Can Turmeric Replace Over the Counter Drugs?

As most of our readers know, Future Pharm was created out of a need to find a more natural solution to pain and inflammation (check out founder Gina Haynie’s story to see the whole journey). However, there has been quite a bit of research out there to investigate whether turmeric’s healthy benefits can go beyond the possibility of replacing NSAIDs. Can turmeric replace over the counter drugs?

Always seek your doctor’s advice when it comes to medication or supplements

While we’re excited to share what we’ve found about turmeric and how it many provide similar benefits to over the counter drugs, we are not dispensing medical advice!  We always suggest that you seek the advice of your physician to see if you should consider turmeric as part of your healthy regime. While we find some of our findings on turmeric exciting, it most certainly doesn’t replace the expertise of a medical professional.

Medications that may be replaced by turmeric

Waking Times wrote a very interesting article stating that science confirms that turmeric is as effective as several drugs currently on the market. Here are a few that they list:

·        Cholesterol medication

·        Steroid medication

·        Antidepressants

·        Blood thinners

·        Anti-inflammatory drugs

·        Chemotherapy drugs

·        Diabetes drugs

In the article, each drug suggestion is supported by a research finding. For example, a 2009 study published in the journal Biochemistry and Biophysical Research Community explored how curcumin might be valuable in treating diabetes, finding that it activates AMPK, which increases glucose uptake and suppresses gluconeogenic gene expression which suppresses glucose production in the liver in hepatoma cells. A 2008 study published in the journal Drugs in R & D found that a standardized preparation of curcuminoids from turmeric compared well to the drug atorvastatin on endothelial dysfunction, the underlying pathology of the blood vessels that drives atherosclerosis, in association with reductions in inflammation in Type 2 diabetic patients. These and other studies and articles on turmeric lends themselves to the belief that there may be more natural solutions to many of the ailments we currently take medication for.

Just like medications, not all turmeric supplements are the same

If you decide that you’re interested in adding turmeric to your health regime in hopes of reducing inflammation, pain or other ailments, and your physician or medical professional agrees with your decision, keep in mind that not all turmeric supplements are the same. Just like medications, turmeric supplements differ, and it’s important to choose one that will deliver the healthy benefits you seek. How do you choose the right supplement?  Here are a few suggestions:

·        Choose organic

·        Look for supplements made in the USA

·        Opt for a turmeric extract over powers, pills or capsules

·        Look for supplements that contain BioPerine for better absorption

·        Make sure the supplement uses nanotechnology to ensure better bioavailability

·        Choose a supplement that has gone through 3^rd party testing

We’re all seeking to live healthier lives and reduce our dependence on medications and other by-products. If you’re ready to seek out a more natural alternative to pain, inflammation or other issues, and reduce your dependence on medications, consider turmeric as a possible way to reduce over the counter drugs.