Turmeric or Curcumin? : Hi all I’ve read a few... - Thyroid UK

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Turmeric or Curcumin?

rosserk profile image
21 Replies

Hi all

I’ve read a few posts about the benefits of turmeric but like everything else choosing the right one and way to take it is a minefield! I’ve been taking the ground spice in coconut oil and adding black pepper to aid absorption. I don’t want to be wasting my time if there’s a better alternative out there that ensures taking the active ingredient needed to aid health. Would appreciate any advice from those with any knowledge out there. 💐

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SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

I would be interested in replies too

I notice "Better You" do a mouth spray.

betteryou.com/turmeric-oral...

Anyone tried it?

rosserk profile image
rosserk in reply toSlowDragon

Thanks SlowDragon would never have thought to look for it in a spray! I’ve checked out a few retailers and no one seems to have it in stock, which is encouraging? I’ve requested an alert from Holland and Barrett when it’s back in stock.

I’m currently taking it a teaspoon a day mixed with a little milk, coconut oil and some black pepper, which apparently aids absorption. Not sure if that’s right so hopefully someone will come along soon with some experience and put us right. I originally saw it in a comment from GreyGoose regarding water retention and I’ve been taking it ever since. Not sure if it’s working or not but coincidentally I’ve lost 8lb! 💐

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply torosserk

I didn't notice it was out of stock 🤕

I might try it too, once it's back

They also just launched an iron spray for those than need iron.

rosserk profile image
rosserk in reply toSlowDragon

I’m liking all these sprays! They are so much easier 😜

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply torosserk

The vitamin D is brilliant.

rosserk profile image
rosserk in reply toSlowDragon

I am taking Vit D oral with K2 after advice from forum members.

The oral turmeric spray doesn’t contain bioperin which is recommended for absorption hence the pepper I’m taking (I think that’s what I read) so not sure the oral spray will be ok?

Sybilla14 profile image
Sybilla14

I took some turmeric supplement before but did not see much effect. I did not buy it again as I listened to a podcast on a functional medicine forum recently (can't remember who the interviewee was) that supplementing turmeric/curcumin does not works unlike taking the real spice with food. Rosserk is taking it the way it was recommended as far as I can remember🙂

rosserk profile image
rosserk in reply toSybilla14

Thanks Sybilla. It was when I was reading up that I started to wonder if there was an easier way. I definitely think it’s helped with my fluid retention so I’m going to keep going. I’m not doing anything else different so I think it has to be the turmeric. GreyGoose suggested turmeric gummies but I don’t fancy that. I really just want to make sure I’m maximising any benefits. 😜

Beachytoes2u profile image
Beachytoes2u in reply torosserk

I take it in supplement, will start adding to a smoothie in am. Do any of the oral sprays have after taste? Thks happy 1st day summer 🌞

rosserk profile image
rosserk in reply toBeachytoes2u

Hi Beachytoes, from everything I’ve read you need to take the spice and dump the supplement unless it contains bioperin.

I take the Vitd +K2 oral spray and it’s a pleasant taste with no after taste, don’t know if that helps? The turmeric on the other hand is not so pleasant! Lol 😜

Turmeric, as golden paste, every time. Curcumin is only one of the active ingredients in turmeric that support health (it's just that it is the one that companies have decided to isolate and make pills out of), Turmeric can be bought at most supermarkets or on the Internet quite cheaply. You also need olive oil or coconut oil (Aldi is cheap) and black peppercorns (not pre-ground). Takes less than 10 mins to make enough for 10-14 days (it must be cooked) and can be taken with any food - works best with things that would naturally be spicy, but I know of people who mix it into fruit smoothies..

rosserk profile image
rosserk in reply toAngel_of_the_North

Thanks AOTN. I’ve looked up a recipe on line and will give it a go. Kindest regards 💐

Caesard profile image
Caesard in reply toAngel_of_the_North

May you please detail on why it needs to be cooked? I've heard that before and while I used to take it in both forms, I've actually thought that raw one was more effective.

Angel_of_the_North profile image
Angel_of_the_North in reply toCaesard

It makes it more bioavailable by stabilising the curcumin (and other micro ingredients) and increasing absorption in water. Only needs cooking for a few minutes. The recipe is: 1/2 cup turmeric 1.5-2 cups water 1/3 cup oil, 2-3 tsp black pepper freshly ground. Simmer turmeric in the water, stirring all the time (start with 1 cup and add the rest as needed) for 7 mins. Turn off heat and stir in pepper and oil. Mix well. Allow to cool and put in glass jar. Keep in fridge. Traditionally turmeric is used cooked, in curry. Only used raw for dying cloth (and that might also be heated)

Caesard profile image
Caesard in reply toAngel_of_the_North

Thank you, I knew a very similar recipe but I have upgraded it a bit, by adding honey and freshly grinded cinnamon and, sometimes, almonds if I need a more balanced "meal" :)

Then again, cooking time is key, shouldn't be more than 10 minutes, basically stirring it until it thickens into a paste.

Angel_of_the_North profile image
Angel_of_the_North in reply toCaesard

Ceylon cinnamon (not any other because as the others are too hard on the liver) is a good addition as some people and animals get a cat pee smell when taking turmeric and the cinnamon helps prevent that. I basically just use it as curry paste (and eat a lot of curry)

rosserk profile image
rosserk in reply toAngel_of_the_North

CAT PEE? Tell me you’re joking please? Don’t we have enough going on without smelling of cat pee 😭😀

Angel_of_the_North profile image
Angel_of_the_North in reply torosserk

Doesn't happen to everyone - seems to be mostly dogs. If it did, every eater of curry would smell of cat pee.

rosserk profile image
rosserk in reply toAngel_of_the_North

Lol phew! You had me worried there... 😜

Caesard profile image
Caesard in reply toAngel_of_the_North

Yes, the coumerin connection :) I didn't researched it too intensive but it seems to be a factor. Article below on the differences between cinnamon strains

healthline.com/nutrition/ce...

in reply toCaesard

Also if buying cinnamon in the grocers it is most likely cassia (the one higher in coumarin). Ceylon cinnamon is labelled as such and is usually more expensive. When I was still taking warfarin/Coumadin I was told to only use the Ceylon type (lower in coumarin) as the cassia can really mess with your INR's. (INR is a test that tells you how fast your blood clots. ) Important to keep track of and stay within safe parameters if taking warfarin.)

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