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How Can Turmeric Extract Support the Immune System?

immune system

The immune system is our body’s own built-in system for preventing, detecting, and launching attacks on viruses, bacteria, tumor cells, and other pathogens that we come in contact with on a daily basis₁.

Curcumin, the active ingredient in Turmeric is shown in research to promote a healthy immune system by playing an important role in the regulation of the inflammatory process.

An unregulated inflammatory process can lead to an out-of-control immune system that may result in the development of autoimmune diseases, increased risk of catching infections, and a lowered ability to fight off viruses and tumor cells.

Molecular compounds called cytokines such as IL-2 (Interleukin-2) regulate the production of a special type of white blood cell called a T-cell. These T-cells are responsible for protecting the body against bacteria, viruses, tumor cells, and other pathogens. Although T-cells are typically beneficial, they can also be unregulated and cause damage in the body as in the case with Type I Diabetes.

A 2014 animal study showed that curcumin helped delay and in some cases prevented the onset of Type I diabetes. The authors of this study discussed how curcumin regulated T-cells in a positive manner to reduce damage to pancreatic cells.

Turmeric and COVID-19

Researchers have suggested that curcumin is a candidate for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 symptoms, More research is needed to confirm the benefits of curcumin for COVID-19, but curcumin targets nearly all the main pathways leading to the infection of the new coronavirus.

After infection by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), cytokines storm the body resulting in severe pulmonary inflammation and lung damage in some people. If curcumin helps to regulate cytokines to promote a normal inflammation response then it's important to continue studying its role with COVID-19 too.

Curcumin has also been shown to boost the body’s own antibody abilities that help the body remember and launch future attacks on familiar pathogens.

Improving the inflammatory response in the body can reduce the amount of energy required for normal body functions. Thus, giving the immune system more “resources” for doing its job well.

The benefits of curcumin/turmeric extract for immune health including fighting against tumor growth are well documented in the literature and you can learn more about it in a research database like PubMed. References to the information in this article are provided at the end.

curcumin research

Here are additional ways to boost your immune system₂:

  • Stress management. Take time to relax, wind down, and manage your time more effectively. Quick fixes include limiting screen time, conversation with a loved one, sex, deep breathing, and meditation.
  • Nutrition optimization. Focus on whole nutrient rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Plus, minimize your intake of packaged and processed food items.
  • Taking supplements. Choose supplements that support and promote immunity optimization such as probiotics, vitamin A, D, C, and E. Additionally, herb extracts such as turmeric extract are a great way to boost many of your body’s own natural functions.
  • Exercise regularly. Shoot for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week at a minimum. With proper weight management, improved circulation and a boosted overall sense of well-being, your immune system can run more smoothly.
  • Alcohol and tobacco. These both can drastically affect your natural immune system processes. Make a decision to quit smoking and drinking for your health.
  • Sleep quality and quantity. Sleep enough to feel well rested (typically 7 to 9 hours). Plus, practice good sleep habits such as a consistent bedtime and minimizing light and noise in your room.
  • Hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with non-antibiotic soap, regularly wipe down possibly contaminated surfaces, and thoroughly cook your meats.

How to Choose a Turmeric Supplement

If you decide a turmeric supplement is right for you, it is important to find an effective turmeric extract. For the most potency and potential benefits, start by choosing turmeric extract over powder (powder is what you find in the cooking aisle at the grocery store). When looking for a high potency turmeric extract supplement to purchase, it should contain at least 500 mgs of curcuminoids (the extract) for proper effectiveness and dosage. You don’t want a capsule full of just turmeric powder, so pay close attention to labeling.

The bioavailability of a supplement can also make a difference in the way the body processes and absorbs it as well. Watch for ingredients like BioPerine and black pepper to optimize your body’s ability to properly absorb and get all the benefits from a turmeric supplement.

Active Atoms 15x Turmeric Extract contains 750 mgs of Turmeric Extract in one capsule which is 15x stronger than many turmeric brands. We send our turmeric to an independent lab for lead testing regularly and our formula contains BioPerine to enhance the absorption of curcumin by your body making it the best turmeric supplement on the market.

Conclusion

It is important that the immune system does its job properly. Otherwise, disease, cancer, and less optimized cellular function will occur resulting in sickness, a decreased quality of life, unnecessary medical expenses, and possibly even death.

Ultimately, a poorly functioning immune system can leave you feeling tired, run-down, and emotionally exhausted, making it hard to live the life you want.

There are many daily decisions and actions that we partake in that can either make or break our complex immune system.

One action you can take now to spice up your immune system with Active Atoms Turmeric to promote a healthy inflammation and immune response.

When combined with other healthy lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management, you can rest assured that your immune system is firing on all cylinders.

If you are currently facing an immunological disease or are taking medications, always talk to your doctor before trying any supplements or making any radical lifestyle changes.

Juliana Tamayo
About the author: Juliana Tamayo is a Licensed Nutritionist, currently working on becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD). She has experience writing research papers and covering topics such as health, nutrition, wellness, alternative healing, science, technology, and education. She also has experience coaching and counseling clients are looking to have better control of their nutrition and life.

About Juliana Tamayo, Edited by Dr. Marc Robinson, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT