THE TRUTH ABOUT TURMERIC
For thousands of years, sunny yellow turmeric has been a staple in curries as well as a spice renowned for its ability to treat a vast number of ailments. In recent years, this South Asian native has become a sort of “spice-of-all-trades.” Turmeric’s popularity has surged throughout North America. People are adding it to food and using it to treat everything from arthritis to heartburn. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the spice can treat just about every kind of inflammation, whether it’s joint pain or a headache. Have a stomachache or nausea? Try turmeric. Have a mild rash or burn on your skin? Try turmeric. Current studies are even looking into turmeric’s effectiveness as a treatment for diabetes and dementia. When one substance is purported to have near-magical healing powers, you have to remember to take it with an additional dose of skepticism. Can one spice really cure everything that ails you? Let’s ask science. Researchers have identified over 20 distinct compounds that work similar to NSAIDs (such as aspirin and ibuprofen). Of those compounds, six are COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 is an enzyme that causes inflammation and pain in the body.
In short, these six compounds help block the enzymatic reaction that triggers inflammation. One of these compounds is called curcumin, which is often considered the active ingredient in turmeric. An article published in the medical journal Nutrition and Cancer found that, by weight, pure turmeric powder contains 3.14 percent curcumin. However, clinical trials of curcumin have produced less- than-stellar results. A comprehensive review of 120 studies of curcumin, published in 2017 in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, found no evidence that the compound produced positive results as an anti-inflammatory or antioxidant. In fact, researchers found curcumin to be an, “unstable, reactive, non- bioavailable compound.”
So what does this mean for people who use turmeric for its medicinal properties?
If it works for you, continue to use it. If you’ve thought about adding it to your diet, give it a try. It’s safe to use, and studies have shown virtually no toxicity, even in high doses.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING
“I had not been to the dentist probably for 8 years prior to coming to Jones Smiles. I am the patient who was crying in the car and did not want to walk through these doors whatsoever. But once I came in here, the staff was so warm and friendly and Dr. Jones was very sincere ... and he does wonderful sedation, which can get you through anything, any procedure you have. “Now, after all these implants, I have no problems coming here — It’s like going shopping, almost. They welcome you when they come in, they cater to your needs. I was the patient who said, ‘Do not make me sit in that chair and wait.’ Even though they give you a little medication in the morning to relax you, I said, ‘Please don’t make me sit in that chair, and get me back there as soon as possible because the tears will be coming,’ and they did exactly what I asked for. And the best part is, you go to sleep and you wake up and it’s all over. I’m turning 40, getting close to 40, and you know, 40 wants to be 20 again.
“So, I felt that it was time, and to be honest, I was living in a lot of pain and it was important for me to have a beautiful smile again. I have a lot more confidence in myself. I would tell people who are sitting in the chair or afraid to even come to the dentist that this is 100 percent the place to be. Dr. Jones will take care of you. His staff will make every possible effort to make it easy for you, and you need to get it done because it’s worth it.”
–CHRISTINA
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