The India spice Turmeric has relations to the Ginger family. It is a common ingredient in curry, often used in organic mustards, butter, and cheeses to give it a yellow coloring. Cosmetics often use turmeric for the same purpose.
Touted as having the ability to help a wide range of diseases, which (among others) includes: headaches, bronchitis, colds, fibromyalgia, Crohn's Disease, diabetes, jaundice, liver problems, and tuberculosis. But is turmeric good for arthritis?
Is Turmeric Good For Arthritis?
Many natural health practitioners claim that turmeric helps lessen the severity, duration, and amount of arthritic flare-ups in diseases where an inflammatory autoimmune reaction is to blame. The reasoning behind this falls to a chemical compound known as curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric helps reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness. This helps to greatly increase the overall quality of life of arthritis patients. It has also shown as particularly effective in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
While these claims are heavily debated in the modern medical community, extensive studies show positive results.
Unfortunately, rats were the subjects in these studies and how turmeric works in humans is less widely investigated.
Preliminary experiments have shown positive results. However, there are high hopes substantial proof will prove turmeric's claims in the near future.
The Bottom Line
As long as you do not fall into one of the high-risk categories we explain below, there are no major downsides to attempting oral consumption of turmeric for arthritic pain. Although there are less human studies, it is at least worth a shot for many individuals.
Precautions
Turmeric is not safe for some individuals. If you are allergic to the spice, please avoid using it. Turmeric is not safe for people with gallbladder problems, bleeding problems, gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), iron deficiency, or people who have recently had surgery.
People who have breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids should refrain from consuming this spice. Turmeric may lower testosterone levels, decrease sperm count, and result in infertility when taken by men in very large amounts.
Always speak to your doctor prior to beginning any diet, or taking any new supplements. He or she can help you to determine whether it would be safe for your personal circumstances.
