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cognitive benefits of curcumin

Cognitive Benefits of Curcumin

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The daily consumption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, can have significant benefits on cognitive health.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 88 million Americans over the age of 65 will be diagnosed with neurodegenerative disease by 2050. The progression of neurodegeneration has been associated with the imbalance between the level of antioxidants and the increased oxidative damage by free radicals to proteins, DNA, and lipids.

Curcumin is a chemical compound found in plants, with anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and antioxidant properties. Research has seen an astounding success proving the benefits of curcumin as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, with over 7000 articles published in the last two decades. Its neuroprotective properties help prevent free radical damage and calms the inflammatory process at the root of many chronic diseases. Studies have shown it to be effective against many gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. In fact, curcumin has long been suspected to be the reason behind the low rates of Alzheimer’s disease in India, where turmeric spice is widely and frequently used in curry meal preparation.

However, curcumin is unique in that it is not easily absorbed by the body on its own. In order to increase its bioavailability, it must be paired with other compounds, one such example is piperine, a compound found in black pepper.

But for those who don’t have a taste for this beautiful golden spice, supplementation can be key. Research on the supplement Theracurmin* a bioavailable (more easily absorbed by the body) form of curcumin, has shown it contains significantly higher plasma concentration of curcumin than other leading brands of supplements. Clinical studies have also shown it to have benefits in osteoarthritis, muscle fatigue after exercise, and clearing alcohol metabolites. There are on-going clinical trials investigating the effects of Theracurmin on other inflammatory diseases.

A 2019 study on curcumin, led by Dr. Gary Small, director of geriatric psychiatry at UCLA’s Longevity Center, was conducted over an 18 month period and included 40 adults that ranged in age from 51 to 84. Twenty-one randomly selected participants were given twice daily doses of Theracurmin, and the remaining 19 participants were given a placebo. Cognitive assessments were taken every 6 months and curcumin levels were measured at both the start and end of the study. In addition, 30 participants (15 placebo & 15 curcumin) underwent PET scans to measure levels of the proteins amyloid and tau in their brains both at the start of the study and after 18 months. These two proteins are targeted because of their association with neurodegenerative disorders; when accumulated in the brain, they are thought to contribute to the breakdown of neurons which can potentially lead to symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

At the end of the study, researchers concluded that the daily intake of Theracurmin resulted in “improved memory performance and attention in non-demented adults.” Based on the PET findings, the study further concluded that “behavioral and cognitive benefits are associated with decreases in plaque and tangle accumulation in brain regions modulating mood and memory.”

While this study was quite small, the results are indeed promising and warrant continued research. Supplementation with a bioavailable form of curcumin, like Theracurmin, shows tremendous potential as a preventative measure against age-related cognitive decline. Furthermore, the effect curcumin has on decreasing existing amyloid plaque and tau accumulation in the brain shows that it may play a significant role in delaying the onset of other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s dementia.

As research continues to reveal turmeric’s bounty of health benefits, including its ability to limit and possibly reverse the damage of inflammation in the brain, it is becoming more and more evident why it is widely referred to as a miracle spice!

Before taking any supplement consult with your physician to discuss any potential side effects.

*Theracurmin®HP  is available for purchase from the Kaplan Medical Center Store.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1064748117305110?via%3Dihub

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/dementias

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-56153-6_18

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36367124/

https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(23)46260-0/fulltext

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8833931/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835707/

https://www.alzheimersorganization.org/turmeric-curcumin-and-alzheimers

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36720711/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9097512/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29326901

 

This article was originally published in Feb 2018. It was reviewed and updated in November 2023.

spinach-anti-inflammatory-diet

11 Food Rules For The Ultimate Anti-Inflammatory Diet

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If you want to eat for long-term health, lowering inflammation is crucial.

Inflammation in the body causes or contributes to many debilitating, chronic illnesses – including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and even cancer. That’s why, as a doctor and founder of the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine, I recommend my patients eat a diet focused on anti-inflammatory principles.

