A culinary spice like turmeric has potent therapeutic properties that are beneficial for the treatment of myriad health conditions. It is the most basic ingredient of all pantries which adds a distinct flavor, aroma, and color to the food items. It has been a crucial component in a range of traditional as well as modern medicines.
Purportedly, turmeric is considered an excellent solution for individuals diagnosed with arthritis. As it helps with the treatment of symptoms like pain and inflammation. Although it does not cure the condition, it provides relief against the symptoms of arthritis. So, what makes turmeric to be preferred as a remedy for alleviating pain and inflammation? Read on and find out.
Is turmeric helpful for arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the common types of arthritis wherein the patient experiences pain, inflammation due to swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Arthritis is a chronic condition. And its symptoms can be relieved to some extent with the help of turmeric.
Curcumin
The reason why turmeric is preferred is because of its curcumin content. Curcumin is a compound that is primarily found in turmeric. It is responsible for its yellow pigmentation. Curcumin extract has strong anti-inflammatory properties, and it improves the body’s antioxidant production. It has anti-cancer properties too. It soothes the pain and reduces the swelling as well as the inflammation in the body.
Inflammation
Inflammation in the body can affect your tissues and lead to swelling and pain in the area. Turmeric is laden with bioactive compounds that could potentially inhibit tissue damage and alleviate the pain caused due to swelling. Apart from that, it protects your body from the damage of free radicals by preventing their attack on the cells. Its strong antioxidant content lowers the risk of heart disease, and cancer, and boosts memory function as well.
ED
Furthermore, it is also responsible for maintaining the health of cardiovascular function. It increases the flow of blood throughout your body and ensures the health of your vascular system. It might also benefit those who are experiencing erectile dysfunction, as it increases the blood flow to the reproductive organs as well. A condition like erectile dysfunction usually stems from a lack of blood flow to the penile organ, however, turmeric can overcome these erection difficulties and restore a healthy erection function.
Although it might not have excellent benefits like ED medications in improving erection function immediately, it may still have some positive effects. ED medicines like Filagra perform their action after getting aroused. Unlike turmeric, ED medicines revitalize the vascular system with an increased blood flow within a few minutes of taking the medicine.
How to consume turmeric?
You can include it in your daily diet by putting a little bit of ground or powdered turmeric in curry, soups, smoothies, or dishes. The powdered form of turmeric is the extraction of it in the purest form without any contaminants. It can also be included in herbal tea. You can also add this spice to milk for preparing golden milk which is extremely beneficial for reducing inflammation and putting you in a sound sleep when consumed before bedtime.
Turmeric Supplements
These supplements come in various forms such as capsules and tablets. They are composed in various doses that contain concentrated curcumin. These supplements are in high doses, that must not be consumed without consulting the doctor. The doctor may analyze your condition and prescribe you an appropriate dose of the supplements. You may even go for curcumin-only supplements that are slightly different from turmeric. As turmeric contains other compounds such as desmethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and cyclic curcumin.
Are there any side effects of turmeric?
Those using turmeric supplements must keep in mind that consuming turmeric in excess amounts might give rise to some mild side effects, such as headaches and digestive problems. Sometimes its high dose might even cause gastrointestinal side effects like allergic dermatitis, nausea, and diarrhea, which is why it is necessary to consume it in moderation and not overdo it.
Moreover, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers must be careful when using turmeric or curcumin supplements. It is advisable to consult the doctor before thinking about including turmeric for reducing pain or inflammation. It will help you ward off the risk of curcumin’s side effects during crucial and vulnerable times like pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Potential interactions of turmeric
There is no harm in consuming turmeric, however, taking the supplement dose more than necessary can increase the risk of overdosing, as anything in excess can be harmful. It can certainly interact with some drugs and medications and reduce their effectiveness. Some categories of drugs that tend to get affected and lose their potency due to turmeric include blood thinners, anti-diabetic, anti-nausea, anti-platelet, and chemotherapy medicines.
Last Word
Turmeric’s curcumin content has the most medicinal properties that help in mitigating arthritic pain, and inflammation caused because of swelling. Turmeric comes in a powdered (ground spice) or fresh, ginger-like form which is moist from the inside. Powdered ginger can be added to various dishes, curries, and soups, whereas, moist turmeric can be made into a paste that can be added to tea, and several different cuisines.
These are also available as supplements that can be taken as per the need. Individuals struggling with erectile dysfunction looking to incorporate turmeric in their diet or supplement must have a word with their doctor on its appropriate dose.
