir or Daily F/TAF for HIV Prevention in Cisgender Women. 10.1056/NEJMoa2407001 Montini et al. Short Oral Antibiotic Therapy for Pediatric Febrile Urinary Tract Infections: A Randomized Trial. 10.1542/peds.2023-062598 Nielsen et al. Oral versus intravenous empirical antibiotics in children and adolescents with uncomplicated bone and joint infections: a nationwide, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial in Denmark. 10.1016/S2352-4642(24)00133-0 Kaasch et al. Efficacy and safety of an early oral switch in low-risk Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (SABATO): an international, open-label, parallel-group, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial. 10.1016/S1473-3099(23)00756-9 AMIKINHAL: Inhaled Amikacin to Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia. 10.1056/NEJMoa2310307 PROPHY-VAP: Ceftriaxone to prevent early ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients with acute brain injury: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, assessor-masked superiority trial. 10.1016/S2213-2600(23)00471-X AVENIR: Azithromycin to Reduce Mortality — An Adaptive Cluster-Randomized Trial. 10.1056/NEJMoa2312093 Thomas et al. Comparison of Two High-Dose Versus Two Standard-Dose Influenza Vaccines in Adult Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients. 10.1093/cid/ciad458 Schuster et al. The Durability of Antibody Responses of Two Doses of High-Dose Relative to Two Doses of Standard-Dose Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients: A Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial. 10.1093/cid/ciad534 Mahadeo et al. Tabelecleucel for allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell or solid organ transplant recipients with Epstein-Barr virus-positive post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease after failure of rituximab or rituximab and chemotherapy (ALLELE): a phase 3, multicentre, open-label trial. 10.1016/S1470-2045(23)00649-6 Khoury et al. Third-party virus-specific T cells for the treatment of double-stranded DNA viral reactivation and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease after solid organ transplant. 10.1016/j.ajt.2024.04.009 Spec et al. MSG-15: Super-Bioavailability Itraconazole Versus Conventional Itraconazole in the Treatment of Endemic Mycoses—A Multicenter, Open-Label, Randomized Comparative Trial. 10.1093/ofid/ofae010

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Rodney Rohde and delve into the dynamic world of laboratory science and the journey of transformation led at Texas State University. Dr. Rohde shares insights into the pivotal decision to transition the program's name from Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) to Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare education and practice.We get a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive two-year process Dr. Rohde and his team undertook to officially change the name of his university's program from Clinical Laboratory Science to Medical Laboratory Science. From building proposals to updating curricula and signage, he walks us through the key steps, challenges, and relatively low costs involved.As the landscape of healthcare undergoes rapid evolution, it becomes imperative for educational institutions to adapt accordingly. Tune in as Dr. Rohde provides insights into the meticulous process involved in rebranding the program, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, garnering support from stakeholders, and ultimately implementing the change.Key Take Aways: Challenges and Opportunities: Discover the challenges faced by the program in aligning with contemporary healthcare paradigms and the opportunities arising from embracing change.Strategies for Transformation: Hear firsthand how Dr. Rohde navigated the process of renaming the program, including stakeholder engagement, curriculum revisions, and fostering a culture of innovation.Impact and Future Outlook: Learn about the impact of this transformation on students, faculty, and the broader healthcare community, as well as the future direction of MLS education at Texas State University.This episode is a must-listen for educators, healthcare professionals, and anyone passionate about the advancement of the laboratory profession.  Join us as we explore the power of adaptation and innovation in shaping the future of healthcare education.Check out these resources referenced during this episode:www.NAACLS.comhttps://asm.org/Articles/2023/June/Developing-Relational-Skills-in-Medical-Laboratoryhttps://asm.org/Articles/2023/April/Public-Health-and-Medical-Laboratory-Professional  https://www.ascp.org/content/news-archive/news-detail/2022/10/07/facing-massive-labor-shortage-ascp-committed-to-expanding-medical-laboratory-workforce# https://ascpcdn.s3.amazonaws.com/static/ISTP/Siemens_Clinical+Laboratory+Workforce_Blueprint.pdf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyTVxvuakOk  [Webinar]Special Guest Bio:Dr. Rodney Rohde has published over 90 research articles and abstracts, two books, and is a highly sought keynote presenter with over 100 international, national, and state conference presentations. His two books focus on Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) adaptation and Clinical Considerations in Rabies. In recent years, he has become a globally viral author subject matter expert utilizing invited articles, TEDx talks, podcasts, video casts, and interviews to enhance science communication and translational health research literacy in public health, healthcare, and the medical laboratory environment.During the #SARSCoV2 / #COVID19 pandemic, Doc R is the #1 quoted Texas State subject matter expert and conducted over 150 interviews for podcasts, TV, newspapers, and internet sites including dozens of webinars and workshops at all levels. He has received numerous awards and honors during his career, and most recently, added to The Pathologist's PowerList 2020 and Cardinal Health's Laboratory Excellence List (2022).  Listeners can connect with Dr. Rodney Rohde at: Personal Website: https://rodneyerohde.wp.txstate.edu/Twitter: @RodneyRohde | @TXST_CLS | @TXST_THRLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneyerohde/ [personal]https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-state-clinical-laboratory-science-program/?viewAsMember=true [Texas State CLS Program]Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010172941875 [personal]https://www.facebook.com/txstate.cls/ [Texas State CLS Program]https://www.facebook.com/txst.THR/ [Texas State Translational Health Research]https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtWrOlPkjfLm2_i1G3ZVWBg [Youtube channel]Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us!Connect with us on LinkedIn: eLABorate Topics Group and give us your feedback!

**This episode was recorded on March 8, 2024, and references the 2024 Lab Manager Leadership Summit (Denver, CO)In this episode, we dive into the world of laboratory leadership with esteemed guest Dr. Rodney Rohde, as he sheds light on his Clinical Seminar at the April 2024 Lab Manager Leadership Summit.  Join us as we explore the challenges and strategies for cultivating effective management, developing a resilient workforce, and fostering innovation in the healthcare industry. Get an exclusive sneak peek into what attendees can expect from Dr. Rohde's highly anticipated seminar at the upcoming Lab Manager Leadership Summit.Today, we'll cover:Dr. Rodney Rohde's expert insights on maximizing workflows, quality, and outcomes in the medical laboratory setting.The critical role of resources and processes in navigating workforce shortages and maintaining laboratory standards during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.Strategies for integrating emotional intelligence and soft skills into technical education for laboratory professionals.The value of industry-academic partnerships and continuing professional development through events like the Lab Manager Summit.The increasing emphasis on mental health support and creating a culture of empathy within healthcare and academic institutions for the betterment of students and professionals.Tune in and discover actionable insights and strategies to enhance your leadership and prepare for success!The Lab Manager Leadership Summit is an opportunity to share knowledge, stimulate discussions, and offer guidance to budding lab leaders, thereby molding the future of lab management. So, mark your calendars! Learn more about the Lab Manager Leadership Summit HERE!For more tips on how to prepare for your next conference, re-visit eLABorate Topics | Episode 38: Preparing for Success: A Guide to Maximizing Your Next Conference (directimpactbroadcasting.com)-----Special Guest Bio:Dr. Rodney Rohde has published over 90 research articles and abstracts, two books, and is a highly sought keynote presenter with over 100 international, national, and state conference presentations. His two books focus on Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) adaptation and Clinical Considerations in Rabies. In recent years, he has become a globally viral author subject matter expert utilizing invited articles, TEDx talks, podcasts, video casts, and interviews to enhance science communication and translational health research literacy in public health, healthcare, and the medical laboratory environment.During the #SARSCoV2 / #COVID19 pandemic, Doc R is the #1 quoted Texas State subject matter expert and conducted over 150 interviews for podcasts, TV, newspapers, and internet sites including dozens of webinars and workshops at all levels. He has received numerous awards and honors during his career, and most recently, added to The Pathologist's PowerList 2020 and Cardinal Health's Laboratory Excellence List (2022).  Listeners can connect with Dr. Rodney Rohde at: Personal Website: https://rodneyerohde.wp.txstate.edu/Twitter: @RodneyRohde | @TXST_CLS | @TXST_THRLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneyerohde/ [personal]https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-state-clinical-laboratory-science-program/?viewAsMember=true [Texas State CLS Program]Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010172941875 [personal]https://www.facebook.com/txstate.cls/ [Texas State CLS Program]https://www.facebook.com/txst.THR/ [Texas State Translational Health Research]https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtWrOlPkjfLm2_i1G3ZVWBg [Youtube channel]-----Join Team #eLABorate and connect with us!Connect with us on LinkedIn: eLABorate Topics Group and give us your feedback!Podcast Call to ActionWe would love to feature YOU!!!Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode or anyone from this season: Video ReviewBe an eLABorate Supporter!1.     Listen on ...

Episode Notes Episode Notes Inspired by lamentations on Twitter, Drs. Bobbi Jo Stoner (@BobbiJo_Stoner), Jonathan Ryder (@JonathanRyderMD) and Sami El-Dalati join Dr. Jillian Hayes (@thejillianhayes) to hash out some of the controversies we encounter while managing infective endocarditis. Do we really need gentamicin and rifampin for all cases of staphylococcal prosthetic valve endocarditis? Where do oral antimicrobials fit into this disease state? Who should have a seat at the table to provide the most comprehensive care to these patients? Tune in for the answers to these questions and more! Learn more about the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists: https://sidp.org/About Twitter: @SIDPharm (https://twitter.com/SIDPharm) Instagram: @SIDPharm (https://www.instagram.com/sidpharm/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sidprx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sidp/ Listen to Breakpoints on iTunes, Overcast, Spotify, Listen Notes, Player FM, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Google Play, TuneIn, Blubrry, RadioPublic, or by using our RSS feed: https://sidp.pinecast.co/ References: IDSA/AHA Infective Endocarditis Guidelines: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000296 Deconstructing the Dogma: Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis of Adjunctive Gentamicin and Rifampin in Staphylococcal Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36408468/ Twitter Poll – Gabe Vilchez (March 2021): https://twitter.com/IdVilchez/status/1372148761112240131?s=20&t=fYuyNWGmzZACWrpUb7Fp3g Survey of ID Physicians on Gent and Rifampin Use: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32964063/ Bacteriological outcome of combination versus single-agent treatment for staphylococcal endocarditis: https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/52/5/820/760105 Treatment of experimental foreign body infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: https://journals.asm.org/doi/abs/10.1128/AAC.34.12.2312 Successful therapy of experimental chronic foreign-body infection due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by antimicrobial combinations: https://journals.asm.org/doi/abs/10.1128/aac.35.12.2611 Rifampin Combination Therapy for Nonmycobacterial Infections: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/CMR.00034-09 ARREST Trial: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)32456-X/fulltext Is Rifampin Use Associated With Better Outcome in Staphylococcal Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis? A Multicenter Retrospective Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32706879/ Nephrotoxicity of vancomycin, alone and with an aminoglycoside: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2351627/ Clinical Data on Daptomycin plus Ceftaroline versus Standard of Care Monotherapy in the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/AAC.02483-18 Multicenter Cohort of Patients With Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Receiving Daptomycin Plus Ceftaroline Compared With Other MRSA Treatments: https://academic.oup.com/ofid/article/7/1/ofz538/5691187 CERT Trial (in process): https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04886284 Rifampin for Surgically Treated Staphylococcal Infective Endocarditis: A Propensity Score-Adjusted Cohort Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26872729/ A step-by-step guide to implementing a multidisciplinary endocarditis team: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20499361211065596 Management of Infective Endocarditis in People Who Inject Drugs: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001090?cookieSet=1 Infectious Complications of Addiction: A Call for a New Subspecialty Within Infectious Diseases: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7319263/ A Cross-sectional Analysis of Linezolid in Combination with Methadone or Buprenorphine as a Cause of Serotonin Toxicity: https://academic.oup.com/ofid/article/9/7/ofac331/6625822 POET Trial: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1808312 Risk of New Bloodstream Infections and Mortality Among People Who Inject Drugs With Infective Endocarditis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32785635/ Comparing right- and left sided injection-drug related infective endocarditis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33441950/ Evaluation of Partial Oral Antibiotic Treatment for Persons Who Inject Drugs and Are Hospitalized With Invasive Infections: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7745005/ Dalbavancin as Primary and Sequential Treatment for Gram-Positive Infective Endocarditis: 2-Year Experience at the General Hospital of Vienna: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29659732/ Impact of the duration of antibiotic therapy on relapse and survival following surgery for active infective endocarditis: https://academic.oup.com/ejcts/article/55/4/760/5126415 Bacteriological Outcome after Valve Surgery for Active Infective Endocarditis: Implications for Duration of Treatment after Surgery: https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/41/2/187/529954 Long-term Risk of Hemorrhagic Stroke in Patients With Infective Endocarditis: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study: https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/68/4/668/5039147 Sign of the Times: Updating Infective Endocarditis Diagnostic Criteria to Recognize Enterococcus faecalis as a Typical Endocarditis Bacterium: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35262664/ Prevalence of colorectal disease in Enterococcus faecalis infective endocarditis: results of an observational multicenter study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31444092/ Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-7e7a98 for 40% off for 4 months, and support Breakpoints.