Recent research finds that eating this way not only helps protect against certain diseases, but it also slows the aging process by stabilizing blood sugar and increasing metabolism. Plus, although the goal is to optimize health, many people find they also lose weight by following an anti-inflammatory eating pattern.

Here, I’m sharing the 11 principles I recommend everyone incorporate into their diet for optimal health:

1. Consume at least 25 grams of fiber every day.

A fiber-rich diet helps reduce inflammation by supplying naturally occurring anti-inflammatory phytonutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods.

To get your fill of fiber, seek out whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The best sources include whole grains such as barley and oatmeal; vegetables like okra, eggplant, and onions; and a variety of fruits like bananas (3 grams of fiber per banana) and blueberries (3.5 grams of fiber per cup).

2. Eat a minimum of nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

One “serving” is half a cup of a cooked fruit or vegetable or one cup of a raw leafy vegetable.

For an extra punch, add anti-inflammatory herbs and spices such as turmeric and ginger to your cooked fruits and vegetables to increase their antioxidant capacity.

3. Eat four servings of both alliums and crucifers every week.

Alliums include garlic, scallions, onions, and leeks, while crucifers refer to vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, mustard greens, and Brussels sprouts.

Because of their powerful antioxidant properties, consuming a weekly average of four servings of each can help lower your risk of cancer.

If you like the taste, I recommend eating a clove of garlic a day!

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4. Limit saturated fat to 10 percent of your daily calories.

By keeping saturated fat low (that’s about 20 grams per 2,000 calories), you’ll help reduce the risk of heart disease.

You should also limit red meat to once per week and marinate it with herbs, spices, and tart, unsweetened fruit juices to reduce the toxic compounds formed during cooking.

5. Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower the risk of chronic diseases and conditions that have a high inflammatory process at their root.

Aim to eat lots of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like flax meal, walnuts, and beans such as navy, kidney, and soy. I also recommend taking a good-quality omega-3 supplement.

And of course, consume cold-water fish such as salmon, oysters, herring, mackerel, trout, sardines, and anchovies. Speaking of which:

6. Eat fish at least three times a week.

Choose both low-fat fish such as sole and flounder and cold-water fish that contain healthy fats, like the ones mentioned above.

7. Use oils that contain healthy fats.

The body requires fat but choose the fats that provide you with benefits.

Virgin and extra-virgin olive oil and expeller-pressed canola are the best bets for anti-inflammatory benefits. Other options include high-oleic, expeller-pressed versions of sunflower and safflower oil.

8. Eat healthy snacks twice a day.

If you’re a snacker, aim for fruit, plain or unsweetened Greek-style yogurt (it contains more protein per serving), celery sticks, carrots, or nuts like pistachios, almonds, and walnuts.

9. Avoid processed foods and refined sugars.

This includes any food that contains high-fructose corn syrup or is high in sodium, both of which contribute to inflammation throughout the body.

Avoid refined sugars whenever possible and artificial sweeteners altogether. The dangers of excess fructose have been widely cited and include increased insulin resistance (which can lead to type-2 diabetes), raised uric acid levels, raised blood pressure, increased risk of fatty liver disease, and more.

10. Cut out trans fats.

In 2006, the FDA required food manufacturers to identify trans fats on nutrition labels, and for good reason – studies show that people who eat foods high in trans fats have higher levels of C-reactive protein, a biomarker for inflammation in the body.

A good rule of thumb is to always read labels and steer clear of products that contain the words “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated oils.” Vegetable shortenings, select kinds of margarine, crackers, and cookies are just a few examples of foods that might contain trans fats.

11. Sweeten meals with phytonutrient-rich fruits and flavor foods with spices.

Most fruits and vegetables are loaded with important phytonutrients. In order to naturally sweeten your meals, try adding apples, apricots, berries, and even carrots.

