Turmeric: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More

Turmeric is great for reducing pain, inflammation and boosting overall well-being. The vibrant yellow-orange spice that adds color and flavor to many dishes has numerous health benefits and has been used for centuries to help with all kinds of health-related issues. 

Turmeric isn’t just for cooking anymore; scientific research supports turmeric’s traditional uses as well as all of the health benefits associated with the spice.

The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, holds significant importance in maintaining and enhancing our health.

It plays a crucial role in promoting our body’s natural defense mechanisms, supporting cognitive function, aiding digestion, and contributing to overall wellness.

Today, studies focus on how turmeric can improve overall well-being by aiding in inflammation response and stress relief. making turmeric an exciting area of nutritional research.

In this article, we will cover the ins and outs of turmeric and exactly how it can help you to live a healthier, happier life.

Turmeric Is An Adaptogen

A. What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and promote balance and normal functioning. They’ve been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.

Turmeric is considered an adaptogen due to its ability to help the body respond to stress.

B. How Turmeric Acts as an Adaptogen

Turmeric works to balance the body’s responses, particularly regarding inflammation and oxidative stress.

Chronic stress often leads to systemic inflammation and an imbalance in stress. By helping stop to these responses, turmeric supports the body’s ability to deal with stress.

C. Benefits of Turmeric As An Adaptogen

As an adaptogen, turmeric provides a host of benefits, supporting your immune system, inflammatory pain, and stress levels. The overall result is a better response to physical, emotional, and environmental stressors.

Uses of Turmeric

A. Anti-inflammatory

Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can counteract inflammation at the molecular level in your body.

This property makes it beneficial in managing inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and even certain skin conditions.

B. Antioxidant

Turmeric is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Doing so helps protect the body from oxidative stress, a major contributor to aging and various diseases.

It also boosts the body’s antioxidant enzymes, enhancing your total antioxidant capacity and improving immune function and response.

C. Cognitive Function

Several studies have shown that turmeric supports brain health. It’s been shown to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a type of growth hormone that works in the brain.

Disorders such as depression and Alzheimer’s have been linked to decreased levels of this hormone, so turmeric increasing the hormone would allow you to be happier and experience less depression and anxiety.

D. Heart Health

Turmeric improves heart health by reducing inflammation and oxidation, both of which are critical to heart disease.

Additionally, the curcumin found in turmeric can improve the function of the endothelium, the lining of your blood vessels, promoting healthy blood pressure and circulation.

E. Digestive Health

Traditionally, turmeric has been used to aid in digestion and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe the digestive tract, making it useful for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastritis as well as upset stomach. 

Health Benefits of Turmeric

A. Anti-inflammatory

1. Joint Health: Studies have shown turmeric effectively reduces joint inflammation. This makes it great for those suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Chronic Inflammation: Chronic, low-level inflammation is known to play a role in many common diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. The potent anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin can help combat this, contributing to the prevention of these conditions.

B. Antioxidant

1. Stopping Damaging Molecules: Turmeric can stop damaging molecules and stimulate your body’s antioxidant defenses, protecting against cellular damage and aging.
2. Preventing Disease: Many diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases, are influenced by oxidative damage. By preventing this, turmeric can help to prevent these conditions.

C. Cognitive Function

1. Boosting Brain Hormones: Turmeric can increase positive brain hormone levels that function in your brain. This leads to improvements in memory and a lower risk of brain diseases.
2. Depression: Several studies have shown that curcumin can help alleviate symptoms of depression due to its chemical interactions with the brain.

D. Heart Health

1. Improving Circulation: The curcumin in turmeric improves circulation and the lining of your blood vessels. This is important for heart health because if your blood vessel linings are clogged, you are at a significant increase of heart disease.
2. Reducing Inflammation: Turmeric’s potent anti-inflammatory properties benefit heart health by reducing the inflammation and oxidation that are key contributors to heart disease.

E. Digestive Health

1. Soothing the Digestive Tract: The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can help soothe the digestive tract, relieving symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastritis.
2. Promoting Digestive Enzymes: Turmeric stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption, making it easier for your body to pass food along.

Dosage and Supplementation

A. Recommended Dosage

Adults use turmeric in doses of up to 1.5 grams daily for up to 9 months. It is also sometimes used in mouthwashes, gels, and creams. at USA Medical, we suggest two (2) 800mg capsules per day.

B. Different Forms of Turmeric Supplements

Turmeric is available in various forms, including:

• Capsules: Capsules are the best way for your body to consume turmeric, as they are the most bioavailable.
• Tablets: Tablets are a common way to take turmeric; however, the way the tablets are made makes it difficult to absorb into your body due to added fillers being pressed into the tablet.
• Teas: You can add turmeric powder to your tea for a calming bedtime cup, but most of the turmeric will be dissolved in the tea and be less effective.
• Spice: Traditionally, eating turmeric as a spice was how many people in the past got their turmeric, but with modern technology, there are much more effective ways to consume the root, such as capsule supplements. 

Each form has its unique benefits, but capsules are the best and most effective way to consume turmeric.

C. How to Choose The Right Supplement

When choosing a turmeric supplement, ensure it contains:

• Black Pepper Extract: This aids in digestion. 
• Piperine: Breaks down the curcumin in turmeric to be more effective. 
• Third-Party Lab Tests: Lab tests from a third-party lab ensure the company you are purchasing from is being honest. 

Look for something like this when looking at lab tests: https://usamedical.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Platinum-Turmeric-COA-Lot-11882-3-9-2021.pdf

D. Why Third-Party Lab Tests are Crucial Before Buying

Lab testing ensures the safety, quality, and potency of turmeric supplements. Always choose supplements from brands that provide third-party testing results to ensure no toxic chemicals and fillers are added to the supplements.

Side Effects of Turmeric

A. Positive Side Effects

Turmeric is generally recognized as safe and has many health benefits:

1. Boosted Immune System: Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties strengthen the immune system, protecting the body against a variety of illnesses.
2. Enhanced Digestive Health: Turmeric promotes the production of digestive enzymes and soothes the digestive tract, contributing to overall better digestive health.

B. Negative Side Effects

1. Digestive Issues: Although rare, high doses of turmeric may cause mild stomach upset.

Final Thoughts

Turmeric is a powerful supplement with a long list of potential health benefits. From its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to its ability to improve cognitive function, heart health, and digestion, it is worth adding to your wellness routine.

Always choose a high-quality, third-party-tested turmeric supplement to ensure you are getting the best possible product. USA Medical is committed to ensuring you get the best products possible with the most transparency possible. 

If you you suffer from chronic pain or inflammation give turmeric a try right now.