The number of monkeypox cases are rising across the US...How worried should you be about this virus? How can lab professionals use their voice to advocate for public health safety?In this “Ask the Expert” episode, Stephanie Whitehead talks with Dr. Rodney Rohde, a public health subject matter expert, to answer all your pressing questions about the monkeypox virus. Tune in and learn everything you need to know about the current monkeypox outbreak and other emerging dieases currently in the news. For a deeper dive into conversations with Dr. Rohde, be sure to check out S2 Ep. 20 "The Path to Least Antibiotic Resistance".Don't forget to share this episode with a colleague, friend or family member!Public Health resources recommended in this episode:Health Alert Network (HAN) | CDCHome - ProMED - ProMED-mail (promedmail.org)"Ask the Expert" Guest Bio:Dr. Rohde has published over 90 research articles and abstracts, two books and is a highly sought keynote presenter with over 100 international, national, and state conference presentations. His two books focus on Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) adaptation and Clinical Considerations in Rabies. In recent years, he has become a globally viral author subject matter expert utilizing invited articles, TEDx talks, podcasts, video casts and interviews to enhance science communication and translational health research literacy in public health, healthcare, and the medical laboratory environment.During the #SARSCoV2 / #COVID19 pandemic, Doc R is the #1 quoted Texas State subject matter expert and conducted over 150 interviews for podcasts, TV, newspapers, and internet sites including dozens of webinars and workshops at all levels. He has received numerous awards and honors during his career, and most recently, added to The Pathologist's PowerList 2020 and Cardinal Health's Laboratory Excellence List (2022).  Listeners can connect with Dr. Rodney Rohde at: Personal Website: https://rodneyerohde.wp.txstate.edu/Twitter: @RodneyRohde | @TXST_CLS | @TXST_THRLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneyerohde/ [personal]https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-state-clinical-laboratory-science-program/?viewAsMember=true [Texas State CLS Program]Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010172941875 [personal]https://www.facebook.com/txstate.cls/ [Texas State CLS Program]https://www.facebook.com/txst.THR/ [Texas State Translational Health Research]https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtWrOlPkjfLm2_i1G3ZVWBg [Youtube channel]Check out Dr Rhode's most recent publications and interviews about this topic:Invited Editorial [Editor Dr. Alison Bert] for Elsevier Connect – What do HIV and COVID-19 have to do with monkeypox? August 18, 2022. https://www.elsevier.com/connect/what-do-hiv-and-covid-19-have-to-do-with-monkeypox Monkeypox Information Center: White House OSTP promoted in a press release this week! (You're at the top of Public Health): https://www.elsevier.com/connect/monkeypox-information-center/_nocacheMonkeypox Arrives in the U.S.—Now What? Clinical Laboratory News, AACC.org July/August 2022. https://www.aacc.org/cln/articles/2022/julyaugust/monkeypox-arrives-in-the-us-now-whatInvited interview with Jacey Yarbrough and Marissa Mizroch of Spectrum News – Monkeypox. August 4, 2022. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/austin/news/2022/08/05/texas-colleges-and-universities-prepare-for-monkeypox-outbreaksInvited interview with Jala Washington of KXAN TV Austin – How Texas schools are preparing for possible monkeypox outbreaks. August 2, 2022. https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/how-texas-schools-are-preparing-for-possible-monkeypox-outbreaks/Invited interview with Richard Hollingham of The BBC – What is monkeypox and why is it spreading? August 2, 2022. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220801-what-is-monkeypox-and-why-is-it-spreadingPodcast Call to ActionWe would love to feature YOU!!!Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode or anyone from this season: Video ReviewBe an eLABorate Supporter!1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform2.     Don't forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review Be a Guest on our show!If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at elaboratetopics@directimpactbroadcasting.com.Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD, is an Ohio native and graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. While attending Cornell, she earned numerous awards, including the Dermatology Service Award for her aptitude in clinical dermatology and her research on Malassezia otitis externa. After graduation, she completed an internship at VCA Berwyn and Aurora Animal Hospitals in Chicago where she was awarded the Intern Abstract Award for her presentation on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Griffin returned to Cornell University in 2007 for a residency in dermatology and, after completing her residency-training program, served one year as an instructor of dermatology teaching fourth-year clinical students as well as lecturing to underclassmen on bacterial, fungal, and immune-mediated skin diseases.  Griffin became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) in August 2010 and joined the Animal Dermatology Group. She has a special interest in fungal and immune-mediated skin diseases as well as feline and equine dermatology. She enjoys lecturing to fellow veterinarians, mentoring residents, and teaching the veterinary students who extern with her. Griffin also stars in the Nat Geo WILD television series, “Pop Goes the Vet with Dr. Joya,” which highlights the challenging and mysterious cases she encounters in veterinary dermatology.  

In this “Ask the Expert” episode, co-host Stephanie Whitehead chats with Dr. Rodney Rohde about the global public health threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Tune as Stephanie and Dr. Rohde discuss ways to help prevent AMR, tips for being an advocate of this cause and much more! Be sure to check out Dr. Rohde's coauthored explainer article for TIPS-infectioncontrol.tips entitled Antimicrobial Resistance: A Review of a Broad-Spectrum Problem and Future Needs - InfectionControl.tips, as well as, his previous talks, YouTubes, articles and other bodies of work!And, share this episode with a lab or Microbiology colleague!Special Guest Bio:Dr. Rohde has published over 90 research articles and abstracts, two books and is a highly sought keynote presenter with over 100 international, national, and state conference presentations. His two books focus on Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) adaptation and Clinical Considerations in Rabies. In recent years, he has become a globally viral author subject matter expert utilizing invited articles, TEDx talks, podcasts, video casts and interviews to enhance science communication and translational health research literacy in public health, healthcare, and the medical laboratory environment. During the #SARSCoV2 / #COVID19 pandemic, Doc R is the #1 quoted Texas State subject matter expert and conducted over 150 interviews for podcasts, TV, newspapers, and internet sites including dozens of webinars and workshops at all levels. He has received numerous awards and honors during his career, and most recently, added to The Pathologist's PowerList 2020 and Cardinal Health's Laboratory Excellence List (2022).  Listeners can connect with Dr. Rodney Rohde at: Personal Website: https://rodneyerohde.wp.txstate.edu/Twitter: @RodneyRohde | @TXST_CLS | @TXST_THRLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodneyerohde/ [personal]https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-state-clinical-laboratory-science-program/?viewAsMember=true [Texas State CLS Program]Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010172941875 [personal]https://www.facebook.com/txstate.cls/ [Texas State CLS Program]https://www.facebook.com/txst.THR/ [Texas State Translational Health Research]https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtWrOlPkjfLm2_i1G3ZVWBg [Youtube channel]Call to ActionWe would love to feature YOU!!! Share your favorite takeaway from today's episode or anyone from this season: Video ReviewBe an eLABorate Supporter! 1.     Listen on directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform2.     Don't forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet, or notebook so you never miss an episode! 3.     Be sure to leave a comment, and share it with fellow medical laboratory professionals!4.     Join our eLABorate Topics Group on LinkedIn5.     Leave us a Video Review and we will feature you on our Social Media: Video Review Be a Guest on our show!If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us by completing the guest interest form or send us an e-mail us at elaboratetopics@directimpactbroadcasting.com.Please tune in next week to hear another amazing episode of eLABorate Topics!

After his excellent session atthe ECCMID meeting, Martin talks to Dr Gonzalo Bearman (Chief of Infectious Diseases at VCU Health, Editor in Chief of Antimicrobial Stewardship Healthcare Epidemiology (ASHE), footballer and drummer) about the removal of contact precautions for endemic organisms like MRSA and VRE and how evidence can change practice. Challenges of applying evidence from one setting to another are also discussed. Some of Gonzalo's papers on this subject are here: Bearman GM, et al. A controlled trial of universal gloving versus contact precautions for preventing the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms. Am J Infect Control. 2007;35(10):650-655.  https://10.1016/j.ajic.2007.02.011 McLemore A, et al. Effect of contact precautions on wait time from emergency room disposition to inpatient admission. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2011;32(3):298-299.  https://doi:10.1086/658913 Banach DB, et al. Duration of Contact Precautions for Acute-Care Settings. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018:1-18.  https://doi:10.1017/ice.2017.245 Bearman G, et al. Impact of Discontinuing Contact Precautions for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018;39(6):676-682.  https://doi:10.1017/ice.2018.57 Godbout EJ, et al. Impact of discontinuation of contact precautions on central-line associated bloodstream infections in an academic children's hospital. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2019:1-3.  Haessler S, et al. Stopping the routine use of contact precautions for management of MRSA and VRE at three academic medical centers: An interrupted time series analysis. Am J Infect Control. 2020;48(12):1466-1473.  https://doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2020.06.219 Morgan DJ, et al. Contact Precautions for Endemic MRSA and VRE: Time to Retire Legal Mandates. JAMA. 2017;318(4):329-330.  https://doi:10.1001/jama.2017.7419 Bearman G, et al. Control of drug-resistant pathogens in endemic settings: contact precautions, controversies, and a proposal for a less restrictive alternative. Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2012;14(6):620-626.  https://doi:10.1007/s11908-012-0299-8

After his excellent session atthe ECCMID meeting, Martin talks to Dr Gonzalo Bearman (Chief of Infectious Diseases at VCU Health, Editor in Chief of Antimicrobial Stewardship Healthcare Epidemiology (ASHE), footballer and drummer) about the removal of contact precautions for endemic organisms like MRSA and VRE and how evidence can change practice. Challenges of applying evidence from one setting to another are also discussed. Some of Gonzalo's papers on this subject are here: Bearman GM, et al. A controlled trial of universal gloving versus contact precautions for preventing the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms. Am J Infect Control. 2007;35(10):650-655.  https://10.1016/j.ajic.2007.02.011 McLemore A, et al. Effect of contact precautions on wait time from emergency room disposition to inpatient admission. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2011;32(3):298-299.  https://doi:10.1086/658913 Banach DB, et al. Duration of Contact Precautions for Acute-Care Settings. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018:1-18.  https://doi:10.1017/ice.2017.245 Bearman G, et al. Impact of Discontinuing Contact Precautions for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018;39(6):676-682.  https://doi:10.1017/ice.2018.57 Godbout EJ, et al. Impact of discontinuation of contact precautions on central-line associated bloodstream infections in an academic children's hospital. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2019:1-3.  Haessler S, et al. Stopping the routine use of contact precautions for management of MRSA and VRE at three academic medical centers: An interrupted time series analysis. Am J Infect Control. 2020;48(12):1466-1473.  https://doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2020.06.219 Morgan DJ, et al. Contact Precautions for Endemic MRSA and VRE: Time to Retire Legal Mandates. JAMA. 2017;318(4):329-330.  https://doi:10.1001/jama.2017.7419 Bearman G, et al. Control of drug-resistant pathogens in endemic settings: contact precautions, controversies, and a proposal for a less restrictive alternative. Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2012;14(6):620-626.  https://doi:10.1007/s11908-012-0299-8