And for flavoring savory meals, go for spices that are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, including cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, rosemary, ginger, sage, and thyme.

Bon appétit!

 

First published on October 30, 2015; updated February 10, 2023.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

 

turmeric-health-benefits

3 Reasons to Include Turmeric In Your Diet

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Native to southwest India, and known for its radiant golden color and unique taste, turmeric has been used as a culinary herb for thousands of years, and is found in abundance in many Indian dishes, especially curries. But it is its role as a healing herb that has caused scientists to take a closer look at this “miracle spice.”

The magic of turmeric resides in the roots, specifically in the chemical compound called curcumin. Curcumin is a polyphenol – a chemical compound found in plants with antioxidant properties, and myriad therapeutic attributes. A study in Advances in Experimental Medicines and Biology, went so far as to state that “Curcumin has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities and thus has a potential against various malignant diseases, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic illnesses.”

#1 – Defense against cognitive decline

A 2018 article in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease highlighted the protective effects of curcumin in the treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The review particularly looked at curcumin’s effect against amyloid beta (Aß), a peptide that plays a central role in the pathology of AD.

  • Curcumin may help the macrophages – critical cells of the immune system – clear plaque deposits of Aß. Unlike a healthy brain, patients with Alzheimer’s Disease show an accumulation of amyloid plaques between nerve cells (neurons).
  • Curcumin has demonstrated that it has neuro-protective effect against Aß induced cell death of cortical neurons.
  • Curcumin has shown to inhibit the accumulation of Aß and promote its reduction.

Furthermore, curcumin has anti-proliferative actions on microglia. Microglia are immune cells of the central nervous system that become active in response to any number of stressors on the body. However, if the microglia have been stimulated to react too often, they become hyper-reactive, which can trigger system-wide inflammation that can be difficult to stop.

#2 – Defense against cancer

A 2019 review of research on the role of curcumin in cancer therapy, confirmed that “curcumin exhibits anticancer ability by targeting different cell signaling pathways including growth factors, cytokines, transcription factors, and genes modulating cellular proliferation and apoptosis,” all of which are associated with the progression of cancer.

  • Curcumin’s antioxidant properties help prevent the increase of free radicals. Antioxidants scavenge free radical. When free radicals are left unchecked, it results in oxidative stress which damages cells and plays a big role in the early stages of cancer.
  • Curcumin has shown an ability to inhibit nuclear factor kß (NF-kß). NF-kß is a proinflammatory molecule associated with cancer progression and inflammation.

According to another systematic review in 2020, curcumin shows both preventative and therapeutic effects on various types of cancers when used as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment.

  • Curcumin’s low toxicity allows for widespread use, with no harmful side effects.
  • Curcumin can help improve quality of life by its ability to reduce side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

#3 – Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties also make it a strong candidate for treating inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis. A 2017 study in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation found that supplementation with a bioavailable form of curcumin “appeared to be effective in reducing the pain and enhancing muscular and balancing function” in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

How should you add curcumin to your diet?

  • Supplementation: Curcumin is not a major component of American diets, so supplementation could be considered. Unfortunately, because curcumin is not easily absorbed in the bloodstream, its bioavailability is diminished. Bioavailability can be increased, however, by partnering the extract with another compound to enhance its absorption. Piperine, a compound found in black pepper, is one such example. At the Kaplan Center, the curcumin supplement* we prescribe is micronized in colloidal particles and as a result, has significantly higher plasma concentration over other leading brands. Remember, supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so make sure to purchase your supplement from a trusted source. You should also speak to your physician before you begin taking any supplement to rule out any possible interactions with other medications.
  • Eat more curry! Eating more curried dishes that are rich in turmeric spice as well as black pepper regularly can be a good source of curcumin.
  • Enjoy a cup of turmeric milk: End your day with a cup of delicious Golden Turmeric Milk (see video below!). Curcumin is fat-soluble, therefore combining it with milk will help to make the curcumin more readily absorbed into the body.

