Turmeric

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• QWhat are the side effects of turmeric?

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  A Discovery Health answered

  Turmeric is an amazing substance. It is used medicinally to prevent and treat a variety of health issues. Unless you use it in massive quantities there aren't any real side effects.

  Of course, if you are allergic to turmeric you shouldn't use it topically or ingest it. If you've never used it before, it's a good idea to rub a small amount on your skin and look for a rash before you consume turmeric orally. Due to its ability reduce the clotting of blood, if you're being treated with medications for high blood pressure or with other blood-thinning drugs, you should avoid using turmeric. And like any other medicine or herb, there can be interactions between drugs so check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other substances.

  The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet issued any recommendation regarding turmeric. However, a similar governing body in Germany has declared turmeric hazardous only to those suffering from biliary obstruction. It has also cautioned those with ulcers or gallstones or other gastrointestinal ailments to avoid turmeric.

  Studies have concluded that ingesting vast amounts of turmeric is harmful to red and white blood cells. However, the amount of turmeric involved is enormous to cause this type of damage. It also should be noted that the effects of turmeric on pregnant and nursing women are unknown.

• QHow does tea with turmeric help relieve arthritis symptoms?

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  A Dole Nutrition Institute answered

  Green and black teas contain flavonoids, antioxidant compounds thought to block the production of a type of prostaglandin that exacerbates inflammation and pain.

  Try adding turmeric to your tea for an extra dose of relief. For centuries, this deep-yellow spice (common in Indian dishes) has been used to treat wounds, infections and other health problems. In recent years, researchers have attributed antioxidant, anticancer, antibiotic and antiviral properties to curcumin, the compound responsible for turmeric’s yellow pigment, as well. Turmeric tea is thought to lubricate the joints and help relieve pain in arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis sufferers—or in anyone with chronic joint pain.

• QCan turmeric benefit people with diabetes?

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  A dLife - It's YOUR Diabetes Life! answered

  Turmeric is a spice that contains a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory compound. That makes it intriguing, since chronic inflammation raises the risk of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death for people with diabetes. It has long been part of curry spice blends used in southern Asian cuisines. Turmeric is also available as a dietary supplement.
  
  It's considered safe for most adults, but in very high doses, it may cause indigestion, nausea, or diarrhea. It is advised that people with gallbladder disease not take turmeric as a supplement.
• QHow does turmeric fight inflammation?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  

  A ginger-like plant that has curcumin as its active ingredient, turmeric seems to activate PPARs (substances that have an anti-inflammatory effect). Just add the right dose—a pinch (1/8 of a teaspoon). Add any more and your food will taste like mustard.

  

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• QCan turmeric supplements cause an allergic reaction?

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  A RealAge answered

  While it may be possible to develop a sensitivity to turmeric, it would be considered highly unusual. More often what might be considered a symptom of sensitivity to turmeric supplement, like upset stomach or diarrhea, is not caused by an allergic reaction. However, if you experience any symptoms of allergic reaction (trouble breathing, itching, dizziness, palpitations, etc.), seek medical help. Allergic reactions associated with turmeric usually take the form of contact dermatitis, as when tumeric is used in therapeutic massage oil. 
• QHow can turmeric aid in digestion and benefit gut health?

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  A Dr. Robynne K. Chutkan, MD , Gastroenterology, answered

  

  The benefits of turmeric include encouraging digestive and gut health, healing inflammation, and boosting immunity. Watch as integrative gastroenterologist Robynne Chutkan, MD, shares all the healthy benefits of adding turmeric to your diet. 
• QWhat are turmeric supplements?

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  A Discovery Health answered

  Maybe you don't recognize its name, but if you've ever eaten mustard or curry you've certainly sampled a taste. Unique in its flavor and distinguished by its yellow color, turmeric is a spice used across the globe in foods and as a dye in the textile industry.

  Turmeric is made from a plant native to India known as the Curcuma longa plant. The rhizomes or roots of the plant are first harvested, then boiled, dried, and finally ground up into a fine powder. Not only is turmeric used to heighten taste of food or to color fabrics, it has also been used for centuries in traditional eastern cultures and Ayuredic medicine. It's even been used to make a paste and when applied to the face and subsequently scrubbed off, turmeric can remove facial hair. Scientists throughout the world are now studying turmeric's potential to treat an assortment of medical ailments.

  Turmeric is recognized for its medical anti-inflammatory properties as well as a powerful antioxidant. Researchers are evaluating its use to treat high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, scabies and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Additionally, it is possible it may help in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and various forms of cancer. Some people use turmeric to treat diarrhea and bladder infections.

  There's still much to learn about turmeric and its potential use as a medicine as research continues.

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• QWhat are the benefits of turmeric?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Turmeric is a key ingredient in many Indian dishes. It is believed by some to have many beneficial properties and applications, including treatment of gallbladder problems, indigestion, and infections. It's claimed to be useful for Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, asthma, athlete’s foot, boils, colic, dermatitis, diarrhea, gas, high cholesterol, inflammation, intestinal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, psoriasis, and yeast infections. However, most of the health claims to date are based on cell or animal studies, and benefit to humans is far from confirmed. Many studies are under way to get a clearer idea of turmeric's medicinal use.
  
  This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com
• QWhat are the health benefits of turmeric?

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  A Dr. Ozgen Dogan , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Turmeric is an Indian spice used in curry dishes. Studies have shown that it has some cholesterol-decreasing effects by helping liver cells clear more low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) or bad cholesterol from the body. It also reduces the risk of certain cancers.

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• QHow can turmeric benefit my pancreas?

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  A RealAge answered

  Wake up your taste buds, and protect your pancreas while you're at it, with some Indian food this weekend. Or try a Thai dish.
  
  Curcumin, the yellow stuff in turmeric, may do in tumor cells. When researchers added the substance to cancerous pancreas cells, production practically shut down -- thanks to a clampdown on cytokines, chemicals linked to tumor growth and cell survival.