Supercharge your Immunity with Turmeric/Curcumin

Supercharge your immunity with turmeric/curcumin and boost your body’s immunity. Apart from the many health benefits derived from taking turmeric/curcumin, you could stave off the dreaded colds and viruses that come with the colder weather. Turmeric really is a super spice and has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, due to containing curcumin. Curcuminoids contain phenolic compounds such as polyphenols which are micronutrients that we can get through certain plant-based foods. These host a wide range of nutrients and health benefits.

The flowering plant is of the ginger family and only grows in hot countries with a high level of annual rainfall. Found along the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, it requires a temperature between 20 and 30°C to flourish. It is commonly used as a curry spice and for that reason, most people will have some in their homes for cooking, in its powder form. It is one of the most used Indian curry spices and is extremely beneficial to our health.

Curcumin is the main active compound and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries throughout Asia. Although curcumin has not been proven as medicinal in Western medicine, it is a hugely popular supplement all over the world.

I recently began using turmeric as a supplement whilst doing a liver detox. Since then, there have been two rounds of colds passing through the house. My brother and his girlfriend came to stay for a few days and both had colds, then after that both my girls developed colds so i assumed i would too. I normally always pick up a cold if someone has one at home. I never even had as much as a snivel during that time. I was lead to wonder could if this be due to taking the turmeric/curcumin supplement whilst doing my liver detox.

I went on to read more about the fantastic health benefits that are believed to be associated with turmeric. I have found some demographics online to help explain in better detail –

Turmeric infographic

Turmeric infographic 8 benefits

There are articles online stating that turmeric has anti-cancer properties too. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, several animal studies suggest that turmeric prevents colon, stomach, and skin cancers in rats exposed to carcinogens. The article from their website explains a bit more in detail here.

The anti-inflammatory properties are important, as long-term inflammation can cause diseases such as heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s and many more. In fact, inflammation plays a role in almost all western chronic diseases.

The fact that curcumin can be used homeopathically as a natural remedy is really wonderful. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant therefore protects the body from free radicals. Curcumin is unique in that it both protects the body from free radicals and at the same time boosts your body’s own ability to fight against them.

Curcumin is used for treating liver damage, jaundice, ulcers, cold and flu, oral hygiene, skin diseases, parasitic infections, metabolic diseases and more. It really helps supercharge your immunity in many ways. Here are some of the amazing functions –

  • Anti-microbial – an agent that kills micro-organisms or stops their growth.
  • Cardio-protective – protects the heart function
  • Antioxidant – compounds that inhibit oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals.
  • Anti-cancer – used in the treatment of cancer.
  • Neuro-protective – a reduction in the rate of neurons lost over time.
  • Anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation.
  • Radio-protective – aids in protecting against radiation.

Various brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of growth hormone BDNF. Curcumin has been shown to increase levels of the hormone, so may also be able to delay and reverse many brain diseases, such as Alzheimers and even depression. See an article on the study of curcumin in treatment of depression here. It can help improve your memory, protects brain cells and improves cognitive function.

It can be used to fight against hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and congestion.

Curcumin can lower your risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol and lowering oxidation and inflammation. It helps to lower levels of blood fats called triglycerides. It improves the function of endothelium, which is the lining of your blood vessels.

Amazingly, you can supercharge your immunity by taking turmeric daily, due to the fact that it contains curcumin. However, if you are planning on eating turmeric, you should take it with some black pepper and milk. This helps the body absorb it properly.

*Please note – Turmeric is not to be taken if you have any of the following (taken from WebMD)-

Gallbladder problems or a bile duct obstruction : Turmeric can make gallbladder problems worse.

Bleeding problems: Taking turmeric might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Diabetes: Curcumin, a chemical in turmeric, might decrease blood sugar in people with diabetes. Use with caution in people with diabetes as it might make blood sugar too low.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Turmeric can cause stomach upset in some people. Do not take turmeric if it worsens symptoms of GERD.

Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin, which might act like the hormone estrogen. In theory, turmeric might make hormone-sensitive conditions worse. However, some research shows that turmeric reduces the effects of estrogen in some hormone-sensitive cancer cells. Therefore, turmeric might have beneficial effects on hormone-sensitive conditions. Until more is known, use cautiously if you have a condition that might be made worse by exposure to hormones.

Infertility: Turmeric might lower testosterone levels and decrease sperm movement when taken by mouth by men. This might reduce fertility.

Iron deficiency: Taking high amounts of turmeric might prevent the absorption of iron. Turmeric should be used with caution in people with iron deficiency.

Surgery: Turmeric might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using turmeric at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is unsafe to take the supplement form of turmeric/curcumin due to the high level dosage.

If you want to supercharge your immunity then turmeric/curcumin are a great way to go about it! Will you be taking a supplement or trying to eat or drink it daily? Let me know in the comments. For me, i tried eating it for a while every day but i got a bit sick of the taste. That is why i will be taking a supplement from now on. If i can help keep colds and flu at bay then i will definitely be continuing with turmeric/curcumin!

If you already take turmeric/curcumin please let us know in the comments if you have any pointers and what your verdict is, so far. Thanks 🙂

Chat soon,

Ciara x

 

 

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