You've likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? Tune in to today's episode to unlock the magic of turmeric!   Turmeric and Black Pepper: The Best Way to Take Turmeric? You've likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? One popular way to make the compounds in turmeric more bioavailable (absorbable and usable to the body) is to pair it with another popular cooking spice: black pepper [1]. But what if there was a better way than combining turmeric and black pepper? A way to boost turmeric's bioavailability, allowing it to more safely and effectively support the natural healing process?   The Healing Power of Turmeric Turmeric is a staple remedy from the traditional medicine systems of the Far East that has gained widespread popularity throughout the West in recent years as a “super” spice. Turmeric's many health-supportive properties are attributed to curcumin, a key component of turmeric that's associated with longevity. Curcumin is documented in the scientific literature as offering powerful support for the cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, immune, and cellular systems. It's also the part of turmeric that gives this root spice its rich, golden yellow color. But the truth of the matter is that humans have a difficult time getting all the health benefits from turmeric when consuming the spice all by itself. Research shows that only a very small portion of it is assimilated into the body when eaten in isolation. This is why many natural health experts suggest consuming turmeric along with black pepper (Piper nigrum). Black pepper contains a unique “bio-enhancer” compound known as piperine that significantly boosts turmeric's bioavailability – by as much as 2,000 percent, in fact. This is the reason why many turmeric and curcumin supplement products on the market today contain either black pepper or piperine.   The Problem: Black Pepper Isn't Good for Everyone This pairing approach of turmeric and black pepper comes with limitations, however, as too much black pepper can actually be detrimental to health – especially in people with gastrointestinal issues.Research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that consuming black pepper in excess can damage the mucosal lining of the gut, potentially causing bleeding or other injuries. Consuming high amounts of black pepper, this same study found, is akin to taking the painkiller drug aspirin [2]. In other words, aspirin represents a similar threat to the gut lining in terms of its tendency to cause serious erosions and ulcers in the intestinal tract [3]. This isn't to say that black pepper is inherently dangerous, and there's no need to toss out the pepper shaker just yet. After all, the amounts of black pepper required to induce such harm are far greater than what the average person consumes in their food on a daily basis. There's also evidence to show that taking curcumin along with just piperine, black pepper's primary alkaloid, is typically safe and causes “no adverse effects [4].” Even so, there's always the possibility that someone might react negatively to this combination – especially when taking very high doses of turmeric or curcumin for therapeutic purposes. For this reason, science set out to determine whether or not it was possible to retain turmeric's full bioavailability without the need for black pepper, piperine, or any other additive. And the good news is, it is possible.   Fermentation Increases the Power of Turmeric BETTER Than Black Pepper As it turns out, by fermenting turmeric its active constituents can be drawn out and made more potent in a way similar to, and potentially even greater than, black pepper. Here's another reason why fermented turmeric may be superior to turmeric and black pepper. Besides possibly upsetting a person's digestive system, black pepper is known to interfere with a process known as glucuronidation that's necessary for eliminating toxins from the body [5]. Put simply, too much black pepper can cause a buildup of xenoestrogens (harmful chemicals found in plastic and other everyday products) and other toxins that would otherwise be quickly eliminated from the body [6]. With simple fermentation, however, there's little-to-no risk of these types of complications. That's because there's nothing like black pepper getting in the way to block the body's important detoxification pathways. It's rather like eating fresh turmeric, which still contains all of the volatile (essential) oils that help to deliver the herb's active compounds throughout the body. Fermentation may even go a step beyond this by further optimizing turmeric's absorption potential. Research conducted on rat models found that fermented turmeric is, indeed, the best form of turmeric because it contains the most antioxidant power. Compared to ground turmeric in powder and probiotic forms, fermented turmeric led to substantially higher plasma antioxidant concentrations in test subjects [7]. In terms of how it affects the liver, fermented turmeric was shown in a paper out of South Korea to be powerfully hepatoprotective, meaning it shields the liver from damage. Not only that, but fermented turmeric was also shown to help improve the liver's functional detoxification potential [8] – as opposed to black pepper-potentiated turmeric that can inhibit natural detoxification. Fermented turmeric also contains more curcumin (the beneficial compound) than unfermented turmeric, by volume. In addition to improving both its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity, fermenting turmeric draws out an impressive 11% more curcumin compared to what's found in raw turmeric. Fermentation also makes turmeric 3.1 times more effective at scavenging oxidizing free radicals from the body [9]. Another area where fermented turmeric has a leg up on both unfermented turmeric and turmeric combined with black pepper is in the area of inflammation. Research published by The Korean Society for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology found that fermented turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, possessing the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines much more effectively than any other known form of turmeric. Fermented turmeric was further shown in this same study to protect against acute anaphylactic, or allergic, reactions [10]. From an antimicrobial perspective, fermented turmeric shows incredible potential against a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria, including drug-resistant “superbugs.” Research out of the Middle East found that fermented turmeric provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Entreococcus faecalis, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosae [11]. Research out of China found that fermented curcumin can be a powerful weapon against high cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia. While unfermented curcumin showed minimal-to-no benefits during the evaluation, its fermented counterpart significantly reduced serum lipid levels in test models [12].   Fermented Turmeric Increased Fat Loss in Animal Test Subjects Fermented turmeric also shows promise in fighting another undesirable form of fat: the obesity kind. Research out of South Korea found that consumption of fermented turmeric can alter the expression of certain genes involved with lipid accumulation, effectively preventing them from communicating to the body that it's time to pack on extra pounds [13]. Related research published a year later, also out of South Korea, reiterated these findings while building upon them. Obese rats fed a high-fat diet not only didn't gain more weight when also consuming fermented turmeric, but they further lost weight as a result of consuming the herb as part of their daily eating routines [14].   Preventing Impairment of Learning and Memory Research has shown there are brain benefits associated with fermented turmeric as well. Among the findings fleshed out in a paper published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine was evidence suggesting that fermented turmeric has the potential to mitigate memory impairment while supporting optimized learning and memory ability in mice [15]. While more research needs to be done, the evidence so far seems clear… fermentation is the key to “unlocking” the incredible healing potential of turmeric, while avoiding the potential side effects of combining turmeric and black pepper.   Resources: Turmeric 3D by Organixx ParActin®: A Potent Form of Andrographis Paniculata for Pain Support & More – Episode 87 The BIG 3 Anti-Inflammatories – Episode 88 [1] Recent developments in delivery, bioavailability, absorption and metabolism of curcumin: the golden pigment from golden spice. [2] Effect of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach. [3] The Effects of Aspirin and Acetaminophen on the Stomach in Healthy Volunteers [4] Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. [5] Turmeric, Hold the Black Pepper Please! [6] Glucuronidation [7] Study on enhanced absorption of phenolic compounds of Lactobacillus‐fermented turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) beverages in rats [8] The effectiveness of fermented turmeric powder in subjects with elevated alanine transaminase levels: a randomised controlled study [9] Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Fermented Tumeric (Curcuma longa L.) [10] Antiinflammatory and Antiallergic Activity of Fermented Turmeric by Lactobacillus [11] Influence of solid state fermentation by Trichoderma spp. on solubility, phenolic content, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of commercial turmeric. [12] Study of the property of lipids reducing of curcumin on hyperlipidemia mice after fermented by Monascus purureus. [13] Evaluation of the Anti-obesity Activity of Platycodon grandiflorum Root and Curcuma longa Root Fermented with Aspergillus oryzae [14] Anti-obesity effect of extract from fermented Curcuma longa L. through regulation of adipogenesis and lipolysis pathway in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. [15] The protective effect of fermented Curcuma longa L. on memory dysfunction in oxidative stress-induced C6 gliomal cells, proinflammatory-activated BV2 microglial cells, and scopolamine-induced amnesia model in mice [16] Is Turmeric Good for Your Heart? Here's What the Science Shows [17] 10 Surprising Ways Turmeric Benefits a Woman's Health

You've likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? Tune in to today's episode to unlock the magic of turmeric!   Turmeric and Black Pepper: The Best Way to Take Turmeric? You've likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? One popular way to make the compounds in turmeric more bioavailable (absorbable and usable to the body) is to pair it with another popular cooking spice: black pepper [1]. But what if there was a better way than combining turmeric and black pepper? A way to boost turmeric's bioavailability, allowing it to more safely and effectively support the natural healing process?   The Healing Power of Turmeric Turmeric is a staple remedy from the traditional medicine systems of the Far East that has gained widespread popularity throughout the West in recent years as a “super” spice. Turmeric's many health-supportive properties are attributed to curcumin, a key component of turmeric that's associated with longevity. Curcumin is documented in the scientific literature as offering powerful support for the cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, immune, and cellular systems. It's also the part of turmeric that gives this root spice its rich, golden yellow color. But the truth of the matter is that humans have a difficult time getting all the health benefits from turmeric when consuming the spice all by itself. Research shows that only a very small portion of it is assimilated into the body when eaten in isolation. This is why many natural health experts suggest consuming turmeric along with black pepper (Piper nigrum). Black pepper contains a unique “bio-enhancer” compound known as piperine that significantly boosts turmeric's bioavailability – by as much as 2,000 percent, in fact. This is the reason why many turmeric and curcumin supplement products on the market today contain either black pepper or piperine.   The Problem: Black Pepper Isn't Good for Everyone This pairing approach of turmeric and black pepper comes with limitations, however, as too much black pepper can actually be detrimental to health – especially in people with gastrointestinal issues.Research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that consuming black pepper in excess can damage the mucosal lining of the gut, potentially causing bleeding or other injuries. Consuming high amounts of black pepper, this same study found, is akin to taking the painkiller drug aspirin [2]. In other words, aspirin represents a similar threat to the gut lining in terms of its tendency to cause serious erosions and ulcers in the intestinal tract [3]. This isn't to say that black pepper is inherently dangerous, and there's no need to toss out the pepper shaker just yet. After all, the amounts of black pepper required to induce such harm are far greater than what the average person consumes in their food on a daily basis. There's also evidence to show that taking curcumin along with just piperine, black pepper's primary alkaloid, is typically safe and causes “no adverse effects [4].” Even so, there's always the possibility that someone might react negatively to this combination – especially when taking very high doses of turmeric or curcumin for therapeutic purposes. For this reason, science set out to determine whether or not it was possible to retain turmeric's full bioavailability without the need for black pepper, piperine, or any other additive. And the good news is, it is possible.   Fermentation Increases the Power of Turmeric BETTER Than Black Pepper As it turns out, by fermenting turmeric its active constituents can be drawn out and made more potent in a way similar to, and potentially even greater than, black pepper. Here's another reason why fermented turmeric may be superior to turmeric and black pepper. Besides possibly upsetting a person's digestive system, black pepper is known to interfere with a process known as glucuronidation that's necessary for eliminating toxins from the body [5]. Put simply, too much black pepper can cause a buildup of xenoestrogens (harmful chemicals found in plastic and other everyday products) and other toxins that would otherwise be quickly eliminated from the body [6]. With simple fermentation, however, there's little-to-no risk of these types of complications. That's because there's nothing like black pepper getting in the way to block the body's important detoxification pathways. It's rather like eating fresh turmeric, which still contains all of the volatile (essential) oils that help to deliver the herb's active compounds throughout the body. Fermentation may even go a step beyond this by further optimizing turmeric's absorption potential. Research conducted on rat models found that fermented turmeric is, indeed, the best form of turmeric because it contains the most antioxidant power. Compared to ground turmeric in powder and probiotic forms, fermented turmeric led to substantially higher plasma antioxidant concentrations in test subjects [7]. In terms of how it affects the liver, fermented turmeric was shown in a paper out of South Korea to be powerfully hepatoprotective, meaning it shields the liver from damage. Not only that, but fermented turmeric was also shown to help improve the liver's functional detoxification potential [8] – as opposed to black pepper-potentiated turmeric that can inhibit natural detoxification. Fermented turmeric also contains more curcumin (the beneficial compound) than unfermented turmeric, by volume. In addition to improving both its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity, fermenting turmeric draws out an impressive 11% more curcumin compared to what's found in raw turmeric. Fermentation also makes turmeric 3.1 times more effective at scavenging oxidizing free radicals from the body [9]. Another area where fermented turmeric has a leg up on both unfermented turmeric and turmeric combined with black pepper is in the area of inflammation. Research published by The Korean Society for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology found that fermented turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, possessing the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines much more effectively than any other known form of turmeric. Fermented turmeric was further shown in this same study to protect against acute anaphylactic, or allergic, reactions [10]. From an antimicrobial perspective, fermented turmeric shows incredible potential against a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria, including drug-resistant “superbugs.” Research out of the Middle East found that fermented turmeric provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Entreococcus faecalis, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosae [11]. Research out of China found that fermented curcumin can be a powerful weapon against high cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia. While unfermented curcumin showed minimal-to-no benefits during the evaluation, its fermented counterpart significantly reduced serum lipid levels in test models [12].   Fermented Turmeric Increased Fat Loss in Animal Test Subjects Fermented turmeric also shows promise in fighting another undesirable form of fat: the obesity kind. Research out of South Korea found that consumption of fermented turmeric can alter the expression of certain genes involved with lipid accumulation, effectively preventing them from communicating to the body that it's time to pack on extra pounds [13]. Related research published a year later, also out of South Korea, reiterated these findings while building upon them. Obese rats fed a high-fat diet not only didn't gain more weight when also consuming fermented turmeric, but they further lost weight as a result of consuming the herb as part of their daily eating routines [14].   Preventing Impairment of Learning and Memory Research has shown there are brain benefits associated with fermented turmeric as well. Among the findings fleshed out in a paper published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine was evidence suggesting that fermented turmeric has the potential to mitigate memory impairment while supporting optimized learning and memory ability in mice [15]. While more research needs to be done, the evidence so far seems clear… fermentation is the key to “unlocking” the incredible healing potential of turmeric, while avoiding the potential side effects of combining turmeric and black pepper.   Resources: Turmeric 3D by Organixx ParActin®: A Potent Form of Andrographis Paniculata for Pain Support & More – Episode 87 The BIG 3 Anti-Inflammatories – Episode 88 [1] Recent developments in delivery, bioavailability, absorption and metabolism of curcumin: the golden pigment from golden spice. [2] Effect of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach. [3] The Effects of Aspirin and Acetaminophen on the Stomach in Healthy Volunteers [4] Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. [5] Turmeric, Hold the Black Pepper Please! [6] Glucuronidation [7] Study on enhanced absorption of phenolic compounds of Lactobacillus‐fermented turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) beverages in rats [8] The effectiveness of fermented turmeric powder in subjects with elevated alanine transaminase levels: a randomised controlled study [9] Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Fermented Tumeric (Curcuma longa L.) [10] Antiinflammatory and Antiallergic Activity of Fermented Turmeric by Lactobacillus [11] Influence of solid state fermentation by Trichoderma spp. on solubility, phenolic content, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of commercial turmeric. [12] Study of the property of lipids reducing of curcumin on hyperlipidemia mice after fermented by Monascus purureus. [13] Evaluation of the Anti-obesity Activity of Platycodon grandiflorum Root and Curcuma longa Root Fermented with Aspergillus oryzae [14] Anti-obesity effect of extract from fermented Curcuma longa L. through regulation of adipogenesis and lipolysis pathway in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. [15] The protective effect of fermented Curcuma longa L. on memory dysfunction in oxidative stress-induced C6 gliomal cells, proinflammatory-activated BV2 microglial cells, and scopolamine-induced amnesia model in mice [16] Is Turmeric Good for Your Heart? Here's What the Science Shows [17] 10 Surprising Ways Turmeric Benefits a Woman's Health

