There’s just no helping some people…

A somewhat close friend has been dealing with an embarrassing problem – Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS for short.

Fortunately, he’s not yet suffering with the severe symptoms like internal bleeding or sharp abdominal pain.

But IBS has caused him one stinker of a problem.

Without getting into the gruesome details, he’s leaking from part of his body that shouldn’t be leaking. You know what I’m talking about. It’s a hygiene problem and a social problem (it’s also the reason millions of adults now carry baby wipes).

In addition to outlining a healthy diet that would be gentler his insides, I suggested a natural remedy that would help address the root cause of IBS – inflammation. I said he should try turmeric.

He Called It Snake Oil

It’s good to be skeptical, but when something like turmeric has been used for over a 1000 years to relieve a health problem you’re dealing with, why not give it a try?

Even modern science has taken interest in turmeric and discovered that yes, this stuff is kind of amazing.

From the University of Maryland Medical Center:

“Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used for 4,000 years to treat a variety of conditions. Studies show that turmeric may help fight infections and some cancers, reduce inflammation, and treat digestive problems.

Curcumin [Turmeric] is also a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants scavenge molecules in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Antioxidants can fight free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

In addition, curcumin lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation. It also stops platelets from clumping together to form blood clots.”

Cooling Off At The Cellular Level

Turmeric helps lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation.

Inflammation is the wicked spark that ignites a long list of health problems. The problems inflammation causes can be problems we’re stuck with for life. Irritable bowels, arthritis, high cholesterol, are just a few afflictions it can cause.

Turmeric helps “cool off” your insides.

You Have To Give Turmeric a Chance To Work

A common mistake people make with natural remedies is they expect them to work instantly. It can take years to create health problems so you can’t make them disappear overnight. Try turmeric for a few weeks, and I think you’ll be surprised at what this little yellow root can do for you.

Fresh Turmeric vs. Supplements

I prefer fresh turmeric, but it can be hard to find. If you do go with fresh turmeric, combine it with fresh ground black pepper to help enhance nutrient absorption.

The next best option is an extract. Good extracts are highly concentrated so you only need a few drops a day. Make sure the brand you use is properly certified. Natural supplements are notorious for false labeling. Also make sure it’s formulated for high absorption. Cheap extracts don’t bother doing this and the turmeric passes right through you and out with your urine.

PS. My friend cleaned up his diet. It helped, but he’s still leaking from you-know-where. I really need more open minded friends.

PPS. Avoid turmeric from the grocery store if it’s health benefits you’re after. It’s fine for cooking, but doesn’t contain enough active ingredients to cure anything.