Arthritis is a direct consequence of inflammation in the joints. In addition to reducing inflammation, curcumin can relieve the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. The study by Kuptniratsaikul et al. (2014) demonstrated that curcumin was as effective as ibuprofen, without the gastrointestinal side effects.
Support for gastrointestinal disorders
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric are also useful for treating digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). According to research conducted in Japan, curcumin shows promising potential for treating IBD without side effects (Hanai & Sugimoto, 2009).
Alternative to steroids
Some dogs take steroids for allergies or joint pain. Curcumin may be an effective alternative, without the side effects (Kuncha et al., 2013).
How do you give turmeric to your dog?
There’s an issue with the effectiveness of turmeric when used in its natural form. Turmeric in this form isn’t well absorbed by the digestive system, which limits its positive effects when added directly to a dog's food. That's why at Pattedeau Bio, we now offer a liposomal curcumin supplement. This technology incorporates turmeric into a fat structure, significantly increasing its absorption and thus providing all the beneficial effects for dogs' health. Want to learn more about Curcuplex? Click here.
Precautions and side effects
Turmeric is generally safe, but it can interact with certain medications; it’s important to consult your veterinarian before using it if your dog has a health condition or is taking medication.
Conclusion
Turmeric offers numerous benefits for dogs: anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, arthritis relief, digestive support, and a steroid alternative. Adding turmeric to your dog's diet can therefore be a simple way to improve their health and quality of life.
Bibliography
- Kuptniratsaikul V, Dajpratham P, Taechaarpornkul W, Buntragulpoontawee M, Lukkanapichonchut P, Chootip C, Saengsuwan J, Tantayakom K, Laongpech S. Efficacy and safety of curcuma domestica extracts compared with ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter study. National Center For Biotechnology Information. 20, March 2014.
- Takada Y, Bhardwaj A, Potdar P, Aggarwal B. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents differ in their ability to suppress NF-kappaB activation, inhibition of expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and cyclin D1, and abrogation of tumor cell proliferation. National Center For Biotechnology Information. 9, December 2004.
- Ravindran J, Prasad S, Aggarwal B. Curcumin and cancer cells: How many ways can curry kill tumor cells selectively? American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists Journal. 11, September 2009.
- Hanai H, Sugimoto K. Curcumin has bright prospects for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. National Center For Biotechnology Information. 2009.
- Lal B, Kapoor AK, Asthana OP, Agrawal PK, Prasad R, Kumar P, Srimal RC. Efficacy of curcumin in the management of chronic anterior uveitis. National Center For Biotechnology Information. 13, June 1999.
- Kuncha M, Naidu V, Sahu B, Gadepalli S, Sistla R. Curcumin potentiates the anti‐arthritic effect of prednisolone in Freund's complete adjuvant‐induced arthritic rats. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 21, October 2013.
If I told you that a simple spice could make a huge difference to your dog's health and longevity, would you believe me? Well, turmeric is that spice, and it's probably already in your kitchen cupboard.
It's hard to believe, but research shows it's true. Several studies attest to the benefits of turmeric for both humans and dogs. Here's how this spice, and more specifically the curcumin it contains, can improve your dog's health and even prevent certain diseases.
What is turmeric?
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is its active ingredient. Curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and wound-healing properties. It also exhibits anticancer activity.
Here are some of the major benefits of turmeric for your dog, along with the scientific references that support these claims.
Natural anti-inflammatory
Chronic inflammation is often the hidden enemy of many diseases. It can lead to issues such as cancer, arthritis, allergies, and many others. While acute inflammation is helpful for healing injuries, chronic inflammation weakens the body over time.
The curcumin contained in turmeric has been shown to be more effective than ibuprofen in some arthritis studies (Kuptniratsaikul et al., 2014). It has also outperformed some popular anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen in controlling inflammation (Takada et al., 2004).
Cancer prevention and treatment
Chronic inflammation can create a breeding ground for cancer. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent these precancerous changes and even treat cancer.
Nearly a third of studies on turmeric focus on cancer, and the results are promising. Curcumin has shown its ability to destroy cancer cells and prevent their proliferation (Ravindran et al., 2009).
