What does Turmeric do for your body? (Best time to take)

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What does Turmeric do for your body?

Turmeric does numerous functions for the body as a result of its rich curcumin content, these include the following functions:

  • Reducing inflammation
  • Improving memory
  • Alleviating pain
  • Protecting the body against free radicals
  • Fighting depression
  • Preventing cancer
  • Reducing the risk of heart disease
  • Fighting infections
  • Boosting immunity
  • Regulating the menstrual cycle
  • Enhancing skin and hair health

It’s recommended to take between 500 to 1000 mg of turmeric daily. 

In the video below, Dr. Gus explains some of the most impressive turmeric health benefits you will see if you consume it daily. Anti-inflammatory, high blood sugar, diabetes, joint pain, arthritis, and more:

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Nature Made Turmeric Curcumin 500 mg, Herbal Supplement for Antioxidant Support, 120 Capsules, 120 Day Supply

Can you use Turmeric for Breastfeeding?

You can use Turmeric for breastfeeding owing to their renowned health benefits that help in providing the following functions for mothers:

  • Increases the supply of milk
  • Has pain-killing relieving effects
  • Aids in digestion
  • Reduces depression
  • Promotes the functions of the immune system
  • Regulates weight and prevents obesity
  • Acts as an anti-inflammatory
  • Prevents diseases like osteoarthritis
  • Protects the body against liver diseases

A study in 2018 revealed that curcumin intake increases the production of milk in lactating mothers. Additionally, turmeric is deemed safe for use while breastfeeding. 

A recent study in 2021 reveals that curcumin plays a critical role in downregulating milk production by affecting certain inflammatory pathways in the body. 


Is Turmeric safe for Pregnant Women?

Turmeric is safe for pregnant women in small amounts but it’s preferable to avoid using supplements and only consume turmeric from natural sources. This is because there have been no clinical trials as of yet to validate the safety of turmeric medications in human pregnant women.

So, taking limited amounts of turmeric in your daily diet should be enough to reap the benefits and avoid causing harm to the unborn baby.


Which is the best time to take a Turmeric Supplement?

The best time to take a Turmeric supplement is at the end of the day after a meal to improve its chances of absorption and reduce the risk of stomach irritation.

However, extensive studies in the literature have shown that it can vary from person to person. Some find it better to consume early in the day, others find it works best when taken at the end of the day.

You can also consult your doctor on the best time you should take turmeric supplements.


What is Turmeric Ginger Tea good for?

Turmeric Ginger Tea is good for the following functions:

  • Antioxidant benefits
  • Anti-inflammatory benefits
  • Boosts immunity
  • Antimicrobial properties 
  • Regulating blood sugar levels
  • Improves digestion
  • Anticancer properties
  • Fights off heart disease
  • Antidepressive properties
  • Protection against neurodegenerative diseases (ex. Alzheimer’s)
  • Acts as a natural pain killer
  • Promotes losing weight

Below are the steps to make Turmeric Ginger tea:

  • Add 1 cup of water (or you can also use milk), and let them boil
  • Add 1 tablespoon of turmeric to the cup
  • Add 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
  • Add 1 tablespoon of honey
  • Add half a tablespoon of ground pepper
  • Mix then let it cool for a while
  • Drink

Is too much Turmeric bad for you?

Too much Turmeric can be bad for you as it may cause the following side effects:

  • Diarrhea
  • Acid reflux
  • Upset stomach
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Kidney stones
  • Skin flares
  • Allergic reactions

They also can aggravate other digestive problems like gallstones. Even though there hasn’t been an official statement on the exact amount of turmeric to consume. The World Health Organization recommends a daily intake of 1.4 mg per pound of your body weight.

However, you should discuss this with your doctor so that they can take into consideration your overall health and any underlying medical condition before prescribing.


Are Turmeric supplements safe?

Turmeric supplements are only safe when taken in moderation. Since there haven’t been much data to support its long-term safety, it should be taken for a short duration as it can cause several side effects like digestive problems and suppressing iron absorption. Additionally, turmeric supplements have been known to interact with other medications.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should completely avoid using turmeric supplements and obtain their curcumin from natural sources.

Thus, it’s best to carefully read the manufacturer’s information on the bottle because it can differ from label to label. Also, you should ask your doctor beforehand whether this supplement is right for you.


What is another name for Turmeric?

Another name for turmeric is the golden spice, however, it can also be known as any of the following:

  • Curcumin
  • Curcuma longa
  • Allspice
  • Turmeric root
  • Wild Curcuma
  • Curcuma domestica
  • Yellow zedoary
  • Temu Putih
  • Saffron

What is the dosage for Turmeric capsules?

The dosage for Turmeric capsules is around 3 to 5 capsules containing 500 mg of turmeric. These can be taken with or without food. However, you should ask your doctor first as turmeric capsules may interact with other medications you might be taking.

Moreover, you should stick to the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottle to avoid overdosing and experiencing unwanted adverse effects.


How long does it take for Turmeric to start working?

While it can take months to show any kind of progress, on average it takes as long as 4-8 weeks for Turmeric to start working, which means that patience is warranted when it comes to treatment with turmeric.

It takes different times for Turmeric to start working and show noticeable improvements. This is mainly because it differs according to:

  • The overall health of the individual
  • Type of ailment needs to be treated
  • The uniqueness of each individual in terms of treatment response

Can you take Fish Oil and Turmeric together?

Taking Fish Oil and Turmeric together has been initially supported due to their extensive beneficial effects on inflammation, bone, and liver health. In fact, a study done in 2014, revealed that they both have desirable properties that are much needed in food and medicine. 

However, there have been other suggestions that their combination can lead to a higher risk of bleeding and decrease clotting effects which can be very dangerous. Thus, there’s a need for further investigations concerning this combination.


What are Hemp Seed Oil and Turmeric benefits?

Hemp Seed Oil and Turmeric work together to provide various health benefits which include the following:

  • Improving the skin
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Promoting healthy heart
  • Alleviating pain 
  • Fighting microbes

Nevertheless, you should first ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Hemp Seed Oil with Turmeric and determine the possible interactions.


What are Turmeric and MCT Oil benefits?

Turmeric and MCT Oil benefit in boosting the energy and immunity of those who drink it. This is believed to be a direct result of MCT Oil’s rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it’s a very popular beverage with athletes. 

Below are the steps of how to make this drink:

  • Add half a cup of full-fat coconut milk
  • Add 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
  • Add 1 tablespoon of MCT Oil
  • Add 1 tablespoon of turmeric
  • Add a quarter tablespoon of ground ginger
  • Add half a tablespoon of ground cinnamon
  • Heat this mix and swirl

This drink also has the advent of being a keto-friendly beverage.


What supplements should not be taken with Turmeric?

Supplements that should not be taken with Turmeric include the following:

  • Blood-thinning medications (can result in internal bleeding)
  • Sugar-lower medications in the blood (can result in hypoglycemia which means that the levels of sugar in the blood are lower than the normal level)
  • Antiacids (can result in nausea, bloating, stomach pain, and damage to the esophagus)
  • Iron supplements (as they can interrupt their absorption in the body)

So, it’s very important to ask your doctor before initiating treatment with a Turmeric supplement so that they can best assess your condition and weigh the risk and benefits.

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Sources

This article makes use of information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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