Turmeric for Inflammation Benefits & Research Review

Turmeric is often taken for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used for thousands of years in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat digestive and liver disorders, skin disease and inflammation.

Contemporary research reveals that turmeric exhibits antioxidant, anti-diabetes, anti-cancer, anti-obesity and anti-lipidemic properties. In addition to this, the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric, and its active ingredient curcumin, have been well documented.

Turmeric supplements are used to reduce inflammation and swelling following injury, but also to prevent symptoms and conditions associated with chronic inflammation. This supplement has been found effective for alleviating pain and improving functionality caused by arthritis.

Its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory may also contribute to its ability to inhibit the growth of some forms of cancer.

Turmeric

Herbal Supplement

Joints

Heart Health

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Contains anti-inflammatory curcuminoids
• Promotes brain & cardiovascular health
• Supports the immune system & anti-oxidant enzymes

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Understanding Inflammation

How does turmeric work for combating inflammation? Inflammation is an important feature of a healthy immune system, but excessive inflammation can have negative effects.

Inflammation is a generalized immune response that helps eliminate pathogens and remove damaged cells and tissue from an affected area. It can cause pain, heat, swelling, redness and loss-of-function in the affected area.

There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is a short-term response to a particular injury or infection. Chronic inflammation is characterized by a long-term state of inflammation, which involves different cells of the immune system compared to acute inflammation.

Inflammation plays an important role in the healing process. However, prolonged or chronic inflammation is being increasingly associated with a number of diseases.

Triggers of Inflammation

The effects of chronic inflammation are still being investigated, but the condition is coming under increased scrutiny by the medical community.

Chronic inflammation is now connected with a host of diseases, including diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and depression. The extent to which inflammation plays a role in the development of these disorders is still under review.

Researchers are still working to understand the origins of chronic inflammation. Stress, food and a condition called leaky gut syndrome are all being considered as possible causes of the condition, but there is little consensus among researchers.

For instance, many nutritionists and natural health practitioners point to a condition called leaky gut syndrome (LGS) as a cause of chronic inflammation.

However, LGS has yet to be an identified as a condition or disorder by the medical community. The particulars of LGS are still being debated, but some suggest that condition stems from the release of toxins from the intestines into the blood stream.

The intestines are composed of semi-permeable membranes that allow for nutrients to enter the body during digestion. However, certain chemical reactions inside the gut are hypothesized to increase this permeability and allow bacteria and other irritants to exit the digestive system.

Partially digested foods, yeast, harmful bacteria, environmental toxins and food additives are claimed to pass through the intestines and find their way into the bloodstream, which may trigger inflammation. If this occurs, inflammation may become chronic and systemic.

Turmeric’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Turmeric has been observed to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. Much of the research into the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric has involved laboratory experiments and animal studies.

There are few available studies focused on human populations, so it is unclear to what extent these anti-inflammatory effects will occur in people.

The active constituent of turmeric is thought to be a curcuminoid called curcumin. Curcuminoids are natural phenols, meaning they contain a hydroxyl group attached to an aromatic hydrocarbon.

These compounds can be artificially synthesized, but some plants and animals produce natural phenols. Phenols are usually produced by living organisms in response to environmental stressors, such as pests. In line with this thinking, laboratory and animal studies reveal that turmeric exhibits antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Curcumin has been observed to lower the levels of enzymes that cause inflammation. In addition, both turmeric and curcumin are antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize molecules called free radicals.

Free radicals are prevalent in the human body. If left unchecked they damage cell membranes and cellular DNA and can lead to cell death. Like chronic inflammation, prolonged oxidative stress (caused by free radical damage) is being increasingly linked to the development of disease.

Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements

Turmeric is often taken for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is available as a capsule (powder) and liquid extract. It can also be made into a paste and applied directly to the skin to help ease conditions like acne and psoriasis.

Curcumin supplements are also available. Curcumin supplements should be standardized to contain a particular curcuminoid concentration and this concentration should be clearly listed on the package.

Many of the uses of turmeric and curcumin relate to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The German Commission E, the regulatory body charged with overseeing herb prescriptions, has approved the use of turmeric for digestive disorders.

Because of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, researchers are actively investigating its therapeutic use for diabetes, cancer prevention, cancer treatment and inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis. Research is ongoing and the FDA has not approved the use of turmeric or its constituents for any condition or disease.

Safety and Side Effects

Turmeric is generally well tolerated. Reported side effects include gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea. Turmeric may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is important to speak with your doctor before using this supplement for medical reasons.

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