
Before we get started, let’s make something clear: inflammation is not a bad thing. Inflammation is a natural process that alerts your body that something is wrong and needs to be fixed, so it’s a helpful part of your immune system. Without it, the body wouldn’t be able to fight infections, grow muscle, clear out damaged cells, or repair wounds.
It’s only when the inflammation is extreme or becomes chronic that it is unhealthy. Inflammation is an underlying factor in the development of chronic diseases like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, and even cancer.
That’s why inflammation balance is so critical.
To lower inflammation when too elevated, you should seek out antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties and practice healthy habits, including staying away from other causes of inflammation like air pollution, toxins, and highly processed foods.
Can Turmeric Decrease Inflammation?
Can turmeric decrease inflammation? The answer to this is yes, and no. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant. But turmeric only contains an average of 2% to 6% curcumin, so you won’t feel much of an effect at such a low dose. That’s why it’s important to take turmeric dietary supplements with black pepper extract, which promotes the body’s ability to absorb and use the nutrient. The benefits of turmeric are vast, but only if you’re getting the right amount.
Some commercial turmeric also sometimes contains artificial curcumin that has toxins that can cause an imbalance in inflammation. This is why many people intending to reap the benefits of curcumin choose a more concentrated supplement.
The body is constantly battling cellular mutation caused by UV radiation, pollution, food additives, and more. Antioxidants render these sources of mutation ineffective, protecting cells from the damage they cause. Curcumin has phytochemicals that act as natural antioxidants, reducing inflammation.
Inflammation is tightly regulated by the immune system. When the balance of inflammatory cells vs anti-inflammatory cells is thrown out of whack, inflammation results. Studies suggest that curcumin helps regulate this balance, helping reduce inflammation and balance the immune system in yet another way.
What is Curcumin Good for?
Curcumin is helpful against any inflammation-driven disease. It also has effects on the digestive tract, improving the production of digestive enzymes. This effect on the digestive system can help reduce the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Disease, indigestion, and ulcerative colitis.
Interestingly, curcumin also plays a role in blood flow and clotting. This was the original Ayurvedic purpose it was used for in ancient China, alongside treatment for inflammation and pain. It is proposed that blood clotting is an inflammatory response to injury, so curcumin could potentially be useful for someone with a clotting disorder who isn’t already on blood thinners.
Medical Considerations
Before beginning a curcumin supplement, be sure to talk to your doctor to ensure it is safe. Curcumin supplementation is not compatible with people who are prone to stomach ulcers, taking blood thinners, or who have a digestive enzyme passage obstruction, like gallstones.
It also may be unsafe for those who are pregnant or have type 2 diabetes.
What are the Best Turmeric Gummies?
Best for Kids and Sensitive Stomachs: Garden of Life mykind Organics Turmeric Inflammatory Response Gummy
The Garden of Life mykind Organics Turmeric Inflammatory Response Gummy dietary supplement includes organic fermented turmeric and ginger, which provides superior bioavailability and may improve the composition of the gut microbiome. These turmeric and ginger gummies are especially good for children. These turmeric and ginger gummies are also good for those who have a sensitive digestive tract. Garden of Life’s turmeric and ginger gummies formulation also has a lower amount of curcumin at 50 mg, which makes this a good entry-level supplement to try out before moving to something more concentrated.
Best for Strong, Wide-Spectrum Benefits: Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength Gummies
The Gaia Herbs Turmeric Gummies deliver 95 mg of full-spectrum curcuminoids, not just curcumin. These other naturally occurring curcuminoids provide a broader range of benefits compared to supplements containing only isolated curcumin. To enhance absorption, the Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength Gummies are formulated for 24 times greater bioavailability, ensuring that the body effectively utilizes the curcuminoids.
The inclusion of organic ginger root and lemon peel essential oil further supports digestive health and adds a delicious flavor. This option is great for active individuals who want to maintain a healthy inflammatory response.
Sugar-Free and Best for Cognitive Protection: Nordic Naturals Curcumin Gummies Zero Sugar
The Longvida curcumin in Nordic Naturals Curcumin Gummies is specifically optimized to cross the blood-brain barrier, providing superior neuroprotection than the other supplements on the list. The reason it can effectively help with neurological health is because the curcumin is encapsulated with fats in a way that makes it more bioavailable, this is called a Solid Lipid Curcumin Particle.
If you’re looking to protect and enhance cognitive function while managing inflammation system-wide, Nordic Naturals Curcumin Gummies Zero Sugar delivers a scientifically backed, brain-friendly solution. Also, if you’re adhering to a low-sugar or ketogenic diet, these gummies are compatible because they are sugar-free.
Conclusion
Inflammation balance is tricky. Too much and it can cause chronic disease, too little and the immune system can’t do its job. Curcumin shows promise for managing inflammation naturally, whether it manifests as joint pain, digestive issues, or cognitive decline, a high-quality turmeric supplement can offer support. There are plenty of formulations out there that target different symptoms or contain synergistic compounds, so we recommend you look for one that is specifically formulated for your goals.
As always, consult your healthcare provider or the holistic, licensed practitioners from the Professional Supplement Center before starting any new supplement. But if you’re looking to bring inflammation back into balance, the best turmeric gummies may be exactly what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turmeric decrease inflammation?
Turmeric itself has very little of the active ingredient curcumin in it, but it still conveys some benefits. If you’re looking for stronger antioxidant support, consider a concentrated supplement instead.
Is curcumin and turmeric the same thing?
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. Natural turmeric only contains about 2% to 6% curcumin.
Is curcumin effective?
Curcumin has many proven anti-inflammatory applications, from simply reducing systemic inflammation to lowering your risk of heart disease.