Turmeric for Rheumatoid Arthritis Benefits

People with Rheumatoid Arthritis may be looking for information on a natural solution to relieve the pain and stiffness associated with RA, Turmeric Curcumin may be able to help as a supplement treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis, in this article, I am going to explain why you should look at Turmeric for Rheumatoid Arthritis Benefits.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Facts

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a debilitating long-term autoimmune disease, the main symptoms are inflammation, pain, and stiff joints. Research has shown that the Indian spice Turmeric could help with relieving the inflammation and symptoms that go with this condition. Most of us that cook will have used turmeric to add flavor to certain dishes especially curry, Turmeric has been used as a traditional medicine for a long time.

Science

Scientific studies have indicated that Turmeric has many health benefits to offer, curcumin a compound that is present in turmeric, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and may be of help to Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers in a natural way.

Doctor’s advice

However, before taking turmeric curcumin supplements there are a few things to consider, better to discuss using a natural supplement with your doctor before beginning the treatment. This article will give you an idea of what research is saying about turmeric curcumin and investigate the possible risks and side effects of turmeric curcumin.

Where does Turmeric come from?

Turmeric is a yellow-colored spice produced from the roots of the turmeric plant, predominately the turmeric plant is grown in places like India and Indonesia, it is a relation to the ginger family and is used to add flavor to curries. Turmeric contains the key chemical Curcumin a well-known anti-inflammatory.

What are Turmeric health claims?

People in Indian countries use Turmeric as a detoxing and cleaning for the digestive system, others claim that it reduces inflammation, pain, and stiffness associated with various forms of arthritis including Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis, it is claimed that it can also help with bursitis.

What do we know?

A very old holistic or whole-body healing method was started in India over 3,000 years ago, at that time they believed that a holistic approach known as Ayurvedic Medicine was the best way to promote good health and fight disease.

The cornerstone of that belief was that for the best health and wellness you need a fine balance between your mind, body, and spirit.

In China and India traditional Ayurvedic medicine plays a big part in treating arthritis in with turmeric curcumin also inflammatory cytokines and enzymes that include COX 2 (cyclooxygenase) targeting Celebrex (celecoxib).

Ayurvedic Medicine uses a wide range of techniques and treatments. Evidence of cancer support isn’t reliable.

Some of the techniques might help with inflammation and pain, but there may be side effects

Turmeric Curcumin Studies

There is no doubt based on all the scientific studies that turmeric/curcumin modifies the immune system response because of its anti-inflammatory properties. one study in 2006 showed turmeric was better at joint inflammation prevention rather than reducing inflammation.

Back in a 2010 study involving 100 patients who were given a supplement (Meriva) that contained 75% curcumin and phosphatidylcholine succeeded in providing long-term improvements in inflammation, joint function, and pain for those with knee osteoarthritis.

In 2012 a more recent study involving a curcumin supplement BCM-95 patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis reported a reduction in pain and swelling, the results were better compared to results using diclofenac (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) or NSAID.

What was the dosage?

In capsule form for those with Osteoarthritis 400-600 mg up to 3 times each day, using root powder dosage 0.5 g – 1 gram up to 3 grams per day, for those with Rheumatoid Arthritis 500 milligrams each day. Note that Turmeric contains only 2-6 % of Curcumin.

Warning

Those people taking blood thinning medications like warfarin or aspirin should avoid turmeric/curcumin in large doses as it may cause tummy upset, if you are going for surgery, have gallbladder problems, or are pregnant it is advisable not to use turmeric/curcumin in a large dose.

Does Turmeric/ Curcumin relieve Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

We know about the anti-inflammatory properties of Turmeric/Curcumin, one of the primary reasons for Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms is inflammation in the joints, this occurs because the immune system starts to attack healthy cells.

Inflammation happens to lead to pain and swelling in the joints, Turmeric/Curcumin acts to calm the inflammation in a natural way, by calming inflammation you will feel a reduction in pain and swelling.

Turmeric

It can be purchased in powder as well as whole root form, of course, it can be added to meals, not just curries but also rice and soup dishes. Turmeric can also be purchased in tea bag form, or just add ground or grated turmeric to boiling water and make herbal tea.

Turmeric powder can be added to your diet, however, most of the studies show that curcumin with anti-inflammatory properties is only available in a supplement.

What other conditions would turmeric/curcumin be good for?

