It Prevents The Progression Of Arthritis
Just as in cancer, there are some cells in rheumatoid arthritis that are immune to cell death and destruction. These are called fibroblast like synoviocytes.
They are found on the lining of the joints which ensure smooth movement and flexibility.
Under the inflammatory conditions of rheumatoid arthritis, these cells begin to grow and resist cell death and thereby contribute to inflammation and joint destruction.
Targeting these cells would be a stronger approach towards treating arthritis.
Interesting enough, curcumin actually targets these cells, prevents them from producing inflammatory agents and destroys these cells.
Curcumin increases the activity of proteins that causes apoptosis and simultaneously reduces the level of survival proteins.
What does this mean?Research suggests that curcumin can destroy the indestructible fibroblast like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis and thereby prevent progression of the disease.
More Effective Than Placebo
In another study, published this week in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers at the University of Australia in Tasmania assigned 70 participants, over age 40, with knee osteoarthritis and swelling diagnosed by ultrasound, to receive either 1000 mg per day of turmeric or a placebo.
After 12 weeks, the randomly controlled placebo trial found that an extract of turmeric was more effective than a placebo in reducing knee pain in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Those taking turmeric reported significantly less knee pain at the end of the study, according to the standardized questionnaire.
Researchers emphasized that more research is needed, and the only limiting factor of their study was the small number of participants.
This research also received funding from Natural Remedies PVT Ltd, a company that offers Ayurvedic medicines and herbs.
While this may indicate a conflict of interest, previous research also supports this spices effectiveness for pain relief.
Prevents Cartilage Degradation And Protects Cartilage
Another big benefit of turmeric? The curcumin in it has a protective effect on the bodys cartilage. The wearing down of the cartilage is central to the progression of osteoarthritis. By preventing joint cartilage degeneration, curcumin can help ease symptoms and may even slow down the worsening of your condition.
Curcumin is also said to reduce cartilage inflammation a problem experienced in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and boost the activity of chondrocytes that are responsible for creating and maintaining the cartilage matrix.8 Treatment with curcumin may, therefore, help regenerate cartilage by creating the right environment.9
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The Yellow Spice Contains A Compound That Helps Reduce Inflammation And Pain
Image: Kari Perrin
Turmeric, a yellow root deriving from the ginger family, is not just a flavorful addition to many tasty dishes. The spice possesses an active ingredient that is shown to have a positive effect on inflammation and joint pain. For those with arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases, turmeric could be a powerful addition to their treatment. Whether you decide to add it to a smoothie, use it to make a curry or take in a capsule, the root may be a helpful natural remedy.
According to Dr. Myrdalis Díaz-Ramírez of Sarasota Pain Relief Centers, many people take 1,000-milligram capsules of the root’s powder.
“There is a National Institutes of Health section that studies alternative medicine and they have found signs for further study of the plant,” says Díaz-Ramírez. “Research has shown preliminary improvement in some patients.”
What makes turmeric so effective? Díaz-Ramírez says the active ingredient within the root is curcumin, a powerful compound and antioxidant that contains anti-inflammatory properties. The curcumin content of turmeric is only about 3 percent by weight, so supplements containing higher curcumin content can be even more beneficial.
“The National Institutes of Health doesn’t have the exact science or measures needed for it to be effective. It is different for every patient,” say Díaz-Ramírez. “But while there is no official recommendation from the U.S. government, there are supplements people can try.”
It Is Effective In Autoimmune Conditions
Certain types of arthritis occur as a result of abnormal reactions from the immune system.
They are autoimmune conditions wherein the immune system attacks own body tissue in the same way as it would attack any infective organism.
This is the case with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Just as the immune system produces antibodies to fight infections, it produces autoantibodies to attack its own tissue.
Research shows that heat solubilized curcumin/turmeric inhibits the activity of these antibodies by 52/70%.
Curcumin has an immunomodulatory effect-it can regulate immune responses. It also inhibits activation of immune cells-T cells and prevents them from spreading inflammation.
What does this mean?Curcumin demonstrates various pharmacological action which have therapeutic potential in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
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How Do You Use Turmeric For Arthritis
When it comes to taking turmeric, its important to ensure youre taking it in its most bioavailable form in order to reap all of the health benefits. But what is the best way to take turmeric for arthritis?
You may have been hoping that a tasty curry was the cure for some of your arthritis symptoms, but unfortunately thats not the case. The best way to take turmeric is in liquid form, such as a punchy Raw Turmeric shot or blended in a smoothie. Thats because when its taken in liquid form, the body doesnt have to break down any solids before the active ingredients can be absorbed, as it would with tablets or food.
But thats not all its important to take turmeric alongside black pepper, as the active compound, piperine, can increase the bodys absorption of curcumin by up to 2,000%!
Is Turmeric Good For Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition which can affect people of all ages, causing pain and inflammation within the joints. There are two common types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, osteoarthritis is the most prevalent, with 10% of adults in the UK suffering from the condition.
