Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
Who would have thought that something as simple as turmeric could have many benefits? Turns out that this little yellow spice is not only great for cooking, but it can also do wonders for your health.
For thousands of years, turmeric has been used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to treat various conditions. And more recently, science is beginning to back up some of these claims.
In this article, we will share some of the benefits of taking turmeric before bed. We hope you find this information helpful and that it inspires you to give this natural remedy a try!
Disclaimer: This article is informational and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your doctor before trying a new food or supplement for the first time.
CONTENTS:
- What Exactly Is Turmeric?
- Can I Take Turmeric Before Bed?
- 9 Benefits Of Turmeric Before Bed
- Other Health Benefits of Turmeric
- The Drawbacks Of Turmeric
- Tips To Maximise The Benefits Of Turmeric Before Bed
- FAQS
But First: What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice made from the turmeric plant, which is usually found in Asian cuisine. If you’ve ever had curry before, then you know turmeric as it gives the dish its distinct yellow color.
Beyond that, it has a warm and bitter taste that works well with other spices like mustard powder or cheese. However, people don’t just use this for food flavoring; turmeric root is used to make medication too.
You might see this in the supermarket as a bright yellow powder. Turmeric is available fresh, but it is most commonly sold in this dried, powdered form. You can also find capsules and tinctures of turmeric at many health food stores.
So How Does Turmeric Work?
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, responsible for its yellow colour. Curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.
Curcumin has been used medicinally for centuries in Asia to treat various ailments such as indigestion, skin diseases, and joint pain.
Can I Take Turmeric Before Bed?
Turmeric is a spice that can be taken at any time of day. However, some people prefer to take it before bed because it can help to improve sleep quality.
Turmeric can also help to reduce inflammation and pain. If you have any inflammatory conditions or pain, taking turmeric before bed can help reduce symptoms.
To maximise the benefits of turmeric, take it with black pepper and fat (those help your body absorb it). It would help if you also looked for a high-quality supplement that contains 95% curcuminoids.
9 Benefits Of Turmeric Before Bed That You Need To Know
Through the years, people have sworn by the benefits of taking turmeric before bed. Here are nine reasons why you should consider adding it to your nightly routine:
1. Turmeric Is A Potent Anti-Inflammatory Agent
If you suffer from chronic inflammation, you know how debilitating it can be to your sleeping habits. Not only does it cause pain and stiffness, but it can also lead to other health problems like heart disease and arthritis.
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Studies have shown that it is just as effective as some prescription drugs at reducing inflammation.
Taking turmeric before bed is an excellent option if you’re looking for a natural way to reduce inflammation.
2. Turmeric Can Help Improve Your Sleep Quality
If you have trouble sleeping, you know how frustrating it can be. Insomnia can lead to fatigue, irritability, and even depression.
Luckily, turmeric can help.
What it does is it helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle by increasing levels of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is responsible for making you sleepy, so by increasing levels of it, you’re more likely to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
In addition, curcumin can also help to reduce anxiety and improve mood, both of which can contribute to better sleep.
3. Turmeric Can Boost Your Immune System
If you tend to get sick often, then boosting your immune system is a priority. And one of the best ways to do that is by taking turmeric before bed.
Turmeric contains a compound called lipopolysaccharide, which helps to stimulate the immune system. In addition, curcumin has also been shown to increase levels of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infection.
But many do not know that curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant. This means it helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. And since a robust immune system relies on healthy cells, this is another way that turmeric can help boost your immunity.
4. Turmeric Can Help Improve Cognitive Function
As we age, our cognitive function can decline. This can lead to problems with memory, concentration, and even decision-making.
Luckily, turmeric may be able to help.
One study showed that curcumin was able to improve cognitive function in adults who were experiencing age-related cognitive decline. It was also found that curcumin could help to improve memory and attention in healthy adults.
After all, improving cognitive function is one of the best things we can do to protect our brains as we age.
5. Turmeric Can Help Prevent Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. But luckily, there are things we can do to reduce our risk.
Here is where turmeric comes in.
Curcumin has been shown to kill cancer cells and prevent them from spreading. According to some studies, it has also been shown to reduce the size of tumours.
In addition, turmeric can help boost the immune system, as mentioned above, which is important because a robust immune system can better fight off cancer cells.
6. Turmeric Can Help Improve Digestion
You know how uncomfortable they can be if you suffer from digestive problems. But luckily, turmeric can help.
Turmeric can help to improve digestion by stimulating the production of bile. Bile is a fluid that helps to break down fats in the digestive tract.
In addition, curcumin has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which can lead to a reduction in symptoms like bloating, gas, and cramping.
Digestion is a complex process, but luckily turmeric can help ease some of the symptoms associated with digestive problems.
