Fight Joint Inflammation with Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is the golden-orange spice that gives curried foods pizzazz.

In Traditional Chinese and Indian Medicine, turmeric is used to treat allergies, digestive ailments, and pain. The active chemical component of turmeric is curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Today, research is focused on the role curcumin plays in diseases where the underlying factor is inflammation, such as in heart disease and arthritis.

Studies show that curcumin blocks inflammation at the cellular level. Some studies indicate that curcumin's role in preventing joint inflammation surpasses its ability to reduce active joint inflammation.

In clinical trials, standardized curcumin supplements helped improve pain and swelling in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. These promising results are being further investigated in long-term studies.

Including turmeric in your diet is easy to do and, oh, so flavorful. Add a little turmeric to soups and dressings; sprinkle over meats, veggies, and scrambled eggs; add it to plain yogurt or a smoothie.

While adding turmeric spice to your meals is a great first step, the amounts used in cooking do not provide the therapeutic levels needed to achieve its robust health effects. When considering the addition of turmeric to your health plan, work with your holistic health practitioner to determine if this is a good choice and which curcumin supplement is best for you.

He or she can recommend the right form (capsule or powder) that will have the best bioavailability - meaning it's easy for your body to process through the digestive tract - for your specific health needs.

With love,

Dr. Marissa

FDA Compliance

The information on this blog and website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease. This information is distributed for educational purposes only. Please consult with your Naturopathic Doctor before acting on any material presented on this blog and website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have any medical conditions which require medical supervision.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links where I may earn a commission on purchases you make at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I use and fully support personally.