Turmeric is crushed into a shining yellow spice that is well-known in Asian food which is used in the preparation of food.
An effective composite called curcumin present in turmeric which contains antioxidant and anti-inflammable features. Turmeric is being used for medical purposes since ages
Curcumin has the capability to enhance numerous physical forms/states which includes depression as per the survey made. It even takes into account mild and major depression disorder.
In what way is turmeric capable of helping with depression?
Free radicals that generate inflammation are searched by antioxidants like curcumin. They even decrease inflammation through the reduction of oxidative stress.
Current research has revealed that a relationship is formed amid depression and chronic inflammation. However, whether depression is caused by inflammation or inflammation is caused by depression has not yet been made apparent. Nonetheless, chronic inflammation and depression intensify each other as suggested by the study.
According to a notion, features of depression can be relieved with the assistance of curcumin by combating inflammation.
The determination of whether turmeric is truly helpful for depression has led to tests that opened the gates for additional exploration as several of them were triumphant and of great value.
The results of the study are
The study made on turmeric might be as dazzling and confident as its cheerful yellow colour.
In the recent cases of depression, usage of turmeric had been of great assistance especially due to the presence of curcumin as per the 2017 survey. Curcumin is said to be a secure and efficient natural cure opportunity as revealed by the 2017 survey.
Usage of turmeric or curcumin by itself or in combination with herbal medicines
The 2017 survey revealed that curcumin was efficient by itself and along with a mixture of other herbs namely saffron. The survey also revealed that depression indicators are decreased with the assistance of curcumin.
The dual diverse 2014 survey namely Journal of Affective Disorders and Phytotherapy Research revealed similar results. According to them, curcumin consumed singly is considered to be more efficient.
Usage of turmeric or curcumin along with prescribed antidepressants
The 2015 research revealed that antidepressants perform well with the assistance of curcumin.
If usage of curcumin by itself is healthier than usage of it as a mixture with other antidepressants has not yet been revealed by the study.
Usage of turmeric to help treat depression
Turmeric, especially curcumin might be of great use in the cure of depression in the future. More research is necessary to confirm whether curcumin can be used in traditional healing methods.
Doctor’s advice must be taken before you use turmeric at home. Your threats to side-effects and interactions will be deliberated by them.
Turmeric or curcumin should not be used as a replacement for antidepressants.
In order to balance your current cure plan, you should use herbal medicines exactly as per the directions of your doctor.
The changes in signs may not be instantly noticed by you. Turmeric must be consumed for a minimum of twenty-four days in order to be effective as suggested by several studies.
Side effects & safety precautions of Turmeric
If there is good definitely there will be a bad. Turmeric can cause side effects such as
- Gallbladder problems
- Bleeding problems
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which is known as a stomach disorder
- Hormone-sensitive condition such as endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer.
- Infertility (especially for men, as turmeric might reduce your testosterone levels that is why check with your doctor before using turmeric for your mental health condition)
- Iron deficiency (it is always safe to take low amount of turmeric for the people who are suffering with iron deficiency problem)
- There are chances of heavy bleeding when you are going through a surgery due to turmeric as it will delay the blood clotting process during the surgery. We would advise you to stop taking turmeric for at least two to three weeks before your surgery.
People who are suffering with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are advised not to use turmeric as it will make that condition worsen.
Till now, there is no clinical evidence to prove the highest dosage for turmeric or curcumin. That is why, we would advise people to follow the suggested dosages prescribed by your physicians, even though taking turmeric in high dosages does not have any negative effects on our body.
Side effects may become severe if you are using turmeric or curcumin with antidepressant medications such as
- Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, paxil, zoloft, celexa, luvox, lexapro, and viibryd
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Effexor, Cymbalta, Pristiq, Savella, and Fetzima
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) such as Elavil, Norpramin, Asendin, Anafranil, Pamelor, Tofranil, Vivactil, Surmontil, and sinequan
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitirs (MAOIs) such as Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, and Emsam.
- Atypical Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Remeron, Oleptro, Symbax, and Brintellix
Turmeric can be taken as supplement
Regional medical stores make turmeric supplements accessible. They are even available on the internet stores. Turmeric is also accessible in mixture forms.
The amount curcumin (also known as curcuminoids) present in every supplement is important and not the shape in which it is taken. A high percentage, approximately 95 percent is considered best.
If details of curcumin are not available then turmeric supplements should be avoided. These may contain other compounds instead of curcumin.
Acquiring a clean supplement might be your great alternative as 100 percent clean extracts of curcumin may also be present in certain supplements.
It should be noted that the U.S. Food department and Drug Administration do not regulate supplements. Goods must be purchased from trusted manufacturers.
The amount of dose must be followed or the data given on the label must be used. You must consent to your doctor in case of any doubts.
It can be added during your mealtimes
The addition of turmeric in your food may result in some advantages.
Oral supplements taken are more than studying the usage of turmeric or curcumin in the preparation of food. Generally, curcumin amounts are not labeled on turmeric food preparation mixtures.
It is denoted that the curcumin quantity in each good may differ and its possible consequences may not be predictable.
Single teaspoon turmeric may contain sufficient effectual curcuminoids in case more amounts of curcumin are found in turmeric. You should make sure that you use it daily for ideal advantages.
Remember the piperine!
Black pepper used in cooking contains a compound called piperine. It helps to absorb other compounds at the time of digestion as revealed by the research.
As a result of this, supplements, specifically herbs, are made to function quicker faster and with effectiveness by piperine. Extracts of piperine is added to numerous supplements and also curcumin.
Mixture of supplements and curcumin are highly researched for depression. Curcumin along with piperine is considered to be more effectual than just curcumin as found by the 2013 research.
Usage of curcumin in combination with piperine is preferred by alternative practitioners for better outcomes. It means that piperine supplements are taken separately or black pepper is added to food containing turmeric.
Either a quarter teaspoon of black pepper or 20 mg of piperine is sufficient. Amounts of doses labeled on supplements should be seldom followed.
What are the threats and consequences of turmeric?
There are possibilities of threats with therapeutic use even though turmeric and curcumin are usually secure to consume. Stomach upset, nausea and vomiting are included.
You can decrease the risk of indicators by initially taking small doses and then slowly increasing them to the suggested amount of doses of supplements.
The dosage limit in turmeric and curcumin is unknown. Although heavy dosage causes no threat the suggested amount of doses must be followed as it is considered to be better.
You must consent your doctor prior to the addition of turmeric, curcumin or piperine supplements to your regular procedure in case you are using antidepressants or medications. The threat of supplements interaction with your medications is possible.
Doctor’s consent must be taken prior to the use in case you’re pregnant, having gallstones, having biliary obstruction or other bile duct dysfunction or having low blood pressure.
When to see your Physician
If you are experiencing any unwanted or serious symptoms after adding turmeric or curcumin in the treatment of your depression problem then you should call 911 or consult your healthcare provider immediately. These mild symptoms will give rise to your mental health condition.
Taking your physician’s help is a must when you are changing your medication from antidepressants to herbs. If you opt to reduce your depression levels by following natural remedies, then you must have a word with your doctor the one who is treating your condition right from the beginning. Because he may help you to make the right decision and he can also guess which herb will be the best alternative medicine for you.
If you think using turmeric or curcumin is not showing the desired results you want, immediately book an appointment and consult your physician. He may recommend you to change the medication or make small changes in your dosage.
References
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10408398.2019.1653260?journalCode=bfsn20
- https://www.jamda.com/article/S1525-8610(16)30675-2/fulltext
- https://www.ijpsonline.com/archive.html
Sirisha B