Turmeric Is Effective And Not Toxic
Turmeric is a frequently used spice in South Asian foods like curries, and it can add a warm orange or yellow color to meats and rice dishes. It also has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine.
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, and research finds that it has a surprisingly wide range of beneficial properties.
Curcumin, unlike some NSAIDs, has also been determined to be nontoxic. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, taken in excess can cause symptoms that include convulsions, coma, and acute renal failure.
Experts say that given turmerics known health benefits, including it in meals is best.
Eating turmeric with fats or oils can improve absorption.
Turmeric however, specifically the phytonutrient curcumin, has so many health benefits, so definitely incorporating turmeric into meals would be ideal as part of an overall healthy lifestyle plan, said Reema Kanda, RD, a clinical dietitian at Hoag Orthopedic Institute.
Incorporating turmeric into meals that contain fats and oils or black pepper will enhance absorption.
Kanda emphasized that the quality of the turmeric powder can also affect bioavailability. She also said, You want to be sure the turmeric powder is free of contaminants that are often found when making powders.
Risks And Side Effects
Despite the numerous turmeric tea benefits, there are some people who may need to moderate their intake. In particular, those who are allergic to turmeric should avoid it altogether, as it may cause food allergy symptoms like hives, itching and swelling.
Taking high doses of turmeric powder tea may also be linked to several adverse symptoms. Some of the most common turmeric tea side effects include nausea, diarrhea, decreased blood pressure and a higher risk of bleeding.
Enjoying turmeric tea in moderation as part of a healthy diet is the easiest way to prevent side effects.
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.
Don’t Miss: How Do Doctors Diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis
What To Know Before Taking Turmeric
Curcumin and turmeric are generally safe. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in taking curcumin supplements. While there are no reports of severe effects from high doses of curcumin, its still possible for side effects to occur.
Curcumin may also interact with prescription drugs. This can make your medication less effective and impact your health if you have certain conditions. Check with your doctor before taking turmeric if you take medicine for:
Some supplements may contain piperine, which also interferes with some medications, including phenytoin and propranolol .
Health Benefits Of Turmeric
Turmeric in supplement form has higher levels than the spice used in cooking. Its a great addition to an anti-inflammatory diet. The anti-inflammatory properties make it a popular remedy for conditions, including:
- Kidney Problems
Recent studies show turmeric helps prevent and reduce joint inflammation. This reduces pain, stiffness, and inflammation related to arthritis.
For digestive relief, pay close attention to the amount of turmeric in a supplement. High dosages can cause an upset stomach.
Turmerics health benefits may include lower cholesterol levels. Research done on animals to date produced encouraging and consistent results. Its reasonable to think it can lower cholesterol in humans, too.
Don’t Miss: Can You Get Social Security For Arthritis
It Reduces Inflammation And Bone Degradation
Inflammation is characterised by the formation of inflammatory agent arachidonic acid which is metabolised by COX and LOX pathways to form prostaglandins and leukotrienes which are inflammatory mediators.
Ginger acts by inhibiting the formation of these prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
The study reported that ginger powder consumption benefited in arthritis by bringing about a reduction in pain, muscle soreness and reducing swelling.
The time period when ginger was consumed ranged between 3 months to 2.5 years and no side effects were reported.
A clinical trial was conducted to assess the effect of ginger powder supplementation on inflammatory proteins in osteoarthritis.
A dose of 1g ginger powder was given every day or placebo.
After 12 weeks of treatment, a significant reduction in inflammatory markers like Nitric oxide and C reactive protein was observed in the group receiving ginger powder.
These results suggested that ginger powder could be an effective supplement for osteoarthritis.
6-shogaol, the active ingredient of ginger, reduces inflammation and cartilage and bone degradation in osteoarthritis. Dietary ginger can benefit in osteoarthritis.
Ginger extract inhibits inflammation in synoviocytes- cells of synovial fluid that lubricates the joint.
A cell culture study shows that ginger extract is as effective as steroid bethamethasone in reducing inflammation. Ginger oil exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic property.
Turmeric: Queen Of Spices
Turmeric is a golden coloured and intensely flavoured spice extracted from the root of the plant Curcuma longa, which grows in India and Indonesia. People use its rhizome for culinary and traditional medicinal purposes. Traditionally in India, it has been used for treating skin disorders, upper respiratory tract, joints, and digestive systems. Turmeric contains an active compound named curcumin, responsible for imparting yellow to orangish hue. You might be curious why turmeric is named Queen of Species and how it even helps manage rheumatoid arthritis.
Scientific studies have shown that curcumin in turmeric exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These properties can reduce the risk of malignant diseases and other chronic illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis.
You May Like: What Supplements To Take For Arthritis
Works As A Natural Plant
Turmeric is well known for its bright yellowish-orange color, which comes from the curcuminoids it contains .
In fact, turmerics color pigments are extremely powerful, which means they can easily stain many materials, such as teeth, clothes, and countertops.
