Turmeric’s Anti-inflammatory Properties Explained

Have you heard of curcumin? It’s the naturally occurring, healing compound in the root of the turmeric plant, and it is one of the most powerful antioxidants available via Mother Nature.

What Is The Oxidation Process And Why Do We Need To Guard Against It?

The oxidation process is a the chemical reaction that causes damage to the cells in your body; it is a fancy phrase for oxygen being metabolised. This metabolic process produces free radicals. Think in terms of a peeled apple going brown when exposed to oxygen in the air. That’s what is happening to our cells during the oxidation process.

Free radicals roam around the body stealing electrons from other molecules, causing damage to cell membranes, tampering with DNA, inflammation and premature cell death.

Antioxidants Scavenge For Free Radicals

Exposure of the body to an oxidated and therefore stressful environment challenges the survival odds of all cells and increases the risk of chronic disease developing. Antioxidants are our friends. The slowing down of the oxidation process is the job of the antioxidants. They chase after, and kill off excess free radicals. The antioxidants slow down the oxidation process by stopping the theft of electrons from cells, thereby allowing the cells to function in a healthy manner.

Our modern world is full of foods and toxins that encourage the oxidation process, so we need a daily dose of antioxidants to protect our bodies and our minds.

What Are Polyphenols and Why Are They Important?

Curcumin is one of a few oily, lipophilic polyphenols. These are the primary helpers in the antioxidant healing process offered by turmeric. Polyphenols help protect against diabetes, infections, asthma, cancer, hypertension, and ageing.

Polyphenols protect our bodies against many stress-induced toxic states, through regulating intercellular cascades, which inhibit the formation of free radicals and nuclear damage and send the antioxidant enzymes into action.

“Epidemiological studies and associated meta-analyses strongly suggest that long-term consumption of diets rich in plant polyphenols offer protection against development of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases.” – Panday and Rizvi (See first resource below.)

How To Dose With Curcumin

While I am an advocate for always using fresh plant matter for remedies, it’s hard to grow enough turmeric to get a daily ongoing dose. So as a last resort, I buy the organic powdered form and sprinkle on my mashed potatoes. Yum!

Curcumin Adult Dosage

  • Fresh cut root: 1.5 to 3 g per day
  • Dried, powdered root: 1 to 3 g per day
  • Standardized powder (curcumin): 400 to 600 mg, 3 times per day
  • Fluid extract (1:1) 30 to 90 drops a day
  • Tincture (1:2): 15 to 30 drops, 4 times per day” – University of Maryland Medical Center Website

Curcumin and Pineapple

Eat pineapple with your turmeric because the bromelain in the pines increases the absorption and raises the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric. Pineapple and turmeric in your smoothie perhaps?

Can Turmeric Be Unsafe?

Recommended doses of turmeric/curcumin supplements are considered safe; however, taking large amounts of turmeric for long periods of time may cause stomach upset and if left untreated, may cause ulcers. People who have gallstones or bile passage obstructions should talk to their doctor and do their research before taking turmeric. Like any new remedy, start slowly and build up the dosage.

It’s unwise if you have diabetes, to start taking turmeric supplements before talking to your doctor. Turmeric may considerably lower your blood sugar levels. When combined with medications for diabetes, turmeric could cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Although it is safe to eat foods with turmeric, supplements are considered UNsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Due to the blood thinning effect that turmeric may induce, you should stop taking it at least 2 weeks before surgery. Tell your doctor and surgeon that you have been taking turmeric. Turmeric may strengthen the effects of blood-thinning medications, raising the risk of bleeding. Blood thinners include warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin, among others. Turmeric may interfere with the action of stomach acid reducing drugs, increasing the overall production of stomach acid.

If you are taking any of these drugs, turmeric/curcumin is NOT recommended:

  • Cimetidine (Tagamet)
  • Famotidine (Pepcid)
  • Ranitidine (Zantac)
  • Esomeprazole (Nexium)
  • Omeprazole (Prilosec)
  • Lansoprazole (Prevacid)

Conclusion

If you like the idea of using it to reduce inflammation naturally, get going on it today. I have been using fresh turmeric to fight inflammation and it flat out works. Why not source a few organic pieces and grow a pot of your own to enjoy?