You've likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? Tune in to today's episode to unlock the magic of turmeric!   Turmeric and Black Pepper: The Best Way to Take Turmeric? You've likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? One popular way to make the compounds in turmeric more bioavailable (absorbable and usable to the body) is to pair it with another popular cooking spice: black pepper [1]. But what if there was a better way than combining turmeric and black pepper? A way to boost turmeric's bioavailability, allowing it to more safely and effectively support the natural healing process?   The Healing Power of Turmeric Turmeric is a staple remedy from the traditional medicine systems of the Far East that has gained widespread popularity throughout the West in recent years as a “super” spice. Turmeric's many health-supportive properties are attributed to curcumin, a key component of turmeric that's associated with longevity. Curcumin is documented in the scientific literature as offering powerful support for the cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, immune, and cellular systems. It's also the part of turmeric that gives this root spice its rich, golden yellow color. But the truth of the matter is that humans have a difficult time getting all the health benefits from turmeric when consuming the spice all by itself. Research shows that only a very small portion of it is assimilated into the body when eaten in isolation. This is why many natural health experts suggest consuming turmeric along with black pepper (Piper nigrum). Black pepper contains a unique “bio-enhancer” compound known as piperine that significantly boosts turmeric's bioavailability – by as much as 2,000 percent, in fact. This is the reason why many turmeric and curcumin supplement products on the market today contain either black pepper or piperine.   The Problem: Black Pepper Isn't Good for Everyone This pairing approach of turmeric and black pepper comes with limitations, however, as too much black pepper can actually be detrimental to health – especially in people with gastrointestinal issues.Research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that consuming black pepper in excess can damage the mucosal lining of the gut, potentially causing bleeding or other injuries. Consuming high amounts of black pepper, this same study found, is akin to taking the painkiller drug aspirin [2]. In other words, aspirin represents a similar threat to the gut lining in terms of its tendency to cause serious erosions and ulcers in the intestinal tract [3]. This isn't to say that black pepper is inherently dangerous, and there's no need to toss out the pepper shaker just yet. After all, the amounts of black pepper required to induce such harm are far greater than what the average person consumes in their food on a daily basis. There's also evidence to show that taking curcumin along with just piperine, black pepper's primary alkaloid, is typically safe and causes “no adverse effects [4].” Even so, there's always the possibility that someone might react negatively to this combination – especially when taking very high doses of turmeric or curcumin for therapeutic purposes. For this reason, science set out to determine whether or not it was possible to retain turmeric's full bioavailability without the need for black pepper, piperine, or any other additive. And the good news is, it is possible.   Fermentation Increases the Power of Turmeric BETTER Than Black Pepper As it turns out, by fermenting turmeric its active constituents can be drawn out and made more potent in a way similar to, and potentially even greater than, black pepper. Here's another reason why fermented turmeric may be superior to turmeric and black pepper. Besides possibly upsetting a person's digestive system, black pepper is known to interfere with a process known as glucuronidation that's necessary for eliminating toxins from the body [5]. Put simply, too much black pepper can cause a buildup of xenoestrogens (harmful chemicals found in plastic and other everyday products) and other toxins that would otherwise be quickly eliminated from the body [6]. With simple fermentation, however, there's little-to-no risk of these types of complications. That's because there's nothing like black pepper getting in the way to block the body's important detoxification pathways. It's rather like eating fresh turmeric, which still contains all of the volatile (essential) oils that help to deliver the herb's active compounds throughout the body. Fermentation may even go a step beyond this by further optimizing turmeric's absorption potential. Research conducted on rat models found that fermented turmeric is, indeed, the best form of turmeric because it contains the most antioxidant power. Compared to ground turmeric in powder and probiotic forms, fermented turmeric led to substantially higher plasma antioxidant concentrations in test subjects [7]. In terms of how it affects the liver, fermented turmeric was shown in a paper out of South Korea to be powerfully hepatoprotective, meaning it shields the liver from damage. Not only that, but fermented turmeric was also shown to help improve the liver's functional detoxification potential [8] – as opposed to black pepper-potentiated turmeric that can inhibit natural detoxification. Fermented turmeric also contains more curcumin (the beneficial compound) than unfermented turmeric, by volume. In addition to improving both its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity, fermenting turmeric draws out an impressive 11% more curcumin compared to what's found in raw turmeric. Fermentation also makes turmeric 3.1 times more effective at scavenging oxidizing free radicals from the body [9]. Another area where fermented turmeric has a leg up on both unfermented turmeric and turmeric combined with black pepper is in the area of inflammation. Research published by The Korean Society for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology found that fermented turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, possessing the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines much more effectively than any other known form of turmeric. Fermented turmeric was further shown in this same study to protect against acute anaphylactic, or allergic, reactions [10]. From an antimicrobial perspective, fermented turmeric shows incredible potential against a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria, including drug-resistant “superbugs.” Research out of the Middle East found that fermented turmeric provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Entreococcus faecalis, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosae [11]. Research out of China found that fermented curcumin can be a powerful weapon against high cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia. While unfermented curcumin showed minimal-to-no benefits during the evaluation, its fermented counterpart significantly reduced serum lipid levels in test models [12].   Fermented Turmeric Increased Fat Loss in Animal Test Subjects Fermented turmeric also shows promise in fighting another undesirable form of fat: the obesity kind. Research out of South Korea found that consumption of fermented turmeric can alter the expression of certain genes involved with lipid accumulation, effectively preventing them from communicating to the body that it's time to pack on extra pounds [13]. Related research published a year later, also out of South Korea, reiterated these findings while building upon them. Obese rats fed a high-fat diet not only didn't gain more weight when also consuming fermented turmeric, but they further lost weight as a result of consuming the herb as part of their daily eating routines [14].   Preventing Impairment of Learning and Memory Research has shown there are brain benefits associated with fermented turmeric as well. Among the findings fleshed out in a paper published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine was evidence suggesting that fermented turmeric has the potential to mitigate memory impairment while supporting optimized learning and memory ability in mice [15]. While more research needs to be done, the evidence so far seems clear… fermentation is the key to “unlocking” the incredible healing potential of turmeric, while avoiding the potential side effects of combining turmeric and black pepper.   Resources: Turmeric 3D by Organixx ParActin®: A Potent Form of Andrographis Paniculata for Pain Support & More – Episode 87 The BIG 3 Anti-Inflammatories – Episode 88 [1] Recent developments in delivery, bioavailability, absorption and metabolism of curcumin: the golden pigment from golden spice. [2] Effect of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach. [3] The Effects of Aspirin and Acetaminophen on the Stomach in Healthy Volunteers [4] Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. [5] Turmeric, Hold the Black Pepper Please! [6] Glucuronidation [7] Study on enhanced absorption of phenolic compounds of Lactobacillus‐fermented turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) beverages in rats [8] The effectiveness of fermented turmeric powder in subjects with elevated alanine transaminase levels: a randomised controlled study [9] Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Fermented Tumeric (Curcuma longa L.) [10] Antiinflammatory and Antiallergic Activity of Fermented Turmeric by Lactobacillus [11] Influence of solid state fermentation by Trichoderma spp. on solubility, phenolic content, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of commercial turmeric. [12] Study of the property of lipids reducing of curcumin on hyperlipidemia mice after fermented by Monascus purureus. [13] Evaluation of the Anti-obesity Activity of Platycodon grandiflorum Root and Curcuma longa Root Fermented with Aspergillus oryzae [14] Anti-obesity effect of extract from fermented Curcuma longa L. through regulation of adipogenesis and lipolysis pathway in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. [15] The protective effect of fermented Curcuma longa L. on memory dysfunction in oxidative stress-induced C6 gliomal cells, proinflammatory-activated BV2 microglial cells, and scopolamine-induced amnesia model in mice [16] Is Turmeric Good for Your Heart? Here's What the Science Shows [17] 10 Surprising Ways Turmeric Benefits a Woman's Health

