Turmeric; a root and spice that works a natural anti-inflammatory along with many other benefits!

Since I was 16 I have had bad tendonitis in both of my knees and I go through periods where it's so bad I can barely walk without feeling like my legs are buckling underneath me. I had been given mass amounts of Celebrex, but never liked taking medications, especially for the rest of my life. Advil or generic anti inflammatories were only an option for me when I'm in extreme pain and have a lot of physical activities to do. After moving and seeing a new primary doctor, she recommended I take daily doses of turmeric (which contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory), which is natural root and a spice that's often used for cooking. I love turmeric, and cook with it often but was told the only way to get enough (without using mass amounts on food on a daily basis I suppose-- turmeric itself has a low percentage of curcumin) is to take capsules of it. I found 400 mg vegetable capsules (no gelatin) on sale at our local Earth Origins store, and have been taking 1-3 capsules a day depending on my pain level every day and it works amazingly. I'll take it before bed if I've had a strenuous day and usually take at least one each morning when I wake up and it prevents the ongoing pain all day that I usually have.

The benefits of taking Turmeric versus an anti inflammory like Advil or Motrin, is that it's natural and doesn't have side effects like manufactured anti inflammatory drugs do (most commonly, stomach ulcers and bleeding). If you try to keep organic and use only natural products when possible like me, you'll find this as a great homeopathic remedy for pain. It's actually been used in scientific studies to prove that it is a reliable natural anti-inflammatory. There are also many other benefits of taking a daily turmeric supplement. Turmeric may be an aid in preventing cancer (because it's a strong anti-oxidant), may delay/reverse many brain diseases and age-related decreases of brain function including Alzheimer's- it even can improve memory!, lowers risk of heart disease, helps ease pains of arthritis, and can even act as an anti-depressant (proved to be as effective as Prozac!). 

It doesn't hurt to give turmeric a try if you have any issues it could possibly resolve; naturally. We tend to put so many chemicals in our body without thinking of the long term effects which could be harmful. With a natural root you have nothing to worry about except the benefits, so give it a try and I really hope that taking a supplement of turmeric will work for you!