
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant and is commonly used in Asian food. It is known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat arthritis, heartburn, joint pain, stomach pain, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, bypass surgery, haemorrhage, diarrhoea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems, Helicobacter pylori infection, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, gallbladder disorders, high cholesterol, skin conditions, depression, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, water retention, worms, tuberculosis, urinary bladder inflammation, and kidney problems.
Turmeric has also been found to have laxative properties. A study found that curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, can help treat urinary tract infections and boost immune system activity. It can also be used to treat constipation.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Is turmeric a laxative? | Turmeric is a natural laxative. |
How does it work? | Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. |
What are the benefits? | Turmeric may help with digestion, arthritis, liver health, cancer, Alzheimer's, bladder infections, skin inflammation, diabetes, and youthfulness. |
Are there any downsides? | Turmeric may cause stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. |
What You'll Learn
Turmeric can help with digestion and reduce bloating and lethargy after meals
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant and is commonly used in Asian food. It is a member of the ginger family and is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which is often used to colour foods and cosmetics. Curcumin is also responsible for many of turmeric's health benefits.
Curcumin has been shown to influence more than 700 genes in the body and can inhibit both the activity and the synthesis of enzymes that cause inflammation. Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine because of its ability to protect the body's cells from oxidative damage.
Turmeric is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth or applied to the skin appropriately for up to 8 months. However, in very few cases, turmeric was found to cause liver damage. It is also POSSIBLY SAFE when it is used as an enema or a mouthwash in the short term.
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Turmeric can help ease arthritis
Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. It is also used to make pills, drink mixes, juices, and lattes. The spice is derived from a root and has a bright orange colour.
In a study of osteoarthritis patients, those who added curcumin to their treatment plans experienced lessened pain and improved mobility, while those who did not take the supplement showed no improvements. The anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin may also help reduce joint swelling and morning stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
It is important to note that the turmeric spice typically found in the kitchen spice rack only contains around 5% curcumin. Therefore, cooking with turmeric may not provide significant health benefits for arthritis. However, taking higher doses of curcumin in supplement form (around 1,000 milligrams per day) has been shown to have similar pain relief effects as taking a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
When taking turmeric or curcumin supplements, it is recommended to combine them with black pepper and a healthy fat, such as olive oil, to enhance absorption by the body. Additionally, it is important to consult with a doctor or healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking medications.
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Turmeric can help strengthen your liver
Turmeric is a spice that is derived from the roots of the plant Curcuma longa, which is native to India but grown throughout Southern Asia and Central America. It is a member of the ginger family and is commonly used in curries.
Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It is known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are thought to be mediated by the inhibition of leukotriene synthesis. Curcumin, a compound found only in turmeric, is responsible for many of its health benefits.
However, it is important to note that while generally considered safe, there have been some reports of liver injury associated with the use of turmeric supplements. The clinical features of liver injury attributed to turmeric include fatigue, nausea, dark urine, and jaundice. Most cases of acute hepatic injury from turmeric resolve within 1 to 3 months of discontinuing the supplement.
To enhance the absorption of turmeric, it is recommended to combine it with black pepper or fat sources such as butter, ghee, or hemp milk.
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Turmeric can help with bladder infections
Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties and can influence over 700 genes in the body.
Curcumin, a compound found only in turmeric, is responsible for many of its health benefits. It can inhibit the activity and synthesis of enzymes that cause inflammation and has strong antibacterial properties.
Turmeric can be used to treat bladder infections, also known as urinary tract infections (UTIs). Curcumin's antibacterial properties help treat UTIs and boost immune system activity. A study on rats with chronic urinary tract infections found that curcumin significantly improved symptoms, protected renal tubular function, and reduced inflammatory responses.
However, it is important to note that curcumin has poor oral bioavailability, meaning it is not easily absorbed by the body when taken orally. Combining turmeric with black pepper, fat, or piperine (a black pepper extract) can increase absorption.
While turmeric and curcumin may not be effective for acute UTIs, they can help with chronic recurrent UTIs by supporting gut health and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Curcumin can shift the gut microbiome towards beneficial bacteria, which can have systemic health benefits.
Overall, turmeric and curcumin have potential benefits for bladder health, but more human clinical studies are needed to fully understand their effectiveness in treating UTIs.
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Turmeric can help with skin inflammation
Turmeric is a spice that has been used in medicine, cosmetics, and cooking for thousands of years. It is made from the ground rhizome, or underground root, of a plant related to ginger. Its main active component, curcumin, is a potent micronutrient that gives the spice its distinctive colour. Curcumin is known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric can be applied to the skin in the form of a paste (made with water, honey, or aloe vera gel) to help with skin inflammation. It can be effective on everything from cuts and burns to acne, eczema, and psoriasis by speeding up healing and cell repair.
Curcumin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help wounds heal by decreasing inflammation and oxidation. It also lowers the body's response to cutaneous wounds, resulting in wounds healing more quickly.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin has been found to positively affect tissue and collagen. The journal Life Sciences recommends applying curcumin as an optimized formula to work on skin wounds.
Turmeric can also be consumed orally to help with skin issues. When cooking with turmeric, it is recommended to combine it with black pepper to increase absorption by about 1000%. You can also make a turmeric emulsion by combining one tablespoon of curcumin powder with two or three teaspoons of melted coconut oil.
While turmeric is generally considered safe, there are some risks associated with its use. Turmeric has low bioavailability, meaning the body does not absorb much of it. It can also cause skin discolouration and allergic reactions in some people. It is important to be cautious when using turmeric and to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Turmeric is not a laxative, but it has been shown to help with constipation.
Turmeric is a spice in the same family as ginger. It is commonly used in Asian food and is the main spice in curry.
Turmeric has been shown to have antioxidant properties, reduce arthritis pain, aid in weight loss, and reduce the risk of diabetes.
In very rare cases, turmeric has been found to cause liver damage. It may also cause stomach pain, but this is also rare.
Turmeric is a common ingredient in curry dishes, but it can also be used to make a golden milk latte.