Turmeric curcumin has been used for years because of its variety of potential health benefits, and learning more about these benefits can help you determine whether or not this supplement is something you want to incorporate into your daily routine.

Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is a plant related to ginger, and it grows mainly in India, Asian countries, and tropical regions. The underground stem, or rhizome, of the turmeric plant is the main part of the plant that is used for medicinal purposes, and it can be dried and made into pills, capsules, powders, or teas.

The main active component of turmeric is curcumin, and this component is what gives turmeric its bright yellow color and provides the most health benefits. Curcumin is believed to have benefits against swelling, and this is what makes it a common choice for the natural treatment of a wide array of common symptoms. Turmeric may also provide benefits relating to indigestion, cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Some research suggests that turmeric may be effective at relieving pain and supporting increased mobility in people with muscle and joint issues.

Turmeric is considered to be safe as long as you do not consume more than 8 grams of it each day. The exact dose that is right for you can depend on which benefits you are hoping to achieve and what your symptoms are, and if you have questions or concerns about turmeric, you should speak with your doctor.

How To Make the Most of Turmeric

One of the most important things you can do to reap the benefits of turmeric is to make sure you are using it correctly, and using it in a way that optimizes its effectiveness. While you can consume turmeric as an oral supplement or a spice added as a food ingredient, supplements are typically more potent than the spice and thus may provide more benefits.

• You should always speak with your doctor before you begin taking any new supplements, because not all supplements are suitable for every person. Some supplements can interact with other medications, and some supplements are not recommended for use by people with certain health conditions.
• Your doctor can help you determine whether or not turmeric or curcumin supplements may be safe for you, and if you are able to take these supplements safely, the following tips may help you make the most of them:
• Be on the lookout for products that are labeled as including phytosome technology. This is a type of turmeric product that has much higher rates of absorption than standard turmeric products, and your body may be able to absorb curcumin more efficiently.
• Make sure you check the drug facts label for information about proper dosing. If you are still not sure how much turmeric you should be taking in each dose, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist for help. Taking the correct dose is an important part of enjoying the benefits without experiencing any adverse effects.
• Most people’s bodies are able to tolerate turmeric very well because it is natural, but allergies or side effects are still possible. It may be best to start with a low dose, and gradually increase it over time under your doctor’s supervision.
• When choosing a supplement or product containing turmeric and curcumin, you should aim to find the highest quality product out there in order to see the best results. Make sure you take the time to read product labels before you make your purchase, and focus on products that contain as minimal inactive ingredients as possible. Even better, find products whose inactive ingredients are organic and natural.
• Avoid stocking up in bulk. Instead, only buy what you need at one given time, and restock as necessary. Supplements can lose their potency over time if they sit on a shelf for too long.
• Turmeric is not a substitute for medicine intended for the treatment of certain health conditions, and you should not attempt to self-treat using turmeric. However, turmeric may help support your other methods of care.
• Make sure you listen to your body, because even though turmeric has a very low risk of causing side effects, they are still possible.

Health Benefits Associated with Turmeric

Now that you understand more about how to properly go about using a turmeric supplement, let’s review some of the benefits you might notice.

One of the top benefits of turmeric pertains to supporting mental health. Turmeric supplements may be able to help support emotional balance and mental wellness.

Turmeric is also believed to provide benefits for digestive health. Some studies found that turmeric was effective for providing temporary relief for mild stomach upset, while also helping to support regular bowel movements.

When it comes to relieving discomfort, the curcumin found in turmeric has been shown to help support joint health, which can help to ease joint discomfort as joint function is supported.

The exact dose and benefits of turmeric can vary from person to person, and the results largely depend on the severity of symptoms, and what is causing those symptoms. Turmeric may not be as effective in every single situation, but it can still offer some benefits regardless. Your doctor will be able to discuss whether or not turmeric or curcumin may be a good choice for your individual situation, as well as what dose may be most effective for you.

Is Turmeric Safe?

The use of turmeric for medicinal purposes dates back to traditional Ayurvedic practices, and while medicine has significantly advanced, turmeric remains a common choice in terms of natural remedies.

Regarding safety, turmeric is considered to be very safe when taken orally or applied to the skin, but it is important for you to stick to the recommended dosages. Turmeric products that are more potent than others may be more bioavailable, meaning that your body is able to absorb more of the turmeric, but very potent products may also have the potential to increase your risk of experiencing adverse effects or side effects.

Because of this, it is always best to speak with your doctor to hear their professional opinion. Your doctor may be able to recommend specific products to you, or they can offer some general guidance regarding the safest way to take turmeric supplements.

The most surefire way of using a turmeric supplement safely and effectively is to take the time to read the drug facts label on the product. This label includes plenty of important information about the product, such as proper usage instructions, dosing guidelines, possible side effects, active and inactive ingredients, and any circumstances in which the product should not be used.

The label will also give you a good idea of what you should expect in terms of potential side effects so that you are prepared just in case you do experience them.

If anything is unclear, you should consult your doctor.

The Bottom Line

Turmeric has been used for centuries because of its variety of potential health benefits, and many medicinal uses of turmeric date back to traditional Ayurvedic practices. The part of the turmeric plant that is underground is what is used for medicinal purposes, and this part of the plant can be dried up and made into pills, capsules, powders, or other forms of medicine or supplementation.

Curcumin is what gives turmeric its color, and this component can offer plenty of health benefits ranging from mood support to digestive support. Curcumin is most commonly used to support joint health and mobility.

Turmeric is considered to be very safe as long as you are using it correctly in the recommended amounts. The right dose can vary from person to person, and you should always consult your doctor for the best advice.