You've likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? Tune in to today's episode to unlock the magic of turmeric!   Turmeric and Black Pepper: The Best Way to Take Turmeric? You've likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? One popular way to make the compounds in turmeric more bioavailable (absorbable and usable to the body) is to pair it with another popular cooking spice: black pepper [1]. But what if there was a better way than combining turmeric and black pepper? A way to boost turmeric's bioavailability, allowing it to more safely and effectively support the natural healing process?   The Healing Power of Turmeric Turmeric is a staple remedy from the traditional medicine systems of the Far East that has gained widespread popularity throughout the West in recent years as a “super” spice. Turmeric's many health-supportive properties are attributed to curcumin, a key component of turmeric that's associated with longevity. Curcumin is documented in the scientific literature as offering powerful support for the cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, immune, and cellular systems. It's also the part of turmeric that gives this root spice its rich, golden yellow color. But the truth of the matter is that humans have a difficult time getting all the health benefits from turmeric when consuming the spice all by itself. Research shows that only a very small portion of it is assimilated into the body when eaten in isolation. This is why many natural health experts suggest consuming turmeric along with black pepper (Piper nigrum). Black pepper contains a unique “bio-enhancer” compound known as piperine that significantly boosts turmeric's bioavailability – by as much as 2,000 percent, in fact. This is the reason why many turmeric and curcumin supplement products on the market today contain either black pepper or piperine.   The Problem: Black Pepper Isn't Good for Everyone This pairing approach of turmeric and black pepper comes with limitations, however, as too much black pepper can actually be detrimental to health – especially in people with gastrointestinal issues.Research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that consuming black pepper in excess can damage the mucosal lining of the gut, potentially causing bleeding or other injuries. Consuming high amounts of black pepper, this same study found, is akin to taking the painkiller drug aspirin [2]. In other words, aspirin represents a similar threat to the gut lining in terms of its tendency to cause serious erosions and ulcers in the intestinal tract [3]. This isn't to say that black pepper is inherently dangerous, and there's no need to toss out the pepper shaker just yet. After all, the amounts of black pepper required to induce such harm are far greater than what the average person consumes in their food on a daily basis. There's also evidence to show that taking curcumin along with just piperine, black pepper's primary alkaloid, is typically safe and causes “no adverse effects [4].” Even so, there's always the possibility that someone might react negatively to this combination – especially when taking very high doses of turmeric or curcumin for therapeutic purposes. For this reason, science set out to determine whether or not it was possible to retain turmeric's full bioavailability without the need for black pepper, piperine, or any other additive. And the good news is, it is possible.   Fermentation Increases the Power of Turmeric BETTER Than Black Pepper As it turns out, by fermenting turmeric its active constituents can be drawn out and made more potent in a way similar to, and potentially even greater than, black pepper. Here's another reason why fermented turmeric may be superior to turmeric and black pepper. Besides possibly upsetting a person's digestive system, black pepper is known to interfere with a process known as glucuronidation that's necessary for eliminating toxins from the body [5]. Put simply, too much black pepper can cause a buildup of xenoestrogens (harmful chemicals found in plastic and other everyday products) and other toxins that would otherwise be quickly eliminated from the body [6]. With simple fermentation, however, there's little-to-no risk of these types of complications. That's because there's nothing like black pepper getting in the way to block the body's important detoxification pathways. It's rather like eating fresh turmeric, which still contains all of the volatile (essential) oils that help to deliver the herb's active compounds throughout the body. Fermentation may even go a step beyond this by further optimizing turmeric's absorption potential. Research conducted on rat models found that fermented turmeric is, indeed, the best form of turmeric because it contains the most antioxidant power. Compared to ground turmeric in powder and probiotic forms, fermented turmeric led to substantially higher plasma antioxidant concentrations in test subjects [7]. In terms of how it affects the liver, fermented turmeric was shown in a paper out of South Korea to be powerfully hepatoprotective, meaning it shields the liver from damage. Not only that, but fermented turmeric was also shown to help improve the liver's functional detoxification potential [8] – as opposed to black pepper-potentiated turmeric that can inhibit natural detoxification. Fermented turmeric also contains more curcumin (the beneficial compound) than unfermented turmeric, by volume. In addition to improving both its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity, fermenting turmeric draws out an impressive 11% more curcumin compared to what's found in raw turmeric. Fermentation also makes turmeric 3.1 times more effective at scavenging oxidizing free radicals from the body [9]. Another area where fermented turmeric has a leg up on both unfermented turmeric and turmeric combined with black pepper is in the area of inflammation. Research published by The Korean Society for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology found that fermented turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, possessing the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines much more effectively than any other known form of turmeric. Fermented turmeric was further shown in this same study to protect against acute anaphylactic, or allergic, reactions [10]. From an antimicrobial perspective, fermented turmeric shows incredible potential against a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria, including drug-resistant “superbugs.” Research out of the Middle East found that fermented turmeric provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Entreococcus faecalis, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosae [11]. Research out of China found that fermented curcumin can be a powerful weapon against high cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia. While unfermented curcumin showed minimal-to-no benefits during the evaluation, its fermented counterpart significantly reduced serum lipid levels in test models [12].   Fermented Turmeric Increased Fat Loss in Animal Test Subjects Fermented turmeric also shows promise in fighting another undesirable form of fat: the obesity kind. Research out of South Korea found that consumption of fermented turmeric can alter the expression of certain genes involved with lipid accumulation, effectively preventing them from communicating to the body that it's time to pack on extra pounds [13]. Related research published a year later, also out of South Korea, reiterated these findings while building upon them. Obese rats fed a high-fat diet not only didn't gain more weight when also consuming fermented turmeric, but they further lost weight as a result of consuming the herb as part of their daily eating routines [14].   Preventing Impairment of Learning and Memory Research has shown there are brain benefits associated with fermented turmeric as well. Among the findings fleshed out in a paper published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine was evidence suggesting that fermented turmeric has the potential to mitigate memory impairment while supporting optimized learning and memory ability in mice [15]. While more research needs to be done, the evidence so far seems clear… fermentation is the key to “unlocking” the incredible healing potential of turmeric, while avoiding the potential side effects of combining turmeric and black pepper.   Resources: Turmeric 3D by Organixx ParActin®: A Potent Form of Andrographis Paniculata for Pain Support & More – Episode 87 The BIG 3 Anti-Inflammatories – Episode 88 [1] Recent developments in delivery, bioavailability, absorption and metabolism of curcumin: the golden pigment from golden spice. [2] Effect of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach. [3] The Effects of Aspirin and Acetaminophen on the Stomach in Healthy Volunteers [4] Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. [5] Turmeric, Hold the Black Pepper Please! [6] Glucuronidation [7] Study on enhanced absorption of phenolic compounds of Lactobacillus‐fermented turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) beverages in rats [8] The effectiveness of fermented turmeric powder in subjects with elevated alanine transaminase levels: a randomised controlled study [9] Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Fermented Tumeric (Curcuma longa L.) [10] Antiinflammatory and Antiallergic Activity of Fermented Turmeric by Lactobacillus [11] Influence of solid state fermentation by Trichoderma spp. on solubility, phenolic content, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of commercial turmeric. [12] Study of the property of lipids reducing of curcumin on hyperlipidemia mice after fermented by Monascus purureus. [13] Evaluation of the Anti-obesity Activity of Platycodon grandiflorum Root and Curcuma longa Root Fermented with Aspergillus oryzae [14] Anti-obesity effect of extract from fermented Curcuma longa L. through regulation of adipogenesis and lipolysis pathway in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. [15] The protective effect of fermented Curcuma longa L. on memory dysfunction in oxidative stress-induced C6 gliomal cells, proinflammatory-activated BV2 microglial cells, and scopolamine-induced amnesia model in mice [16] Is Turmeric Good for Your Heart? Here's What the Science Shows [17] 10 Surprising Ways Turmeric Benefits a Woman's Health

In this week's episode, Martin Kiernan talks to Professor Jennie Wilson of the Richard Wells Research Centre at the University of West London and current Infection Prevention Society President. We discuss her recent editorial, co-written with Associate Professor Jacqui Prieto from the University of Southampton. After 25 years of contact precautions, first introduced as putative best practice, the evidence to support this intervention has not appeared and there are suggestions that harms may be being caused through poor implementation. Contact precautions add PPE and physical isolation to Standard Precautions, however does this lead to over, and inappropriate use of PPE that is not required?   Papers cited during the podcast include: Wilson J, Prieto J. Re-visiting contact precautions – 25 years on. Journal of Infection Prevention. 2021;22:242-4. Doi: 1177/17571774211059988 Bearman G, Abbas S, Masroor N, Sanogo K, Vanhoozer G, Cooper K, et al. Impact of Discontinuing Contact Precautions for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018;39:676-82. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29580304  

In this week's episode, Martin Kiernan talks to Professor Jennie Wilson of the Richard Wells Research Centre at the University of West London and current Infection Prevention Society President. We discuss her recent editorial, co-written with Associate Professor Jacqui Prieto from the University of Southampton. After 25 years of contact precautions, first introduced as putative best practice, the evidence to support this intervention has not appeared and there are suggestions that harms may be being caused through poor implementation. Contact precautions add PPE and physical isolation to Standard Precautions, however does this lead to over, and inappropriate use of PPE that is not required?   Papers cited during the podcast include: Wilson J, Prieto J. Re-visiting contact precautions – 25 years on. Journal of Infection Prevention. 2021;22:242-4. Doi: 1177/17571774211059988 Bearman G, Abbas S, Masroor N, Sanogo K, Vanhoozer G, Cooper K, et al. Impact of Discontinuing Contact Precautions for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018;39:676-82. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29580304  

For over 50 years, the standard has been that Staph aureus bacteremia and endovascular infections must be treated with a bactericidal antibiotic, like beta lactams or vancomycin. A new study suggests that bacteriostatic antibiotic, like clindamycin, could be used to treat MRSA bacteremia.Redeem your CPE or CME credit here! References and resources: Guthridge I, Smith S, Law M, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Lincosamide Therapy in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2021 Aug 17;65(9):e0034321. doi: 10.1128/AAC.00343-21. Epub 2021 Aug 17. PMID: 34125589.Continuing Education Information:Learning Objectives: 1. Identify if an uncomplicated patient with MRSA bacteremia may be eligible for bacteriostatic medications2. Describe some of the advantages of using drugs like clindamycin in these patients0.05 CEU | 0.5 HrsACPE UAN: 0107-0000-21-339-H01-PInitial release date: 10/12/21Expiration date: 10/12/2022Complete CPE & CME details can be found here !What's new?GameChangers Pharmacotherapy Podcast will release new episodes on Mondays starting 10/18/2021We are making it easier to claim CE Credit for listening each week! This October - we'll launch a simple, one membership option so you can get one-click CE redemption for GameChangers episodes.  Name changes! You'll notice the podcast show will change to CEimpact - you'll still get new GameChangers episodes released each week on Mondays. Keep listening here and your feed will automatically switch over to CEimpact on 10/18.

You've likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? Tune in to today's episode to unlock the magic of turmeric!   Turmeric and Black Pepper: The Best Way to Take Turmeric? You've likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? One popular way to make the compounds in turmeric more bioavailable (absorbable and usable to the body) is to pair it with another popular cooking spice: black pepper [1]. But what if there was a better way than combining turmeric and black pepper? A way to boost turmeric's bioavailability, allowing it to more safely and effectively support the natural healing process?   The Healing Power of Turmeric Turmeric is a staple remedy from the traditional medicine systems of the Far East that has gained widespread popularity throughout the West in recent years as a “super” spice. Turmeric's many health-supportive properties are attributed to curcumin, a key component of turmeric that's associated with longevity. Curcumin is documented in the scientific literature as offering powerful support for the cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, immune, and cellular systems. It's also the part of turmeric that gives this root spice its rich, golden yellow color. But the truth of the matter is that humans have a difficult time getting all the health benefits from turmeric when consuming the spice all by itself. Research shows that only a very small portion of it is assimilated into the body when eaten in isolation. This is why many natural health experts suggest consuming turmeric along with black pepper (Piper nigrum). Black pepper contains a unique “bio-enhancer” compound known as piperine that significantly boosts turmeric's bioavailability – by as much as 2,000 percent, in fact. This is the reason why many turmeric and curcumin supplement products on the market today contain either black pepper or piperine.   The Problem: Black Pepper Isn't Good for Everyone This pairing approach of turmeric and black pepper comes with limitations, however, as too much black pepper can actually be detrimental to health – especially in people with gastrointestinal issues.Research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that consuming black pepper in excess can damage the mucosal lining of the gut, potentially causing bleeding or other injuries. Consuming high amounts of black pepper, this same study found, is akin to taking the painkiller drug aspirin [2]. In other words, aspirin represents a similar threat to the gut lining in terms of its tendency to cause serious erosions and ulcers in the intestinal tract [3]. This isn't to say that black pepper is inherently dangerous, and there's no need to toss out the pepper shaker just yet. After all, the amounts of black pepper required to induce such harm are far greater than what the average person consumes in their food on a daily basis. There's also evidence to show that taking curcumin along with just piperine, black pepper's primary alkaloid, is typically safe and causes “no adverse effects [4].” Even so, there's always the possibility that someone might react negatively to this combination – especially when taking very high doses of turmeric or curcumin for therapeutic purposes. For this reason, science set out to determine whether or not it was possible to retain turmeric's full bioavailability without the need for black pepper, piperine, or any other additive. And the good news is, it is possible.   Fermentation Increases the Power of Turmeric BETTER Than Black Pepper As it turns out, by fermenting turmeric its active constituents can be drawn out and made more potent in a way similar to, and potentially even greater than, black pepper. Here's another reason why fermented turmeric may be superior to turmeric and black pepper. Besides possibly upsetting a person's digestive system, black pepper is known to interfere with a process known as glucuronidation that's necessary for eliminating toxins from the body [5]. Put simply, too much black pepper can cause a buildup of xenoestrogens (harmful chemicals found in plastic and other everyday products) and other toxins that would otherwise be quickly eliminated from the body [6]. With simple fermentation, however, there's little-to-no risk of these types of complications. That's because there's nothing like black pepper getting in the way to block the body's important detoxification pathways. It's rather like eating fresh turmeric, which still contains all of the volatile (essential) oils that help to deliver the herb's active compounds throughout the body. Fermentation may even go a step beyond this by further optimizing turmeric's absorption potential. Research conducted on rat models found that fermented turmeric is, indeed, the best form of turmeric because it contains the most antioxidant power. Compared to ground turmeric in powder and probiotic forms, fermented turmeric led to substantially higher plasma antioxidant concentrations in test subjects [7]. In terms of how it affects the liver, fermented turmeric was shown in a paper out of South Korea to be powerfully hepatoprotective, meaning it shields the liver from damage. Not only that, but fermented turmeric was also shown to help improve the liver's functional detoxification potential [8] – as opposed to black pepper-potentiated turmeric that can inhibit natural detoxification. Fermented turmeric also contains more curcumin (the beneficial compound) than unfermented turmeric, by volume. In addition to improving both its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity, fermenting turmeric draws out an impressive 11% more curcumin compared to what's found in raw turmeric. Fermentation also makes turmeric 3.1 times more effective at scavenging oxidizing free radicals from the body [9]. Another area where fermented turmeric has a leg up on both unfermented turmeric and turmeric combined with black pepper is in the area of inflammation. Research published by The Korean Society for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology found that fermented turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, possessing the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines much more effectively than any other known form of turmeric. Fermented turmeric was further shown in this same study to protect against acute anaphylactic, or allergic, reactions [10]. From an antimicrobial perspective, fermented turmeric shows incredible potential against a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria, including drug-resistant “superbugs.” Research out of the Middle East found that fermented turmeric provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Entreococcus faecalis, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosae [11]. Research out of China found that fermented curcumin can be a powerful weapon against high cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia. While unfermented curcumin showed minimal-to-no benefits during the evaluation, its fermented counterpart significantly reduced serum lipid levels in test models [12].   Fermented Turmeric Increased Fat Loss in Animal Test Subjects Fermented turmeric also shows promise in fighting another undesirable form of fat: the obesity kind. Research out of South Korea found that consumption of fermented turmeric can alter the expression of certain genes involved with lipid accumulation, effectively preventing them from communicating to the body that it's time to pack on extra pounds [13]. Related research published a year later, also out of South Korea, reiterated these findings while building upon them. Obese rats fed a high-fat diet not only didn't gain more weight when also consuming fermented turmeric, but they further lost weight as a result of consuming the herb as part of their daily eating routines [14].   Preventing Impairment of Learning and Memory Research has shown there are brain benefits associated with fermented turmeric as well. Among the findings fleshed out in a paper published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine was evidence suggesting that fermented turmeric has the potential to mitigate memory impairment while supporting optimized learning and memory ability in mice [15]. While more research needs to be done, the evidence so far seems clear… fermentation is the key to “unlocking” the incredible healing potential of turmeric, while avoiding the potential side effects of combining turmeric and black pepper.   DEEP DIVE RESOURCES          Turmeric 3D by Organixx ParActin®: A Potent Form of Andrographis Paniculata for Pain Support & More – Episode 87 The BIG 3 Anti-Inflammatories – Episode 88 [1] Recent developments in delivery, bioavailability, absorption and metabolism of curcumin: the golden pigment from golden spice. [2] Effect of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach. [3] The Effects of Aspirin and Acetaminophen on the Stomach in Healthy Volunteers [4] Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. [5] Turmeric, Hold the Black Pepper Please! [6] Glucuronidation [7] Study on enhanced absorption of phenolic compounds of Lactobacillus‐fermented turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) beverages in rats [8] The effectiveness of fermented turmeric powder in subjects with elevated alanine transaminase levels: a randomised controlled study [9] Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Fermented Tumeric (Curcuma longa L.) [10] Antiinflammatory and Antiallergic Activity of Fermented Turmeric by Lactobacillus [11] Influence of solid state fermentation by Trichoderma spp. on solubility, phenolic content, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of commercial turmeric. [12] Study of the property of lipids reducing of curcumin on hyperlipidemia mice after fermented by Monascus purureus. [13] Evaluation of the Anti-obesity Activity of Platycodon grandiflorum Root and Curcuma longa Root Fermented with Aspergillus oryzae [14] Anti-obesity effect of extract from fermented Curcuma longa L. through regulation of adipogenesis and lipolysis pathway in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. [15] The protective effect of fermented Curcuma longa L. on memory dysfunction in oxidative stress-induced C6 gliomal cells, proinflammatory-activated BV2 microglial cells, and scopolamine-induced amnesia model in mice

