Top 7 Benefits of Taking Turmeric Supplements | Doctor ER

Summary

Dr. Jordan Wagner explores the potential health benefits of turmeric, a spice with a history in traditional medicine. He discusses its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin's role in potentially reducing Alzheimer's risk, heart disease, and cancer, and its effectiveness against arthritis and depression. The video also covers optimal dosage and absorption tips, noting turmeric's safety and side effects, urging viewers to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Turmeric is a popular spice with a history of use in cooking and traditional medicine, particularly in Southeast Asia.
• 🌟 Turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• 🧠 Curcumin may help lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and clearing amyloid plaques.
• ❤️ Curcumin has been shown to potentially improve heart disease outcomes by improving endothelium function and reducing inflammation.
• 🛡 Turmeric may have a role in cancer prevention and treatment by affecting cell growth and reducing angiogenesis in tumors.
• 💊 Studies have suggested that turmeric could be as effective as some anti-inflammatory drugs for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
• 😌 Curcumin has demonstrated potential antidepressant effects, possibly due to its ability to increase BDNF levels.
• 🍵 Consuming turmeric with black pepper can enhance the absorption of curcumin by 2000% due to the substance piperine.
• 🧘 Turmeric may contribute to longevity by reducing inflammation and oxidation, which are factors in aging.
• 💊 The recommended dosage for turmeric supplements can range from 500 to 2000 milligrams per day, depending on the condition being treated.
• ⚠️ Turmeric may have side effects like digestive issues and may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice.

Q & A

What is turmeric and why is it popular?

Turmeric is a spice derived from a tall plant in the ginger family, native to Southeast Asia. It is popular as a culinary spice, primarily used in places like India, and is a major ingredient in curry powder. It is also known as turmeric root, Indian saffron, or golden spice.

What are some common names for turmeric?

Turmeric is often referred to as turmeric root, Indian saffron, or golden spice.

How has turmeric been used traditionally?

Traditionally, turmeric has been used in Ayurveda and other traditional Indian and Chinese medical systems for disorders of the skin, upper respiratory tracts, joints, and digestive system issues.

What are the top seven health benefits of turmeric mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that turmeric may reduce overall inflammation, lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease, help prevent or treat cancer, aid in treating arthritis, treat depression, and potentially delay aging.

What is the active ingredient in turmeric that contributes to its health benefits?

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong antioxidant.

How can the absorption of curcumin be enhanced?

The absorption of curcumin can be enhanced by consuming turmeric with black pepper, which contains piperine, a natural substance that increases curcumin absorption by 2000%.

How does curcumin potentially help with Alzheimer's disease?

Curcumin boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is linked to the formation of new brain connections and is decreased in brain disorders like Alzheimer's. It also helps clear amyloid plaques, a key feature of Alzheimer's disease.

What is the potential role of curcumin in heart disease?

Curcumin may help reverse steps in the heart disease process by improving endothelium function, reducing inflammation, and oxidation.

How might turmeric help with cancer?

Some studies suggest that curcumin can affect precancerous cells, contribute to the death of cancerous cells, reduce angiogenesis, and inhibit tumor growth in lab tests and test animals.

What is the recommended dosage for turmeric or curcumin supplements?

Doses ranging from 500 to 2000 milligrams of turmeric per day have shown potential health benefits. The Arthritis Foundation suggests taking turmeric capsules, 400 to 600 milligrams, three times a day, or half to three grams of the root powder a day.

What are some potential side effects of taking turmeric?

Some people may experience mild digestive issues such as bloating, acid reflux, and nausea when exceeding 1,000 milligrams a day. Turmeric may also be unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding in amounts greater than commonly found in food.

Why is it recommended to find a turmeric product with BioPerine?

BioPerine is the trademark name of piperine, which enhances curcumin absorption in the body. Without this substance, most of the curcumin just passes through the digestive tract.

Outlines

00:00

🧪 Turmeric: The Wonder Spice and Its Health Benefits

The first paragraph introduces the topic of turmeric, a spice with a reputation for potential health benefits. It discusses the widespread use of turmeric in cooking and its commercial availability in various forms such as teas, capsules, and cosmetics. The video aims to explore whether turmeric is a natural supplement with the ability to treat inflammation and cancer, or if its benefits are overrated. Dr. Jordan Wagner, an emergency room doctor, presents himself and encourages viewers to subscribe for more medical insights. He begins to delve into the nature of turmeric, its origins, and its historical use in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. The paragraph concludes with the introduction of the top seven health benefits of turmeric that will be discussed in the video.