In some situations, that might be exactly what youre looking for. Turmeric tea or simply turmeric infused in water can be used to dye many different things, such as fabric and even eggs, without relying on any harsh chemicals or additives.
Summary
Turmeric tea is low in calories, caffeine-free , and rich in nutrients such as manganese and iron. Its bioactive compound curcumin has been linked with several potential health benefits.
Turmeric tea has a unique flavor that some people call earthy or sharp. Its delicious all on its own but is also commonly paired with other spices and flavors.
Turmeric tea pairs well with these spices:
24 ).
Whats more, curcumin is a fat-soluble nutrient, so pairing turmeric with fats like coconut oil or milk such as in popular golden milk turmeric tea recipes might also help you absorb more of the nutrient .
Summary
Turmeric tea is tasty and has health-promoting features all on its own, but you can certainly spice it up even more with herbs, spices, and ingredients that add both flavor and nutrition.
Turmeric tea is very easy to make at home with fresh or dried turmeric and just a few tools. Here are 3 ways to make it.
Studies On Turmeric And Curcumin For Arthritis
Research on the benefits of turmeric and curcumin for arthritis has focused on the most common type of arthritis, called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis becomes more common with older age because it is caused by the wear and tear of joints that occur over time. Other than NSAIDs to reduce pain and swelling, there are few treatments and no cure for osteoarthritis other than joint replacement surgery. NSAIDs have side effects like heartburn and can increase your risk for problems like kidney disease, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, so a safe alternative would be welcome.
Studies have tested that around 1000mg of curcumin is a safe dose for osteoarthritis.
According to NCCIH, studies on curcumin and turmeric nutraceuticals have found them to be probably safe when used orally or topically on the skin. A 2015 review of available studies that included laboratory studies and a few human studies concluded that curcumin is effective for treating osteoarthritis.
In one of the few human studies that compared curcumin to a placebo for osteoarthritis, curcumin significantly reduced pain compared to the placebo, but it was a small study including only 120 people. Another human study compared curcumin to an NSAID for osteoarthritis pain and found that they worked equally well, reducing pain by about 50 percent. Curcumin had fewer side effects than the NSAIDs. However, this was also a small study of 139 people.
Also Check: Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect Your Toes
What Is Turmeric Good For
Turmeric is dried and can be made into tea, extracts, or powdered. This can then be turned into tablets, capsules, or pastes.
Turmeric contains many plant compounds called curcuminoids. Most research has focused on curcumin.
The turmeric plant has antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory abilities.
Turmeric also contains vitamins B3, C, E, and K, as well as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Turmeric includes different plant compounds called curcuminoids: curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin.
Turmeric also contains the oils turmerone, atlantaone, and zingiberone.
All of these compounds have been found to have certain health benefits, but the most studied are the curcumin group.
This spice has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional medicine for gastrointestinal disease, liver issues, blood ailments, and infectious diseases.
In What Amounts Is Turmeric Good For Arthritis
The systematic review and meta-analysis provided evidence that taking enough turmeric to get 1000 mg of curcumin daily for two to three months would be sufficient for reducing painful arthritis symptoms.
However, while taking curcumin to prevent or treat arthritis is a great idea, theres a catch. Its bioavailability is known to be poor. In other words, our blood doesnt absorb it very well.
That is unless we take it with black pepper! Studies have revealed an incredible 2000-percent increase in curcumins s bioactivity when we consume it with black pepper!.
So, should I have also recommended turmeric to my arthritic friend?
Definitely! Ill be reaching out to him to share my research about taking both ginger and turmeric, with a side of black pepper!
Disclaimer:
The contents of the PLANTBASED.COM Site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the PLANTBASED.COM Site are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the PLANTBASED.COM Site!
You May Like: What To Do For Arthritis In Fingers
What Is The Best Herbal Tea For Treating Gout
Research indicates that ginger tea is the best herbal tea for reducing the pain and inflammation related to gout.
Gout is caused by high uric acid in the blood that builds up in the joints. Ginger tea may help with lowering the levels of uric acid. Other common home remedies include cherry juice and magnesium supplements.
Also, avoiding or reducing the consumption of alcohol and sugar may help with preventing the gout symptoms.
Microtea Recovery: Turmeric With Loose Leaf Tea And Microgreens
Microtea has the perfect blend of turmeric and microgreen tea. This blend is super packed with vitamins and minerals from microgreens and turmeric. Some of this blends benefits are:
- Nurtures you with up to 40X more nutrition than adult plants.
- Supports your well-being with highly nutritious broccoli microgreens.
- Vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are delivered whole and pure, without harsh extracts or isolates.
- Broccoli microgreens contain highly beneficial amounts of sulforaphane, which positively affects the expression of over 200 genes.
- Biohack with sulforaphane, which positively affects the expression of over 200 genes.
Its also easy to prepare: simply add to boiling water and steep for 5-6 minutes.
Recommended Reading: Does Ice Relieve Arthritis Pain
Improves Blood Sugar Regulation
Gingerol could also explain gingers role in keeping blood sugar levels steady. Doing the latter is key to controlling the long-term health effects of Type 2 diabetes. The ginger reduces enzymes that break down carbohydrates and so it helps with glucose metabolism, says ONeill.
