The Awesome Antioxidant Curcumin

“Getting Back to Awesome”

Dr. Anthony Capasso

If you haven’t heard about or tried the awesome antioxidant curcumin, you may want to give it a try. Curcumin is the natural pigment that gives the spice turmeric its yellow color. It was commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine as far back as 3000 BC. It was first studied in humans in 1937. Studies done in the 1940’s and 1970’s have shown to be beneficial on regulating blood sugar levels. It has recently come under the scientific spotlight with at least 3,000 studies so far investigating the numerous health benefits.  These studies have linked curcumin to the protection against various cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, heart failure, diabetes, and arthritis.

Curcumin and Muscles

A recent study from the Journal of International Society of Sports completed in Italy found that consuming 1 gram per day of a proprietary curcumin extract called Meriva improved muscle pain and soreness after a strenuous running exercise. The supplement was given 2 days before the run and continued for 1 day after the run. In addition, blood markers for inflammation tended to be lower in the Meriva group versus the non-Meriva group.

I have successfully seen some of my patients improve their joint pains and sore muscles with proper use of curcumin. I have found using 2-3 grams of a highly absorbable curcumin taken at night, along with consumption of healthy fats such as walnuts, has helped many of my patients overcome exercise-induced soreness and pain, ultimately allowing them to be more active.

Curcumin and Cholesterol

Abnormal lipids can be commonly found in obese patients.  Cholesterol or lipid panel is made up of bad cholesterol (LDL), good cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides (BAD). Triglycerides are the amount of 3-carbon sugar fats in your blood.  They are commonly elevated in patients with diabetes or poor blood sugar control. Elevated levels can be problematic to your health as well as increasing inflammation within the body, which can potentially lead to many illnesses including heart attack and stroke.

According to studies performed in Iran and England, the consumption of 1 gram per day for thirty days of curcumin (Curcuplex Cr) led to significant decreases in triglyceride levels in obese patients. Results showed that curcumin supplementation reduced triglyceride levels by 10-13%. No other changes in lipids or body fat were seen in that study. The researchers think the triglyceride- lowering effect is related to curcumin’s insulin-sensitizing effect and/or its anti-inflammatory effect on adipose cells.

In addition to fish oils, I will often suggest adding 1 gram of curcumin with a meal to help lower my patient’s triglycerides, especially if they are diabetic.

Is all Curcumin the same?

No. Naturally-found curcumin doesn’t get absorbed very well. Studies have shown that doses of curcumin in up to 12 grams per day have shown little  to no curcumin in the bloodstream. It seems to be absorbed better when it’s consumed with a fatty meal. A number of delivery forms have been developed to assist with absorption, including nanocrystals and gels, emulsions, and liposomes.  One method to increase curcumin absorption is to take it with an extract of black pepper called piperine. Another good means in which to improve absorption utilization is phytosome technology. It combines phosphatidylcholine with the curcuminoids in curcumin, resulting in a compound that is very well absorbed (29x better). Therefore, curcumin needs to be in specific forms to achieve optimal absorption and benefit. It is best to use pharmaceutical -grade supplements because of their purity and enhanced abortion formulations that are available. My two favorite are Curcuplex CR (Xymogen) and Meriva (Thorne) because of the aforementioned qualities.

Because of the regulatory environment in which we live, dietary supplements cannot claim to prevent, mitigate cure, or treat any disease. However, in Canada the Natural Health Product Directorate (NHPD) authorizes Meriva to bear the claim “helps relieve joint inflammation and associated symptoms such as joint pain when used in conjunction with conventional treatment. Provides antioxidants for maintenance of good health.”

I hope you enjoyed this blog.

Call now at 904-694-0992 for more information about Curcuplex CR or Meriva . Any of our supplements can be ordered online. Go to: www.letsgothin.com

Dr. Anthony Capasso

“Getting Back to Awesome”