Turmeric And Curcumin For Arthritis
Research suggests turmeric and its components can potentially alleviate arthritis inflammation and pain.1–4
Most people know turmeric as a powdered spice used to give foods flavor and colorit gives many curries their deep golden color. Derived from a plant in the ginger family, turmeric contains a natural chemical compound called curcumin. Scientists have found curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Know What You Are Buying
If youre shopping for a supplement, you should know that the Food and Drug Administration does not verify that supplements contain what their labels say they do. Previous testing by Consumer Reports found that supplementsincluding turmeric and curcumin productsare sometimes contaminated with lead or bacteria.
Thats why careful shopping is key. Look for products that have been tested by a third party: Confirm a seal on the label from ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, UL, or U.S. Pharmacopeia . CVS says all supplements it sells are tested by a third party.
Such seals dont necessarily mean a product is safe, or that it does what its claimed to, but they should offer some assurance that youre getting whats on the label.
Editors Note: A version of this article also appeared in the October 2021 issue of Consumer Reports on Health.
Kevin Loria
I’m a science journalist who writes about health for Consumer Reports. I’m interested in finding the ways that people can transform their health for the better and in calling out the systems, companies, and policies that expose patients to unnecessary harm. As a dad, I spend most of my free time trying to keep up with a toddler, but I also enjoy exploring the outdoors whenever possible. .
Studies Regarding Turmerics Effect On Arthritis
There have been quite a few studies at this point relating to turmerics potential role in successfully reducing and eliminating pain from arthritis.
In 2016, there was a review of several clinical trials that looked into how effective turmeric is for arthritis pain. At the end of the review, it was found that there was ample evidence of turmeric being able to minimize soreness and inflammation stemming from arthritis. This was especially true when it came to osteoarthritis. In around 8-12 weeks, the effects were very pronounced. In fact, turmeric was found to be as effective as taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.
While they concluded that more research is necessary, people have been taking turmeric for inflammatory issues for millennia. However, they did suggest people suffering from arthritis take turmeric as a supplement within their daily lives.
There was a study done in 2017 that looked into the effectiveness of bio-available curcumin, which is a compound in turmeric, and found massive reductions in soreness and inflammation. This was another victory for proving the powerful effect turmeric has at reducing pain from arthritis.
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Treating Inflammation From Arthritis
The treatment for inflammation stemming from arthritis occurs when you give your body anti-inflammatories. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory whose effectiveness explodes when you combine it with black pepper. In fact, its bio-availability rises an astronomical 2,000% with this combination. This is why the best turmeric supplements are combined with black pepper.
JointFuel360 is a natural joint supplement. It also has in several other natural helpers, like boswellia serrata, resveratrol, and type II collagen. T
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.
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How To Choose The Right Turmeric Supplement
Taking supplements is the best way to get the nutrients that are lacking in your regular diet. However, if you choose the wrong supplement, you may end up sabotaging your own health. With that said, here are some of the things to look for in a turmeric supplement.
- It should include both turmeric extract and turmeric root.
- It should be made from certified organic turmeric and not grown with synthetic pesticides and other toxic chemicals.
- It should contain black pepper, as it helps the body absorb curcumin. Your body can get the most benefit out of the supplement.
- Look for turmeric supplements that have been tested for heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, glyphosate, and arsenic.
- It should be packed in a dark glass bottle for extra UV protection.
Offering Dimension And Also Warnsginger And Turmeric Supplements For Arthritis
Turmeric extract Curcumin Plus includes 60 beautiful orange capsules in every container, equal to a one-month supply. Take two daily 20-30 minutes prior to a dish. I d state the dimension of the pills are simple to swallow for most people.
A couple of moments after opening up the bottle you will certainly be welcomed with a warm turmeric fragrance. As turmeric has a strong aroma, I d be worried by any turmeric supplements that do not have a turmeric scent .
Bear in mind that I am not a signed up diet professional or physician. I am simply your ordinary individual with the moment to investigate. Always talk to your healthcare specialist prior to making use of any kind of dietary supplement.Ginger and Turmeric Supplements for Arthritis
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Types And Causes Of Arthritis
The nature and location of the symptoms depend on the type of arthritis. The exact cause of the disorder is also not quite known considering there are over 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions.