Although arthritis is a chronic condition with no cure, there are ways to manage the symptoms. Lifestyle changes, medication and even holistic remedies such as turmeric have been reported to limit the impact of the condition. But how do you take turmeric for arthritis and can it really ease symptoms?
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Medicinal Uses Of Turmeric
Turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin is the most powerful natural anti inflammatory supplement. Here is the most common Medicinal Uses of Turmeric for arthritis, particularly Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis, as well as most other types of arthritis. It has so many benefits that taking it for arthritis can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimers, cancer, blood pressure, cholesterol and boost your immune system naturally.
For Individual dosages of turmeric for arthritis relief, just follow the individual label of the powder, capsule or liquid extract. They vary depending on whether it is an extract or pure powder. Extract are highly concentrated so you need a lot less, this is great when you cant handle the spiciness of turmeric root or raw turmeric powder. Capsule form is best if that is the case.
How To Apply Turmeric Topically For Arthritis
Yes, turmeric can be applied topically to affected joint to relieve arthritic pain. Mix an adequate amount of turmeric powder in extra virgin olive or coconut oil to form a paste. You can slightly warm the oil prior to use.
Apply this paste to affected joint and massage gently Cover this with gauze and let it be for as long as possible say 30 mins to an hour. Cleanse with cool water.
You can do this procedure 2-3 times in a day. Effects should be visible in as much as a week or twos time. Conduct a patch test prior.
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Be Aware Of Drug Interactions
Turmeric is generally considered safe when taken as recommended. However, patients should also be aware that in high doses, turmeric can act as a blood thinner, so it should be avoided if you are taking blood thinners, are having surgery, or are pregnant. There has been some reported research on turmeric reducing the tolerance to and effectiveness of opioids, so be sure to speak to your doctor if you are on opioid therapy and considering trying turmeric. Prolonged use of curcumin may also result in gastrointestinal problems. As always, consult your physician before adding any supplement to your dietary regimen.
What To Try Instead
For arthritis-related inflammation, a doctor might recommend an appropriate exercise program. Some research has found that even short bouts of exercise can help reduce inflammationand regular exercise is even better.
Over-the-counter pain relievers and dietary changes may also ease symptoms of joint pain. Fruits and vegetables have natural anti-inflammatory compounds and should be a part of every healthy diet, Angelone says.
Its not impossible that some sort of supplement might help with arthritis pain, Huffstutter says, but anything that seems too good to be true probably is. Discuss any supplements you are taking or considering with your doctor. In the meantime, dont hesitate to cook with a little turmeric.
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Turmeric Curcumin Health Benefits
Turmeric Curcumin Health Benefits are amazing! it one of the most potent superfoods you will find anywhere on the planet. Here are the most common benefits and medicinal uses of turmeric root powder for your body and mind:
- Allergies
- Brain Booster
- Cancer
- Depression and Anxiety
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Arthritis
- Wound Healing
- Natural Detoxification
- Helps You Lose Weight Naturally
- And much, much more!
Turmeric for arthritis helps protect every cell in your body from inflammation. No wonder it is considered a staple food and a sacred plant in India. It even protect you from cancer! Its natural anti inflammatory effects stop the painful symptoms of most chronic diseases, and is in fact, the basis of most prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, except it doesnt have the sometimes harmful side effects.
Turmeric Probably Wont Help Your Arthritis
Turmeric has moved to the top of the healthy food chain. The 4,000-year-old staple of Southeast Asian cooking is showing up everywhere, including ballpark snacks and Starbucks lattes. Its easy to understand why turmerics most active component, curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that may help treat or prevent diseases ranging from arthritis to ulcerative colitis and cancer. But does adding turmeric to your latte or plate of chicken masala do these things?
Not likely, says Randy Horowitz, MD, medical director of the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine in Tucson.
Turmeric only contains about 2 to 6 percent curcumin, so youre not getting much , he says.
Ground turmeric has other strikes against it. Ezra Bejar, PhD, a San Diego-based expert in botanical research, warns that with turmerics increasing popularity, unscrupulous manufacturers are adding synthetic turmeric to the real thing. Some additives, like vibrantly yellow lead chromate, are toxic. In the last few years, 13 brands of turmeric have been recalled for lead contamination.
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Should You Take Turmeric
Its possible to take turmeric for RA, but the real active ingredient is curcumin. Curcumin makes up about 2 to 9 percent of turmeric, so you may get more benefit taking supplements. Scientists are still unsure about the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. It remains an intriguing possibility for medicine in the future.
Always check with your doctor before taking turmeric or curcumin for RA symptoms.
Benefits Of Turmeric In Arthritis
Arthritis is a medical condition characterized by swollen and painful joints. It affects children as well as adults irrespective of age.
There are many types of arthritis some common ones are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infectious arthritis, gout etc.
The common features of this disease include:
- Stiffness of joints
- Inability to use the limb
- Fatigue
- Loss of flexibility
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the two common forms of arthritis that are commonly observed.
