I am Kashish Ahuja, nutritionist at The Kenko Life.
Turmeric can help in recovery, particularly due to its active compound, curcumin. Curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties, which can assist in the healing process after injury, exercise, or surgery.
Here are some ways turmeric can support recovery:
- Reducing Inflammation: Inflammation is a natural part of the healing process, but excessive inflammation can slow recovery. Curcumin helps by reducing markers of inflammation, which can help alleviate pain and speed up recovery.
- Joint and Muscle Pain: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can be beneficial for relieving pain associated with muscle strain, joint pain, and conditions like arthritis.
- Antioxidant Effects: Curcumin acts as a powerful antioxidant, which helps combat oxidative stress that can occur after intense physical activity or injury.
- Wound Healing: Some research suggests that turmeric may also promote the healing of wounds and cuts by stimulating the production of collagen and enhancing skin regeneration.
- Supporting Digestive Health: A healthy gut plays an important role in overall recovery. Turmeric has been traditionally used to support digestion and reduce bloating, which can contribute to better overall health and recovery.
It’s best to consume it with black pepper, which contains piperine, a compound that enhances the absorption of curcumin. You can take it in various forms, like in food, teas, or supplements.
What is collagen ? Is collagen supplement required for everyone?
Benefits of Collagen Supplements:
- Joint Health: Collagen is a key structural protein in cartilage, and supplementing with collagen can help support joint health. For people with joint pain, osteoarthritis, or general wear and tear on their joints (like athletes), collagen may help reduce pain and improve mobility.
- Muscle Recovery: Collagen contains amino acids, such as glycine and proline, that are important for muscle repair. Some studies suggest that collagen supplementation can help improve recovery after intense physical activity and reduce muscle soreness.
- Skin Health: Collagen is a major component of skin, and as we age, our body’s collagen production declines, which contributes to wrinkles and sagging. Supplementing with collagen can help improve skin elasticity, hydration, and reduce signs of aging.
- Bone Health: Collagen is a crucial component of bone structure. In combination with other nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, collagen may help improve bone density and strength, especially as you age.
- Wound Healing: Collagen plays a role in tissue repair, so supplementation may assist in wound healing, recovery from injuries, and even recovery after surgery.
Do You Need Collagen Supplements? Collagen is naturally produced in the body, and you can support your natural collagen production through a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamin C, zinc, and other nutrients. Some foods that support collagen production include:
Bone broth(rich in collagen)
- Chicken skin and other animal connective tissues
- Eggs (especially egg whites, which are rich in proline)
- Fish and shellfish (with skin, for the collagen content)
If you’re generally healthy and have a balanced diet, your body should produce enough collagen on its own. But, as we age or during times of intense physical stress or injury, collagen production naturally declines, which is why some people find supplements helpful.
