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How long does it take for turmeric to work on your body?

Turmeric is a popular Indian spice that has been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years. Its active compound, curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory that provides numerous health benefits. But how long does it take for turmeric to start working in your body?

The Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric contains over 300 naturally occurring components including essential oils, vitamins, minerals and curcumin. Curcumin specifically has been studied extensively for its powerful medicinal properties. Research shows curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, antidepressant, anticoagulant and anti-allergy effects.

Some of the conditions turmeric has been found to benefit include:

  • Arthritis
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Dementia
  • High cholesterol

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on several factors. However, here is a general overview of how long it takes for turmeric to become effective:

Improving Symptoms of Arthritis

In one study, turmeric was shown to improve arthritis symptoms in as little as 5-7 days. Participants took either a curcumin supplement or a placebo. After a week, the curcumin group noticed significant improvements in joint swelling, morning stiffness and walking time compared to placebo.

Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

Research shows turmeric can help lower blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes complications. But these benefits may take 2-3 months to appear. One study had participants take curcumin capsules for 9 months. By the end, the curcumin group had significantly lowered blood sugar levels compared to placebo.

Reducing High Cholesterol

Studies looking at turmeric’s effects on cholesterol have had mixed results. Some have shown cholesterol improvements in just 4 weeks. Other studies required at least 12 weeks of turmeric supplementation before cholesterol levels dropped.

Preventing Heart Disease

Heart disease develops over many years. So naturally, turmeric’s protective benefits take time. In one 3 month study, curcumin improved blood flow and endothelial function compared to placebo. But longer term studies are still needed.

Fighting Depression

Research indicates turmeric can positively affect depression symptoms. But therapeutic effects may take 6-8 weeks to appear. One study had patients take curcumin for 8 weeks. By the end, curcumin significantly reduced depression symptoms compared to placebo.

Delaying Cognitive Decline

Turmeric shows promise at preventing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. But these processes can develop over decades before symptoms appear. Long term supplementation over a year or more may be needed to see results.

Preventing Cancer

Using turmeric to prevent cancer takes years of daily use. This gives turmeric time to alter gene expression and protect the body from developing cancer at a cellular level. In one study, high risk patients who took 4 grams of curcumin daily for 30 days cut their precancerous lesions by 40%.

Key Factors that Influence How Long Turmeric Takes to Work

There are several important factors that affect how fast turmeric will provide benefits:

1. Dosage Taken

The more turmeric or curcumin you take, the faster it gets absorbed and offers advantages. Most studies showing rapid benefits used turmeric extracts or curcumin supplements with dosages of 1000 mg or more per day.

2. Form and Quality

Curcumin supplements tend to be absorbed better than turmeric powder. Also, not all supplements are created equal. High quality products made with piperine (black pepper extract) will increase curcumin absorption by up to 2000% compared to turmeric alone.

3. Length of Use

It takes time for turmeric concentrations to build up in your system. Consistent daily use over weeks or months will allow turmeric to fully work at a cellular level and yield long term health protection.

4. User Differences

Everyone responds uniquely to natural treatments. Your genetics, metabolism, diet, medical history, medications and other factors affect how well your body absorbs and utilizes turmeric.

How to Maximize Turmeric’s Effects

Here are some tips to get the most out of turmeric:

  • Take turmeric consistently every day.
  • Use CO2 extracted turmeric for higher curcumin content.
  • Always pair turmeric with black pepper to increase absorption.
  • Consider high quality curcumin supplements for maximum effects.
  • Combine turmeric with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
  • Be patient – it can take weeks or months to notice significant benefits.

The Bottom Line

In summary, how fast turmeric works depends on several factors like dosage, preparation and length of use. While some benefits may appear in weeks, the full effects are seen over months of consistent daily use. To maximize outcomes, take a CO2 turmeric supplement paired with piperine for at least 2-3 months.