Turmeric is now known by all and introduced as an elective spice in our kitchens. It has multiple beneficial properties for our body as well as a very pleasant flavor that accompanies our foods and makes them well digestible.

In dry extract titrated in curcumin , turmeric is able to behave as an excellent anti-inflammatory, acting on the enzymes involved in inflammatory reactions, reducing their response.

On which inflammations is turmeric most effective?

Turmeric and Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory agent of turmeric is curcumin, a polyphenol with metabolic virtues capable of also exerting an antioxidant and apparently anti-tumor action.

Turmeric is indicated for chronic inflammation , for arthritic pathologies , such as rheumatoid arthritis , Crohn’s disease , ulcerative colitis, uveitis and all inflammations affecting the gastric system, such as gastric dyspepsia, stones biliary, because it inhibits the response of inflammatory mediators.

Unfortunately, turmeric is not the panacea for all ills because its absorption is very rapid and the active ingredient risks not being available in order to intervene to soothe where the body needs it. Let’s take a closer look at this non-secondary aspect.

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Bioavailability of turmeric

Turmeric taken orally is absorbed and converted into metabolites in the liver with less efficacy and availability .

It accumulates mainly in the tissues of the gastric system where it demonstrates all its anti-inflammatory efficacy.

Its bioavailability outside this system is somewhat limited, so in order to enhance its activity in other body areas it is necessary to associate other nutrients with turmeric . Let’s see which ones:

> black pepper : Contains piperine which is the alkaloid indicated to improve intestinal absorption of nutrients and is able to increase the blood concentration of curcumin up to 2000% . This effect is due to the inhibition of a metabolic reaction at the level hepatic allowing its bioavailability;

> pineapple stem : it contains bromelain , a proteolytic enzyme, which favors the bioavailability of curcumin , making it useful even for problems “far from the stomach”!

The normally recommended doses of curcumin are 400 mg to be repeated 2 or 3 times a day, after meals.

Contraindications of turmeric

We do not recommend the use of turmeric in case of gallbladder stones , and in those undergoing anticoagulant drug therapy.