Studies suggest it has protective effects against pancreatic cancer , prostate cancer , and multiple myeloma.

Part of the reason that turmeric is in curry powder is because it adds an element of deliciousness to food. But turmeric can also play an important role in digesting that food.

Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can contribute to healthy digestion. Now Western medicine has begun to study how turmeric can help with gut inflammation and gut permeability, two measures of your digestive efficiency. Turmeric is even being explored as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.

The same agents in turmeric that support digestive health can cause irritation when taken in large amounts. Some participants in studies looking at the use of turmeric for cancer treatment had to drop out because their digestion was so negatively affected.

Turmeric stimulates the stomach to produce more gastric acid. Other suggested benefits of turmeric, such as lowered cholesterol and lowered blood pressure , probably have something to do with the way turmeric functions in your blood.

People who take blood-thinning drugs like warfarin Coumadin should avoid consuming large doses of turmeric. You may have heard that eating foods seasoned with curry can stimulate labor.

Because of its blood-thinning effects alone, pregnant women should avoid taking turmeric supplements. Turmeric can interact with other medications and supplements. People taking the following types should be cautious and contact a doctor before trying turmeric:.

Most people can add turmeric to their diet safely every day. If someone is taking other medications or supplements, is pregnant or breastfeeding, or has liver or bile duct problems, they should contact a doctor before trying it.

It appears that there are health benefits to including turmeric in your diet. The golden spice supports immune health, helps relieve pain, and can aid in digestion, among other things.

But because of some of its side effects, turmeric may not be worth taking for some people. As with any alternative therapy, speak with your doctor before you use turmeric to treat any health condition that you have.

If you want to buy a turmeric or curcumin supplement, then there is an excellent selection online with thousands of great customer reviews.

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Adding it to your cooking or your tea, however, will provide only a tiny fraction of the amount of curcumin typically given in animal or human studies.

Only 1 to 6 percent of turmeric is curcumin. In general, however, curcumin taken orally, whether as a spice or as a supplement, is not well-absorbed and is quickly eliminated from the body —one of the reasons that some experts have been skeptical about claims of its effects in humans.

its intended target. And curcumin supplements, like all supplements, are not regulated in the same way medications are. That means that they may not contain what the label advertises and that claims have not been vetted.

Finally, be sure to consult with your doctor if you are considering taking curcumin supplements. They can interact dangerously with certain medications , such as blood thinners. Sally Wadyka is a freelance writer who contributes to Consumer Reports, Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, Yoga Journal, and the Food Network on topics such as health, nutrition, and wellness.

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Are Probiotic Sodas, Stress-Relieving Tonics, and Other So-Called Healthy Drinks Good for You? Does Turmeric Really Reduce Inflammation? By Sally Wadyka. Family: Nutritional supplement of the ginger Zingiberaceae family Scientific name: Curcuma domestica Other names: C. rotunda L.

xanthorrhiza Naves and Amomum curcuma Jacq Turmeric is a perennial plant native to southern Asia. Share This Section Share on Facebook Tweet LinkedIn. How does it work?

Studies on animals have shown that turmeric products have anti-inflammatory properties. Is it safe? Turmeric trials for osteoarthritis.

But, when it comes to using turmeric as an anti-inflammatory, UnityPoint Health Dietitian Krista Kohls, RDN, CD, explains what you should keep in mind before you hop on the turmeric train. Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the turmeric plant. Turmeric has also been applied to the skin for pain or swelling, and the essential oil can be used in perfume.

The supplement form of turmeric usually contains more of the spice than what is used in cooking, and Kohls says high levels of turmeric are what reportedly help inflammation, as well as other conditions:. So, is turmeric an effective anti-inflammatory? But, NMD reports suggest some have seen success consuming the following amounts of turmeric with associated conditions:.

She advises talking with your provider before taking a turmeric supplement, especially if you have pre-existing conditions such as gallbladder problems, diabetes, certain types of cancers, etc.

Supplements may also interfere with some medications. Using Turmeric As Anti-Inflammatory. UnityPoint Health News and Articles Using Turmeric As Anti-Inflammatory.

Anti-inflammatory spices like black pepper and turmeric may help reduce chronic inflammation and pain, though the evidence is mixed. It may cause a loss of function of the involved tissues. Acute inflammation is typically a protective and localized response to infection or injury.

Inflammation of the joints, including stiffness and swelling are common symptoms of arthritis. If inflammation persists for a prolonged period of time, it becomes chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can be the result of an infection, autoimmune reaction , or allergy.

Certain foods have been identified as anti-inflammatory. They may help to reduce chronic inflammation and pain. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish , certain nuts , and even chocolate have all been acknowledged for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Research into exactly how well these foods reduce inflammation in the body is mixed, but promising. One easy way to incorporate anti-inflammatories into your diet is through the use of spices. Turmeric is a brilliant yellow spice common in Indian cuisine that you can find in any grocery store.

Turmeric has been used as a medicine for centuries to treat wounds, infections, colds , and liver disease. Studies have shown that curcumin , a compound in turmeric, may reduce inflammation in the body.

Ginger is a zesty spice used in many cuisines. You can buy it powdered or as a fresh root in most supermarkets. Ginger has been used as a traditional medicine to treat stomach upset, headaches, and infections.

