Curcumin for obesity and gouty arthritis – what the research says
Curcumin, a natural compound found in the spice turmeric, has long been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for a variety of ailments. In recent years, curcumin has gained popularity as a natural treatment for obesity and gouty arthritis. But what does the research say? Let’s take a look.
The Potential Benefits of Curcumin for Obesity and Gouty Arthritis
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Cellular Physiology found that curcumin may help to reduce weight gain and fat accumulation in people with obesity. The study found that curcumin supplementation prevented weight gain and reduced body fat in rats on a high-fat diet.
Curcumin may also be effective in treating gouty arthritis, according to a 2016 study published in the journal PLOS One. The study found that curcumin was more effective than ibuprofen at reducing pain and swelling in rats with gouty arthritis. Curcumin was also found to decrease uric acid levels, which can help prevent gout flares.
The Recommended Dosage and How to Take Curcumin
The recommended dosage of curcumin varies depending on the condition being treated. For obesity, a dose of 500 mg per day has been shown to be effective in clinical trials. For gouty arthritis, a dose of 400-600 mg per day is typically recommended. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, or headache. If you are considering taking curcumin supplements, talk to your doctor first.
Curcumin is best absorbed when taken with black pepper or ginger. To increase absorption, it is also important to take curcumin with fats such as olive or coconut oil.
More Research is Needed
While the research on curcumin is promising, more studies are needed to establish its efficacy as a treatment for obesity and gouty arthritis. Currently, no large-scale clinical trials are testing the effects of curcumin on these conditions in humans. Nonetheless, curcumin is generally safe and well-tolerated, making it worth trying if you are looking for a natural treatment option.
Related articles:
1) Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Curcumin in the Inflammatory Diseases: Status, Limitations, and Countermeasures
(doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S327378, PMCID: PMC8572027, PMID: 34754179)