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Can Turmeric Help Depression?

Friday, January 20th 2023 10:00am 4 min read
Dr. Jessica Peatross dr.jess.md @drjessmd

Hospitalist & top functional MD who gets to the root cause. Stealth infection & environmental toxicity keynote speaker.

Turmeric is a popular spice that is native to southeast Asia and used in curry powders. While it is known mostly for its culinary uses, it has also gained a reputation as an effective supplement to address certain health conditions including depression.

With the recent study this year showing that SSRIs, common prescription drugs to treat depression, are not effective, many people who struggle with depression are looking for alternatives.

Why would a spice have anti-depressant qualities? Because turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, which can be helpful for managing conditions involving inflammation, like depression.

More researchers are designing studies into novel ways to treat depression. While some studies suggest that turmeric shows promise for depression, more research is needed.

Research shows promise, but studies have been small

The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, and it seems to reduce inflammation, which is suspected of worsening already existing depression. As a result, the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric may have a positive impact on mood.

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