7. Turmeric Can Help Relieve Pain
You know how debilitating it can be if you suffer from chronic pain. But luckily, turmeric can help.
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a potent anti-inflammatory. This means it can help reduce inflammation and pain throughout the body.
In addition, curcumin has also been shown to block the activity of certain enzymes that lead to pain and inflammation.
With many pain relievers being ineffective or even dangerous, it’s good to know that there are natural alternatives like turmeric that can help.
8. Turmeric Can Help Lower Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart disease, so it’s important to keep it in check, especially when you start to have sleep problems. And turmeric can help.
Turmeric can help to lower cholesterol by reducing the production of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is the “bad” type of cholesterol that can build up in the arteries and lead to heart disease.
In addition, curcumin has also been shown to increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is the “good” type of cholesterol that helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries.
Keeping your cholesterol levels in check is important for maintaining a healthy heart, and turmeric can help.
9. Turmeric Can Help Improve Skin Health
If you suffer from skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, you know how frustrating they can be when trying to sleep. But luckily, turmeric can help.
Turmeric can help to improve skin health by reducing inflammation and redness. It can also help to heal wounds and fight off infections.
In addition, curcumin has also been shown to protect the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. So if you suffer from sun damage, turmeric can help repair some of the damage.
Skin problems can be frustrating, but natural remedies like turmeric can help.
Other Health Benefits of Turmeric
1. Reduce The Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that leads to memory loss, confusion, and death. But luckily, turmeric can help.
Curcumin has been shown to reduce the build-up of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and are thought to contribute to the development of the disease.
In addition, curcumin has also been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, both of which are thought to play a role in Alzheimer’s disease.
With no cure for Alzheimer’s, it’s important to focus on prevention. And turmeric can help.
2. Fight Depression & Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental disorders and can be highly debilitating. But luckily, turmeric can help.
Curcumin has been shown to boost serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. These two neurotransmitters are known to play a role in mood and emotions.
In addition, curcumin has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain. This is thought to be one of the underlying causes of depression.
If you suffer from depression or anxiety, turmeric can help ease your symptoms.
3. Prevent Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease when the body can’t properly regulate blood sugar levels. This can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. But luckily, turmeric can help.
Curcumin has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. This can help to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
4. Protect Against Liver Damage
The liver is a vital organ that filters toxins out of the blood. But it can be damaged by alcohol, drugs, and certain diseases. Fortunately, turmeric can help to protect the liver.
Curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver. It can also help to regenerate new liver cells and protect existing liver cells from damage.
If you have a liver disorder or if you abuse alcohol, then turmeric can help to protect your liver.
The Drawbacks Of Turmeric
Turmeric is generally safe, but there are a few potential side effects.
The most common side effect is an upset stomach. This can range from mild discomfort to full-blown diarrhoea. If you experience gastrointestinal issues, it’s best to stop taking turmeric.
Turmeric can also worsen gallbladder problems. If you have gallstones or other gallbladder disorders, then it’s best to avoid turmeric.
In addition, turmeric can thin the blood. If you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, it’s best to avoid turmeric.
Turmeric is generally safe for most people, but it’s always best to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Top Tips To Maximise The Benefits Of Turmeric Before Bed
Add black pepper to increase absorption:
Black pepper contains a compound called piperine. This compound helps to increase the absorption of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric.
If you want to maximise the benefits of turmeric, then make sure to add some black pepper to your supplement or meals.
Take it with fat:
Curcumin is a fat-soluble compound absorbed better when taken with fat. So, to increase absorption, take turmeric with a fatty meal or supplement.
Use a high-quality supplement:
Not all turmeric supplements are created equal. For example, some supplements contain low levels of curcumin, while others are of poor quality.
To ensure you get a high-quality supplement, look for a product containing 95% curcuminoids. This is the active ingredient in turmeric.
In addition, make sure the supplement is free from fillers, binders, and artificial ingredients.
Start with a lower dose and increase gradually:
When starting any new supplement, it’s always best to start with a lower dose and increase gradually. This gives your body time to adjust and reduces the risk of side effects.
FAQs About Turmeric
Is turmeric a blood thinner?
One of the potential health benefits of turmeric is that it may act as a blood thinner. This means that it could help to prevent blood clots from forming. However, there is currently no scientific evidence to support this claim.
If you’re taking blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, then it’s best to avoid turmeric.
Is turmeric safe for pregnant women?
There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that turmeric is unsafe for pregnant women. However, as with any supplement, it’s always best to talk to your doctor before taking turmeric.
The Bottom Line
Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in Indian and Chinese medicine. It’s thought to have various health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting cognitive function, and protecting the liver.
Turmeric is generally safe for most people, but there are a few potential side effects. For example, avoiding turmeric is best if you’re taking blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder. So as always, consult your doctor if introducing turmeric into your diet for the first time.