Top 5 Health Benefits of Turmeric According to Doctor's Opinion

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, was first isolated in 1815 by German physician Vogel and Peletier. While many people have used turmeric as a flavoring spice for their food over the past 4,000 years, its use today is still being researched as an alternative therapeutic approach for many common ailments, injuries, chronic diseases such as rheumatism, and neurological problems such as memory and memorization.

Over the past few years, I have been recommending turmeric to patients as a primary method of treating arthritis. The results were great. Several patients have reported to me that they have reduced their need for prescription anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases opioids.

Turmeric is used in traditional Chinese medicine — or jiang huang — for its remarkable ability to move one's qi, or vital energy. Additionally, people believe that turmeric improves blood flow, relieves abdominal pain, and helps restore regularity to interrupted menstrual cycles, a condition also known as amenorrhea. Although its mechanism of action in these diseases has not yet been confirmed, the tradition of using turmeric for these purposes continues.

How does turmeric work?

While we already know that the active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, turmeric has many mechanisms of action, which explains why it has been used for a host of medical problems for so long. Scientific studies have shown that curcumin at the molecular level has anti-inflammatory activity, and works by suppressing several cellular pathways, such as STAT3, Nrf2, RO, NF-κB (nuclear factor Kappa B) and COX-2. The latter two are common targets for non-steroidal (ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, etc.) and steroidal (prednisone, methylprednisolone) pharmaceutical drugs. Several antitumor drugs also target NF-κB.

Top 5 medical conditions that may benefit from turmeric

arthritis

Arthritis is a disease that affects humans since the dawn of history. There are more than 500 million people affected worldwide — the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (~95%) and rheumatoid arthritis (about 5%). Before the advent of modern medicine, people who contracted the disease did not suffer endlessly. Instead, they used natural herbs and organic foods to help relieve aches and pains. Today, with people becoming increasingly concerned about the side effects of prescription medications, many are looking for safer alternatives.

A study conducted in July 2021 evaluated turmeric versus a placebo and their effect on relieving arthritis. The researchers concluded that turmeric did a better job of controlling pain while improving function more effectively than a placebo in people with knee osteoarthritis. Another study in the same year that specifically evaluated knee osteoarthritis showed that turmeric reduces inflammation by suppressing inflammation-causing chemicals.

Studies also show that turmeric is beneficial in reducing pain for both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Scientists have discovered that turmeric can reduce inflammation as effectively as many prescription medications. This herb can modulate NF-κB signaling and reduce inflammation, which can cause a person's arthritis pain. These chemicals are called COX-2 and 5-LOX.

In addition to curcumin supplements that help treat arthritis pain, learn more about other natural treatments for arthritis.

Oxidation

Oxidative damage is the main process that makes our bodies age and eventually get damaged. Examples of oxidation include the browning of an apple or banana exposed to the air after it is left on the kitchen counter. The rusting of a car's steel bumper, when exposed to the elements, is also an example of oxidation. Oxidative damage can be caused by sun, air, sugar, processed foods, and toxic chemicals. Fruits and vegetables — which are highly concentrated in phytochemicals — provide our bodies with protective antioxidants.

Turmeric is also a powerful antioxidant, both when taken as a spice and when taken as a curcumin supplement. Oxidative damage is thought to play a causative role in cancer and heart disease. According to a 2016 report published in the Journal of Diseases, turmeric can help prevent oxidative stress.

asthma

Asthma is a common respiratory disease among children and adults. Its definition is chronic and treatable obstructive airway disease, usually responding to albuterol treatment. Fortunately, if the cause is identified and the condition diagnosed correctly, asthma can be successfully treated. Although we can control asthma symptoms, preventing attacks is also very important. Curcumin appears to play an important role in this.

A 201032 study found improvement in relieving bronchial asthma with turmeric when combined with Boswellia serrata and licorice root. The results demonstrated greater prevention of excessive swelling and mucus secretion associated with asthma, reduced inflammation, and increased antioxidant properties.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research also concluded that turmeric, when taken orally, can help improve lung function in people with asthma.

Furthermore, a 2019 study showed that turmeric can not only help reduce inflammation in the airways, but also reduce mucus secretion. Curcumin's potential benefit in reducing lung inflammation when treating asthmatics was also shown in a 2018 study.

Depression

Depressive disorder affects millions of people worldwide. The causes can be complex, stemming from a combination of social pressures and biochemical imbalances. Symptoms include a desire to sleep, decreased interest in activities, feelings of guilt, difficulty concentrating, moving slowly, and sometimes thoughts of self-harm. If these symptoms are present, it is important to seek help from a health care professional.

Many are looking for natural alternatives to help treat depression. A 2008 study showed that turmeric can help increase both serotonin and dopamine levels, which means it is useful in treating depression. In this study, they also used piperine, which has a synergistic effect. A 2014 study showed that turmeric was effective and safe in treating major depression in people who did not have suicidal thoughts.

A comprehensive meta-analysis conducted in 2020 examined 930 studies including nine in its final analysis. Researchers note that curcumin is generally well tolerated and, if added to standard care, may improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with depression. However, they cautioned that due to the small sample size, their results should be "interpreted with caution".

memory loss

There are many types of dementia. Alzheimer's disease — a brain disorder that generally affects older adults — is most common. Memory loss, confusion, and difficulty understanding common interactions are the most common symptoms of this advanced and devastating condition.

In terms of brain health, Dr. Dale Bredesen, author of the 2017 book The End of Alzheimer's, considers turmeric to be an important part of improving symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Several scientific studies show evidence of its benefit. One study showed that turmeric may play a role in reducing the buildup of amyloid deposits in the brain, which is believed to be the cause of Alzheimer's disease.

Another study published in 2027 in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease concluded that turmeric could also play an important role in preventing memory loss. There is much anticipation for the potential role of turmeric in preventing mild cognitive impairment, which in turn prevents Alzheimer's disease. It should be considered an essential supplement for anyone wishing to improve memory.

A 2018 study took 40 people without dementia and divided them into two groups. Twenty of them were given turmeric, while the other twenty were given a placebo. The subjects were followed up for 18 months, and the researchers concluded that turmeric improved memory in those without cognitive impairment. The participants then underwent a brain scan (FDDNP-PET), which showed that turmeric also reduces the deposition of proteins in the brain (amyloid and tau) associated with dementia.

Other diseases that turmeric may help treat, according to studies, include:

Ulcerative colitis

diabetes

Hypertension

Stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria

Indigestion

Prevention of gallstones

Atherosclerosis and heart disease

The expulsion of mercury from the body

Turmeric drug interactions

Because turmeric can interact with some medications, please speak with your doctor first to determine if taking turmeric or its derived curcumin is the right option for you. The following are possible drug interactions:

Turmeric and diabetes medications may increase the risk of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.. While turmeric may reduce the need for diabetes medications, you shouldn't stop taking diabetes medications without first checking with your doctor.

Turmeric may interact with blood thinners. When turmeric is combined with medications such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin), there may be a small risk of bleeding. Consult your doctor before taking them together.

Suggested Dosages

Many people take turmeric by drinking it as a tea, using it as a powder for some skin conditions, and swallowing it in the form of capsules. Curcumin/turmeric supplements are usually taken in doses of 500 mg daily, or 500 mg up to four times daily.

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