Experts recommend 500 mg of high-quality curcumin twice a day for both OA and RA. Good choices include medical grade products by Thorne or Pure Encapsulations.
Turmeric should be taken with meals to help with absorption. It's also a good idea to divide it into two doses taken 8 to 12 hours apart. This will help increase absorption and keep levels steady in the body. Dividing the dose may also help reduce possible side effects.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends 400 to 600 milligrams (mg) of turmeric capsules, three times per day, or half to three grams of the root powder per day for inflammation relief.
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can be especially helpful for those with arthritis. This includes both degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) and inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, or others).
When can you expect to see results? In one study, participants reported improvements in joint discomfort after supplementing with 2 grams of turmeric daily for 6 weeks. Another study reported results after 8-12 weeks of supplementation with 1 gram of turmeric daily.
Unfortunately, turmeric doesn't offer a quick fix, so you'll need to take it daily to notice results. If you were wondering how long it takes turmeric to work, this can vary from person to person. However, you should usually expect to start noticing improvements in around 4-8 weeks when taken daily.
Share on Pinterest Adding turmeric and blueberries to oatmeal can increase its anti-inflammatory power. The Arthritis Foundation recommend eating oatmeal as part of an anti-inflammatory, high fiber diet. Adding turmeric to oatmeal can increase its anti-inflammatory power.
Don't take turmeric supplements if:
You're taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil , Motrin ), or Acetaminophen (Tylenol ). Turmeric may lessen the effects of these medications.
High doses of turmeric could have a blood-thinning effect; if taken on top of prescribed anticoagulants, this could increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. People with liver or bile duct problems should not take turmeric supplements, as they can increase bile production.
Turmeric's main active component — curcumin — is what gives the spice its yellow color. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment for a number of health conditions, including reduced pain and increased ease of movement in people with osteoarthritis.
Side effects and risks
Turmeric and curcumin can cause mild side effects, such as digestive upset or headaches, in some people. Individuals who are sensitive to these substances or take very high doses may experience symptoms that include rashes, nausea, and diarrhea.
The studies found that curcumin decreased pain significantly compared to placebo and that it was comparable to ibuprofen and diclofenac in decreasing pain and stiffness.
One animal study that looked at rheumatoid arthritis found that even though both turmeric and ginger reduced the incidence and severity of flare-ups, turmeric had significantly more anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power than ginger.
Studies show that turmeric may help fight infections and some cancers, reduce inflammation, and treat digestive problems.
Turmeric and vitamin D are safe to take together and may even have synergistic effects.
diclofenac turmeric
There is some concern that products containing turmeric or curcumin (an active component of turmeric) may affect platelet function and clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding when combined with medications that have blood thinning effects such as diclofenac.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. These supplements may help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation.
Fenugreek is one of the best anti-inflammatory herbs because of its many benefits for digestive health and cardiovascular health. It can reduce inflammation of the stomach and has been shown to improve inflammatory issues, like mouth ulcers, bronchitis, chronic coughs and metabolic disorders.
Most people find success taking turmeric either in the morning to start their day, or at night before bed to combat inflammation from the day's activities. We also recommend that you take turmeric with a meal since curcumin absorption increases when paired with healthy fats.
The Benefits of Turmeric Capsules
The extract contains a much higher percentage of curcumin than the raw powder-so much so, in fact, that you could get over 2000% more curcuminoids out of a capsule than you would for the same weight of turmeric powder.
Nutritional value. While doctors commonly recommend taking 500 milligrams twice daily with food, the dose that's right for you depends on your overall health. More isn't always better, so talk to your doctor.