
turmeric powder and roots, Asian origin plant containing curcumin has very powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
In the early winter of 2020 SARS-CoV-2 (Covid 19) began its spread across the globe. Every country, city and even the most remote areas were ravaged by its highly infectious and lethal symptoms. Unlike most viruses Covid can present with multiple very serious conditions. Many of its victims also suffer from the effects long term. Regardless of how it came about to ravage Earth, the facts remain, two years later the infection rates are the highest ever!
Because of Covid 19’s very unique way of attacking multiple body systems medical science is still at a loss for battling it. Different therapies and treatments have been developed with some success. Vaccines have been developed at record speeds and as Covid 19 has mutated (like viruses do) vaccine boosters are being developed to try to mitigate the spread. Yet still, breakthrough infections are rising with yet newer variants of the virus. Like the influenza virus, every year another vaccine and booster will likely be promoted as the answer to stop the spread of Covid 19.
Since the vaccines and boosters are not stopping the spread enough how can we as individuals protect ourselves from infection and if infected facilitate a better recovery with less harm to our body’s?
Majors Factors of Influence
Our lifestyle is a major player in our health. The American diet and lifestyle are well known to be the major cause of illness and disease anywhere it is practiced. Let’s get real. How you live and what you eat represent at least 80% of the health you are experiencing, good or bad.
Nutrition therapy of varying protocols is an approach that is being used with some real success. The beneficial effects of Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, Zinc, Selenium, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Melatonin and Quercetin are known and are being used. However, without a major change to our diet the nutritional protocols are greatly handicapped. You can’t fill your body full of toxic inflammatory chemicals from the American diet and expect your immune system to function at peak potential.
Turmeric and Curcurmin
One approach that hasn’t yet been explored much is the application of turmeric or its most powerful compound curcurmin as an approach to prevent and even treat Covid-19. Several studies show it has antiviral abilities against a number of viruses. Studies also show it is cardioprotective and can reduce the lung damage from the cytokine stork Covid-19 causes. It is a natural blood thinner so it has protective effects against Covid-19 clotting disorders. Studies show turmeric and curcurmin have powerful antiinflammatory abilities.
Curcumin
“Curcumin, the predominant curcumoid in turmeric, influences multiple signaling pathways and been found to possess anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, wound healing, chemopreventive, chemosensitising and radiosensitising properties.1 To enhance the bioavailability of curcumin, newer technologies such as adjuvant, nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles and phospholipid complexes are evaluated in the process of drug development. It is documented to be most efficacious in high doses at around 6‐7 gm per day which is well tolerated orally.1 It has been widely used as a common household remedy for cough, sore throat and respiratory ailments in Asia.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32608046/
Antiviral effects of curcumin
Curcumin prevents cell infection and viral replication in the SARS-CoV, influenza A virus (IAV), zika virus, chikungunya virus, hepatitis C virus (HCV), human norovirus (HuNoV), viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus in fish (VHSV), bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.675287/full
Why you should consider making Turmeric and Curcurmin a part of your weekly and even daily lifestyle.
Turmeric and curcurmin extracts are relatively safe and well tolerated even at high doses. they show broad-spectrum antiviral activity against enveloped viruses; it may suppress SARS-CoV-2 infection by directly modifying spike protein and or ACE2 and inducing host antiviral responses by targeting NRF2 and HMGB1; it exerts immunomodulatory activity by blocking NF-κB, inflammasome, HMGB1, and IL-6 driven inflammatory responses; it dampens ROS production by inhibiting NADPH oxidase and alleviates oxidative tissue injury by increasing antioxidant defenses by modulating NRF2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7899028/
Curcumin at doses required to be preventive or curative can only be obtained through supplements. When buying a supplement look for once that have 95% standardized curcuminoids. You can also add turmeric to your diet as powder, which is widely available. A great way to get extra turmeric in your diet is using it as a spice in dishes like curry’s and in Golden Milk. When using turmeric it is important to also use an oil like coconut oil and a little black pepper to enhance the absorption of the curcurmin that is the major healing compound in turmeric.
Caution
Important! Before using any supplement check with your doctor to make sure it is ok to use with any current medications you may be taking. Turmeric is a natural blood thinner so caution must be used if you are taking blood thinners.
We use turmeric in our foods and we drink Gold Milk several times a week. I highly suggest you make turmeric and curcumin a part of your health strategies.
Yours in health,
Wally Bishop C.N.C I.N.H.C. C.I.C.P
Integrative Nutrition Health Coach
The information in this blog and on our website is presented as is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a qualified, licensed medical professional. The facts presented in this e-mail or on the website are offered as information only, not medical advice, and in no way should anyone infer that we are practicing medicine. Seek the advice of a medical professional for proper application of this material to any specific situation. No statement in this e-mail or on the website has been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration or any other regulatory authority. Any product mentioned or described on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
We recommend that you do your own independent research before beginning a new lifestyle routine or purchasing anything. Please consult with your physician or health care provider if you have medical issues and before changing your diet or lifestyle or taking herbal or dietary supplements. Never start an exercise program with getting your doctors approval. Never quit taking medications unless advised to do so by your doctor. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs.
Sources
Curcumin as a Potential Treatment for COVID-19. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.675287/full
Antiviral and immunomodulatory activity of curcumin: A case for prophylactic therapy for COVID-19 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7899028/
Turmeric as a Possible Treatment for COVID-19-Induced Anosmia and Ageusia https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8502749/
Curcumin: a Wonder Drug as a Preventive Measure for COVID19 Management https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7299138/