With stress and anxiety being at an all-time high, this can manifest in the body in the form of inflammation which can cause a variety of different illnesses. While there are lots of medications over the counter and on prescription which can help reduce inflammation in the body and ease pain, they are not ideal to be on over an extended period of time.

This is where a more natural supplement called curcumin comes in. Curcumin is the yellow active nutritional compound contained within turmeric, which is a member of the ginger plant family. Curcumin is receiving more and more interest in the scientific world for its long-recognised health benefits. Typically used to help conditions involving pain and inflammation this plant has the potential to have numerous health benefits by reducing your risk for various chronic diseases caused by inflammation.

While there is no cure for Arthritis, using curcumin as an effective anti-inflammatory pain killer to ease the aching has shown to be successful in studies. The study linked below is a remarkably interesting read and offers hope for those who suffer with pain due to their osteoarthritis. ( https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/curcumin-for-arthritis-does-it-really-work-2019111218290) While these studies are promising, longer studies still need to be carried out to show the true effect this spice has for easing pain associated with arthritis.

There are plenty of brands with their own version of curcumin on the market. But when it comes to one which stands out there is no denying that Solgar’s curcumin soft gels are far superior due to the fact that it has 185 times more bioavailability than other curcumin supplements. “Solgar transforms poorly absorbed curcumin, from a fat-soluble to water-soluble phytonutrient…making it immediately body-ready, faster absorbed and more active than ever before.” (https://www.solgar.com/products/full-spectrum-curcumin-liquid-extract-softgels/ ). Solgar’s curcumin also lasts longer in the body thus its health benefits can be felt for longer by the user.

Those who suffer from certain skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis may find that their skin conditions are greatly improved by adding this supplement into their daily routine by boosting your immune system and lowering the levels of inflammation in your body which feed these skin disorders.

Curcumin is also a great antioxidant. An antioxidant protects cells in your body from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can harm cells in your body. “Turmeric is said to be a plant with one of the highest levels of antioxidant power known on this planet. Studies have shown that the curcuminoids in turmeric are very effective at finding and neutralising free radicals.”( https://www.kindearth.net/everything-you-need-to-know-about-turmeric/) Therefore, the antioxidant properties which curcumin possesses can help to reduce stress on your body and maintain your overall health.

While these are fantastic reasons to consider adding this supplement to your diet, caution should still be taken. Curcumin appears to be well tolerated by most individuals. However, if you experience any nausea, upset stomach, diarrhoea or dizziness you should stop taking this supplement and consult your pharmacist or doctor. Typically, these side effects are only experienced when curcumin is taken in high doses as it can increase bile secretion so it should be avoided by those with liver disease, cholangitis and gallstones. Caution should also be taken by those on blood thinners such as aspirin, warfarin and clopidrogel, as it can increase bleeding by enhancing the drugs blood thinning effects. For this reason, anyone taking this supplement should stop taking it at least two weeks prior to undergoing any surgeries.

Overall this supplement offers a wealth of benefits for individuals suffering with pain related to ailments brought on by stress and inflammation in the body and is worth discussing with your pharmacist, so you can see the advantages curcumin can add to your daily life.