Turmeric, the golden spice of India, isn't only renowned in the culinary domain. Also acknowledged by the medical and scientific spheres, it is a vital source of polyphenol curcumin- an active chemical present in turmeric that gives it medicinal and healing properties.
So, the question is, does turmeric help in providing relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis (joint pain)?
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, the curcumin present in turmeric is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective in nature. Since Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, the curcumin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects can provide respite to a patient from joint pain.
If you're in a dilemma about whether to use turmeric for your joint pain or not and if yes, then in what quantities and in which forms, you've come to the right place. Here is an answer to all of these questions:
Is turmeric effective for Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms?
In Rheumatoid Arthritis, the immunity system turns against its own tissues, causing pain in the joints and damage throughout the body. Its symptoms range from pain in the muscles to sciatica in some cases. Over a period, it gives way to inflammation, further leading to bone erosion and joint deformity.
Now, turmeric doesn't impede the inflammation. It is the curcumin present within the turmeric which blocks the enzymes and cytokines that cause inflammation. With its anti-inflammatory properties, studies have shed light on the fact that turmeric could be a viable treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms.
How to take turmeric?
You could add turmeric into your diet through several mediums, ranging from using its powder in your food to taking its supplement capsules. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that curcumin has poor bioavailability- it is not properly absorbed by our body. Hence, to get an active effect, you would have to consume considerable doses of turmeric daily.
Here are a few ways through which you could reach your daily turmeric quota:
#1. Tea
Several medical studies have revealed that liquid extracts have better absorption rates and are more digestible. Thus, consuming turmeric tea would mean greater absorption of curcumin by your body. Moreover, you could also add ginger to the tea, making it more effective to combat inflammation in the body.
#2. Supplements
In case you don't have the time to put in efforts every day to make turmeric-based tea or food, you could also opt for turmeric capsules or supplements. With turmeric capsules, you'll also get the benefit of consuming additional ingredients, such as black pepper, which enhances the absorption of curcumin.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, the recommended dosage of turmeric is 500 milligrams, twice a day. However, before taking any supplements, it is important that you consult a doctor.
#3. Paste
You could also consume turmeric by making its paste. Make a paste out of turmeric and add it in juices, dressings, snacks, milk, or smoothies. Through this medium, you won't face any difficulty in consuming turmeric daily.
What are the additional benefits of turmeric?
The best thing about consuming turmeric is that it causes an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. It assists in lowering the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis, such as gout and non-inflammatory arthritis, such as osteoarthritis.
Apart from these benefits, people also use turmeric to take care of heartburn, fibroids, and knee and back pain. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it is also good for the heart, making it a one-stop remedy for several ailments.
To conclude
Turmeric has gained worldwide recognition for its vast medicinal uses and much of its application for joint pain gets derived from curcumin. Through the daily intake of turmeric in proper dosages, you would notice a reduction in your joint pain within eight to twelve weeks. It is important to note that if you are taking medicine for diabetes, cholesterol, or inflammation, you must consult a doctor before starting the consumption of turmeric.