Many health conditions are caused as a result of inflammation, Turmeric/curcumin may be helpful for the following:

• Blood disorder
• Skin disease
• Mild infections
• Stomach issues
• Liver condition

Research

We can learn from other cultures in terms of traditional medicine that has worked for many years, a 2015 study review article suggested that Turmeric may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer, and may lower blood sugars.

Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs because for an unknown reason the immune system by mistake attacks healthy joint tissue. This causes damage to the bones and joints following the inflammatory response to the attack.

In 2016 a systematic review looked at the results of 8 clinical trials that were set up to find out how effective turmeric and curcumin supplements are in treating the symptoms of arthritis in the joints.

The authors of the review concluded that the evidence suggested that taking 1,000 mg per day of Curcumin for 8-12 weeks may help to reduce inflammation and pain because of arthritis particularly those with Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The second conclusion was that Turmeric/Curcumin would be just as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs like diclofenac and Advil.

Further research

To be fair the authors also mention that these studies were small and of moderate quality, they are saying that larger studies are needed to add weight to the promising studies already completed. They mention that it is advisable to use Turmeric/Curcumin in addition to conventional medicine.

Only two years ago a study that involved 36 people with Rheumatoid Arthritis was given a bioavailable (degree and rate at which the supplement is absorbed into the body) Curcumin formula for 90 days.

The results reported showed significant improvements in the reduction of inflammation and pain compared to the placebo group. A much newer study in 2018 used rats to test curcumin and its effects on joint inflammation, again the study reported a reduction in redness and joint inflammation by maintaining a blockage in the intracellular signaling process known as the mTOR pathway.

How to use Turmeric/Curcumin tablets

First, let’s look at how Turmeric/Curcumin is available, it can be purchased in powder as well as whole root form, of course, it can be added to meals, not just curries but also rice and soup dishes. Turmeric can also be purchased in tea bag form, or just add ground or grated turmeric to boiling water and make herbal tea.

Turmeric powder can be added to your diet, however, most of the studies show that curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties this is only available in a supplement, it can be purchased on Amazon here.

Be careful when buying Curcumin supplements, look for bioavailable ones, the people that make these supplements will add other ingredients such as black piperine making the product easier to absorb into the body. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and guidance on dosage.

Recommended dosage

Depending on what the supplement manufacturer recommends the Turmeric/curcumin dosage may vary, however, the people that did the 2016 study recommend 1,000 mg of Curcumin daily to reduce the pain, swelling, stiffness, and inflammation associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

If you want to try Turmeric/curcumin for Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms please speak to your doctor first, it may not be advisable to think about using these supplements as a replacement for traditional but rather in addition to your medicine.

What are the Side effects and risks of taking turmeric/Curcumin?

There may be side effects from Turmeric/Curcumin, most are mild, but some can be more severe, however, each person will have their own experiences, the most reported side effects are:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Tummy upset
• Diarrhoea

Notes

Turmeric/Curcumin has the potential to interact with certain medications, but this may or may not inhibit their effectiveness, those on blood thinners need to speak to their doctors beforehand in case of blood clotting issues, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should speak to their doctors if considering these supplements.

In summary

We know that rheumatoid Arthritis is a long-term condition, and the symptoms are inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints, the evidence from the scientific studies on the Turmeric compound Curcumin point to a useful natural alternative to complement existing conventional medication.

It is recommended to try Turmeric for Rheumatoid arthritis benefits after looking at what Turmeric supplements are available online.

It is important to consult with your doctor before adding to your existing RA treatment, more scientific trials are needed to make a bigger case for the inclusion of Turmeric/Curcumin in a doctor’s recommendation to relieve the symptoms of RA or any other type of arthritis.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that Turmeric/Curcumin isn’t worth trying for those who suffer acute symptoms.

Where to purchase Turmeric/Curcumin?

The variety and choice of Turmeric/Curcumin products online are good; you can purchase them in these forms on Prohealth:

Curcumin Supplements

Turmeric tea bags

Turmeric powder

Whole root turmeric

To find out more on Turmeric/Curcumin products visit the Prohealth  Store here.

---

References:

2015 Review

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5003001/
2017 Study

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/

2010 study

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20100380

Related Articles

Best turmeric curcumin supplement

Turmeric dosage for inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis pain treatment

Supplements for Rheumatoid arthritis

Turmeric and Curcumin health benefits

Vision Supplements

The ultimate guide to liver detox with advanced liver support