You've likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? Tune in to today's episode to unlock the magic of turmeric!   Turmeric and Black Pepper: The Best Way to Take Turmeric? You've likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? One popular way to make the compounds in turmeric more bioavailable (absorbable and usable to the body) is to pair it with another popular cooking spice: black pepper [1]. But what if there was a better way than combining turmeric and black pepper? A way to boost turmeric's bioavailability, allowing it to more safely and effectively support the natural healing process?   The Healing Power of Turmeric Turmeric is a staple remedy from the traditional medicine systems of the Far East that has gained widespread popularity throughout the West in recent years as a “super” spice. Turmeric's many health-supportive properties are attributed to curcumin, a key component of turmeric that's associated with longevity. Curcumin is documented in the scientific literature as offering powerful support for the cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, immune, and cellular systems. It's also the part of turmeric that gives this root spice its rich, golden yellow color. But the truth of the matter is that humans have a difficult time getting all the health benefits from turmeric when consuming the spice all by itself. Research shows that only a very small portion of it is assimilated into the body when eaten in isolation. This is why many natural health experts suggest consuming turmeric along with black pepper (Piper nigrum). Black pepper contains a unique “bio-enhancer” compound known as piperine that significantly boosts turmeric's bioavailability – by as much as 2,000 percent, in fact. This is the reason why many turmeric and curcumin supplement products on the market today contain either black pepper or piperine.   The Problem: Black Pepper Isn't Good for Everyone This pairing approach of turmeric and black pepper comes with limitations, however, as too much black pepper can actually be detrimental to health – especially in people with gastrointestinal issues.Research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that consuming black pepper in excess can damage the mucosal lining of the gut, potentially causing bleeding or other injuries. Consuming high amounts of black pepper, this same study found, is akin to taking the painkiller drug aspirin [2]. In other words, aspirin represents a similar threat to the gut lining in terms of its tendency to cause serious erosions and ulcers in the intestinal tract [3]. This isn't to say that black pepper is inherently dangerous, and there's no need to toss out the pepper shaker just yet. After all, the amounts of black pepper required to induce such harm are far greater than what the average person consumes in their food on a daily basis. There's also evidence to show that taking curcumin along with just piperine, black pepper's primary alkaloid, is typically safe and causes “no adverse effects [4].” Even so, there's always the possibility that someone might react negatively to this combination – especially when taking very high doses of turmeric or curcumin for therapeutic purposes. For this reason, science set out to determine whether or not it was possible to retain turmeric's full bioavailability without the need for black pepper, piperine, or any other additive. And the good news is, it is possible.   Fermentation Increases the Power of Turmeric BETTER Than Black Pepper As it turns out, by fermenting turmeric its active constituents can be drawn out and made more potent in a way similar to, and potentially even greater than, black pepper. Here's another reason why fermented turmeric may be superior to turmeric and black pepper. Besides possibly upsetting a person's digestive system, black pepper is known to interfere with a process known as glucuronidation that's necessary for eliminating toxins from the body [5]. Put simply, too much black pepper can cause a buildup of xenoestrogens (harmful chemicals found in plastic and other everyday products) and other toxins that would otherwise be quickly eliminated from the body [6]. With simple fermentation, however, there's little-to-no risk of these types of complications. That's because there's nothing like black pepper getting in the way to block the body's important detoxification pathways. It's rather like eating fresh turmeric, which still contains all of the volatile (essential) oils that help to deliver the herb's active compounds throughout the body. Fermentation may even go a step beyond this by further optimizing turmeric's absorption potential. Research conducted on rat models found that fermented turmeric is, indeed, the best form of turmeric because it contains the most antioxidant power. Compared to ground turmeric in powder and probiotic forms, fermented turmeric led to substantially higher plasma antioxidant concentrations in test subjects [7]. In terms of how it affects the liver, fermented turmeric was shown in a paper out of South Korea to be powerfully hepatoprotective, meaning it shields the liver from damage. Not only that, but fermented turmeric was also shown to help improve the liver's functional detoxification potential [8] – as opposed to black pepper-potentiated turmeric that can inhibit natural detoxification. Fermented turmeric also contains more curcumin (the beneficial compound) than unfermented turmeric, by volume. In addition to improving both its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity, fermenting turmeric draws out an impressive 11% more curcumin compared to what's found in raw turmeric. Fermentation also makes turmeric 3.1 times more effective at scavenging oxidizing free radicals from the body [9]. Another area where fermented turmeric has a leg up on both unfermented turmeric and turmeric combined with black pepper is in the area of inflammation. Research published by The Korean Society for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology found that fermented turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, possessing the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines much more effectively than any other known form of turmeric. Fermented turmeric was further shown in this same study to protect against acute anaphylactic, or allergic, reactions [10]. From an antimicrobial perspective, fermented turmeric shows incredible potential against a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria, including drug-resistant “superbugs.” Research out of the Middle East found that fermented turmeric provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Entreococcus faecalis, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosae [11]. Research out of China found that fermented curcumin can be a powerful weapon against high cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia. While unfermented curcumin showed minimal-to-no benefits during the evaluation, its fermented counterpart significantly reduced serum lipid levels in test models [12].   Fermented Turmeric Increased Fat Loss in Animal Test Subjects Fermented turmeric also shows promise in fighting another undesirable form of fat: the obesity kind. Research out of South Korea found that consumption of fermented turmeric can alter the expression of certain genes involved with lipid accumulation, effectively preventing them from communicating to the body that it's time to pack on extra pounds [13]. Related research published a year later, also out of South Korea, reiterated these findings while building upon them. Obese rats fed a high-fat diet not only didn't gain more weight when also consuming fermented turmeric, but they further lost weight as a result of consuming the herb as part of their daily eating routines [14].   Preventing Impairment of Learning and Memory Research has shown there are brain benefits associated with fermented turmeric as well. Among the findings fleshed out in a paper published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine was evidence suggesting that fermented turmeric has the potential to mitigate memory impairment while supporting optimized learning and memory ability in mice [15]. While more research needs to be done, the evidence so far seems clear… fermentation is the key to “unlocking” the incredible healing potential of turmeric, while avoiding the potential side effects of combining turmeric and black pepper.   DEEP DIVE RESOURCES          Turmeric 3D by Organixx ParActin®: A Potent Form of Andrographis Paniculata for Pain Support & More – Episode 87 The BIG 3 Anti-Inflammatories – Episode 88 [1] Recent developments in delivery, bioavailability, absorption and metabolism of curcumin: the golden pigment from golden spice. [2] Effect of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach. [3] The Effects of Aspirin and Acetaminophen on the Stomach in Healthy Volunteers [4] Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. [5] Turmeric, Hold the Black Pepper Please! [6] Glucuronidation [7] Study on enhanced absorption of phenolic compounds of Lactobacillus‐fermented turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) beverages in rats [8] The effectiveness of fermented turmeric powder in subjects with elevated alanine transaminase levels: a randomised controlled study [9] Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Fermented Tumeric (Curcuma longa L.) [10] Antiinflammatory and Antiallergic Activity of Fermented Turmeric by Lactobacillus [11] Influence of solid state fermentation by Trichoderma spp. on solubility, phenolic content, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of commercial turmeric. [12] Study of the property of lipids reducing of curcumin on hyperlipidemia mice after fermented by Monascus purureus. [13] Evaluation of the Anti-obesity Activity of Platycodon grandiflorum Root and Curcuma longa Root Fermented with Aspergillus oryzae [14] Anti-obesity effect of extract from fermented Curcuma longa L. through regulation of adipogenesis and lipolysis pathway in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. [15] The protective effect of fermented Curcuma longa L. on memory dysfunction in oxidative stress-induced C6 gliomal cells, proinflammatory-activated BV2 microglial cells, and scopolamine-induced amnesia model in mice

