Crohns Disease,Ulcerative Colitis and Turmeric
Treat Inflammatory Bowel Diseases With This Low Cost Spice.
Jul 21, 2008
Crohns Disease a chronic condition characterized by varying areas of inflammation and ulcers (open sores) along the innermost layer of the digestive tract, can appear along the entire gastrointestinal tract (from the mouth to anus), although the majority of cases involve the small intestine or the first part of the large intestine. Turmeric, a deep yellow-orange spice grown in India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Haiti and Jamaica, contains an active ingredient, a flavonoid called curcumin, that is showing promise in the treatment of Crohns and other inflammatory bowel disorders.
This broad spectrum medicinal plant has a wide array of protective properties such as: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic and as a stimulant.
How Turmeric (Curcumin) Treats Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Scientists studying curcumin found that it inhibits a major cellular inflammatory agent called NF kappa-B that has been linked to cancer and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In response, the congestion and inflammation in the mucus membranes that coat the stomach and intestines is decreased. Turmeric not only reduces the irritation, it also has anti-bacterial properties and can prevent infection.
In a 2006 study, patients with quiescent (inactive) ulcerative colitis received curcumin to prevent a relapse. Results indicated that curcumin was a safe and effective for UC maintenance therapy. Another study indicated that when mice were exposed to irritants that evoked colitis symptoms, the mice that ate a diet rich in curcumin had less intestinal inflammation.
How to Take Turmeric to Treat Crohns Disease
Capsules: According to MedlinePlus, doses can range from 450 milligrams of curcumin capsules to 3 grams of turmeric root daily, divided into several doses, taken by mouth. As a tea, 1 to 1.5 grams of dried root may be steeped in 150 milliliters of water for 15 minutes and taken twice daily. Average dietary intake of turmeric in the Indian population may range between 2 to 2.5 grams, corresponding to 60 to 200 milligrams of curcumin daily.
Add to Recipes: Turmeric has a distinctive woodsy, earthy flavor that can be added to a number of recipes. Turmeric gives yellow mustard its bright color and is a key ingredient in curry powder and Worcestershire sauce. It is also used to color foods such as butter, cheese, and fruit drinks.
Risks of Turmeric
The FDA classifies turmeric as GRAS (General Recognition of Safety). Studies have shown that curcumin even in large quantities produce few, if any side effects in humans. However, allergic reactions may include contact dermatitis (an itchy rash) after skin or scalp exposure.
People allergic to plants in the Curcuma genus are more likely to have an allergic reaction to turmeric. Use caution if you are allergic to any of its constituents, yellow food colorings, or to plants in the ginger family. Turmeric may cause an upset stomach or heart burn in high doses especially over a long period of time. Pregnant women and individuals with gallstones or bleeding disorders should speak with a health care provider before taking turmeric supplements.
Turmeric to Treat Crohns Disease and Other Inflammatory Diseases
A patient’s response to curcumin for Crohns treatment depends on the location and severity of the disease and the body’s individual reaction. Crohns treatment generally includes a combination of prescribed drugs, nutritional supplements and dietary changes to manage inflammation and to correct nutritional deficiencies resulting from the disease. Adding a turmeric supplement to your daily regime and including this flavorful spice in your diet can provide a powerful weapon against not only Crohns, but a long list of other inflammatory-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer, cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, cardiovascular and liver disease.
In addition, patients diagnosed with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohns or ulcerative colitis often benefit when they join a IBD support group and share treatment options, concerns, and success stories with people who have similiar challenges.
References:
B. Salh, K. Assi, V. Templeman, K. Parhar, D. Owen, A. Gómez-Muñoz, and K. Jacobson,”Curcumin attenuates DNB-induced murine colitis.” AMJ Gastrointestinal Liver Physiology, Jun 2003; 285: 235 - 243.
Hanai H, Iida T, Takeuchi K, et al. "Curcumin maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis: randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial". Alternative Medicine Review. March 2007. (FindArticles.com. 21 Jul. 2008.)
“Turmeric.” The World’s Healthiest Foods. (Accessed July 21, 2008.)
“Turmeric.” TurmericInfo.Com. (Accessed July 21, 2008.)
“Turmeric: The Golden Goddess.” California College of Ayurveda. (Accessed July 21, 2008)
“Turmeric.” MedlinePlus. (accessed July 21, 2008)
Wikipedia contributors, "NF-κB," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, (accessed July 21, 2008).
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