The Curcuma longa plant is the species of ginger where you’ll find turmeric root, whose extract is a powerful antioxidant known as curcumin. When paired with black pepper (piperine), curcumin’s therapeutic properties take hold with very few side effects. But, can turmeric help manage Parkinson’s disease (PD)?
Researchers have successfully linked Curcumin to improvements in a wide variety of health conditions. For example, turmeric has shown promise in lowering blood sugar in diabetes, and helping arthritis and joint pain. It may even contribute to weight loss and liver detoxification. Recently, studies have suggested that curcumin may also be beneficial for preventing Parkinson’s disease and helping others manage their symptoms.
Parkinson’s is a disorder of the nervous system that affects body movement and gets progressively worse over time. Often, it begins with a barely noticeable tremor in one of the hands. Even though tremors are common, symptoms of Parkinson’s can also include slowing of movement or muscle stiffness. Additional complications of Parkinson’s may include depression or emotional changes, difficulty sleeping, blood pressure changes, loss of smell, reduced cognitive function, dizziness or fainting, swallowing problems, fatigue, and several other potential issues.
Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, capable of initiating significant positive changes within the body. Its ability to reduce inflammation can help people with Parkinson’s disease cope with some of the stressful symptomologies. Past studies have also shown that curcumin is beneficial for improving brain health and may even be useful in the treatment of other neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia. For this reason, researchers believe turmeric may also have potential benefits for Parkinson’s.
Current evidence suggests a powerful link between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the brain-gut axis. It seems that gastrointestinal manifestations often precede motor symptoms in PD patients. Increased intestinal permeability and bacterial overgrowth may induce systemic inflammation in the brain. This discovery points to the possibility of using natural anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric to positively influence the initial steps of Parkinson’s.
It’s important to note; Turmeric4You contains black pepper extract – piperine - (along with 5 other herbs and spices) to improve nutrient absorption. As an added benefit, research shows that piperine has a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons. It performs this vital task through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Therefore, black pepper extract may provide additional therapeutic potential in the treatment and prevention of Parkinson’s disease.
Can turmeric help prevent and treat Parkinson’s disease? It’s difficult to give a definitive yes, but research appears promising that curcumin can at least have a positive impact. Remember, turmeric is not a cure for Parkinson’s. Currently, there is no cure, only the potential for medications to slow disease progression and reduce symptoms.
Turmeric is an excellent supplement for overall brain health and may help improve antioxidant activity and reduce bodily inflammation. If you’re considering taking Turmeric4You, always consult with a certified medical professional to make sure curcumin is right for you.
Taken from an article by Lyfe Botanicals December 16th, 2019