Turmeric and Black Pepper: The Best Way to Take Turmeric? You’ve likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? One popular way to make the compounds in turmeric more bioavailable (absorbable and usable to the body) is to pair it with another popular cooking spice: black pepper [1]. But what if there was a better way than combining turmeric and black pepper? A way to boost turmeric’s bioavailability, allowing it to more safely and effectively support the natural healing process? The Healing Power of Turmeric Turmeric is a staple remedy from the traditional medicine systems of the Far East that has gained widespread popularity throughout the West in recent years as a “super” spice. Turmeric’s many health-supportive properties are attributed to curcumin, a key component of turmeric that’s associated with longevity. Curcumin is documented in the scientific literature as offering powerful support for the cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, immune, and cellular systems. It’s also the part of turmeric that gives this root spice its rich, golden yellow color. But the truth of the matter is that humans have a difficult time getting all the health benefits from turmeric when consuming the spice all by itself. Research shows that only a very small portion of it is assimilated into the body when eaten in isolation. This is why many natural health experts suggest consuming turmeric along with black pepper (Piper nigrum). Black pepper contains a unique “bio-enhancer” compound known as piperine that significantly boosts turmeric’s bioavailability – by as much as 2,000 percent, in fact. This is the reason why many turmeric and curcumin supplement products on the market today contain either black pepper or piperine. The Problem: Black Pepper Isn’t Good for Everyone This pairing approach of turmeric and black pepper comes with limitations, however, as too much black pepper can actually be detrimental to health – especially in people with gastrointestinal issues.Research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that consuming black pepper in excess can damage the mucosal lining of the gut, potentially causing bleeding or other injuries. Consuming high amounts of black pepper, this same study found, is akin to taking the painkiller drug aspirin [2]. In other words, aspirin represents a similar threat to the gut lining in terms of its tendency to cause serious erosions and ulcers in the intestinal tract [3]. This isn’t to say that black pepper is inherently dangerous, and there’s no need to toss out the pepper shaker just yet. After all, the amounts of black pepper required to induce such harm are far greater than what the average person consumes in their food on a daily basis. There’s also evidence to show that taking curcumin along with just piperine, black pepper’s primary alkaloid, is typically safe and causes “no adverse effects [4].” Even so, there’s always the possibility that someone might react negatively to this combination – especially when taking very high doses of turmeric or curcumin for therapeutic purposes. For this reason, science set out to determine whether or not it was possible to retain turmeric’s full bioavailability without the need for black pepper, piperine, or any other additive. And the good news is, it is possible. Fermentation Increases the Power of Turmeric BETTER Than Black Pepper As it turns out, by fermenting turmeric its active constituents can be drawn out and made more potent in a way similar to, and potentially even greater than, black pepper. Here’s another reason why fermented turmeric may be superior to turmeric and black pepper. Besides possibly upsetting a person’s digestive system, black pepper is known to interfere with a process known as glucuronidation that’s necessary for eliminating toxins from the body [5]. Put simply, too much black pepper can cause a buildup of xenoestrogens (harmful chemicals found in plastic and other everyday products) and other toxins that would otherwise be quickly eliminated from the body [6]. With simple fermentation, however, there’s little-to-no risk of these types of complications. That’s because there’s nothing like black pepper getting in the way to block the body’s important detoxification pathways. It’s rather like eating fresh turmeric, which still contains all of the volatile (essential) oils that help to deliver the herb’s active compounds throughout the body. Fermentation may even go a step beyond this by further optimizing turmeric’s absorption potential.   Research conducted on rat models found that fermented turmeric is, indeed, the best form of turmeric because it contains the most antioxidant power. Compared to ground turmeric in powder and probiotic forms, fermented turmeric led to substantially higher plasma antioxidant concentrations in test subjects [7]. In terms of how it affects the liver, fermented turmeric was shown in a paper out of South Korea to be powerfully hepatoprotective, meaning it shields the liver from damage. Not only that, but fermented turmeric was also shown to help improve the liver’s functional detoxification potential [8] – as opposed to black pepper-potentiated turmeric that can inhibit natural detoxification. Fermented turmeric also contains more curcumin (the beneficial compound) than unfermented turmeric, by volume. In addition to improving both its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity, fermenting turmeric draws out an impressive 11% more curcumin compared to what’s found in raw turmeric. Fermentation also makes turmeric 3.1 times more effective at scavenging oxidizing free radicals from the body [9]. Another area where fermented turmeric has a leg up on both unfermented turmeric and turmeric combined with black pepper is in the area of inflammation. Research published by The Korean Society for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology found that fermented turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, possessing the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines much more effectively than any other known form of turmeric. Fermented turmeric was further shown in this same study to protect against acute anaphylactic, or allergic, reactions [10]. From an antimicrobial perspective, fermented turmeric shows incredible potential against a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria, including drug-resistant “superbugs.” Research out of the Middle East found that fermented turmeric provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Entreococcus faecalis, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosae [11]. Research out of China found that fermented curcumin can be a powerful weapon against high cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia. While unfermented curcumin showed minimal-to-no benefits during the evaluation, its fermented counterpart significantly reduced serum lipid levels in test models [12]. Fermented Turmeric Increased Fat Loss in Animal Test Subjects Fermented turmeric also shows promise in fighting another undesirable form of fat: the obesity kind. Research out of South Korea found that consumption of fermented turmeric can alter the expression of certain genes involved with lipid accumulation, effectively preventing them from communicating to the body that it’s time to pack on extra pounds [13]. Related research published a year later, also out of South Korea, reiterated these findings while building upon them. Obese rats fed a high-fat diet not only didn’t gain more weight when also consuming fermented turmeric, but they further lost weight as a result of consuming the herb as part of their daily eating routines [14]. Preventing Impairment of Learning and Memory Research has shown there are brain benefits associated with fermented turmeric as well. Among the findings fleshed out in a paper published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine was evidence suggesting that fermented turmeric has the potential to mitigate memory impairment while supporting optimized learning and memory ability in mice [15]. While more research needs to be done, the evidence so far seems clear… fermentation is the key to “unlocking” the incredible healing potential of turmeric, while avoiding the potential side effects of combining turmeric and black pepper.   DEEP DIVE RESOURCES           Turmeric 3D by Organixx https://shop.organixx.com/a/secure/checkout/OobbS9ROAoETfnAGmGDF?ch-tn-box=first-box&gl=5d8908c502e26b5f0c38083c   ParActin®: A Potent Form of Andrographis Paniculata for Pain Support & More – Episode 87 https://organixx.com/empowering-you-organically/paractin-potent-form-of-andrographis-paniculata-for-pain-support/   The BIG 3 Anti-Inflammatories – Episode 88 https://organixx.com/empowering-you-organically/the-big-3-anti-inflammatories/ [1] Recent developments in delivery, bioavailability, absorption and metabolism of curcumin: the golden pigment from golden spice. [2] Effect of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach. [3] The Effects of Aspirin and Acetaminophen on the Stomach in Healthy Volunteers [4] Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. [5] Turmeric, Hold the Black Pepper Please! [6] Glucuronidation [7] Study on enhanced absorption of phenolic compounds of Lactobacillus‐fermented turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) beverages in rats [8] The effectiveness of fermented turmeric powder in subjects with elevated alanine transaminase levels: a randomised controlled study [9] Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Fermented Tumeric (Curcuma longa L.) [10] Antiinflammatory and Antiallergic Activity of Fermented Turmeric by Lactobacillus [11] Influence of solid state fermentation by Trichoderma spp. on solubility, phenolic content, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of commercial turmeric. [12] Study of the property of lipids reducing of curcumin on hyperlipidemia mice after fermented by Monascus purureus. [13] Evaluation of the Anti-obesity Activity of Platycodon grandiflorum Root and Curcuma longa Root Fermented with Aspergillus oryzae [14] Anti-obesity effect of extract from fermented Curcuma longa L. through regulation of adipogenesis and lipolysis pathway in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. [15] The protective effect of fermented Curcuma longa L. on memory dysfunction in oxidative stress-induced C6 gliomal cells, proinflammatory-activated BV2 microglial cells, and scopolamine-induced amnesia model in mice Subscribe to Empowering You Organically 
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Turmeric and Black Pepper: The Best Way to Take Turmeric? You’ve likely heard about the many health benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and its compound curcumin. But did you know that it can be difficult to “unlock” the nutrients in turmeric so your body can actually take full advantage of them? One popular way to make the compounds in turmeric more bioavailable (absorbable and usable to the body) is to pair it with another popular cooking spice: black pepper [1]. But what if there was a better way than combining turmeric and black pepper? A way to boost turmeric’s bioavailability, allowing it to more safely and effectively support the natural healing process? The Healing Power of Turmeric Turmeric is a staple remedy from the traditional medicine systems of the Far East that has gained widespread popularity throughout the West in recent years as a “super” spice. Turmeric’s many health-supportive properties are attributed to curcumin, a key component of turmeric that’s associated with longevity. Curcumin is documented in the scientific literature as offering powerful support for the cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, immune, and cellular systems. It’s also the part of turmeric that gives this root spice its rich, golden yellow color. But the truth of the matter is that humans have a difficult time getting all the health benefits from turmeric when consuming the spice all by itself. Research shows that only a very small portion of it is assimilated into the body when eaten in isolation. This is why many natural health experts suggest consuming turmeric along with black pepper (Piper nigrum). Black pepper contains a unique “bio-enhancer” compound known as piperine that significantly boosts turmeric’s bioavailability – by as much as 2,000 percent, in fact. This is the reason why many turmeric and curcumin supplement products on the market today contain either black pepper or piperine. The Problem: Black Pepper Isn’t Good for Everyone This pairing approach of turmeric and black pepper comes with limitations, however, as too much black pepper can actually be detrimental to health – especially in people with gastrointestinal issues.Research published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that consuming black pepper in excess can damage the mucosal lining of the gut, potentially causing bleeding or other injuries. Consuming high amounts of black pepper, this same study found, is akin to taking the painkiller drug aspirin [2]. In other words, aspirin represents a similar threat to the gut lining in terms of its tendency to cause serious erosions and ulcers in the intestinal tract [3]. This isn’t to say that black pepper is inherently dangerous, and there’s no need to toss out the pepper shaker just yet. After all, the amounts of black pepper required to induce such harm are far greater than what the average person consumes in their food on a daily basis. There’s also evidence to show that taking curcumin along with just piperine, black pepper’s primary alkaloid, is typically safe and causes “no adverse effects [4].” Even so, there’s always the possibility that someone might react negatively to this combination – especially when taking very high doses of turmeric or curcumin for therapeutic purposes. For this reason, science set out to determine whether or not it was possible to retain turmeric’s full bioavailability without the need for black pepper, piperine, or any other additive. And the good news is, it is possible. Fermentation Increases the Power of Turmeric BETTER Than Black Pepper As it turns out, by fermenting turmeric its active constituents can be drawn out and made more potent in a way similar to, and potentially even greater than, black pepper. Here’s another reason why fermented turmeric may be superior to turmeric and black pepper. Besides possibly upsetting a person’s digestive system, black pepper is known to interfere with a process known as glucuronidation that’s necessary for eliminating toxins from the body [5]. Put simply, too much black pepper can cause a buildup of xenoestrogens (harmful chemicals found in plastic and other everyday products) and other toxins that would otherwise be quickly eliminated from the body [6]. With simple fermentation, however, there’s little-to-no risk of these types of complications. That’s because there’s nothing like black pepper getting in the way to block the body’s important detoxification pathways. It’s rather like eating fresh turmeric, which still contains all of the volatile (essential) oils that help to deliver the herb’s active compounds throughout the body. Fermentation may even go a step beyond this by further optimizing turmeric’s absorption potential.   Research conducted on rat models found that fermented turmeric is, indeed, the best form of turmeric because it contains the most antioxidant power. Compared to ground turmeric in powder and probiotic forms, fermented turmeric led to substantially higher plasma antioxidant concentrations in test subjects [7]. In terms of how it affects the liver, fermented turmeric was shown in a paper out of South Korea to be powerfully hepatoprotective, meaning it shields the liver from damage. Not only that, but fermented turmeric was also shown to help improve the liver’s functional detoxification potential [8] – as opposed to black pepper-potentiated turmeric that can inhibit natural detoxification. Fermented turmeric also contains more curcumin (the beneficial compound) than unfermented turmeric, by volume. In addition to improving both its antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity, fermenting turmeric draws out an impressive 11% more curcumin compared to what’s found in raw turmeric. Fermentation also makes turmeric 3.1 times more effective at scavenging oxidizing free radicals from the body [9]. Another area where fermented turmeric has a leg up on both unfermented turmeric and turmeric combined with black pepper is in the area of inflammation. Research published by The Korean Society for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology found that fermented turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, possessing the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines much more effectively than any other known form of turmeric. Fermented turmeric was further shown in this same study to protect against acute anaphylactic, or allergic, reactions [10]. From an antimicrobial perspective, fermented turmeric shows incredible potential against a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria, including drug-resistant “superbugs.” Research out of the Middle East found that fermented turmeric provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Entreococcus faecalis, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosae [11]. Research out of China found that fermented curcumin can be a powerful weapon against high cholesterol, also known as hyperlipidemia. While unfermented curcumin showed minimal-to-no benefits during the evaluation, its fermented counterpart significantly reduced serum lipid levels in test models [12]. Fermented Turmeric Increased Fat Loss in Animal Test Subjects Fermented turmeric also shows promise in fighting another undesirable form of fat: the obesity kind. Research out of South Korea found that consumption of fermented turmeric can alter the expression of certain genes involved with lipid accumulation, effectively preventing them from communicating to the body that it’s time to pack on extra pounds [13]. Related research published a year later, also out of South Korea, reiterated these findings while building upon them. Obese rats fed a high-fat diet not only didn’t gain more weight when also consuming fermented turmeric, but they further lost weight as a result of consuming the herb as part of their daily eating routines [14]. Preventing Impairment of Learning and Memory Research has shown there are brain benefits associated with fermented turmeric as well. Among the findings fleshed out in a paper published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine was evidence suggesting that fermented turmeric has the potential to mitigate memory impairment while supporting optimized learning and memory ability in mice [15]. While more research needs to be done, the evidence so far seems clear… fermentation is the key to “unlocking” the incredible healing potential of turmeric, while avoiding the potential side effects of combining turmeric and black pepper.   DEEP DIVE RESOURCES           Turmeric 3D by Organixx https://shop.organixx.com/a/secure/checkout/OobbS9ROAoETfnAGmGDF?ch-tn-box=first-box&gl=5d8908c502e26b5f0c38083c ParActin®: A Potent Form of Andrographis Paniculata for Pain Support & More – Episode 87 https://organixx.com/empowering-you-organically/paractin-potent-form-of-andrographis-paniculata-for-pain-support/ The BIG 3 Anti-Inflammatories – Episode 88 https://organixx.com/empowering-you-organically/the-big-3-anti-inflammatories/ [1] Recent developments in delivery, bioavailability, absorption and metabolism of curcumin: the golden pigment from golden spice. [2] Effect of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach. [3] The Effects of Aspirin and Acetaminophen on the Stomach in Healthy Volunteers [4] Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. [5] Turmeric, Hold the Black Pepper Please! [6] Glucuronidation [7] Study on enhanced absorption of phenolic compounds of Lactobacillus‐fermented turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) beverages in rats [8] The effectiveness of fermented turmeric powder in subjects with elevated alanine transaminase levels: a randomised controlled study [9] Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Effects of Fermented Tumeric (Curcuma longa L.) [10] Antiinflammatory and Antiallergic Activity of Fermented Turmeric by Lactobacillus [11] Influence of solid state fermentation by Trichoderma spp. on solubility, phenolic content, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of commercial turmeric. [12] Study of the property of lipids reducing of curcumin on hyperlipidemia mice after fermented by Monascus purureus. [13] Evaluation of the Anti-obesity Activity of Platycodon grandiflorum Root and Curcuma longa Root Fermented with Aspergillus oryzae [14] Anti-obesity effect of extract from fermented Curcuma longa L. through regulation of adipogenesis and lipolysis pathway in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. [15] The protective effect of fermented Curcuma longa L. on memory dysfunction in oxidative stress-induced C6 gliomal cells, proinflammatory-activated BV2 microglial cells, and scopolamine-induced amnesia model in mice Subscribe to Empowering You Organically 
Never miss an episode!  APPLE PODCASTS                 SPOTIFY                  GOOGLE PODCASTS    

