Many of us aren’t big fans of taking over the counter medicines. It’s mainly for the fact that these medicines take its toll in our livers and kidneys. However, there are so many alternatives you can find out in the market to treat your arthritis. In fact, you can probably find this ingredient inside your very own pantry.
Turmeric is a spice that is easily accessible to everybody. In fact, you can buy them in the grocery stores, in the wet market or even from a local organic shop. They are either sold in its root form, pulverized or packed in capsules. There are numerous studies conducted about this spice. Aside from the bold flavor it provides in curry dishes and other Asian cuisines, it proves to be a very important spice that many people can benefit from. Turmeric has an active ingredient that possesses potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties that we can all benefit from.
In the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, it was noted that its anti-inflammatory properties are all due to the pigment that gives it its orange color. It says that it can inhibit enzymes that are responsible of the inflammation. In fact, it can influence 700 genes! Its inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipooxygenase is clear and evident. if taken every day for the 30 to 42 days, turmeric is as effective as any other over-the-counter drugs that are typically used by everybody. One example of that is Ibuprofen.
Individuals taking Curcumin reported that their pain was significantly reduced and they have become more mobile than they ever were. The control group of individuals in the study reported that they did not notice any significant improvements. There are also many studies that suggest that Turmeric Curcumin can actually block inflammatory pathways effectively. This prevents pain and swelling. It is clearly evident that the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin do not only help with pain but it actually prevents swelling, redness and heat.
Aside from its anti-inflammatory benefits, Turmeric Curcumin is also known to help diseases like cystic fibrosis, gallstones. Chrohn’s disease, osteoarthritis, Psoriasis, Cancer, Diabetes, Muscle Regeneration, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
If you are wondering how you can maximize your intake of turmeric, you can do it in a number of ways. If you wish to incorporate it in your food, make sure to use pure Turmeric. Pre-packaged curry powder often contain many other ingredients. Some of them contain very little turmeric. What you can do is make your own blend for your curry.
Another way to do it is to consider taking them in supplement forms. There are so many Turmeric supplements sold out there. Some of them are sold in pills, capsules and teas. This is more convenient if you are not too used or too fond of Asian cuisines. You only need to make sure that you purchase your turmeric supplements from a reliable seller. It should be organic and of high quality.
For faster absorption in the body, you can opt to use microemulsion method. It sounds so much science but it really isn’t at all. What you only need to do is to mix your turmeric powder, melted coconut oil and egg yolks. Using a high speed hand blender, you can emulsify your turmeric before you take it.
One important caution is that turmeric has a very orangey-yellowish pigment that is hard to remove. It stains your hands and clothes so much that it would take plenty of washes for you to get a clean shirt back. If you have white counter tops, make sure to be careful. For full benefits, look for turmeric extracts that contain organic ingredients. It should have at least 95% curcuminoids, free of fillers, and additives.