Studies on curcumin and its efficacy in humans is ongoing, but the research looks quite promising. With very few side effects, powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties, and a long history of medicinal use, curcumin can play an important role in maintaining the body’s normal inflammatory response, while also supporting healing and relieving pain.

*Theracurmin® HP is available to purchase from the Kaplan Medical Center Store.

 

 

 

Dr. Kaplan’s article first appeared on U.S. News and World Reports on July 24, 2015. Updated in Jan 2023.

Essential Turmeric Oils: A Hopeful Treatment For Ulcerative Colitis

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The positive health effects of turmeric have been touted by age-old healers as well as modern science. Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent free radical damage and calm the inflammatory process at the root of many chronic diseases.

However, the use of turmeric in treating chronic illness on a grander scale has been limited due to its relative low bioavailability, or “the proportion of a drug or other substance that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and so is able to have an active effect.”

Because of this limitation, research has primarily focused on ways to enhance absorption.

Past studies have shown that combining turmeric with other compounds, one such example being piperine (found in black pepper), can increase bioavailability, and there are supplements* now available formulated to allow maximum absorption.

Adding to this research, a new study authored by Dr. Ajay Goel, director of gastrointestinal research and translation genomics and oncology at Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, and published in Nature: Scientific Reports, confirmed that combining curcumin with essential turmeric oils (ETO-curcumin) significantly enhanced anti-inflammatory efficacy in DSS-induced colitis animal models (dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) is frequently used to induce colitis in experimental animals).

Clinical applications

Possible clinical applications of curcumin currently include neurodegenerative diseases, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. There is also evidence that curcumin can kill certain types of cancer cells, as well as reduce the development of several forms of cancer in lab animals.

Dr. Goel’s research highlights the anti-inflammatory potential of turmeric and suggests it may also have a place in the treatment of large intestinal diseases like ulcerative colitis.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are autoimmune, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) that can cause a lifetime of painful symptoms. It is estimated that nearly 3 million people in the United States are living with IBD. Conventional treatment typically involves medications such as antibiotics, immunomodulators, or corticosteroids, amongst other types. However, a growing population of patients are exploring natural healing options instead of – or in conjunction with – medications. Our experience with IBD has shown that with the right lifestyle changes and dietary modifications, including supplementation and nutritional support, many people will see an improvement of symptoms.

“The takeaway for patients who want to experience the health benefits of curcumin through a commercially available supplement is to look for products that include additional compounds of turmeric – specifically, essential turmeric oils,” says Dr. Goel.

Remember, supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so before purchasing or taking any commercial supplements, speak to your physician who can recommend trusted sources, and more importantly, rule out any possible interactions with other medications.

**Theracurmin® HP is available for purchase from the Kaplan Medical Center Store.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

 

turmeric-health-benefits

Turmeric – Miracle Spice or a Bunch of Hype?

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Q. Dr. Kaplan, you have recommended using turmeric regularly to reduce inflammation and improve health. What puzzles me is this: regardless of their continued, lifelong consumption of turmeric, the number of people in India suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia continues to spiral upwards. Can you comment on this?

Gary Kaplan, D.O.: The issue with inflammation in the body as a whole, and the brain, in particular, is a complex issue. Before you can successfully address the inflammation that is involved in the disease processes of many chronic illnesses, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, you have to remove all of the factors that are causing the inflammation in the first place.

So, for example, if you are living in a highly stressful environment that is polluted and toxic, with poor sleep habits and/or poor nutrition or other health issues, thinking that turmeric is going to fix you is whistling through the graveyard.

Turmeric is useful as an antioxidant and for reducing the inflammatory activity of the microglia, the innate immune cells of the central nervous system. However, addressing the issues of inflammation requires a comprehensive approach that begins with good nutrition, sleep, and exercise habits as well as regular meditation. After that, we have to work with individuals to help each person find their pathway to health.

– Dr. Kaplan

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2