05:02

🛡️ Turmeric's Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

This paragraph delves into the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric, focusing on its active ingredient, curcumin. It explains that curcuminoids are responsible for turmeric's medicinal properties, with curcumin being the most potent. The paragraph highlights the role of low-level inflammation in chronic diseases and how curcumin can potentially combat this. It also addresses the poor absorption of curcumin in the bloodstream and suggests a hack to enhance absorption by consuming turmeric with black pepper, which contains piperine. The benefits of turmeric for Alzheimer's disease are discussed next, with curcumin's ability to boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and potentially improve brain function and memory. The paragraph also touches on curcumin's potential to clear amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's and its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Keywords

💡Turmeric

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is a member of the ginger family. It is commonly used in cooking, particularly in Indian cuisine, and is known for its vibrant color and earthy flavor. In the video, turmeric is highlighted as a potential 'miracle nutrient' with numerous health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and potentially lowering the risk of cancer.

💡Curcuminoids

Curcuminoids are the active chemical compounds found in turmeric, responsible for most of its health benefits. Curcumin is the most active and well-studied of these compounds, known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The video emphasizes the importance of curcuminoids in the context of turmeric's health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and potentially treating conditions like cancer.

💡Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection and is characterized by redness, heat, pain, and swelling. Chronic inflammation, however, is associated with many diseases, including heart disease and cancer. The video discusses how turmeric's curcuminoids can help reduce overall inflammation in the body, which is crucial for preventing and treating various chronic diseases.

💡Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. The script mentions that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may help lower the risk of Alzheimer's by boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is linked to neuronal growth and is decreased in Alzheimer's patients.

💡Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

BDNF is a protein that supports the growth and survival of neurons in the brain. The video explains that curcumin in turmeric may increase BDNF levels, which could help delay or reverse brain diseases like Alzheimer's and improve cognitive function.

💡Amyloid Plaques

Amyloid plaques are abnormal clumps of protein that build up between nerve cells in the brain and are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The script suggests that curcumin can help clear these plaques, indicating a potential role in treating Alzheimer's.

💡Heart Disease

Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart's ability to function properly. The video discusses how curcumin may improve heart health by enhancing the function of the endothelium, the lining of blood vessels, and reducing inflammation and oxidation, which are factors in heart disease development.

💡Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The script explores the possibility that curcumin supplements may affect precancerous cells and contribute to the death of cancerous cells, inhibiting tumor growth and the spread of cancer.

💡Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation in the joints, causing pain and stiffness. The video mentions that turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties, particularly curcumin, may help combat arthritis, with one study suggesting it could be more effective than some anti-inflammatory drugs.

💡Depression

Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty in carrying out daily activities. The script discusses a study where curcumin was found to be as effective as Prozac, an antidepressant, in treating depression, possibly due to its ability to boost BDNF levels.

💡Aging

Aging is the natural process of growing older, which involves changes in the body's structure and function. The video suggests that curcumin's anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to delayed aging by reducing oxidation and inflammation, which are factors that impact the aging process.

💡BioPerine

BioPerine is a trademarked form of piperine, a natural substance found in black pepper that enhances the absorption of curcumin in the body. The script recommends looking for turmeric or curcumin supplements that contain BioPerine to maximize the health benefits of turmeric.

Highlights

Turmeric is increasingly available in various forms like teas, capsules, powders, extracts, cosmetics, and spices, all claiming significant health benefits.

Dr. Jordan Wagner, an emergency room doctor, discusses the potential health benefits of turmeric in this video series.

Turmeric, also known as turmeric root, Indian saffron, or golden spice, is a popular culinary spice derived from a plant in the ginger family.

Historically, turmeric has been used in Ayurveda and other traditional Indian and Chinese medical systems for various disorders.

Turmeric is now promoted as a dietary supplement that helps treat many health conditions.

The top seven health benefits of turmeric are being discussed, starting with its ability to reduce overall inflammation in the body.

Curcuminoids, particularly curcumin, are the bioactive compounds in turmeric with powerful medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, but its absorption can be enhanced by consuming turmeric with black pepper, which contains piperine.

Curcumin may lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease by boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and potentially reversing brain diseases.

Curcumin has been shown to improve endothelium function, reduce inflammation, and oxidation, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease.

Turmeric may help prevent or treat cancer by affecting precancerous cells, contributing to cancer cell death, and reducing angiogenesis.

In a study, curcumin was found to be more effective than anti-inflammatory drugs in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

A controlled trial suggests that curcumin may be as effective as antidepressants in treating depression.

Curcumin boosts BDNF levels, which could help combat depression and potentially delay aging.

