Benefits Of Turmeric In Treating Arthritis
- Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties to cure rheumatoid arthritis (RA): The chemical called curcumin found in turmeric has the capability to decrease COX enzymes and prostaglandin E2 levels thereby inhibiting the target tissue from attracting the inflammatory cytokines, those which cause the joint pains.
- Turmeric avoids inflammation-induced cell death: This will thereby reduce the degeneration of arthritic tissues and joints and help in controlling the pain and preventing the other related disorders accompanied by long-term arthritis.
- Turmeric protects the nearby cells by inducing programmed cell death: Cell death due to damaged tissue is called apoptosis that is regulated by apoptotic and pro-apoptotic factors in normal conditions.
However, in RA patients, the apoptosis is dysregulated by the anti-apoptotic. Hence, turmeric consumption aids the regulation of this systematic death of the inflamed and damaged tissue to protect the nearby cells. Turmeric has protective effects on the joints: Arthritis has a way that our own immune system starts to fight good cells in our body usually targeting the joint cells. The chemical curcumin obtained through consumption of turmeric reduces the amounts of cytokines in the blood thereby regulating the protection of tissues from releasing inflammatory molecules and attracting their immune system to attack on. Turmeric contains anti-oxidants to reduce the damage of target tissue and joints:
Oxidation caused by damage to the joint cells due to immune attack. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) released in this process including NOS, peroxide etc. react with the cellular components and kill them thereby causing cell death. Curcumin available in turmeric regulates the secretion of such oxidants in the tissue, thus reducing the damage to the joints.
Although turmeric is considered to be very safe for consumption as a spice, there are few things one must keep in mind before going for turmeric treatment for arthritis:
- For pregnant and nursing women: Since there isn’t enough evidence of safety for consumption insignificant amount, it is better to avoid the consumption of turmeric or curcumin supplements during gestation and breastfeeding.
- For normal people with/without food allergies: Over-consumption of turmeric may cause mild stomach aches, diarrhea, and kidney stones. Also, blood thinning and reduction in blood clotting due to consumption of curcumin is identified through studies. Hence, it is better to stop consumption of turmeric at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery to avoid the risk of bleeding.
- For diabetics: Turmeric has the effect to reduce blood sugar levels. Hence, the over-consumption of curcumin supplements along with diabetes medications may cause hypoglycemia.
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