To learn more about natural ways to reduce inflammation, check out Welcome To The Wonderful World of…Natural Inflammatory Relief.

Recommended Reading:

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The Many Benefits Of Turmeric, the Perfect Paleo Herb

You must have heard about several claims of “super foods” for quite some time, most of which are baseless. Turmeric stands out as one of the best super foods you can find. Turmeric is the brilliant yellow or orange powder commonly used as a spice that is derived from a plant called Curcuma longa. Turmeric has been used in Asia to treat various health problems for several centuries. In traditional medicine, turmeric was used for a wide array of conditions like menstrual cramps, aches and pains, colic, and jaundice. Let’s look at what makes turmeric a paleo.

It’s Natural

Turmeric is naturally extracted from the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant, which has been cultivated for thousands of years in India, China, and other parts of the world. If not used fresh, the rhizomes from Curcuma plant are boiled for about 40 minutes and then dried in hot ovens. They are then ground into deep-yellow-orange powder to be used as spices, curries, or dyes.

Powerful Antioxidant

Studies that have been carried out on turmeric revolve around an active antioxidant called curcumin. Antioxidants help in the elimination of free radicals in the body, which are responsible for cell damage and illnesses.

Contains No Anti-Nutrients

Turmeric doesn’t contain compounds that interfere with the normal breakdown of food. In addition, it doesn’t interfere with the absorption of minerals and nutrients along the digestive system. Its great taste can indeed make meals enjoyable, which gives you an opportunity to explore various food sources with higher nutritional values.

Has Healing Effects

Turmeric has been used in India, China, and other countries in treating illnesses like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis. Although more evidence is still required, there are claims that low, regular doses of turmeric are beneficial in cancer prevention. Unlike most anticancer agents that impair the immune system, curcumin has restorative abilities. Curcumin regulates cell function by disrupting its growth, which is a large factor in cancer development. It’s also suggested that people in India who rely on a traditional diet containing turmeric have lower bowel cancer rates.

Improves Brain Function

Previously, it was thought that neurons couldn’t divide and multiply after early childhood, but it’s been shown that it happens. Neurons have the ability to establish new connections as well as multiply and increase in number in certain areas of the brain. Curcumin promotes the production of growth hormone that functions in the brain, which reverses mental illnesses and age-related cognitive decline. It is also thought that it can boost your memory and make you smarter.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Heart disease is the major global killer. Studies have shown that curcumin in turmeric can improve the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of the blood vessels. In one study, curcumin effect on preventing heart disease was equated to exercise, while another one shows it works as effectively as some medications. In short, curcumin has beneficial effects on factors that play a role in heart disease. It improves the function of endothelium and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent.

Uses of Turmeric

  • Spice: Turmeric is commonly used as a spice in many dishes all over the world. Its use began in traditional Asian culinary dishes. It is also used in spicing homemade soap to improve its color while instilling benefits on the skin.
  • Whitening teeth: While turmeric is renowned for its staining prowess, it is commonly used in teeth whitening. This is possible as it doesn’t come into contact with enamel long enough to change its color.
  • Foundation customization: Adding a touch of turmeric to your tinted moisturizer can help you get a perfect glow that matches your skin tone. Turmeric is a common recipe used by women in face creams and body scrubs for a glowing skin.
  • Stomach soothing: If you have a stomach that doesn’t behave, turmeric can help. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), you should take 500mg of specific turmeric extract twice daily to alleviate digestive issues.

Conclusion

Turmeric is a paleo that is extracted from a plant called Curcuma. Turmeric is commonly used as a spice in preparation of dishes. Curcumin is the main ingredient in turmeric that comes with many health benefits. Turmeric can be effective in treating and preventing inflammatory illnesses like arthritis. Studies are still underway to find the effects of turmeric on other diseases like heart disease and cancer.

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