Three of the most common types of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis Degenerative in nature. Loss of cartilage due to aging causes the bones to rub together leading to chronic inflammation, pain, and stiffness. This type also shows up in the spine and is known as spinal arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis A type of inflammatory arthritis that usually causes swelling and stiffness in multiple joints, especially the small joints in the wrists, hands, or feet. RA develops when the immune system overproduces inflammation that turns around and attacks the joints.
- Gout Gout is inflammatory arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the body. It typically affects one joint at a time and more often attacks the big toe joint.
Some types of arthritis also affect the eyes, heart, lungs, kidneys, and skin. It can be difficult to accurately diagnose and treat because there are so many different types.
Whats more, mainstream medical treatment for arthritis is not very effective. For example, drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , treat the symptoms and not the underlying cause.
Not to mention the host of side effects and health risks of pharmaceutical drugs and painkillers when used on a long-term basis.
Main Types Of Turmeric And Curcumin Supplements
There are a lot of turmeric/curcumin supplements of the market. We will discuss how they differ in the following section of the article however, the main difference that we will be focusing on is their effectiveness.
Well start with the least potent supplements that contain plain turmeric root powder and conclude with a section on enhanced curcumin – patented curcumin formulations with effectiveness proven in clinical trials.
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Alternative Ways To Take Turmeric
There are alternative ways to take turmeric for RA. You can create a microemulsion by combining the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon curcumin powder
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of melted coconut oil
We recommend that you use a hand blender as mixing them by hand wont emulsify the powder well.
You can also use it as a tea. However, preparing the drink is not as simple as any other tea. You will have to boil one tablespoon of curcumin powder, instead of steeping in hot water. Boiling the powder for 10 minutes can create a 12% solution, which you should immediately drink as soon as it has cooled down.
Turmeric has been widely used in ancient India and China for treating illnesses and for general well-being. Its only in recent years when researches have started discovering the reason behind its effectiveness.
Luckily, you dont need to go through these alternate methods if you find it too tedious to do every day. With the right turmeric supplement like the ones we reviewed and recommended here, you can experience better and faster results without the hassle.
Foods For Rheumatoid Arthritis And Inflammatory Arthritis
For rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthritis, a person should eat:
- omega-3 fats found in cold-water fatty fish and flaxseeds
- olive oil
- broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cabbage
- garlic, onion, and leeks
People who have osteoarthritis may also find some symptom relief after achieving a healthy weight. Being overweight can put extra stress on joints and cause more pain.
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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
Health Benefits And Risks
The Arthritis Foundation states that some supplements may relieve pain, stiffness, and other symptoms of arthritis. It also suggests using supplements alongside arthritis drugs, not as a substitute. Medications are the only scientifically proven treatment to slow joint damage.
A 2020 review on rheumatoid arthritis indicates that some supplements may have beneficial effects. However, research into the impact of diet and dietary supplements on RA is limited.
Furthermore, the AF highlights the importance of consulting a doctor before taking any supplements for arthritis. Some supplements may interact with other medications or cause side effects.
It is also of note that there is little research into the effectiveness of supplements.
Some supplements have different benefits than others. In the sections below, we list supplements and their possible benefits.
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Special Curcumin Formulations With Enhanced Bioavailability
In recent years, quite a few companies have addressed the problem with low bioavailability of turmeric and its extract, curcumin.
Piperine was the so-called 1st generation bioavailability enhancer. Nowadays, there are several new, patented curcumin formulations available that work better at improving the bioavailability of curcumin and they do this without the negative side effects of piperine.
Turmeric Curcumin With Bioperine 95% Curcuminoids 1950mg With Black Pepper For Best Absorption
- effective ingredients: turmeric is arguably one of the most powerful herbs on the planet.
- trusted formula: our turmeric is formulated by professionals and manufactured in the usa following strict gmp guidelines.
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- turmeric curcumin with bioperine: our premium t3 turmeric curcumin complex 1950mg, with standardized 95% curcuminoids and 15mg bioperine for best absorption..
- with bioperine for best absorption: bioperine, a patented black pepper extract has been shown to improve the absorption of many herbs and spices.
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Why Do People Take Turmeric
Curcumin, a substance in turmeric, may help to reduce inflammation. Several studies suggest that it might ease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, like pain and inflammation. Other compounds in turmeric might also be medicinal.
In lab tests, curcumin seems to block the growth of certain kinds of tumors. One study showed that turmeric extract containing curcumin could — in some cases — stabilize colorectal cancer that wasn’t helped by other treatments. But more research is needed.
Other preliminary lab studies suggest that curcumin or turmeric might protect against types of colitis, stomach ulcers, and high cholesterol. Based on studies, turmeric and curcumin might also help treat upset stomach, diabetes, depression, HIV, uveitis, and viral infections.
But its important to keep in mind that most of these studies have been done in the laboratory. Researchers havent yet conducted significant studies on the benefits of turmeric and curcumin. So it’s too early to say what health benefits turmeric might have.
Best Turmeric For Arthritis Australia
Turmeric extract is among those superfoods that has actually taken the natural health and wellness world by tornado. While most individuals could use this seasoning to include taste to curries, health and wellness enthusiasts use turmeric for its numerous purported health and wellness advantages. Just a few of the researched benefits include supporting a healthy immune system, sustaining muscle mass as well as joint wellness and sustaining healthy cognitive function.Best Turmeric for Arthritis Australia
This made me begin to think of how I can begin to experience a few of the benefits of turmeric extract Because of turmerics buzz, you can obtain your repair of turmeric in lots of forms. Im a huge follower of turmeric extracts researched benefits not its smell or preference. Lathering myself in turmeric soap or having a turmeric-ginger tea wasnt precisely my favorite in itself, nevertheless thats not excessive of a concern when I learned that supplemented turmeric may in fact be extra efficient than raw turmeric. Hear me out.Best Turmeric for Arthritis Australia
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What Are The Major Ingredients To Look For In A Turmeric Supplement
Here is an outline of selected ingredients that you must look for in a good turmeric supplement:
- Curcumin or curcuminoid traces
- Black pepper or its extracts
- Bioperine
- Forskolin
- Phytochemical compounds
Each of these ingredients above has unique properties and benefits to help maintain your overall health and metabolism.
Moreover, dedicated scientific labs conduct rigorous testing of these ingredients before using them to formulate turmeric supplements. In addition, scientists are studying more ingredient bases to incorporate them into the supplement therapy.
Use In Relieving Inflammatorypain & Other Conditions
While many patients are prescribed anti-inflammatory medications to relieve symptoms of chronic pain, long-term use sometimes cannot be sustained due to side effects on the immune system as well as cardiovascular and gastrointestinal complications. Herbal therapies like turmeric offer a great way to supplement those medications with fewer side effects.
Studies have shown that patients diagnosed with conditions caused by inflammation, such as osteoarthritis, have seen improvement in pain, overall function, and quality of life when using the product.
Other uses for turmeric include treating liver and digestive problems. The substance has also shown to be effective in reducing skin irritation resulting from radiation treatments for breast cancer. Ongoing preliminary studies are looking at using curcumin as a possible treatment for other cancers and diabetes, as well as an aid in reducing cholesterol.
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Qunol Extra Strength Turmeric Curcumin Complex
Price: $$
Part of the reason your body doesnt absorb curcumin very well is because of its poor solubility in water .
Qunol uses a specific type of technology to manufacture the Extra Strength Turmeric Curcumin Complex product to increase the water solubility of curcumin, thereby enhancing its absorption.
One study demonstrated that the form of curcumin that Qunol uses in its turmeric supplement was 39 times more efficiently absorbed than a standard turmeric extract product .
Qunols product contains 1,000 mg of turmeric standardized to contain 1822% curcuminoids per 2-softgel serving.
Qunol states that they test each batch of turmeric for heavy metals. The products are also produced in a cGMP facility, according to the product packaging .
Price: $$
This Gaia Herbs product offers a concentrated liquid extract of turmeric.
According to Gaia Herbs, this form of turmeric is more easily digested and better absorbed by your body than powdered extracts of turmeric, which some research supports .
The Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength product delivers 482 mg of turmeric extract thats standardized to contain 36 mg of curcuminoids per capsule.It also contains 7 mg of black pepper to enhance absorption.
Gaia Herbs offers a traceability tool on their website that allows you to discover the origin of the herb and view validation of the products quality .
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How To Choose Your Turmeric Supplement
Supplements arent regulated like medications. Do your research on the company and brand you choose.
Consider supplements tested by a third party like Informed Choice or NSF International.
Turmeric extracts are the most potent type of supplement. Concentrated extracts are 95% curcumin. Powders and spices contain a lot less of the potent ingredient.
Extracts also have less chance of contamination from other substances.
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