The recommended dosage for turmeric varies depending on the condition, with some studies suggesting 500 to 2000 milligrams per day.

Turmeric may cause mild digestive issues in some people when consumed in doses exceeding 1,000 milligrams a day.

Turmeric may be unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding in amounts greater than commonly found in food.

Products with BioPerine, a trademark name for piperine, are recommended for enhancing curcumin absorption in the body.

Transcripts

- Turmeric, a miracle nutrient that can lower

your chances of getting cancer?

Or is it an over-hyped spice

that you should avoid all together?

I'll explain.

(color bars beep) (upbeat music)

Turmeric, you may have used this popular ingredient

in your cooking in the past,

but now, more and more, we're starting to see it

commercially become available everywhere

in things like teas, capsules, powders,

extracts, cosmetics, spices, and much, much more.

And all of these turmeric products

are touting major health benefits.

Is turmeric the most effective

natural supplement in existence?

Can its chemical compounds actually

treat things like inflammation and cancer?

Or can it even help with upper respiratory infection

and other types of ailments?

Or is it all hogwash, and should a certain

group of people avoid it all together?

Today we're discussing it all,

and I'll be breaking down the top seven

benefits of taking turmeric.

Hey everyone, I'm Dr. Jordan Wagner.

I'm an emergency room doctor who treats everything

from COVID to gunshot wounds, burns, you name it.

I've created this video series to help answer

some of your medical questions and the questions

that I get from patients each and every day.

If you find this video helpful

please do me a favor and subscribe.

First things, first.

What in the world is turmeric?

It's often referred to as turmeric root,

or goes by other names like Indian saffron or golden spice,

and it's popular all around the world as a culinary spice,

and it's a major ingredient in curry powder.

It's derived from a tall plant in the ginger family,

and its underground stem is often used

as the basis for the culinary spice.

It is native to Southeast Asia

and primarily used in places like India.

If you're watching from India or if you like to cook a lot,

let me know if you use turmeric

in your dishes in the comments below.

But aside from cooking, what you may not have known

is that turmeric has also been used

as a traditional medicine in different parts

of the world for many, many years.

Historically speaking, turmeric was used

in Ayurveda and other traditional

Indian and Chinese medical systems.

And medicines primarily for disorders of the skin,

upper respiratory tracts, joints,

and issues with the digestive system.

Nowadays, the turmeric ingredient is even being promoted

as a dietary supplement that helps treat

many different health conditions.

That's why today we're counting down the top seven

health benefits of taking turmeric.

And you're definitely going to want

to hear some of these.

Number one.

Turmeric reduces overall inflammation in your body.

Here's the deal.

Turmeric contains bioactive compounds

with powerful medicinal properties.

So these crazy good compounds are called curcuminoids.

You see, curcumin is the most active ingredient

in turmeric, and it has a lot

of very powerful anti-inflammatory effects,

and it is a very strong antioxidant.

And, as we know, low level inflammation

plays a major role in most every chronic disease there is.

Therefore, anything that can help fight

chronic inflammation is of potential importance

in preventing and even treating these diseases.

Therefore, anything can help fight chronic inflammation

is of the utmost importance in preventing

and even treating diseases.

Here's the kicker though.

Curcumin is poorly absorbed into your bloodstream

and isn't that abundant in turmeric, only 3% by volume.

So a little hack to get the most curcumin

absorbed into your body is to consume

turmeric with black pepper,

which contains piperine,

a natural substance that enhances

the absorption of curcumin by 2000%.

Number two health benefit of turmeric?

Curcumin, it lowers the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Yes, curcumin the active ingredient in turmeric

that I mentioned before does boost

brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

In other words, curcumin plus brain equals good.

You see, neurons in the brain are capable of forming

new connections, and in some areas of the brain,

even capable of multiplying and increasing in numbers.

One of the main reasons for this process

is brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF.

But many common brain disorders,

like depression and Alzheimer's disease, for instance,

have been linked to decreased levels of this hormone.

So in a nutshell, the main active ingredient in turmeric

is said to be able to increase the brain levels of BDNF,

which by doing so could be effective

in delaying or even reversing many brain diseases

and age-related decreases in brain function.

In addition, a key feature of Alzheimer's disease

is a buildup of protein tangles called amyloid plaques.

Studies have shown that curcumin

can help clear these plaques,

and it crosses the blood-brain barrier.

And it even may help improve your memory

and make you smarter given its effects

on these BDNF levels.

So studying for a test?

Worried you're losing your memory?

Time to start thinking about turmeric.

Number three, curcumin lowers your risk of heart disease?

