Turmeric root is one of the most effective supplements for joint health. This popular yellow root has unique healing properties: it helps reduce pain and inflammation, ease arthritis symptoms, and improve joint mobility.
Benefits of turmeric for joints
This herb contains various essential nutrients, including the potent antioxidant curcumin. It also has phosphorus, iron, iodine, calcium, choline, and vitamins B1, B2, B5, C, and K. According to scientific data, it also has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, can relieve arthritis pain and improve metabolic processes in the body thereby removing toxins.
Turmeric supplements are especially beneficial to people with arthritis since they reduce joint swelling. They also help stimulate the synthesis of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint surfaces. This reduces friction, assisting in chronic disease treatment and rehabilitation.
However, the root has low bioavailability and is poorly absorbed by the body. That's why it is usually mixed with black pepper in supplements. This combination has been proven effective in relieving chronic joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
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10 serious side effects of turmeric
This spice is considered safe even in relatively large quantities. However, in some cases, it can cause severe side effects, including:
- Allergies - it can cause rash, itching, redness of the skin, a runny nose, and difficulty breathing
- Bleeding and clotting problems – it can thin the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding after surgery or in those with blood clotting disorders.
- Diabetes complications – if taken in incorrect dosage, it can lead to a sharp decrease in glucose
- Gut health problems - individual intolerance or non-compliance with the recommended dosage can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and an upset stomach
- Headache - overdosing on turmeric tablets can cause headaches and nausea
- Hormonal imbalance - it can reduce oestrogen levels, which may cause disruptions in the hormonal system
- Decreased fertility in men - excess supplement intake can reduce testosterone levels and sperm motility
- Iron deficiency - turmeric capsules can interfere with iron absorption
- Kidney stones - it can elevate urinary oxalate levels, increasing the risk of kidney stones
- Incompatibility with other drugs - it may interact with other medications, including antibiotics, anticoagulants, antidepressants, antihistamines, cardiovascular drugs, and chemotherapy agents
To avoid serious side effects, please consult your physician before taking turmeric powder or other forms of the herb. You can also speak to one of our pharmacists; they will assist you in choosing the best product for you.
- What is turmeric good for?
It can reduce chronic inflammation, a factor that contributes to metabolic disease, obesity, and other dangerous diseases like heart disease. The supplements also help people with arthritis to reduce joint swelling, ease pain, and increase joint mobility.
Regular consumption of this root extract may reduce the risk of liver diseases and ease hepatitis symptoms. In addition, it can slow down the development or relieve symptoms of periodontitis, premenstrual syndrome, diabetes, diarrhoea, indigestion, and psoriasis.
Some people are known to use it to improve their mood. It has also shown promise in helping people who are suffering from depression by reducing swelling related to mood disorders.
- Is it OK to take turmeric every day?
You can take this spice in small amounts daily to prevent joint disease and support overall health. If you want to take supplements as part of your treatment plan, please consult your healthcare professional to determine the right dosage and therapy duration.
Although adding it to your diet is generally safe, in some cases, it can cause serious side effects. This is why any supplementation should be discussed with your doctor. To stay on the safer side, take 3 grams by mouth for a short period only (around 3 months at most). You may increase the dosage to 8 grams but take it for only 2 months maximum.
- Who should not use turmeric?
It is not recommended for women during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for people with liver disorders, acute forms of gastrointestinal diseases, and diabetes. Contraindications to taking supplements also include post-stroke conditions, hypertension, inflammation of the kidneys and pancreas, hepatitis, gastritis, ulcers, vascular disease, and glaucoma.
In addition, some doctors do not recommend taking turmeric for children under the age of 6. Be sure to check the instructions to find the best product for your needs, and consult with our expert team for any advice. If you’re undergoing surgery any time soon, stop taking it at least 2 weeks before your appointment.
- What is the best way to take turmeric?
It can be taken in powder or capsule form, but you should not consume it on an empty stomach since it may cause gastrointestinal issues. It is better to take it in the middle of the day or in the evening, half an hour before a meal or an hour after it.
For adults, the maximum dose should not exceed one tablespoon per day, which can be divided into at least two parts. Make sure there’s a gap of 8 to 12 hours in between each dose.
Additionally, it is a fat-soluble product, so it is best taken with fat-containing foods like oils, so you may add it to salads or sauces. Heating may also enhance its digestibility, adding it to warm dishes and drinks like soup, coffee, or tea.
- What kind of turmeric is best for arthritis?
Although it’s possible to consume this spice as a cooking ingredient or through tea, it’s better when prepared to its most effective form.
According to recent studies, experts recommend using high-quality root extracts containing up to 95% of curcumin. For better bioavailability, look for supplements with black pepper (piperine), phospholipids, antioxidants, or nanoparticles.
Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and osteoarthritis are typically treated with 400 to 600 mg two times a day, depending on the severity of the pain. Remember to talk to your doctor before ingesting any new tablets or capsules, as they may interact with your prescribed medications.
