One study found that taking turmeric extract three times daily was comparable to taking a 1,200-milligram dose of ibuprofen daily. However, more research is necessary to confirm these effects. Other research suggests that curcumin may reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
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. Side effects of curcumin included sore throat, gastrointestinal bloating, swelling around the eyes and itching.
(So no, just putting some turmeric in your food or smoothie probably won't do much for you in terms of stopping pain and inflammation.) Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects that make it as potent as ibuprofen.
Taking turmeric supplements may put you at a higher risk of getting kidney stones. Don't take turmeric supplements if: You're taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil , Motrin ), or Acetaminophen (Tylenol ). Turmeric may lessen the effects of these medications.
There are various studies looking at the benefits of turmeric, including several that showed turmeric to be just as effective as ibuprofen for reducing inflammation, swelling and pain. However, more research is necessary to confirm these effects.
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.
And a recent analysis of research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food on turmeric extracts concluded that eight to 12 weeks of treatment with standardized turmeric extracts can reduce pain due to arthritis, compared with placebo.
Tumeric's powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and circulatory effects may help prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions.
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. Cooking with turmeric shouldn't cause problems.
Avoid using turmeric together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, dandelion, danshen, evening primrose, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, and willow.
Acetaminophen is a safe alternative to NSAIDs for people who are allergic or hypersensitive to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. In addition, certain supplements can help provide relief from inflammation and pain. Common alternatives to NSAIDs include arnica, curcumin, and bromelain.
Naproxen. Another anti-inflammatory drug, which works much like ibuprofen. Some studies show this may be a better choice than ibuprofen for people at risk for heart disease.
Meloxicam is considered a stronger medicine than ibuprofen. Meloxicam is only available on prescription and ibuprofen is available over the counter as well as on prescription. Meloxicam is a long-acting medicine that only needs to be given once a day.
Turmeric
A small-scale 2014 study found that curcuma extract is as effective as ibuprofen for pain management in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis when a person takes it for 4 weeks. Turmeric is also a common herbal remedy for reducing inflammation.
What time should I take my turmeric? 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.
The typical dose used to relieve pain due to inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis is between 400 and 600 mg, three times a day. It can also be prescribed at 500 mg, twice daily, but should not go above 2,000 mg a day.
When taken by mouth: Turmeric is likely safe when used short-term. Turmeric products that provide up to 8 grams of curcumin daily seem to be safe when used for up to 2 months, Also, taking up to 3 grams of turmeric daily seems to be safe when used for up to 3 months. Turmeric usually doesn't cause serious 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. Other studies on arthritis patients show benefit from one gram of curcumin per day.
However, you should usually expect to start noticing improvements in around 4-8 weeks when taken daily. Our raw turmeric shots are the ideal choice when it comes to turmeric supplements.
Ginger and turmeric both have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that daily consumption of ginger can reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis patients. Turmeric, on the other hand, has been found to be as effective as common anti-inflammatory medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen.
Consuming turmeric in the morning versus night
A study that looked at urine markers of oxidative stress found no difference between night-time or day-time turmeric consumption. Researchers do recommend taking turmeric with a meal, since that can support easier absorption.
Mix one part powdered turmeric to three parts raw honey. When you feel a cold coming on, eat a teaspoon of the mixture every two hours to boost immunity and lower inflammation.