Turmeric – we’ve all heard of it by this point. It’s a spice that has been used in cooking for centuries. It is a part of many different cultures and cuisines. A lot of health benefits have been linked to this golden spice, one of them is that it can help with arthritis and chronic pain.
While turmeric is not a miracle panacea (no supplement is), it can indeed be highly effective for lessening chronic pain. Whether you’re taking it in capsules or applying topically to the affected area, its active compounds called curcuminoids can reduce inflammation and spasms, and even combat depression. In my opinion, the best way to consume turmeric for chronic pain and make it a daily habit is in the form of a delicious turmeric latte. This way you’ll be more motivated to keep it in your routine. Either that or capsules. Avoid taking powders as they don’t taste great.
Speaking of which, there are several ways you can consume turmeric, but some people warn against taking it long-term because it can cause stomach upset. There are also some people who should not take turmeric because they have other health conditions or take certain medications. Specifically, those who’re on blood thinners. This is because turmeric thins your blood. Combining it with meds can increase the risk of bleeding.
Turmeric and Chronic Pain
So, how do you define chronic pain? Well, according to experts, it’s pain that lasts for more than three months. If you’ve got that, you’ve got chronic pain.
While the causes of chronic pain are not exactly clear, it’s often the result of an injury or illness, such as infection or arthritis. In the case of arthritis, you could trace the cause even further to a toxin causing inflammation, for example.
Again, there are many potential reasons for chronic pain. One reason could be a low-grade infection in your body that isn’t detected by any tests. Another, more typical in today’s world, can be an autoimmune disease, which is when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissue in the body. Some people who have chronic pain also, unfortunately, get depression and anxiety because they feel stuck in their situation with no way out. This condition is no joke – it can be debilitating and even life-threatening. Luckily, there is a way out – there always is.
The first and most important step is finding out the root cause of your chronic pain. Once you’ve identified it, you can find ways to address it. If the main culprit behind your chronic pain is inflammation, then turmeric can be highly effective for treating your problem. Turmeric is packed full of anti-inflammatory compounds, the most notable one being curcumin, which is known to relieve pain and inflammation as well as help to repair tissues that have been damaged, such as your joints and tendons. Turmeric has been successfully used by people who suffer from various forms of chronic pain, including tendonitis, hip pain, and tennis elbow.
In terms of how you can consume turmeric, it doesn’t just need to be turmeric lattes. You can also sprinkle it on your meals to help with your chronic pain. Obviously, you’ll need to pair it with foods it goes well together with, but that’s common sense.
Turmeric will work best when you combine it with other lifestyle habits to reduce inflammation. These include:
- Drink enough water (8 glasses per day is a rule of thumb for an average person). Dehydration can contribute to inflammation.
- Even more importantly I’d dare to say, is to avoid foods that cause inflammation in the body, such as processed sugar, aspartame, sucralose, and artificial junk.
Turmeric Dosage for Chronic Pain
The dosage of turmeric depends on the form you take it in. Typically, for turmeric extract supplements, 400-600mg is recommended. For turmeric tea, you should go with 1-2 teaspoons per cup. The best way to get the most out of this spice is to cook with it as part of your daily diet. This way it won’t be a hassle, and you’ll actually enjoy it.
One interesting thing some people don’t know: the active ingredient in turmeric, which gives it its golden color, is curcumin. Curcumin is the major reason why turmeric is so good for chronic pain. Curcumin has many health benefits including being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. That is, if you store it properly, in a cool and dry environment. This way your turmeric supplements can last you up to a few years.
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