Turmeric and it’s Antioxidant Properties
In recent years, antioxidants and their beneficial properties have been advertised in food, supplements and cosmetic products. However, many consumers and patients are still left wondering: what are antioxidants and what do they do to our bodies? Antioxidants are an important regulator of cell damage and are involved in reducing the likelihood of autoimmune diseases and cancer. In this blog post, we will address the science behind antioxidants and why they are important for combating chronic disease. We will then discuss the powerful antioxidant properties of turmeric and how daily turmeric supplementation can help you fight chronic pain and inflammation.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are any compound that can inhibit oxidation, the process that produces free radicals in the body. Free radicals are highly reactive by-products of chemical reactions that occur in our body everyday; however, when they aren’t properly controlled, they can lead to excessive cell damage and contribute to a variety of diseases including cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s. In the body, oxidative stress from free radicals and inflammation are also closely linked, and many antioxidants eliminate free radicals to help reduce inflammation. Free radicals are derived from the normal metabolic processes that occur in the body to fuel our everyday activities, but their production increases with exposure to X-rays, smoking, air pollution and some chemicals, drugs and pesticides. This can be dangerous as free radicals attack important molecules in our cells such as DNA, lipids and carbohydrates, all of which are essential for the function of cells. Disruption of these important molecules leads to cell damage and death, resulting in inflammation and disease.
In order for antioxidants to naturally fight these free radicals, we usually need to eat antioxidant-rich food such as berries and leafy greens. Antioxidants then work in our bodies to remove free radicals and reduce disease-causing damage. Examples of antioxidants include Vitamin C, Vitamin E and carotenoids. In this blog, we will focus on the powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and how turmeric supplementation can be effective at reducing chronic inflammation and disease-causing cell damage.
The antioxidant mechanism of curcumin
Turmeric contains many important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, including curcumin. A powerful antioxidant in two important ways, curcumin is both an effective free radical blocking agent and a natural stimulator of the body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms. The curcuminoids and curcumin in the turmeric plant and some over-the-counter supplements are therefore effective against diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and arthritis. The Ultra BioTurmeric supplement from Dr. D’s is the first 100% turmeric-based treatment available on the markey. The expert team behind Ultra BioTurmeric unlocked turmeric’s full medicinal potential by improving absorption in the body and creating a turmeric-based matrix to deliver the powerful components of the turmeric plant in a convenient oral pill. This allows consumers to maximize the benefits of turmeric, improving absorption and bioavailability of the effective compounds within the body.
Turmeric’s benefits for skin and inflammation
Turmeric contains 37 distinct compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, effectively reducing the excessive inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases such as arthritis. Importantly, these compounds can reduce excessive inflammation without affecting the body’s natural inflammatory response that allows our bodies to fight infections and heal wounds. Dr. D’s Ultra BioTurmeric supplement contains each of these anti-inflammatory compounds and preserves the powerful antioxidant properties that allow turmeric to naturally reduce chronic pain and inflammation. Additionally, the build-up of free radicals in the body can lead to oxidative stress and contribute to poor skin health and aging. Thus, an added benefit of the antioxidant properties of turmeric and curcuminoids specifically is to reduce the signs of aging associated with oxidative stress and improve overall skin health.
How to properly take turmeric to improve health
With the Ultra BioTurmeric supplement, the recommended dosage for general health and wellness in adults is two capsules daily. For treatment of chronic pain or inflammation, the recommended dosage is two capsules, twice daily. As with any supplement, always consult your health care provider before beginning treatment.
How long does it take to see the effects of turmeric supplementation?
For most individuals, the amount of time it can take to see the effects of turmeric supplementation will vary. Depending on how much you are taking and your personal health, you will likely start to see results within approximately 4-8 weeks.
What are the side effects of turmeric supplementation?
As with any medication, turmeric supplementation can have side effects that may affect your health. Turmeric naturally lowers blood pressure and therefore should not be taken if you already suffer from low blood pressure. Always talk to your health care provider before beginning turmeric treatment, and do not begin supplementation if you are pregnant or breast feeding or have digestive issues such as stomach ulcers, gallstones, bile duct obstruction or increased stomach acid. If you notice any discomfort associated with your supplements, stop the treatment and consult your health care provider.
What medicines cannot be taken with turmeric?
Turmeric can naturally lower blood pressure and should therefore not be taken by any individual on a blood thinning or antiplatelet medication. It should also not be taken if you are pregnant or breast feeding or have gastrointestinal issues. Always consult with your health care provider before beginning supplementation to ensure that it will not interact with any of your current medications.
Antioxidants are an important component of the diet that ensure the body can naturally eliminate free radicals. If the level of free radicals in the body increases, the excessive oxidative stress can lead to cell damage and death and ultimately, disease. Although there are many dietary sources of antioxidants, turmeric is a powerful supplement that can help reduce the affects of oxidative stress in the body from aging, UV exposure, pollution and smoking. To learn more about turmeric supplementation and Dr. D’s Ultra BioTurmeric treatment, call our team of experts at 905-597-6373. At Dr. D’s we prioritize our patients’ overall health and well-being and are dedicated to ensuring you receive the appropriate care for your current concerns, whether you are trying to treat or prevent disease. We hope to be a part of your journey to better pain and inflammation management, whether you want to discuss your concerns or learn more about how turmeric supplementation may improve your condition.