Are you suffering from arthritis? Does the pain in your joints restrict you even from enjoying a stroll with your family? Do not let arthritis steal away the little joys of your life. Try turmeric and be relieved from acute pain that is often associated with arthritis.
This post is all about how turmeric can help you cope up with arthritis. Curious to know more? Please go ahead and read.
Among the disorders affecting a large part of the human population that make living painful and restrictive, arthritis deserves a special mention. The variant named Rheumatoid arthritis is even more severe, and it is a long-term ailment that takes a toll on several body organs. While RA mostly affects the elderly lot, instances of men and women in their 40s getting affected are not uncommon anymore.
The ailment affects the joints and tissues around, leading to inflammation and pain (1). This autoimmune disease has no specific cure and treatment remains limited to pain management and lifestyle changes. Women tend to be more vulnerable to its grasp than men. Its roots lie in hormonal anomalies and genetic factors.
With time, more arthritis victims, including those suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis, are resorting to alternative and safer methods. This has increased after the FDA has issued warning about the risks caused by popular anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and Celebrex. In the last decade, natural extracts like turmeric have emerged as viable alternatives to conventional painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs to help cope with RA.
Turmeric is a household spice that is used extensively in the kitchen. Also called the Indian saffron, it has even been hailed in Ayurveda since ancient times as a natural healing agent (2). The part of its stem that grows underground is used for medicinal and culinary needs. The herbaceous perennial plant has been used to treat various ailments and physical conditions like stomach problems, joint pains and skin infections. The bright yellow flesh of the underground stem is used in various ways. It can be used raw to make a paste, or boiled and dried as powder. Even pills are available.
When RA manifests in the body, joints like the knees are affected and the result is swelling and pain. It makes movement difficult with time, and since the disease has no cure, the intensity of pain increases with time. Turmeric has an ingredient called curcumin, which has several beneficial properties (3). It works as an excelled anti-inflammatory agent and reduces joint pains caused by arthritis. This has been corroborated by a number of contemporary study findings.
Turmeric effectively blocks the cytokines and enzymes in the human body that cause inflammation. It has immune system-modifying attributes, think the scientists. The University of Michigan Health System says using turmeric to deal with osteoarthritis and RA is safer than using NSAIDs.
A number of studies conducted at various reputed universities and research institutes across the world reveal the beneficial properties of turmeric in fighting RA and osteoarthritis.
Overall, similar research studies indicate that the use of turmeric on a regular basis improves fitness levels of people suffering from RA and osteoarthritis, better than OTC painkillers. Turmeric also facilitates better pain reduction caused by arthritis in such people. While researchers involved in such studies admit more intensive studies should be conducted, a majority of the research findings are positive.
Turmeric can be used both topically and internally to treat arthritis. You can make raw organic turmeric at home to make a paste for topical application. However, using turmeric powder and capsules is a preferable option for most people. If you take capsules and tablets, consult a doctor to find out the apt dosage. The dosage may vary based on factors like age, health conditions and severity of arthritis in a person.
Using turmeric in any form, topically or internally, can be beneficial for arthritis pain, and you will obtain several other health benefits. However, you need to be cautious about certain risk factors and side effects when using the herb.
If arthritis leaves you feeling crippled, fret no more, for turmeric is just what you need to help you with the pain. What’s more? Turmeric will not just banish the pain, but also leave your skin soft and smoother.
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