Is Curcuma Beneficial for Restless Legs?

In this blog I want to talk about whether curcuma (or turmeric) could be beneficial for restless legs.

If, like me, you suffer a lot from RLS, you may want to try everything to see if it softens the complaints.

I have been using it in my diet for years. In recent years, curcuma more and more has become known in the Western world about its beneficial effects. I am certainly not the only one who takes turmeric powder or a turmeric supplement.

Here I ask the question whether turmeric is beneficial if you suffer from restless legs.

What is curcuma

In India they have known for some time that turmeric is good for your health. In ground form it is used there in all kinds of dishes. If you’ve ever eaten an Indian curry, you know what I mean.

I spent more than a year in North India as a student. That meant delicious vegetarian food every day. I didn’t know much about curcuma at the time.

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of a plant. This plant is called curcuma longa. For better absorption, it helps to combine turmeric with black pepper.

Apart from its application in food, Indian health theory Ayurveda uses turmeric to heal wounds.

It is highly regarded in Asia for its supposed medicinal properties. For example, it is believed to have a preventive effect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

There is a difference between turmeric and curcumine. Curcumine is the active ingredient in turmeric. Curcumine is often used in dietary supplements under the name turmeric or a related description.

Quite a bit of research has already been done on the possible beneficial effects of turmeric. The results are variable. There is therefore no agreement in the medical world about whether it is a good idea to use turmeric widely in health care.

Curcuma as anti-inflammatory

Curcuma is also known as a natural anti-inflammatory. Many ailments in the human body arise from inflammation.

Examples of inflammatory diseases are all kinds of rheumatism, fibromyalgia and intestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.

In the alternative circuit, turmeric is seen as a good alternative to medicinal anti-inflammatories. Regular Western medicine is divided on this. Some of the doctors are in favor, others are not yet sure whether it works.

If you use turmeric with food like I do, you need quite a lot for a beneficial effect. Someone once told me that you would have to take a minimum of 35 grams of ground turmeric per day. Most people don’t get that amount. I do.

The original reason for taking large amounts of curcuma for me was that I have been dealing with osteoarthritis for years. With osteoarthritis you regularly have inflammation in joints. I suffer from osteoarthritis in my hands.

Only later did I find out that curcuma has many more benefits.

Possible advantages

Turmeric is also referred to as one of the natural alternatives to antidepressants. It is said to promote the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.

I have also read that it is good for your skin and that it keeps your teeth white.

Curcuma also seems to be good for the functioning of the heart and vessels. It may support your immune system and improve digestion.

Joints and muscles are also likely to benefit from taking turmeric.

I could go on and on like this. The list of possible benefits is quite long. I don’t know to what extent thorough research has been done on all these health claims.

Other spices

Aside from curcuma, I also use cumin in my food. Cumin is a source of iron. If you suffer from restless legs and eat a vegetarian diet like I do, it can’t hurt to get a little extra where possible.

However, it is better not to take cumin and turmeric at the same time. Turmeric inhibits the absorption of iron.

I’ve noticed over the years that it can be quite tricky to get it right when it comes to nutrition. Whatever you eat, there are always pros and cons.

I use a few rules myself. Provide regularity and variety. Don’t eat too much.

Restless legs

It is advisable to be careful with taking turmeric if you are taking medication. Consult with your doctor if it can be harmful. Turmeric, for example, is not recommended for blood thinners.

I doubt whether curcuma directly helps against restless legs.

I do think that taking curcuma can be good for your overall health. If you do this in the form of turmeric powder, keep in mind that you will probably need to use quite a bit for a big effect.

A dietary supplement of curcumine is believed to be more efficient for most people. Curcumine is the active ingredient in turmeric.   

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