Yes.

Although incredibly complicated, and many factors

go into treating heart disease,

curcumin may just help reverse the many steps

in the heart disease process.

One of the main benefits is improving

the function of the endothelium,

AKA the lining of your blood vessels,

as well as it reduces inflammation and oxidation as well.

One study randomly assigned 121 people

who were undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery,

either a placebo or four grams of curcumin per day,

a few days before the surgery,

and what they found was that the group of test patients

who were given curcumin showed a 65% decreased risk

of experiencing a heart attack in the hospital.

Number four.

Turmeric can help prevent or maybe even treat cancer?

It seems so.

Cancer is a terrible, terrible disease

that comes in many forms, but if you had

to really break it down to its most simple description,

it is often characterized by uncontrolled cell growth.

It seems according to some studies that some cancers,

not all, but some cells appear,

or even precancerous cells appear,

to be affected by curcumin supplements.

In one 30-day published study in 44 men

with lesions in the colon

who took four grams of curcumin per day

reduced the number of lesions in the colon by 40%.

Other studies have shown that it can contribute

to the death of cancerous cells

and reduce angiogenesis,

or the growth of blood vessels in tumors,

and the spread of cancer.

Other animal studies indicate that curcumin

reduced the growth of cells in lab tests

and inhibited the growth of tumors in test animals.

So will curcumin be used along with conventional treatment

for cancer one day or possibly prevent cancer?

Although it's too early to say for sure,

it does look promising and is being studied right now.

Number five, turmeric and arthritis.

A lot of you out there watching this suffer from arthritis.

I even have it in my back from an old soccer injury,

but given its anti-inflammatory compound,

it would make sense that curcumin,

the main and active ingredient in turmeric,

would work to combat arthritis, right?

Good news is several studies actually

show this to be true also.

In one study in people with rheumatoid arthritis

curcumin was seen to even be more effective

than anti-inflammatory drugs.

Number six, curcumin treats depression?

Yes, it seems to be the case.

In a controlled trial, 60 people with depression

were randomly sorted into three different groups.

One of these groups were given Prozac,

another took curcumin, and one of these groups

were even given a combination of curcumin and Prozac.

After six weeks, the group that took both

Prozac and curcumin together had the best results.

But surprisingly the curcumin-only group

saw very similar results to the Prozac group.

So according to this study, it was detailed

that taking curcumin was just as effective

as taking antidepressants.

Depression is also linked to reduced levels

of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF,

and a shrinking hippocampus, a brain area

that is responsible for learning and memory.

Curcumin boost these BDNF levels,

which could suggest as to why

it may help combat depression.

Number seven, turmeric delays aging?

Beyond just preventing disease,

if you're looking to just overall live longer

you have to take into consideration

things like oxidation and inflammation

and the role they play on the body and aging.

What we know about curcumin and its anti-inflammatory

properties, taking substances that contain curcumin

may have overall effects that go way beyond

just preventing disease and lead to increased longevity.

How much should you take?

All right, you've heard all the supposed health benefits

and are probably now wondering where do I get it

and how much should I be taking?

The exact dose obviously depends on the condition.

For certain studies, doses that range between

500 to 2000 milligrams of turmeric per day

had potential health benefits,

and groups like the Arthritis Foundation

suggest taking turmeric capsules,

400 to 600 milligrams, three times a day.

Or you could take half to three grams

of the root powder a day.

But again, it really depends on the condition

that you're trying to combat.

In terms of where to get it,

I'll link to several different options

in the description below.

It should be noted that in terms of side effects

some people do experience mild digestive issues

such as bloating, acid reflux, nausea,

and other digestive issues when exceeding

1,000 milligrams a day.

Also, turmeric may be unsafe for the use

during pregnancy and breastfeeding

in the amounts greater than commonly found in food.

So definitely talk to your primary care doctor

on what the proper amount is for you.

Also, remember, if you decide to take turmeric

or curcumin supplements, it's recommended

to find a product with BioPerine in it,

the trademark name of piperine,

which is the substance that enhances

curcumin absorption in your body.

Without this substance, most of the curcumin

just passes through your digestive tract.

All right, that's been a quick,

turmeric talk with me, Dr. Wagner.

So if you take it, how much do you take,

and have you seen any health benefits from it?

Let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear from you.

And, let me know if you have any other medical topics

or questions that you'd like me to make a video about.

I'd love to hear about them, too.

Make sure you subscribe and turn your bell notifications on.

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you let YouTube know that you'd like to see

more videos like this one.

Thank you so much for watching

and stay healthy, my friends.

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