Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to treat, prevent or cure disease and should not replace the advice of your doctor.
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Turmeric is a golden yellow, Indian spice packed with the potent phytonutrient, curcumin. It’s been used as an Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years and is now gaining a reputation as a natural remedy in the Western world with hundreds of studies linking it with anti-inflammatory health support.
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So, what’s the science behind turmeric and chronic inflammation?
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First, we need to look at what inflammation is.
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Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection or trauma. For example, if we get a splinter in our finger, it causes a puncture wound which becomes red, hot and swollen. This is a result of our immune system triggering our white blood cells to release chemicals called cytokines. These cytokines promote an increase in blood flow to the area and stimulate essential healing mechanisms. This is what causes the redness, heat and swelling.
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Inflammation occurs hand in hand with mild infections. An infection is the action of a bacteria or virus causing the reaction of the immune system and the inflammatory response.
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Inflammation is essentially a good response. It helps our body fight off the effects of harmful trauma, bacteria, viruses, irritants and allergens. Without inflammation, our body would succumb to minor injuries and infections that we’d otherwise be able to fight.