Turmeric for gout is a spice obtained from a root of a perennial plant and is a member of the ginger family. It is one of the main ingredients for curry in India, which are the largest user and producer of turmeric. Turmeric has been used for over four thousand years to treat illnesses and used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for treating arthritis. Due to its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties, many cultures have used it as a remedy for gout. Gout is an inflammation, usually affecting the big toe, causing severe pain and inflammation. Considered a form of arthritis, there are natural treatments for gout as well as inflammatory drugs to help reduce the symptoms of pain, inflammation and swelling.
Turmeric for gout is a flavor commonly used in cooking. It is also used as a colorant in mustard, cheese and butter. Turmeric consists of several active compounds, including curcumin, which appear to have anti-inflammatory effects .Findings from a number of studies indicated that Turmeric may help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with arthritic conditions. Results of a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine shows that Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is as helpful as the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen to treat osteoarthritis. Curcumin is responsible for inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which is related to pain. Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory and offers natural pain relief for gout. It is also a powerful anti oxidant and decreases the inflammatory enzyme called COX-2. The inflammation that occurs when our white blood cells fight the monosodium oxate crystals is what leads to a gout attack. In a study conducted by the University of Arizona, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis were created in lab mice and then they were treated with curcumin, which was found to be an effective treatment in the prevention of joint inflammation. It also reduced joint swelling. Curcumin allows the body’s adrenal gland to produce more of the body’s own cortisone, a powerful reliever on inflammation and pain, which are two of the worst symptoms that occur during a gout attack.
Turmeric for gout can be purchased in health food stores and may be taken as a fluid extract, with thirty to ninety drops consumed daily; in capsules or tablets; or in powder form. The powder can be used in cooking as well. If you take a half a teaspoon and add it to an egg white, the omelet will color it nicely so you will not miss the egg yolks. It is suggested to take three hundred milligrams of a standardized extract of turmeric three times a day in order to reduce the inflammation associated with gout. However, dosages may need to be adjusted according to age, general health and any other medicines being taken. Turmeric can be tea, with or without ginger, to help in detoxification.
Turmeric for gout is generally safe but can have side effects including nausea and diarrhea. It can also reduce the bloods ability to clot. Therefore, do not take it prior to surgery as it can increase the risk of bleeding. Do not take turmeric if pregnant, breast feeding, taking anti coagulants or with gallbladder disease.