What is curcumin and how is it associated with turmeric?
Curcumin is the primary bioactive compound found in turmeric. Turmeric is a flowering plant from the Ginger family and is used as a staple ingredient in Asian cuisine. Turmeric is a classic ingredient that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, particularly because of the properties that curcumin imparts to turmeric. Curcumin also has the ability to increase and enhance the number of antioxidants produced in the body (Damianou, 2022).
What properties does curcumin have?
Some notable properties of curcumin include having,
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Anti-cancerous properties
• Cardioprotective benefits
• Neuroprotective benefits
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects cognitive abilities. It is a progressive disease that gradually gets worse with time. The symptoms eventually get worse enough to interfere with the performance of daily tasks.
About 60-80% of dementia cases are accounted for Alzheimer’s disease. There is no cure yet for Alzheimer’s. However, curcumin touted for preventing cognitive decline is a promising alternative with no severe side effects and is being studied extensively as a potential treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease.
What does research show about curcumin and Alzheimer’s disease?
• Beta-amyloid plaques that occur in the brain are believed to be the primary cause of brain damage in Alzheimer’s disease. Research shows that curcumin reduced these plaques by 40% and prevented their formation.
• Free radicals cause further damage to neurons in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease. Because of having antioxidant properties, curcumin prevents damage to brain cells by free radicals by reducing the free radicals.
• Persistent inflammation of nerve cells is seen in Alzheimer’s disease. This persistent inflammation becomes the cause of the increased formation of beta-amyloid plaques. Several anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed for Alzheimer’s although effective, are not safe to be taken for the long term because of being toxic to the kidneys and liver. Curcumin presents as a safer alternative to these anti-inflammatory drugs in the sense, that it can remove inflammation while also being safe for consumption in the long term (Hopper, 2018).
These three significant properties studied in research conclude that curcumin may present as a promising treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease and for preventing cognitive damage (Turmeric Curcumin and Alzheimer's Disease, n.d.).
Self-Care Tip:
Black pepper contains high levels of potent important health-promoting compounds. Studies show that piperine, which is the active compound in black pepper, can enhance the bioavailability of several vitamins, minerals, and medications. Specifically, piperine in black pepper when added to curcumin can enhance absorption by up to 2,000%. This is important to remember because curcumin has low solubility in water and is poorly absorbed by the body; consequently, it is traditionally taken with fat and black pepper, which enhance its absorption.
Final thoughts:
If you are having problems to include brain fog and nonspecific gastrointestinal issues, consider removing lectins from your diet for 30 days and reassess. People with known underlying bowel disorder include Crohn’s and Celiac disease are especially more susceptible to leaky gut syndrome. For people with underlying bowel disorder, a lectin free diet will be helpful.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
© Dr. Dennis D. Walker 2022. All Rights Reserved