Our immune systems put up with a lot. With growing concerns over viruses these past couple of years, our immune systems have been worked to the limit. It's time we support our immune systems all year round with the benefits of turmeric.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can prevent chronic inflammation, improve your mental health, and boost your immune system. Let's discuss the health benefits of turmeric for your immunity during these winter months and beyond!
The Turmeric & Immune System Connection
In reality, everything we consume has an impact on our immune system. Every ingredient in all the foods we consume, the heavy metals in the air we breathe, the chemicals in our personal products all have side effects on our immune system.
Many people who follow a Western Diet eat foods rich in saturated fats, artificial ingredients, and chemical preservatives. These inorganic substances promote long-term inflammation.
Chronic inflammation can spark-free radicals to break loose. These free radicals can set off a chain of events that lead to catastrophic events, including autoimmunity issues, heart disease, or cancer.
Turmeric is one of those immune boosters that you can trust with your health. This root plant is rich in a class of unique compounds called curcuminoids. Studies show that curcuminoids are potent antioxidants with strong anti-inflammatory properties.
3 Ways Turmeric Affects the Immune System
It's one thing to say that something is good for your immunity. It's another when science backs it up. Studies show that turmeric has robust immune-boosting benefits. Let's discuss three positive effects turmeric has on your immunity.
1. Supports Joint and Muscle Comfort
Not many people equate joint or muscle pain with weakened immunity. However, our immune cells are responsible for starting inflammation. Inflammation is a means to eliminate potential threats from the body. When inflammation lingers, that means your immune system is compromised.
Turmeric's primary curcuminoid is aptly called curcumin. Curcumin's potent anti-inflammatory abilities help soothe achy joints and muscles.
In fact, one study compared the effects of turmeric to the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac in knee surgery patients. Results found that there was a similar improvement in pain tolerance in people who used turmeric and diclofenac. However, diclofenac can have adverse side effects, including digestive issues. There was a 192% increase in side effects in people who used the diclofenac versus turmeric!
2. Promotes Gut Health and Mental Health
Did you know that approximately 70-80% of your immune system cells live in your gut? In fact, many probiotic bacteria help out immune cells in fighting off immune suppressors, like pathogens or viruses.
Studies suggest curcumin has strong antibacterial properties to prevent intruders from disrupting your gut balance.
Additionally, curcumin serves as a prebiotic for probiotic bacteria. That means healthy bacteria eat curcumin. In turn, they provide our bodies with electrolytes, proteins, and enzymes that help support our immune system.
Happy gut bacteria also modulate our vagus nerve. This series of nerves communicate with our brain. When the body is teeming with probiotic bacteria, it naturally lowers stress. Chronic stress can suppress the immune system. So, trust your gut!
3. Aids Upper Respiratory System
From colds and flu to the ever-lingering COVID-19, it is crucial to maintain upper respiratory health. Turmeric can improve air pathways and support your lungs.
Research shows that turmeric helps inhibit common free radicals, like superoxide, hydroxyl, and hydrogen peroxide. These compounds are common biomarkers for cancer.
Lastly, curcumin acts as an expectorant. It can help break up mucus that makes breathing difficult. This benefit will allow you to take deeper breaths, which works out your lungs.
Maintaining lung capacity through deep breathing exercises is a crucial step in COVID-19 recovery. So, turmeric helps fight inflammation that hurts lung tissue and makes it easier for you to manage your symptoms holistically!
How to Use Turmeric for Immunity
Turmeric is a delicious spice that will brighten up any dish or tea. Here are a few ways you can add turmeric to your routine, so you can experience its immune-supporting effects for yourself!
1. Drink Turmeric Tea or Golden Milk
Nothing beats the benefits of an immune-boosting turmeric tea or latte. These drinks will warm up your digestive system, immune system, and mind!
Turmeric comes as a root in the produce aisle or in powdered form. When using raw turmeric, peel its skin and cut the root into slices. Simply seep the turmeric in lukewarm to hot water. Add in some raw honey to sweeten.
You can also create a turmeric tea to boost your immune system in a silk bag with turmeric powder (or slices) and other herbals. Turmeric pairs well with chamomile for a relaxing night or with gunpowder green tea to kickstart your day.
Lastly, you have to try some golden milk. Simply steam your milk of choice and stir in a tablespoon of turmeric powder. Top with a dash of cinnamon to enhance every savory sip.
2. Make A Curry
Turmeric tastes great in many sauces. However, you can't go wrong with ginger and turmeric in a curry.
Make a coconut milk-based curry and add your favorite Asian spices. Stir-fry some vegetables and your choice of protein. Serve over a bed of rice.
Just make sure you add some black pepper to your dish. Our bodies have a challenging time absorbing curcumin. Black pepper increases bioavailability by up to 2,000!
3. All-Natural Supplements
The average person won't incorporate a lot of turmeric into their meal plans. That doesn't mean you have to miss out on the daily benefits of curcumin.
Tranquility Labs' Turmeric Curcumin 1000 is a high-quality supplement optimized for enhanced absorption. 95% of the ingredients in this turmeric supplement are curcuminoids. This all-natural supplement is also fortified with black pepper to increase your immune support every day!
Essential Takeaways:
- Make a turmeric tea recipe to support your immune system
- Add some curry with ginger and turmeric to prevent cancer, heart disease, and chronic inflammation
- Take Tranquility Labs' Turmeric Curcumin 1000 to support immunity, gut health, and mental health
