Food, herbs, and spices were among the first types of medicine utilized by humans. These natural ingredients have profound impacts on the human body. Indeed, many of the natural treatments utilized by ancient civilizations are equally as effective in treating current problems. Despite substantial advances in pharmacology, nature often provides some of the most effective cures with the least amount of damage.
What is turmeric?
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a member of the ginger family. The plant is native to Southeast Asia, and its subterranean stem is utilized in cooking and medicine. Turmeric’s culinary and therapeutic uses are historically rooted in Indian and Indonesian culture. Turmeric was utilized to cure a variety of maladies in ancient civilizations, including pain, digestive disturbance, infections, and skin disorders. Turmeric is an important element in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine due to its therapeutic effects.
Turmeric, which gives curry its golden color, is now a popular spice in Middle Eastern cuisine. Recent studies have revealed that it possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Turmeric may help treat the following conditions:
- Metabolic syndrome
- Inflammatory conditions
- Chronic pain
- Degenerative eye conditions
- Reduce your risk for heart disease
Difference between turmeric and curcumin
Turmeric and curcumin are occasionally used interchangeably. Curcumin, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring chemical found in turmeric. Turmeric’s major constituent, curcumin, gives it its unique yellow color, taste, and therapeutic benefits. Whereas curcumin is a specific characteristic, turmeric also includes a variety of other natural compounds.
Using turmeric for Hashimoto’s
Turmeric and curcumin both have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that may help with autoimmune diseases. Many research are being conducted to investigate the efficacy of turmeric for rheumatoid arthritis joint discomfort. In one research, those who took 1000mg of turmeric extract daily for 2-3 months showed the same improvement in pain and inflammation as those who took ibuprofen. Because turmeric has minimal negative effects, persons with rheumatoid arthritis have alternatives to NSAIDs, which have more serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Turmeric and curcumin may also aid in the treatment of other autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. People with Hashimoto’s disease may be asymptomatic for many years. Chronic thyroid gland inflammation may cause the thyroid gland to produce less thyroid hormone over time, resulting in a generalized slowdown of a person’s metabolism.
Hashimoto’s disease runs in families. Taking turmeric on a regular basis may decrease inflammation and prevent clinical hypothyroidism in persons who have subclinical hypothyroidism. When your TSH is somewhat high but your thyroxine (T4) levels are normal, you have subclinical hypothyroidism.
Furthermore, one research discovered that ingesting turmeric on a regular basis may minimize the development of goiters in the studied group. A goiter occurs when the thyroid gland enlarges and is a sign of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Because iodine is commonly accessible in table salt, goiters are less prevalent in the United States.
Curcumin and autoimmune disease
Curcumin also performs a special function in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The permeability of the intestinal wall is one of the primary theories for the etiology of autoimmune illness. This idea, also known as leaky gut, contends that large gaps between cells in your intestine enable poisons to enter your circulation. Toxins may wreck havoc on all of your organs and lead your immune system to overreact.
Curcumin may help form an intestinal barrier to protect your body from toxins and microorganisms. Curcumin may also help your liver metabolize poisons including arsenic, lead, and mercury.
How to take turmeric and curcumin for thyroid health
According to research, curcumin has low bioavailability, which implies that the human body has a difficult time reaping the advantages of curcumin. Curcumin is generally poorly absorbed, swiftly digested, and promptly removed through the digestive system. Certain compounds, such as black pepper, which includes a component called piperine, may boost curcumin absorption.
Turmeric and curcumin are often combined in supplements, allowing you to get the advantages of both. If you use turmeric powder in cooking, add black pepper to the mix or seek for a curcumin supplement that contains piperine.
Finally, search for a turmeric or curcumin product that has been professionally tested. Because the FDA does not closely monitor dietary supplements, the safety and effectiveness of certain supplements may be called into doubt. However, apart from mild stomach distress, turmeric and curcumin are typically safe to consume as supplements.
Note
Always with your thyroid doctor before including a new supplement, such as turmeric, into your thyroid medication program. They can advise you on the safety of turmeric supplementation for your particular requirements.
Thyroid medicine is not replaced by dietary supplements. If your doctor has recommended thyroid medicine, you must take it exactly as directed. The most effective treatment option for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement therapy.