Turmeric: A natural anti-inflammatory - NL-071
People suffering from arthritis, frequent headaches, back pain and inflammatory bowel disease often rely on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage chronic pain and inflammation. While NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and diclofenac offer instant relief, prolonged use can damage your heart, liver, kidneys and immune system. Gastric side effects such as bloating, heart burn, stomach pain, ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding are very common with prolonged use of such synthetic drugs.
Turmeric supplements, on the other hand, are highly effective in reducing pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. In fact, studies show that curcumin is likely better than commonly used NSAIDs (ibuprofen and diclofenac) in managing painful symptoms and improving joint function in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, turmeric is also a potent anti-oxidant and improves the concentration of antioxidant enzymes in the body.
Turmeric, one of the most popular herbs in Ayurveda, is highly valued for its powerful healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a bright yellow spice traditionally used to manage skin issues, digestive problems, upper respiratory tract infections, liver disorders and joint pain. It also helps in healthy wound healing. Turmeric gets its yellow hue from curcumin, the main bioactive compound that is highly effective in reducing pain and inflammation.
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are known to trigger chronic health conditions and metabolic disorders. You can reduce long-term, low-grade inflammation by making healthy changes to your lifestyle, losing weight and taking natural anti-inflammatory supplements such as turmeric.
Curcumin in the spice turmeric blocks the production and activity of enzymes and proteins (cytokines) responsible for initiating and promoting pain, inflammation and fever. For example, it modulates the synthesis of cyclooxygenases (COX), a group of enzymes that produce prostaglandins. Your body releases prostaglandins in response to infection or injury. They are hormone like substances that trigger inflammatory responses and play several essential roles in the body. For example, prostaglandins help in healing, improve the flow of blood, help in blood clotting at the site of injury, protect the mucosal lining of the stomach, and make the uterine muscles contract during periods. Excessive production of these chemicals is a cause of concern as it results in unwanted inflammation and increased sensitivity to pain. For example, people with rheumatoid arthritis have elevated levels of prostaglandins, causing chronic pain and inflammation. High levels also cause severe menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding during periods.
Turmeric offers many other health benefits due its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nature. It reduces the risk of heart disease and improves endothelial function. It boosts liver health and aids in detoxification. As a powerful antioxidant, turmeric protects the liver from the damage caused by free radicals and toxins. It also helps reduce cholesterol, triglyceride and blood sugar levels. Turmeric supplements are useful in metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.
References:
1. Paultre et al. Therapeutic effects of turmeric or curcumin extract on pain and function for individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2021.
2. Hsiao et al. The efficacy of high- and low-dose curcumin in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2021.