Although turmeric is an amazing natural remedy for many different types of health ailments, it is particularly well known for relieving inflammation. Research has proven that the curcuminoids in turmeric prevent the actions of enzyme COX-2 in your body that is responsible for inflammatory reaction and the pain associated with inflammation. Turmeric’s usefulness in reducing pain and inflammation makes it an ideal addition to a healthy diet for athletes who want a natural way to reduce inflammation and pain associated with exercise.
Exercise Your Right to Live Without Pain and Inflammation!
Inflammation is characterized by swelling, heat, redness, and pain in your body – and can occur in joints, muscle tissue, as well as on your skin and organs. In the case of exercise, inflammation can occur from an injury such as a sprain or strain, or it can occur as a natural part of the muscle building process. Working out can cause damage to the fibers in your muscles, initiating a state of inflammation. After working out, your body repairs and rebuilds damaged muscle fibers, thus building more muscle tissue.
Study of Cyclists
The inflammation that occurs with exercise causes the release of stress and inflammatory chemicals such as cortisol, cytokines, and C-reactive proteins, which are all associated with inflammation. In a study of cyclists, curcumin was given at 376 mg and blood serum markers were measured after 2 hours of cycling. Cortisol, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and C-reactive proteins were all reduced in the curcumin group, lowering the rates of inflammation in their bodies. Other studies have demonstrated that curcumin can reduce oxidative stress in your body after exercise as well, improving muscle performance.
Curcumin and Your Joints
Curcumin has also been shown to significantly reduce the pain and inflammation associated with joint injuries and arthritis. Several studies have shown that it improves joint swelling, stiffness, and improves mobility and walking. Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis have been shown to be improved with curcumin, and the associated acute inflammation was shown to be inhibited.
Turmeric is a versatile antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that cannot only benefit a host of health issues, but it can also aid athletes on their road to workout recovery.
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