Dr Mahmood Bashir BSc (hons), PhD

06 Sep 2007 MOST of us are more familiar with it as the spice that lends a distinctive deep yellow colour to Indian dishes. But research shows that turmeric may also be extremely good at reducing inflammation in the body.

Here we examine the research into this ancient root and look at why it may be particularly useful in treating back pain, a condition that affects four out of five people in Britain at some point in their lives.

BACK PAIN: THE HIDDEN EPIDEMIC
Few people escape back pain: during any one year up to half the UK population is affected. Many sufferers struggle to sleep well and this can have knock-on effects on energy and concentration levels. Little wonder, then, that back pain is one of the leading causes of sick leave in the country.

The majority of the pain associated with back problems is due to inflammation, the body’s response to signals from nerves to the brain that something is amiss. Because the traditional drugs prescribed for the condition can cause side-effects including nausea, vomiting and stomach ulcers many people are now turning to alternative treatments for help.

TURMERIC
A member of the ginger family, turmeric is used in large amounts in most curries as a colouring agent. It has also been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Modern day researchers are also excited about the spice’s ability to heal.

A number of studies have found that turmeric appears to have a powerful ability to reduce inflammation in the body. This anti-inflammatory action is thought to be due to an active ingredient in the spice called curcumin. This compound is thought to work by inhibiting a number of different molecules that play a role in inflammation in the body.

Turmeric is also a powerful antioxidant so helps protects the body’s cells against damage from harmful free radicals. No toxic side effects have been associated with the spice. (ref 1)

Just Vitamins has launched Protek, a new high potency turmeric root extract providing 95 per cent curcumin. This is one of the highest amounts of curcumin of any turmeric supplement on the market.

FREE NUTRITION ADVICE
Call the Just Vitamins FREE Nutrition Advice line on 024 7669 5115 if you would like more information.
Our advisors are available Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm. 



REFERENCES
1: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Safety and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Curcumin: A Component of Turmeric (Curcuma longa)