Feeling Achy, Bloated, Stressed Out? Try Turmeric!

That bright orange spice that colors your curry is called Turmeric, and within its vibrant colors is a magical, powerful, natural anti-inflammatory called curcumin. And if you’re suffering from inflammatory disorders, joint pain, or just common muscle soreness, you need to run out to your local health food store or vitamin shop and get yourself some.

 

Curcumin aids digestion by relaxing the smooth muscles on the walls and helping with the movement of food through the intestines. It also helps to relieve the buildup of gas and bloating as food is being broken down.  In the colon, curcumin promotes a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is essential for your immune system to function optimally.

 

It also encourages cells of the intestinal lining to regenerate and heal following damage caused by pathogenic bacteria or yeast overgrowth such as Candida, because recent studies have even shown that curcumin may an effective means of inhibiting intestinal fungal infections. Clinical trials have reported that high concentrations of curcumin have a powerful antifungal effect against this harmful yeast, as well as other fungal infections. There is evidence that curcumin can inhibit the growth of Candida albicans more effectively than common antifungal drugs.

 

Curcumin may also have a positively affect your mental and emotional health as well. Researchers have discovered that curcumin’s medicinal activity is largely due to its phytochemicals, which are plant chemicals that harbor antioxidative and antibacterial properties. These phytochemicals may also help to ease nausea caused by mental issues such as anxiety and stress.

 

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity in curcumin may also help reduce gut pain caused by spicy foods, alcohol, or pathogenic bacteria. The incredible compounds in curcumin support your natural digestive processes, which can mean that your GI system doesn’t have to work as hard to break down food.

 

Taking curcumin is as simple as finding a quality supplement from a reputable health food store, or even online.  You can also blend turmeric powder into smoothies, meals (love that curry!) or even make yourself a turmeric latte. Hot Tip: try adding a healthy fat such as coconut oil, as well as black pepper. This helps your body to more readily absorb the active ingredients. You’re welcome.


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