Does inflammation set you on a panic mode? Do you rush to the kitchen to get yourself a cold compress to bring it down? If inflammation gets you worried, it is time you understand what causes it and how to remedy it without panicking.

Talking about remedy, turmeric works wonders in treating inflammation. Would you like to know more? Keep reading.

Inflammation – What Does It Mean?

To begin with, inflammation is nothing but the body’s natural and immediate response to any form of infection or injury. This often shows up in the form of localized tenderness, redness, and swelling. This reaction is designed to heal the body and quickly restore normal tissue functioning. So, the next time, before you panic, simply remind yourself or others that inflammation is a rather ubiquitous and extremely beneficial task that sets in when your body’s white cells combine with a dozen chemicals to protect you from the invasion of foreign bodies such as viruses and bacteria.

Is Inflammation Healthy?

While some amount of inflammation in the body is needed for you to stay fit and healthy, often at times inflammatory responses of the body go out of proportion. And this is when you will need to intervene to reduce the symptoms.

You will be surprised to know that when your inflammatory response is not optimum and your immune system has been mistakenly triggered, excess inflammation can set in and be the cause of disorders such as asthma, heart disease and even cancer, based on the organs impacted.

Today, awareness of going natural is spreading and more and more people are opting for all natural ways to treat health conditions. And like most diseases and health conditions can be treated by natural remedies, so can inflammation!

Turmeric: Nature’s Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse:

In cultures such as the Chinese and Indian that go back to over a thousand years, there are deep-seated traditions of cooking everyday food with medicinal herbs and roots. Turmeric is one such herb that has made its way in most Indian recipes and other cuisines too. A pinch of turmeric is all that is used in Indian dishes. Such is the power of this spice, which also doubles as a rather powerful anti-inflammatory agent.

Inflammation, if ignored and left untreated, can compound into more chronic ailments. Research and studies suggest that turmeric is replete with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-tumour properties that can comfort an inflammation in a jiffy.

How Does Turmeric Help Treat Inflammation:

Several studies conducted in the past have shown that curcumin, a compound present in turmeric, may reduce inflammation in the body. This flavoring ingredient is used widely in treating conditions such as rhinitis, skin infections and healing of wounds, all of which are generally accompanied by swelling and redness (1).

A strong immune system booster, this wonderful spice that is high on antioxidant properties is about 8 times more powerful than vitamin E and C. It is also proven that it is strong enough to get rid of the hydroxyl radical that is one of the most reactive oxidants man has known.

The curcumin in turmeric acts by working its way into your cell membranes. Here, it is said to change the very physical properties of the cell membranes, forcing them to be more orderly, thus reducing inflammation. This in turn improves the immunity and resistance of your body’s cells to malignancy as well as less severe infections.

The anti-inflammatory action of curcumin present in turmeric stems from its strength to inhibit or control the body from producing pro-inflammatory signaling compounds that are called eicosanoids.

These signaling compounds are quintessential for the human body to successfully perform a large number of bodily functions. It is also important to know that, as they are a part of the inflammatory pathway which is often over-triggered or stimulated by dietary toxins, these compounds are present in higher levels than needed by the body for regular functioning. Turmeric helps in slowing down the body’s production of the hormone – eicosanoids, and regulates its levels, thereby drastically reducing chronic inflammation.

Consumption of turmeric helps prevent myriad health conditions such as:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Muscle degeneration
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cataracts
• Gallstones

Powdered Or Raw? Which Is Better?

Powdered Form:

This brilliant yellow spice is easily available at most grocers and can be incorporated into most Indian dishes or even in a drink. However, a pinch of turmeric may not do the trick, and hence, powdered turmeric in capsules can be easily bought and consumed for quick results. Typically the body may need 2 g of turmeric to combat with inflammation.

The Raw Way:

The best way to give your body the turmeric it needs is to simply ingest raw and fresh turmeric root. While this may not appeal to the taste buds, it will help bring down inflammation better than ibruphen. You may simply cut fresh raw turmeric into pill sized bits and gulp them down with water or make a smoothie.

Significant amounts of the compound curcumin is destroyed when turmeric is dried and processed, and hence, consuming turmeric raw will be more effective.

Start by supplementing your body with the raw herb once or twice a day. You can up this to three times when you sense that inflammation is higher. The effect of turmeric is simply wondrous on inflammation. And using turmeric will curb both soreness as well as reduce the recovery time considerably.

A Power Drink To Chase Away The Blues:

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp cinnamon
• A pinch of nutmeg powder
• A tbsp of honey
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• A pinch of clove
• Almond or coconut milk
• 2 tsp turmeric powder

Method:

1. Simmer all the above-mentioned herbs and two cups of water for a good 20 minutes.
2. Strain out, and combine with milk and honey.

A cup of this wonderful tea is all you need to keep a dozen health conditions and inflammation at bay!

Dosage:

At any given time, the dosage of turmeric should not exceed over 4 doses of 500 mg ingested orally. For treating inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, two doses of 500 mg will suffice.

Side Effects:

There are no severe or significant side effects that are correlated with consumption or application of turmeric. However, doctors suggest that turmeric is safe when ingested or applied for approximately 8 months.

While most patients do not complain of any side effects, a counted few may suffer from:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Stomach upset
• 4. Diarrhoea

Special Precautions:

Like most things, too much of anything can turn sour; doctors suggest that consumption of turmeric be limited to 1500 mg a day.

During Pregnancy And Breast Feeding:

Consuming food prepared with turmeric is likely to be safe during pregnancy. However, consuming large doses of turmeric orally is best if avoided, as it may stimulate the uterus putting the pregnancy at risk.

GERD:

If you suffer from GERD, watch out for symptoms that may indicate the worsening of the condition. If you feel queasy, it is best you stop ingesting turmeric right away.

Bleeding Problems:

Consuming turmeric may cause blood clotting to slow down. This is bound to increase the likelihood of bruising and excessive bleeding in a few people. Stop using turmeric at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Infertility:

A few studies have suggested that excessive consumption of turmeric can decrease sperm movement, and thereby reduce fertility. Those trying to have a baby are suggested to evade consuming large doses of this spice.

Diabetes:

Curcumin present in turmeric may decrease blood sugar levels, and hence, caution needs to be exercised by those suffering from diabetes.

Every remedy has its share of side effects and precautions to heed. But with turmeric, its efficacy overweighs the side effects that it may cause. The next time you injure that foot at the gym or on the road, simply boil yourself a cup of turmeric tea or chomp some raw roots of the herb, and see the swelling come into control in no time at all.

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The post Turmeric For Inflammation – Everything You Need To Know appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

by Maanasi Radhakrishnan via STYLECRAZE