Why I no longer recommend long term use of Turmeric :s

what to do instead!

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine. It contains a bioactive compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While turmeric and curcumin have many health benefits, taking high doses of turmeric supplements over the long term may have negative effects on hormonal balance.

Studies have shown that curcumin may affect hormone levels in several ways. It can increase estrogen levels by stimulating the activity of aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen (meaning testosterone goes down and estrogen goes up, not good for male or females). High levels of estrogen can lead to a range of negative health effects, including weight gain, mood swings, and an increased risk of breast cancer in women.

In addition, curcumin may interfere with the production and function of thyroid hormones. Animal studies have shown that curcumin can reduce thyroid hormone levels, which can lead to hypothyroidism or an under active thyroid. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, and depression. I suspect that taking curcumin for over a decade was part of my thyroid going awry.

While turmeric and curcumin are generally safe when consumed in moderate amounts as a spice or as part of a balanced diet, taking high doses of turmeric supplements over the long term may have negative effects on hormonal balance and I therefore do not recommend it at this time.

So what do you do about your inflammation levels then?

Black Seed Oil.

Black seed oil, also known as Nigella sativa oil, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Extracted from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, black seed oil is a rich source of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and other beneficial compounds. In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in black seed oil as a natural health supplement due to its numerous benefits.

1. May help lower cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels are a risk factor for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. Several studies have found that black seed oil may help lower cholesterol levels. In a study published in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, participants who took black seed oil supplements for two months experienced a significant decrease in their cholesterol levels compared to the control group.

2. May improve asthma symptoms. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Research has shown that black seed oil may help improve asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation in the airways. In a study published in the International Journal of Immunopharmacology, participants who took black seed oil supplements for four weeks experienced significant improvements in their asthma symptoms compared to the placebo group.

3. May help improve skin health. Black seed oil contains several compounds that may be beneficial for skin health, including thymoquinone, thymol, and beta-sitosterol. These compounds have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce skin inflammation and improve skin texture. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that participants who applied black seed oil topically for four weeks experienced significant improvements in their skin's moisture levels and elasticity.

4. May help boost immune function. Black seed oil has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects, which means it may help regulate the immune system. A study published in the Journal of Immunotoxicology found that black seed oil supplementation increased the production of natural killer cells, which are immune cells that help fight off infections and cancer.

5. May help improve blood sugar control. High blood sugar levels are a common health problem, particularly among people with type 2 diabetes. Black seed oil has been shown to have hypoglycemic effects, which means it may help lower blood sugar levels. A study published in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism found that participants who took black seed oil supplements for two months experienced significant reductions in their fasting blood sugar levels compared to the control group.

6. May help protect against cancer. Several studies have suggested that black seed oil may have anti-cancer properties. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that thymoquinone, a compound found in black seed oil, inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro. Another study published in the same journal found that black seed oil had anti-proliferative effects against colon cancer cells.

In conclusion, black seed oil is a natural health supplement that may offer numerous potential benefits. I have not found that taking it over long periods to have any negative effects. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, existing studies suggest that black seed oil may help lower cholesterol levels, improve asthma symptoms, improve skin health, boost immune function, improve blood sugar control, and protect against cancer.

Personally I take it in liquid form (get it at whole foods), but it is quite potent and if you are prone to burping or indigestion, you may find it most unpleasant. If you want or think you need to avoid that, we sell the capsules at Greenway Health Center and Triangle Health Center or you can purchase it online here.

Thoughts, questions? Have you tried black seed oil yet?

Yours in health,

Dr. Barnes