Truths, tips for tasty, trendy turmeric
The hard-to-describe flavor of turmeric (musty, pungent, bitter, gingery, aromatic, orangey) has become popular in the U.S.
These days, Instagram-fueled fans advocate the spicy root and its active ingredient curcumin for everything from teas, smoothies and curries to cures for joint pain, gastrointestinal woes and cancer.
Modern research is preliminary — more research is needed — and most positive studies have been done in the lab.
If you do try supplements, the Cleveland Clinic says: “Check the label for a product manufactured using phytosome technology. Combining phosphatidylcholine with curcumin results in a 29-times improved absorption rate over standard curcumin extracts.” They also suggest building up slowly to a dose of 500 mg of turmeric — after you ask your doc if there are any contraindications with medications you take for your health.
Can allergies affect hearing?
The Who bandmates Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend are both in their 70s and both admit to significant hearing loss from years of exposure to high-decibel rock music. Huey Lewis had to cancel part of his 2018 tour because of hearing loss, which his doctors seem to think is because of Meniere’s disease. But can seasonal allergies cause muffled hearing too? Yep.
If you think your hearing gets worse when your seasonal allergies flare up, there’s a good chance you’re right, even if it sounds a bit far-fetched.
For some people, allergies can cause a swelling in the Eustachian tubes in the inner ear. They help regulate ear pressure and drain excess fluid from the middle ear. That results in muted sounds, echoes, itchiness, even balance problems and tinnitus. If the problem persists and fluid builds up in the middle ear, you can develop an infection. The good news is that if your hearing problem is from allergies, it’s probably temporary and can be remedied.
Here’s what to do: There are many over-the-counter medications that help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. But if you’re taking other medications or supplements, or have high blood pressure, check with your doc to make sure there are no contraindications. If your hearing doesn’t come back loud and clear, see your primary care doctor to rule out infection as the cause and perhaps an audiologist for a hearing test. Remember, hearing is important to long-term cognitive functioning.
Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@sharecare. com.