Osteoarthritis that is caused due to wasting of bone cartilage is commonly observed in people above fifty years of age.
Rheumatoid arthritis develops due to attack of own immune system against the joints.
Gout occurs as a result of deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints leading to inflammation. Septic arthritis occurs due to infection in the joints.
Old age can also make you susceptible to these diseases, but that is not the case always as even children can develop arthritis.
Generally, steroids and NSAIDs are used. But, they cause severe side effects.
Patients are unable to tolerate the side effects of drugs search for natural remedies for arthritis. Use of turmeric for arthritis alleviates symptoms such as tenderness, swelling, and pain in joints.
Turmeric is a rhizome similar to ginger and is obtained from the plant Curcuma longa. Turmeric plant is a perennial herb that is native to Asia.
It is cultivated widely in China and India for its medicinal value.
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When To Avoid Taking Turmeric
Its important to be cautious with all herbal supplements. Turmeric is safe when taken in recommended doses by mouth or applied to the skin.
In most cases when people take turmeric to relieve pain its safe. But, you should consult your primary care physician and use caution in the following situations:
How Turmeric May Help Arthritis
A relative of ginger, turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory that blocks cytokines and enzymes involved in the inflammation process.
Due to the lack of substantial supporting research, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health advises against using turmeric supplements to prevent or treat any health condition, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
However, there is at least some research supporting its use.
In laboratory studies, curcumin was shown to inhibit mediators of the inflammatory responsethe same that are common targets of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and anti-inflammatory medications. These include pro-inflammatory pathways such as nuclear factor-kappa B , mitogen-activated protein kinase , and /signal transducer.
In addition, curcumin reduces the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha , interleukin-1 beta , and COX-2-induced prostaglandin G2 .
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Best Ways To Take Turmeric For Arthritis
Disclaimer There is no particular prescribed dose of turmeric defined for arthritis. Based on the studies and readers reports we have summarized various ways of taking turmeric which could benefit in this disorder.
The dosage depends on the formulation of the turmeric supplement and severity of the health condition. Here is the recommended dose based on the form of turmeric you take:
Fights Oxidative Stress Associated With Arthritis
Oxidative stress has a role to play in the way your osteoarthritis plays out and progresses. Which is why antioxidant supplements are being explored as potential alternatives or as additional therapy for managing conditions like knee osteoarthritis. Of the variety of antioxidant supplements on the market, curcumin has shown a significant effect on function and pain relief.13
One piece of research studied the effect of turmeric in countering the effects of oxidative stress on people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. The subjects took 1500 mg of curcuminoid capsules a day, along with piperine to improve the bioavailability of the turmeric compounds in the body. After 6 weeks, it was found that systemic oxidative stress had eased. The researchers were able to confirm that the antioxidant effect of the natural remedy may help relieve osteoarthritis symptoms.14
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Summary Of Included Studies
A total of 10,293 studies were found in the initial electronic searches from PubMed, Embase, WANFANG, CNKI, RISS, KISS, and IndMED, and 28 duplicates were removed. From the remaining 10,265 studies, those potentially not related RCT studies about curcumin and arthritis were removed and the details of the removed studies were as follows: 176 in vitro studies, 7367 animal experiments, 1198 no relation to arthritis, 1325 no relation to turmeric or curcumin, and 150 nonarthritis orthopedic-related studies . Further evaluation of the full texts resulted in the elimination of 8 studies with lack of data and 33 studies due to non-RCT. Finally, eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria . The eight RCTs were used for the systematic review., The subject characteristics and intervention strategies of the included RCTs are summarized in and intervention results and adverse events are organized in .
How To Take Turmeric Or Curcumin
To get turmeric, you take the stem, or the rhizome, of the plant, and boil, dry, and ground it into powder. There are many ways you can introduce turmeric or curcumin into your diet. Research has shown that curcumin is safe in high doses. This is great news because curcumin also has poor bioavailability, which means its poorly absorbed. It would need to be taken at large doses for an active effect.
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How To Use Turmeric
Turmeric can be used in three different ways. You can use it in spice form by adding it to salads and curries. Turmeric is fat-soluble, so mix it with a healthy fat. If youre taking it as a supplement, using capsules or extract may reduce the risk of contaminants. The dosage for those with RA is 500 mg daily.
It Is An Excellent Antioxidant
Oxidative stress or imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant agents in the body leads to the degradation of joint tissue in arthritis.
A clinical trial was conducted where the effect of curcuminoids and piperine supplementation was assessed on the antioxidant status of patients suffering from osteoarthritis.
The study lasted for 6 weeks and an increase in the level of antioxidant enzymes was observed. Researchers concluded that short term supplementation of curcuminoids alleviates oxidative stress in osteoarthritis.
What does this mean?Research shows that curcumin reduces oxidative stress and improves antioxidant defences in arthritis.
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