This yellow colored spice used extensively in India is a powdered version of the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant. It consists of a compound called curcumin that is known to have antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anticoagulant, antifertility, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is the curcumin present in turmeric that gives it its yellow color.
Why Turmeric For Depression?
Turmeric’s usage in curing depression has been prevalent since long and has been done to develop a variety of modern medicines that begin to show positive results in no time. Here are some of the most startling ways in which turmeric helps cure depression.
1. Assists in the Reduction of Inflammation
A study conducted in 2013 found out that a significant cause of depression(1) was the presence of inflammation in the body induced by smoking, sleep deficiency, lack of vitamin D, improper diet and lack of physical activity.
It was also suggested that depression coupled with inflammation troubled the body for an extended period resulting in a chronic condition.
Given the above, turmeric can be an instant solution to cure inflammation inducing depression. The bio-active ingredients present in turmeric including curcumin restrain both the COX, as well as the LOX enzyme, the significant triggers of inflammation.
[Also Read: Natural Remedies for Depression]
2. Encourages the Presence of Antioxidant Defences
Many a time, there is an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant agents in our body. Researches reveal that this could be due to the lack of intake of good food, including a low intake of antioxidants.
Not only can oxidative damage be harmful to the brain, but it can also result in other neuropsychiatric conditions. However, turmeric helps cure depression and related ailments by attacking radical elements that induce oxidative stress in the body. It also prevents the brain from getting worn out and helps it stay active.
3. Turmeric Regulates the Brain’s Neurotransmitters
A certain study revealed that the primary cause of depression is the lack of some peculiar monoamine neurotransmitters that include norepinephrine(2), serotonin, and dopamine.
The consumption of turmeric helps overcome these signs. A combination of curcumin and piperine has a cohesive effect helping alleviate the symptoms of depression. Turmeric can ameliorate depression by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and helping it keep alert at all times.
[Also Read: Herbal Remedies for Depression]
4. Gastro Protective Properties of Turmeric
The gut and the brain have a direct cause and effect relationship. Any slight disturbance in the intestinal area can increase the symptoms of anxiety, abnormal bowel movements, etc., thus triggering the disorder of depression.
However, studies show that turmeric helps reduce the inflammation of the gastric lining to a significant extent and protects the body from certain conditions such as gastric ulcers, dangerous infections, H.pylori, and even side effects produced in the stomach due to the consumption of unnecessary antibiotics.
Consuming turmeric reduces stress-related symptoms and further helped prevent signs of depression and other related ailments.
How to Use Turmeric for Depression?
The Turmeric dosage for depression varies with the levels of your symptoms and body functioning. The best way to consume turmeric is to include it in your daily meals. You can begin with half a tbsp. Every day and continue to have it in case no noticeable side effects occur. You can even increase the dosage of turmeric gradually by a quarter of a tbsp every week. However, avoid overconsumption of the same. Ideally, consuming 500-1000 mg of curcuminoids per day can do wonders!
[Also Read: Essential Oils for Depression]
Turmeric – The Ultimate Natural Cure to Depressive Symptoms!
As mentioned above in great detail, turmeric can help alleviate the symptoms of depression. The testimony of the success of this element in curing certain brain disorders has not only been proven by studies conducted by reputed institutions, but the effect has been quite telling on patients suffering from depression in real life.
Consuming turmeric in your everyday life can go a long way in protecting your physical and mental being, thereby keeping you away from dangerous diseases that directly affect the neurotransmitters in the brain. As they commonly say, life is lived way better with a pinch of turmeric.
FAQs
1. Can Turmeric Help Reduce Stress by Inducing Sleep?
Certainly. Turmeric is known to alleviate symptoms of sleep depravity. Consuming a glass of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric in it can help improve sleep to a great extent.
2. How Much Turmeric for Depression?
If consumed on an empty stomach or in high doses, turmeric may cause acidity. To escape such a condition, ensure that you consume only small amounts, that too either after food or by mixing it in your daily diet.
3. Can Turmeric Relieve Anxiety?
Turmeric has antidepressant properties. It improves the cognitive functions of the brain in addition to preventing it from damage arising from stress and anxiety.
