Turmeric is an indispensable ingredient in our kitchen, isn't it? It seems like there's no dish that doesn't have a dash of turmeric in it, no matter what you make. Similarly, our mothers and grandmothers used turmeric to treat minor skin infections and injuries sustained when we fell when we were children. So, have you heard that turmeric, which we've been using for generations, can also provide relief from mental illnesses like depression? Today, let's talk about the truth or not of this story.
What is the scientific side of this story?
Turmeric gets its healing properties from a chemical compound called curcumin, which is found in its root. This is what gives turmeric its beautiful yellow color. Scientific research has found that this curcumin can reduce inflammation in our bodies.
Now you may be wondering what the connection is between inflammation and depression. Simply put, inflammation is a natural response that our bodies have when something happens to us, such as an infection or injury. But if this response persists for a long time , it can damage both the body and the mind. Now, new research has found that there is a connection between long-term inflammation and depression.
Although research on this is still ongoing, animal studies have found that curcumin can do the following:
- Affecting the activity of serotonin and dopamine, brain chemicals that control our mood.
- Causing changes in the parts of the brain that respond to stress.
- Protecting mitochondria, which produce energy for our body's cells, from damage.
A little more about Turmeric and Curcumin
Turmeric is a plant that belongs to the ginger family. It is widely used in cooking in India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The average turmeric we buy in the store only contains between 2% and 9% curcumin. That is a very small amount.
Scientists have been researching whether curcumin can help with a variety of conditions, from arthritis to acne. Accordingly, the table below lists some of the other benefits of curcumin.
| Special feature | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Preventing inflammation | It helps control conditions such as long-term swelling and inflammation in the body. |
| Antioxidant properties | It helps protect cells in our body from harmful substances that damage them. |
| Potential to reduce cancer risk | Animal studies have shown that it may help protect against colon, stomach, and skin cancers (further research is needed in humans). |
Can turmeric be used as a treatment for depression?
This is the most important question. We still don't know for sure whether curcumin can be as effective as the common medications used to treat depression, and what happens when it is taken with those medications. Much more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of giving it to people with depression.
Very important: Based on current information, using turmeric or curcumin supplements instead of medication and counseling prescribed by your doctor for depression is not a good idea.
Some studies have shown that curcumin's effects are no more effective than a placebo, which is a fake medicine with no active ingredient. Therefore, it cannot be used as a stand-alone treatment.
Things to know if you are taking a turmeric supplement
The amount of turmeric we add to our food does not provide the body with the high doses of curcumin used in research. For that, we have to take a curcumin supplement.
However, never start a turmeric or curcumin supplement, stop taking any antidepressants you are already taking, or change the dosage without talking to your doctor . If you get permission from your doctor, here are some things to keep in mind.
| Fact | Description and things to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Check the label. | Our bodies cannot absorb curcumin well. Therefore, choose products that are formulated to be absorbed well by the body, for example, using phytosome technology or adding piperine, a compound found in pepper. |
| Know the correct dosage | The usual recommended dose is 500 milligrams (500mg) twice daily, but this may vary depending on your health condition. Ask your doctor for the right dosage for you. |
| Choose good quality products | For cooking, choose a good Indian turmeric. If you are taking a supplement, make sure it contains the most active ingredients. |
It may take some time to see results from using these. Some studies have shown some improvement in symptoms after about 4-6 weeks of treatment.
Let's also be aware of side effects and safety.
The risk of side effects from turmeric and curcumin is low. However, there are a few things we need to be aware of.
| Side effect/risk | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Skin allergy (Rash) | Sometimes curcumin can cause red, itchy rashes on the skin. This is also called contact dermatitis . |
| Stomach discomfort | It can cause bloating and stomach upset, so it's important to take these with a meal . |
| Interactions with other drugs | Avoid taking turmeric supplements if you are taking blood thinners. It can increase the risk of bleeding. It may also reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs. |
Take-Home Message
- Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has the ability to reduce inflammation in the body. There is a theory that there is a link between depression and chronic inflammation.
- Research on this is still in its early stages, so it is not yet a proven treatment.
- Do not use turmeric or curcumin supplements in place of medication or treatment prescribed by a doctor for depression for any reason.
- If you want to use a curcumin supplement, be sure to talk to your doctor before making a decision.
- Curcumin can interact with other medications you are taking, so it is very important to inform your doctor about that as well.
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