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have been praised for centuries, and scientific studies have confirmed it. Cinnamon is a popular spice often used to flavor baked treats. But cinnamon is more than just a delicious additive in our cakes.

Studies have shown that the spice has anti-inflammatory properties, which can ease swelling. Keep a good supply of cinnamon on hand and sprinkle it in your coffee or tea, and on top of your breakfast cereal.

The anti-inflammatory properties of garlic have been proven to ease arthritis symptoms. A little bit can go a long way. Use fresh garlic in almost any savory dish for added flavor and health benefits. Cayenne and other hot chili peppers have been praised for their health benefits since ancient times.

All chili peppers contain natural compounds called capsaicinoids. These are what give the spicy fruit its anti-inflammatory properties. Chili pepper is widely considered to be a powerful anti-inflammatory spice , so be sure to include a dash in your next dish.

Studies have shown that the chemical compounds of black pepper, particularly piperine, may be effective in the early acute inflammatory process. Cloves have been used as an expectorant, and to treat upset stomach , nausea , and inflammation of the mouth and throat.

Research is still mixed, but evidence suggests that they may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit people with RA. Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family, and its stems and roots are usually ground into a powder often used in cooking as a seasoning spice. Curcumin has been researched for its health properties.

If using turmeric supplements, look for ones that contain piperine, which helps with the absorption of curcumin, or use alongside with black pepper. Tumeric's powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and circulatory effects may help prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions.

A relative of ginger, turmeric is a perennial plant that grows 5 to 6 feet high in the tropical regions of Southern Asia, with trumpet-shaped, dull yellow flowers. Its roots are bulbs that also produce rhizomes, which then produce stems and roots for new plants.

Turmeric is fragrant and has a bitter, somewhat sharp taste. Although it grows in many tropical locations, the majority of turmeric is grown in India, where it is used as a main ingredient in curry. The roots, or rhizomes and bulbs, are used in medicine and food.

They are generally boiled and then dried, turning into the familiar yellow powder. Curcumin, the active ingredient, has antioxidant properties. Other substances in this herb have antioxidant properties as well.

Bromelain increases the absorption and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin, so it is often combined with turmeric products. Pediatric Turmeric supplements haven't been studied in children, so there is no recommended dose.

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, herbs can trigger side effects and may interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications.

For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider. Turmeric in food is considered safe.

However, taking large amounts of turmeric and curcumin in supplement form for long periods of time may cause stomach upset and, in extreme cases, ulcers.

People who have gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages should talk to their doctor before taking turmeric. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before taking turmeric supplements.

Turmeric may lower blood sugar levels. When combined with medications for diabetes, turmeric could cause hypoglycemia low blood sugar. Although it is safe to eat foods with turmeric, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take turmeric supplements.

Because turmeric may act like a blood thinner, you should stop taking it at least 2 weeks before surgery. Tell your doctor and surgeon that you have been taking turmeric. If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use turmeric or curcumin in medicinal forms without first talking to your health care provider.

Turmeric may strengthen the effects of these drugs, raising the risk of bleeding. Blood thinners include warfarin Coumadin , clopidogrel Plavix , and aspirin, among others.

Turmeric may interfere with the action of these drugs, increasing the production of stomach acid:. Turmeric may strengthen the effects of these drugs, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia low blood sugar.

Aggarwal BB, Yuan W, Li S, Gupta SC. Curcumin-free tumeric exhibits anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities: Identification of novel components of tumeric.

Mol Nutr Food Res. Aggarwal BB, Sundaram C, Malani N, Ichikawa H. Curcumin: the Indian solid gold. Adv Exp Med Biol. Asai A, Miyazawa T. Dietary curcuminoids prevent high-fat diet-induced lipid accumulation in rat liver and epididymal adipose tissue. J Nutr. Asher GN, Spelman K. Clinical utility of curcumin extract.

Altern Ther Health Med. Baum L, Cheung SK, Mok VC, et al. Curcumin effects on blood lipid profile in a 6-month human study. Pharmacol Res. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV, eds.

Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; Darvesh AS, Aggarwal BB, Bishayee A. Curcumin and Liver Cancer: A Review. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. Davis JM, Murphy EA, Carmichael MD, et al. Curcumin effects on inflammation and performance recovery following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage.

Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. Dorai T, Cao YC, Dorai B, Buttyan R, Katz AE. Therapeutic potential of curcumin in human prostate cancer. Curcumin inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, and inhibits angiogenesis of LNCaP prostate cancer cells in vivo. Dorai T, Gehani N, Katz A.

Curcumin inhibits tyrosine kinase activity of epidermal growth factor receptor and depletes the protein. Mol Urol. Funk JL, Frye JB, Oyarzo JN, et al. Efficacy and mechanism of action of turmeric supplements in the treatment of experimental arthritis. Arthritis Rheum.

Gautam SC, Gao X, Dulchavsky S. Immunodilation by curcumin. Does Turmeric Really Reduce Inflammation? By Sally Wadyka. October 31, What the Study Found. This new study examined the effects of curcumin supplements on postsurgical inflammation. More on Supplements.

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Turmeric Still Has Potential. Should You Try Turmeric? Sally Wadyka Sally Wadyka is a freelance writer who contributes to Consumer Reports, Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, Yoga Journal, and the Food Network on topics such as health, nutrition, and wellness.

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