Crohns Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by varying areas of inflammation and ulcers (open sores) that occur along the innermost layer of the digestive tract. It can appear along the entire gastrointestinal tract (from the mouth to anus), although the majority of cases involve the small intestine or the first part of the large intestine.
Turmeric, a deep yellow-orange spice grown in India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Haiti and Jamaica, contains an active ingredient called curcumin and is showing promise in the treatment of Crohns and other inflammatory bowel disorders.
This broad spectrum medicinal plant has a wide array of protective properties such as: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, anti-allergic, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic and as a stimulant.
Turmeric For Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Scientists studying curcumin found this powerful spice inhibits a major cellular inflammatory agent called NF kappa-B which has been linked to cancer and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Curcumin decreases the congestion and inflammation in the mucus membranes that coat the stomach and intestines. Turmeric not only reduces intestinal inflammation, it exhibits anti-bacterial properties and can prevent infections.
A 2006 study showed that turmeric was effective in patients with quiescent (inactive) ulcerative colitis to prevent a relapse. It can be used as a safe and effective UC maintenance therapy. Another study revealed that mice exposed to irritants designed to create colitis symptoms that were fed a diet rich in curcumin had less intestinal inflammation.
Researchers found that mice that received curcumin not only lost less weight than the control animals, but when researchers checked their intestinal cell function, all the typical signs of colitis (mucosal ulceration, thickening of the intestinal wall, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells) were reduced.
Dosage for Turmeric to Treat Crohns Disease and Colitis
Capsules:
According to MedlinePlus, turmeric doses can range from 450 milligrams of curcumin capsules to 3 grams of turmeric root daily, divided into several doses. As a tea, 1 to 1.5 grams of dried root can be steeped in 150 milliliters of water for 15 minutes and taken twice daily. Average dietary intake of turmeric in the Indian population may range between 2 to 2.5 grams, corresponding to 60 to 200 milligrams of curcumin daily.
Add to Recipes:
Turmeric has a distinctive woodsy, earthy flavor that can be added to a number of recipes. Turmeric gives yellow mustard its bright color and is a key ingredient in curry powder and Worcestershire sauce. It is also used to color foods such as butter, cheese, and fruit drinks.
Risks:
The FDA classifies turmeric as GRAS (General Recognition of Safety). Studies indicate that even in large quantities, curcumin produces few if any side effects in humans. Allergic reactions may include contact dermatitis (an itchy rash) after skin or scalp exposure.
People allergic to plants in the Curcuma genus are more likely to have an allergic reaction to turmeric. Use caution if you are allergic to any of its constituents, yellow food colorings, or to plants in the ginger family. Turmeric may cause an upset stomach or heart burn in high doses especially over a long period of time. Pregnant women and individuals with gallstones or bleeding disorders should consult with a health care provider before taking turmeric supplements.
Turmeric to Treat Inflammatory Diseases
The effectiveness of curcumin to treat Crohns and colitis depends on the location and severity of the disease in the patient as well as their individual reaction to the spice.
Inflammatory bowel disease treatment generally includes a combination of prescribed drugs, nutritional supplements and dietary changes to manage inflammation and to correct nutritional deficiencies resulting from the disease.
Turmeric can be a powerful weapon against not only Crohns and other inflammatory bowel diseases, but for a long list of inflammatory-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer, cystic fibrosis, psoriasis, cardiovascular and liver disease.
References:
B. Salh, K. Assi, V. Templeman, K. Parhar, D. Owen, A. Gómez-Muñoz, and K. Jacobson,”Curcumin attenuates DNB-induced murine colitis.” AMJ Gastrointestinal Liver Physiology, Jun 2003; 285: 235 - 243.
Hanai H, Iida T, Takeuchi K, et al. "Curcumin maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis: randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial". Alternative Medicine Review. March 2007. (FindArticles.com. 21 Jul. 2008.)
“Turmeric.” The World’s Healthiest Foods. (Accessed July 21, 2008.)
“Turmeric.” TurmericInfo.Com. (Accessed July 21, 2008.)
“Turmeric: The Golden Goddess.” California College of Ayurveda. (Accessed July 21, 2008)
“Turmeric.” MedlinePlus. (accessed July 21, 2008)
Wikipedia contributors, "NF-κB," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, (accessed July 21, 2008).
Laura Owens - Laura Owens has a B.S. in Psychology from Rollins College & U of FL. She is a freelance writer with expertise in motivation & wellness.
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