People with Type 2 diabetes often dont produce enough insulin, which is key to ensuring glucose circulates throughout the body and doesnt accumulate in the bloodstream. Ginger can also help regulate this: Studies have also found that ginger encourages your muscles to absorb glucose, without requiring you to take extra insulin.
This could lead to additional positive side effects. When youre insulin resistant, sometimes it can make it harder to lose weight, ONeill says. Improved blood sugar regulation may help with weight loss and potentially make your body more sensitive to insulin.
Also Check: Is Arthritis Acute Or Chronic
How To Get Turmeric In Your Diet
Turmeric is usually found in root form or in a powder and can be sprinkled on veggies and rice or added to soups and smoothies. You can even drink turmeric tea.
Watch: Video: The Best-Tasting Anti-Inflammatory Cocktail You’ve Never Tried
However, curcuminthe active compound that accounts for much of turmerics health benefitsonly makes up 3 to 5% of turmeric.
In order to get enough curcumin for its benefits to be effective, many experts recommend that people take curcumin supplements. Advocates suggest a daily curcumin supplement of 200 to 1000mg that contains 95% curcuminoids.
Read more: Dietary Supplements for Treating Arthritis
Don’t Miss: How To Help Rheumatoid Arthritis Naturally
What Is Turmeric Ginger And Black Pepper Good For
Curcumin-an effective ingredient in turmeric with anti inflammatory property-plays an important role in protecting the joints against destructive factors. Gingerols and piperine, are the effective ingredients of ginger and black pepper, which may potentially enhance and sustain the effect of curcumin in this direction.
Using Ginger Along With Arthritis Medication
Any effects that ginger may have seem to be on relieving symptoms, not on the actual course of arthritis disease itself.
The effect of ginger on arthritis appears limited to mild pain relief no studies have demonstrated an important effect on disease modification, Dr. Goodman says. This is especially important for people with rheumatoid arthritis, as there are excellent disease-modifying medications available, while osteoarthritis patients do not have good disease modifying medicines.
So be sure to keep taking your prescribed medications. Ginger or other supplements should not be used in place of them.
Read Also: What Joints Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect
Benefits For Your Brain
If you have a family history of Alzheimers disease, you may want to look more closely at turmeric.
The curcuminoids in turmeric may help fight Alzheimers disease.
Several cell and animal studies have found that curcumin may help prevent the formation of amyloid plaques which is a sign of Alzheimers disease.
One study found that older adults without dementia who took curcumin twice daily for 18 months showed an improvement in their memory and cognitive function .
It is important to note that this was a relatively small study with only 40 participants.
What Is The Best Tea For Arthritis And Joint Pain
Arthritis and joint pain can happen due to many reasons. Its mainly due to inflammation in your bones and joints. Therefore, any tea that has anti-inflammatory properties is good for arthritis and joint pain.
Whether your joint pain is due to a disease like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, broken bones, or dehydration, it can get cured with proper nourishment.
And yes, you read it right! Joint pain can even be due to dehydration. Fortunately for us all, tea is highly hydrating. It helps have the correct fluid and electrolyte balance in the body with many electrolytes that it may have. These include potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
These electrolytes are highly essential for hydration. And thus prevent joint pain that comes with other dehydration symptoms.
Recommended Reading: What Are The Four Stages Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ginger May Help Manage A Variety Of Symptoms Including Pain
A root with an energizing scent, ginger has been used throughout history to treat a variety of ailments, including nausea, asthma, diabetes, and pain. According to the Arthritis Foundation, ginger has been shown in some studies to reduce pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Like psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by painful inflammation.
And, a 2017 study published in the journal Natural Product Research found that the spice reduced pain and inflammation in people with knee arthrosis.
You can incorporate ginger into a psoriatic arthritis diet in a number of tasty ways, including in smoothies, marinades, or stir-frys. However, the exact amount needed to ease psoriatic arthritis isnt known.
The Arthritis Foundation suggests drinking it in tea form, but no more than four cups per day.
Recommended Reading: Arthritis Remedies Hands
Reduces Symptoms For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is still incurable, but studies show that turmeric can help reduce the severity of symptoms. These findings say that turmeric is a promising possible treatment for IBS.
Generally, taking turmeric or curcumin supplements are not a health risk to IBS patients. However, intake of more than the recommended dosage can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms.
Recommended Reading: Is Yoga Good For Arthritis In Knees
Impressive Health Benefits Of Turmeric Tea
Most people know turmeric for the distinctive flavor and bright yellow color it adds to many traditional Indian dishes. More recently, turmeric has become famous in its own right for its numerous health benefits. Its been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine but modern medical studies are increasingly proving the benefits of this powerful plant.
One easy and enjoyable way to add turmeric into your diet is in the form of turmeric tea. In this article, well be looking at the health benefits of turmeric tea, as well as how to make it.