Many experts believe that inflammation is linked to a variety of health conditions. While there are several medications that help reduce inflammation in the body, there are also natural supplements and plant-based products that may act as anti-inflammatory agents. Research indicates that the active ingredients in kratom and turmeric may have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which show promising health benefits.
But which one is better? Can you take kratom and turmeric together to help reduce chronic inflammation? In this article, we’ll examine the anti-inflammatory potential of these two natural products. However, if you currently have any medical conditions or injuries or if you are pregnant or nursing, remember to speak with your healthcare provider before trying any new supplements like kratom and turmeric. This blog is for informational purposes only.
What is Inflammation?
According to the most basic definition, inflammation is part of the body’s immune system response to injuries, infections, or irritants and foreign objects (like a splinter). If you’ve ever had a cut that turns red and puffy, that’s inflammation. General symptoms of inflammation can include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- A warm or hot sensation in the affected area
- Fevers
- Tenderness in the affected area
- Reduced or lost function
However, acute inflammation on its own isn’t an inherently bad sign. Although it can be uncomfortable, it means our bodies are healing. For most healthy people, acute inflammation is temporary and subsides once our immune response has cleared the injury, infection, or irritant.
The problem arises when people experience chronic inflammation. Unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation can last for months or even years. It often occurs due to autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, where the body’s immune system becomes overactive. Over time, this type of inflammation begins to damage the parts of the body that it normally heals and protects.
Symptoms of chronic inflammation may include:
- Stiffness or joint pain
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Chronic fatigue
- Idiopathic weight changes
- Rashes, sores, or other skin issues
Chronic inflammation is a complex mechanism that medical experts are still studying. However, research indicates that chronic inflammation may trigger or worsen health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, gastrointestinal diseases, and more. By preventing or managing inflammation, alongside proper medical care from a doctor, individuals may be able to reduce their risk of these conditions.
Kratom and Turmeric: An Anti-Inflammatory Dynamic Duo
In addition to various prescription and over-the-counter medications, some individuals may be able to treat or lower inflammation through natural methods. For example, one can adopt a healthier, unprocessed diet with more fresh fruits and vegetables, exercise more, and take steps to reduce stress levels. Some natural supplements may also help combat inflammation.
Kratom
Made from the leaves of the tropical Mitragyna speciosa tree, kratom is a supplement that’s rich in natural compounds called alkaloids. The two most potent alkaloids in kratom are called Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine.
Different strains of kratom have different concentrations of each alkaloid. Strains that are higher in Mitragynine, such as white vein kratom, induce a bright feeling that helps with focus and concentration. Strains like red vein kratom, where 7-Hydroxymitragynine is more dominant, tend to make users feel a more grounded sensation that helps them unwind.
Although used recreationally, preliminary research indicates that the alkaloids present in kratom may offer medicinal benefits — including anti-inflammatory properties.
Kratom alkaloids may be able to inhibit the production of proteins called cytokines. Although cytokines are naturally occurring and help support the body’s immune system, an overabundance of these proteins may lead to chronic inflammation and other health issues. Using kratom may help some individuals mitigate cytokine production, leading to less chronic inflammation.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a root vegetable in the ginger family, which has a rich yellow-gold color and an earthy-sweet, slightly bitter taste that’s popular in cooking. In many regions of the world, such as India, turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and home remedies. It’s considered by many to be one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients in nature.
Turmeric gets its rich coloration — and its health benefits — from a compound called curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant, which means it helps our bodies reduce oxidative stress caused by molecules called free radicals. Damage caused by free radicals can lead to excess inflammation.
Turmeric supplements, juice shots, and other ingestible forms are very popular as a home health remedy to treat aches and pains, upset stomach, and other ailments. When taken as part of a healthy diet, many people report that turmeric helps boost their wellness and reduce inflammation.
Which One is Better?
In the question of kratom versus turmeric, neither one is inherently better than the other. They serve different biological functions. The alkaloids in kratom activate the brain’s opioid receptors, while the curcumin in turmeric works by curbing inflammation on a cellular level.
So, can you take kratom and turmeric together? The answer is yes! In fact, turmeric is considered a “kratom potentiator.” This means that taking turmeric alongside kratom can enhance the body’s ability to metabolize kratom alkaloids. Likewise, kratom improves the bioavailability of curcumin.
When combined, these two supplements help each other and may boost their respective effects.
How To Use Kratom with Turmeric
Because turmeric can enhance the effects and benefits of kratom, it’s always best to start small when you’re combining these two ingredients. Always begin with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase the dose as your body’s tolerance increases.
To use turmeric and kratom together, you can add turmeric powder to your regular dose of kratom or take kratom capsules and wash them down with turmeric juice. You can also add both ingredients to a smoothie or other recipes. Like kratom, turmeric is also available in capsules for more convenient, on-the-go consumption.
Find the Best Kratom to Use with Turmeric at Joe’s
For the freshest kratom to use with turmeric, look no further than Joe’s Botanicals! Our kratom is lab-verified to confirm its alkaloid content and ensure that all our products contain the purest, highest quality kratom on the market. Try some today!
