Inflammation happens, but turmeric can help! Even if you eat well, stay active, and take care of ourselves, inflammation can sometimes creep in. Typically, when we think of inflammation, we think of joint pain due to arthritis. But inflammation can also manifest as joint pain, headaches, a skin rash, or a minor skin breakout. Thankfully there are natural ways to help with this, cue turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties.
One of the best-known supplements to help manage inflammation is curcumin. Research has found that curcumin may help decrease inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and increasing levels of anti-inflammatory compounds.
In this article, we'll cover what inflammation is and how curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can help to tamper down the inflammatory response. Ready to learn? Let's go!
What is Inflammation?
We often think of inflammation as a negative reaction our body has, but inflammation isn't always bad.
Inflammation is the body's response to injury or irritation. It helps heal wounds, clear infections, and remove damaged cells from the body. Inflammation occurs when white blood cells rush to an affected area to repair it and fight off infection. These cells release chemicals that cause nearby blood vessels to become larger and more permeable to bring more nutrients into the damaged tissue, a process called vasodilation.
Inflammation also causes pain and swelling because it stimulates nerve endings in your skin (called nociceptors). This means that even minor injuries can trigger inflammation, increasing the sensitivity of these nerves. That's why it's important to have turmeric on hand, a natural anti-inflammatory.
Inflammation And How Turmeric Can Helps
Curcumin is a natural antioxidant that contains anti-inflammatory properties. It is derived from the root of turmeric and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat various health conditions, including inflammation.
Curcumin has been shown to reduce symptoms associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease, psoriasis, and ulcerative colitis. Here's a summary:
- Osteoarthritis is a type of joint pain related to aging and the wearing down of cartilage in your joints. It's especially common in the knees, hips, and hands. Curcumin from Turmeric has been shown to decrease inflammation and pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis. However, it is not a cure for arthritis. Instead, curcumin works with your body's natural processes to ease the discomfort associated with arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects joints, especially in the hands and feet. Turmeric has long been used to treat arthritis, and studies have shown that curcumin can help reduce inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes ulcers in your colon, rectum, and/or stomach lining. Turmeric has been shown to help with symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Additionally, supplementing with curcumin was associated with a lower disease relapse rate.
How does it do this? Turmeric helps reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules called cytokines, growth factors, and enzymes like COX-2. COX2 produces chemicals called prostaglandins that cause pain and swelling when there's an injury or infection. By inhibiting COX2 activity, curcumin reduces inflammation at its source.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin has antioxidant properties that can help protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Plus, studies have found that turmeric may be as effective as NSAIDs at treating joint pain and stiffness but with fewer side effects. This is also great news for anyone who is sensitive to this class of drugs.
Supplementing With Turmeric For Inflammation
Curcumin supplements can be taken by anyone who has an inflammatory condition. Additionally, turmeric is a great supplement to have on hand for other inflammation issues, such as:
- Post-workout
- To support headaches and muscle aches
- To keep on hand for injuries
It’s important to note that while curcumin is naturally occurring in turmeric, supplement forms are not always standardized. Some brands may contain more bioavailable forms of curcumin than others. Ideally, curcumin supplements should be standardized to 95% curcumin.
People with gastrointestinal disorders, biliary obstruction, or active bleeding should use caution when taking turmeric. Do not use turmeric and heart medications, cholesterol medications, blood thinners, aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) simultaneously. Stop using turmeric two weeks before surgery or dental procedures.
In conclusion, inflammation is a normal response to injury or irritation, but it can become a problem when it becomes chronic or prolonged. Curcumin is a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, these properties are what make turmeric great for reducing inflammation in the body. This means that if you have arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, curcumin may help relieve joint pain and stiffness while reducing the side effects associated with traditional medications like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Curcumin FAQs
Where Can I Buy Curcumin?
You can shop our top curcumin picks here.
Will Curcumin Lower Blood Pressure?
Yes, curcumin has been shown to lower blood pressure and should be used with caution if you take medication to lower blood pressure.
Is Curcumin Gluten-Free?
Curcumin is gluten-free.
Can I Take Turmeric With Ibuprofen for Inflammation or in General?
Yes, turmeric can be taken with ibuprofen or other pain relievers without adverse effects.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25337545/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22407780/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3546166/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16413584/