https://aornjournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aorn.12946

Elle Russ chats with Dr. Corey Riser - a Chiropractic Physician and a practicing Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with over 300 hours of post-doctoral Functional Endocrinology and Clinical Nutrition education.  Originally from Zanesville, Ohio, Dr. Riser began his work in alternative medicine through his award-winning Undergraduate Thesis study on Bacteriophage Therapy of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a preferred treatment method over traditional antibiotics. While attending graduate school, Dr. Riser’s passion for alternative medicine developed after the passing of his grandmother, mother, and father in a two-year span.  He watched as conventional medicine treatment with drug therapy and a lack of nutritional guidance continued time and time again to fail his family members and ultimately led to untimely deaths.  It was at this time that he redirected his efforts toward Functional Medicine education. In 2017, Dr. Riser founded Functional Health Center of the Carolinas, a highly regarded Functional Medicine clinic in Charlotte, North Carolina. It has quickly become one of the most sought after “Chronic Disease Reversal” clinics in the region. As the Clinic Director, the focus of Dr. Riser’s practice is primarily Functional Medicine treatment of Type II Diabetes, Thyroid Disorders, Cognitive Decline, and Autoimmune disease. Dr. Riser has made it a priority to help the Carolina region combat a devastatingly high incidence of chronic disease and obesity through Functional Medicine, Paleo, and nutraceutical interventions. SELECTED LINKS: www.fhccarolinas.com instagram.com/fhccarolinas facebook.com/fhccarolinas

Episode Notes The very real danger of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and our ongoing failure to take control of the overuse and misuse of antibiotics on our planet.For more reading, consider the following sources:Alexander Fleming Biography Biography.com (website) August 7, 2019Antibiotic Resistance Position paper World Health Organization, February 5, 2018Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant E. coli in Retail Chicken: Comparing Conventional, Organic, Kosher, and Raised without Antibiotics. Version 2. Jack M. Millman et al. in F1000Research, Vol. 2, Article No. 155. Published online September 2, 2013.Multidrug-Resistant and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Hog Slaughter and Processing Plant Workers and Their Community in North Carolina (USA). Ricardo Castillo Neyra et al. in Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 122, No. 5, pages 471–477; May 2014.Livestock-Associated Staphylococcus aureus: The United States Experience. Tara C. Smith in PLOS Pathogens, Vol. 11, No. 2, Article No. e1004564; February 5, 2015.Detection of Airborne Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Inside and Downwind of a Swine Building, and in Animal Feed: Potential Occupational, Animal Health, and Environmental Implications. Dwight D. Ferguson et al. in Journal of Agromedicine, Vol. 21, No. 2, pages 149–153; 2016.Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Pigs and Farm Workers on Conventional and Antibiotic-Free Swine Farms in the USA. Tara C. Smith et al. in PLOS ONE, Vol. 8, No. 5, Article No. e63704; May 7, 2013.This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

En el podcast 149 nos habiamos referido a este tema del tratamiento optimo de la bacteriemia por S. aureus meticilino-resistente. Ahora acaba de ser presentado el estudio CAMERA 2 en el Congreso Europeo de Microbiología Clinica y Enfermedades Infecciosas. Trajo sorpresas. Lo comentamos en nuestro programa de esta semana.  Referencias: Matthew Geriak y colaboradores. Clinical Data on Daptomycin Plus Ceftaroline Versus Standard of Care Monotherapy in the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia. Antimicrob Agent Chemother 2019. Joshua S Davis y colaboradores. Combination of Vancomycin and β-Lactam Therapy for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: A Pilot Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Infect Dis 2016; 62 92) 173-80. Joshua S. Davis, Steven Y.C. Tong y colaboradores. L0014 Combination antibiotic therapy for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia: the CAMERA2 randomised controlled trial   La tomamos del poeta Fernando Pessoa, nacido el 13 de junio de 1888 y fallecido en Lisboa el 30 de noviembre de 1935. Fue uno los más grandes poetas y figura literaria portuguesa en el siglo XX. Pero además fue escritor, crítico literario, traductor, editor y filósofo.   Pessoa fue un escritor prolífico que no recibió reconocimiento hasta después de su muerte. Como dato interesante no solo escribió bajo su propio nombre sin que lo hizo también bajo, por lo menos, otros setenta y dos nombres más a los cuales no se refería como seudonimos y prefería llamarlos heterónimos. Pessoa les dio a sus heterónimos una vida completa separada de la suya, asignándoles y adoptando a su vez la psicología, la estética y la política de cada persona.Estas figuras imaginarias a veces sostenían opiniones impopulares o extremas.     “Llega el momento en que es necesario abandonar las ropas usada que ya tienen la forma de nuestro cuerpo y olvidar los caminos que nos llevan siempre a los mismos lugares Es el momento de la travesía. Y, si no osamos emprenderla, Nos habremos quedado para siempre Al margen de nosotros mismos”    

En el programa de esta semana hablamos sobre el tratamiento de la bacteriemia por S. aureus meticilino-resistente: ¿es suficiente la terapia antibiótica única o debería ser combinada?   Referencias:   Matthew Geriak y colaboradores. Clinical Data on Daptomycin Plus Ceftaroline Versus Standard of Care Monotherapy in the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia. Antimicrob Agent Chemother 2019. Abhay Dhand y colaboradores. Use of Antistaphylococcal b-Lactams to Increase Daptomycin Activity in Eradicating Persistent Bacteremia Due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Role of Enhanced Daptomycin Binding. Clin Infect Dis 2011; 53(2):158-163. Joshua S Davis y colaboradores. Combination of Vancomycin and β-Lactam Therapy for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: A Pilot Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Infect Dis 2016; 62 92) 173-80.   La Frase de la Semana:   Esta semana la tomamos de Nicolás Maquiavelo, diplomático, filósofo y escritor italiano nacido en 1469. Mejor conocido por ser el escritor del tratado de política “El Príncipe”. Fue diplomático durante 14 años de la Republica Florentina de Italia durante el exilio de la Familia Medici, pero como todo llega a su final, cuando la familia Medici regresa al poder en 1512 Maquiavelo es despedido y encarcelado (aunque brevemente). Muere en Florencia en 1527. La Frase dice:   “No hay nada más difícil de llevar a cabo, más peligroso de conducir o más incierto en su éxito que llevar la iniciativa en la introducción de un nuevo orden de cosas”            

Superbugs have been in the news a lot lately, MRSA especially, but have you ever wondered what it is or why it's so scary? Find out here!   References

Reading by Daniel Morgan, MD, author of Reconsidering Isolation Precautions for Endemic Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus

In today's VetGirl podcast, we'll discuss the prevalence and risk factors for growing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus -; what we'll call MRS from now on - from dogs with pyoderma. Clinically, what do we see with dogs that have a superficial pyoderma? Classic lesions include pustules, papules, epidermal collarettes, and crusts.

In today's VetGirl podcast, we'll discuss the prevalence and risk factors for growing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus -; what we'll call MRS from now on - from dogs with pyoderma. Clinically, what do we see with dogs that have a superficial pyoderma? Classic lesions include pustules, papules, epidermal collarettes, and crusts.

Background: Nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a well defined risk factor for subsequent bacteremia and death in various groups of patients, but its impact on outcome in patients receiving long-term hemodialysis (HD) is under debate. Methods: This prospective interventional cohort study (performed 2004 to 2010) enrolled 289 HD outpatients of an urban dialysis-unit. Nasal swab cultures for MRSA were performed in all patients upon first admission, at transfer from another dialysis facility or readmission after hospitalisation. Nasal MRSA carriers were treated in a separate ward and received mupirocin nasal ointment. Concomitant extra-nasal MRSA colonization was treated with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinse (throat) or octenidine dihydrochloride containing antiseptic soaps and 2% chlorhexidine body washes (skin). Clinical data and outcome of carriers and noncarriers were systematically analyzed. Results: The screening approach identified 34 nasal MRSA carriers (11.7%). Extra-nasal MRSA colonization was observed in 11/34 (32%) nasal MRSA carriers. History of malignancy and an increased Charlson Comorbidity Index were significant predictors for nasal MRSA carriers, whereas traditional risk factors for MRSA colonization or markers of inflammation or malnutrition were not able to discriminate. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significant survival differences between MRSA carriers and noncarriers. Mupirocin ointment persistently eliminated nasal MRSA colonization in 26/34 (73.5%) patients. Persistent nasal MRSA carriers with failure of this eradication approach had an extremely poor prognosis with an all-cause mortality rate >85%. Conclusions: Nasal MRSA carriage with failure of mupirocin decolonization was associated with increased mortality despite a lack of overt clinical signs of infection. Further studies are needed to demonstrate whether nasal MRSA colonization represents a novel predictor of worse outcome or just another surrogate marker of the burden of comorbid diseases leading to fatal outcome in HD patients.

A diversity of MRSA isolates are circulating in your local hospital and community. MRSA have sophisticated mechanisms for virulence in human hosts. Patients positive for MRSA must be isolated and treated aggressively to prevent secondary infections and spread. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics provide the sensitivity and turn around time necessary to identify carriers. Speaker: John C. Osiecki, Ph.D., Roche Diagnostics

Interview with Alessandro de Alarcon, MD, MPH, author of Screening and Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Children Undergoing Open Airway Surgery

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Harrisons Online Update

Marin Kollef, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the department of pulmonary and critical care medicine at the Washington University School of Medicine and director of medical critical care at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, discusses his article in the Aug issue of Critical Care Medicine, "Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Sterile-Site Infection: The Importance of Appropriate Initial Antimicrobial Treatment." (Crit Care Med; 2006, 34(8):2069-2074)