Nutrition
You’ve probably heard about turmeric, it’s an Indian spice that’s been increasingly popular and now is widely recognised as an anti-inflammatory superfood. Nowadays, you’ll be able to find turmeric mentioned in basically every wellness blog, cookbook, women’s health magazine and in mainstream media. And for good reason!
So, tell me, what’s the hype about turmeric?
Turmeric is a root that’s been used widely for its distinctive flavour and colour in foods in addition to its healing properties in traditional medicine. Nowadays, scientific literature has supported its beneficial role in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, IBS, endometriosis, and depression. Scientists have discovered the main constituent responsible for the health-benefiting effects of turmeric is curcumin.
How can turmeric support women’s health?
1. Turmeric reduces painful periods
Turmeric contains curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce and prostaglandin production (the chemicals that cause painful periods). This in turn helps to reduce lower back and abdominal pain that is often experienced leading up to and during our menstrual cycle. Curcumin also has anti-spasmodic effects meaning it relaxes the uterine muscles that are often constricted when we experience menstrual cramps. If you suffer from period pain, make sure to add some turmeric into your diet and you’ll experience much more painless & enjoyable periods!
2. Turmeric improves symptoms of PCOS, PMS & endometriosis
PCOS, PMS, and endometriosis are all conditions that are driven by inflammation. The curcumin in turmeric can reduce the severity of these conditions through its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidative actions. Additionally, turmeric can reduce excess estradiol levels to improve endometrial symptoms and improve insulin resistance to improve PCOS symptoms.
3. Turmeric improves low moods
Turmeric exerts an anti-depressant activity through its ability to increase serotonin and dopamine (“happy hormones”) in the brain. A 2014 study found patients with depression who supplemented with curcumin twice daily for 8 weeks experienced improvements in their depression and mood-related symptoms. Those who suffer from low moods and other psychological PMS symptoms during their cycle will benefit greatly from using this herb.
4. Turmeric supports the balance of hormones
Turmeric reduces excess estrogen by supporting estrogen detoxification by the liver. Excess estrogen often results in symptoms such as heavy bleeding, breast tenderness, water retention, and irritability. Excess estrogen can also worsen or lead to conditions such as uterine fibroids, heavy bleeding (‘menorrhagia’), painful bleeding (‘dysmenorrhea’), and endometriosis.
5. Turmeric Improves digestion
Additionally, turmeric can improve digestion by increasing bile flow which helps to reduce digestive complaints such as constipation and support regular bowel movements. Regular bowel movements help to release excess estrogen from our body which is a root cause of PMS. In Eastern medicine, turmeric is used to reduce flatulence and bloating.
For best results, use Luna’s Gold daily. It’s part of my daily routine to support my hormones and reduce PMS-symptoms. Some ways to use turmeric are to make a warming turmeric latte by warming up non-dairy milk with turmeric and a touch of sweetener, add it into a curry, make turmeric protein balls for snacking or use it in a refreshing juice with pineapple and carrot.
Want more personalised support for improving hormonal health and eliminating symptoms? Apply to work with Nikki for 1:1 Hormone & Nutrition Coaching here.
REFERENCES
Lopresti, A., Maes, M., Maker, G., Hood, S., & Drummond, P. (2014). Curcumin for the treatment of major depression: A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study. Journal Of Affective Disorders, 167, 368-375. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.06.001
Kulkarni, S., & Dhir, A. (2010). An overview of curcumin in neurological disorders. Indian Journal Of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 72(2), 149. doi: 10.4103/0250-474x.65012
Prasad, S., & Aggarwal, B. (2011). Turmeric, the Golden Spice. Retrieved 14 January 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/#:~:text=In%20both%20Ayurvedic%20and%20traditional,order%20to%20improve%20blood%20circulation.
Ramaholimihaso, T., Bouazzaoui, F., & Kaladjian, A. (2020). Curcumin in Depression: Potential Mechanisms of Action and Current Evidence—A Narrative Review. Frontiers In Psychiatry, 11, 1302. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.572533
