Turmeric For Joint Inflammation

Inflammation is defined as the body’s natural response to injury or infection, often causing localized redness, swelling, pain, or heat. It’s designed to heal the body and restore normal tissue function. When it comes to inflammation of the joints, certain foods can be identified to be helpful (1).

Inflammation of the joints, including stiffness and swelling, are common symptoms of arthritis. A brilliant yellow spice known as turmeric may help reduce this inflammation.

Turmeric and its Role Against Inflammation

For centuries, turmeric has been used as a medicine to treat a range of health problems including infections, colds, and liver disease. Experts found that it really does contain compounds with medicinal properties. These compounds are called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin (2).

Studies revealed that curcumin in turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory properties that are comparable with certain mainstream pharmaceutical drugs. These anti-inflammatory effects may reduce joint pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (3).

When it comes to joint pains, it was recommended as a potential alternative to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) (4).

In a study conducted, results revealed that after taking 500 milligrams of curcumin daily, people with rheumatoid arthritis experienced daily reduced joint pain more than 50 grams of a common arthritis drug or a combination of curcumin and the drug (5).

One way of adding the goodness of turmeric to our diet is by drinking turmeric milk. This powerful beverage has a fantastic nutritional profile; it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The goodness in the milk comes primarily from turmeric. Aside from this, it also contains other ingredients for added benefits (6).

Here’s how to prepare turmeric milk:

Ingredients:


  1. 2 cups of homemade almond milk
  2. 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  3. 1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  4. small pinch of black pepper and grated ginger (fresh is best)
  5. 1 tablespoon local honey, optional
  6. 1 tablespoon coconut oil, optional


Preparation:


Pour all the ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a light boil. Whisk to combine ingredients and reduce heat to low. Simmer for up to 10 minutes. Strain the drink through a fine strainer into mugs. To serve, add honey or top the beverage with a pinch of cinnamon.

This recipe gives two servings (2 cups) of milk.

Sources:

  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/turmeric-and-anti-inflammatory-herbs
  2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15489888/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/#sec3-foods-06-00092title
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22407780/
  6. https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-turmeric-milk-for-beauty-and-health/