Inflammation is a cascade of chemical reactions following an aggression of the body, which leads to redness (vasodilatation), swelling (oedema), heat (increased local blood circulation) and pain. The practice of bodybuilding can lead to pain due to the repetition of movements, the inflammation of joints and micro tears following a training session.
Through self-maintenance or amplification mechanisms, this reaction can lead to a pathological state. This is what is regularly observed in sportsmen and women who do not take the necessary rest or who intensify their training, while the organism is showing the first warning signs.
Discover curcumin,a superfood, and its various virtues.
The role of turmeric and its anti-inflammatory effects
Regardless of the type of inflammation, it is always comfortable to ease the pain. However, taking conventional anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) like ibuprofen, aspirin etc. . . leads to numerous side effects linked to the mechanism of action of these synthetic molecules: digestive disorders, kidney problems, musculo-skeletal alterations, skin disorders. . . in addition to these numerous side effects linked to the regular intake of these anti-inflammatory drugs, they also interfere with the anabolic process thus limiting the gain of muscle mass, a determining parameter in the discipline of Bodybuilding.
Alternative, natural and effective solutions exist. Turmeric is known to
fight against inflammation. More than 6 studies have shown an
anti-inflammatory effect of turmeric without any toxic effect1.
Furthermore, a study on people suffering from osteoarthritis showed that the effects of curcumin at a dose of 950 mg per day are comparable to those of ibuprofen at 800 mg per day 2 and without side effects.
Curcumin: a natural solution
The anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin is induced by its ability to stop the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.
Curcumin acts directly on the enzymes responsible for the production of inflammatory molecules, also known as cyclooxygenase (Cox-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (Lox-5). Curcumin thus inhibits the production of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes3 and cytokines.
This natural solution has the advantage of being as effective or even more so in many cases than NSAIDs4, without contraindication and without the risk of altering performance or developing side effects when taken regularly.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Chainani-Wu Safety and Anti- Inflammatory Activity of Curcumin: AComponent of Tumeric (Curcuma longa). JAltern Complement Med. 2003 Feb; 9(1):161-8.
- Kuptniratsaikul V, Thanakhumtorn S, Chinswangwatanakul P, Wattanamongkonsil L, Thamlikitkul J. Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Altern Complement Med. 2009 Aug;15(8):891-7.
- Menon VP, Sudheer Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007;595:105-25. Review.
- Grzanna R, Lindmark L, Frondoza Ginger-an herbal medicinal product with broad anti-inflammatory actions. J Med Food 2005;8(2):125-32
