Like anything, consistency is key and this is the same with turmeric, it is so important to maintain regular intake for the body to consume the benefits. Missing days or consuming turmeric inconsistently can lead to reduced effectiveness and negatively affect the progress made in supporting your health. Here are some of the main elements that inconsistency could cause:
Inflammation Resurgence: Since curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, works by lowering inflammation over time, stopping consumption for even a few days may result in the re-emergence of inflammation, particularly if you suffer from chronic conditions like arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. Curcumin has been shown to block certain molecules known to trigger inflammatory responses in the body. According to a recent study, “Curcumin has been found to inhibit the activity of several molecules that play roles in inflammation, including cytokines and enzymes like COX-2” (Aggarwal et al., 2007). Therefore, maintaining a daily intake of turmeric can help keep inflammation to a minimum.
Increased Oxidative Stress: When you stop taking turmeric regularly, your body’s antioxidant defenses can decrease, which may lead to a buildup of oxidative stress. This can accelerate cellular damage, increasing the risk of chronic illnesses and premature aging. Curcumin is not only a potent antioxidant itself but it also helps to activate your body’s own antioxidant enzymes. These enzymes are crucial for neutralizing harmful free radicals that contribute to aging and many chronic diseases. Maintaining a daily intake of turmeric can provide constant support in reducing oxidative stress, which is linked to degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disorders.
Mental and Cognitive Decline: Missing doses can interrupt the benefits turmeric offers to brain health, particularly its ability to support brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Irregular intake can lead to diminished mental clarity, memory function, and mood regulation, potentially increasing the risk of cognitive decline. Daily turmeric intake can help sustain higher levels of BDNF, promoting mental clarity, and cognitive health.
Slower Cardiovascular Benefits: Consistency is vital when it comes to the cardiovascular effects of curcumin. Missing days could impair the cumulative benefits for heart health, such as improving blood vessel function, and reducing inflammation that helps protect against heart disease. Consistently consuming turmeric can help lower the risk of heart disease by improving blood vessel function and reducing inflammation throughout the circulatory system.
Why Consistency is Key
For turmeric to produce optimal results, it must be consumed consistently. Curcumin’s effects are cumulative, meaning its positive impact on inflammation, antioxidant levels, brain health, and cardiovascular function builds over time. When you miss days, you disrupt this process and allow inflammation and oxidative stress to resurface, potentially undoing the progress you’ve made.
References
Aggarwal, B. B., Sundaram, C., Malani, N., & Ichikawa, H. (2007). Curcumin: the Indian solid gold.Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 595, 1-75. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-46401-5_1
