The benefits of curcumin post exercise

What is Curcumin?

Curcumin is the main phenolic compound that is found in turmeric. It has recently drawn attention due to its medical properties associated with reduction of pain, anti-inflammatory effects and treatment of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal diseases, cancer and other chronic diseases.

Curcumin and exercise

Regular and prolonged high intensity training, despite its various health benefits, can lead to inflammation, muscle damage and pain. Although exercise-induced inflammation is essential for factors such as muscle regeneration, if not controlled it may lead to delayed onset muscle soreness and decreased sports performance.

Recent research suggests that certain anti-inflammatory supplements, such as curcumin, can help to minimise this inflammation and muscle damage post exercise. Participants in studies have displayed reduced pain and muscle damage as well as superior recovery, muscle performance and better psychological & physiological responses during training.

Supplementation

Recent research, with protocols that used between 0.01-6g/d curcumin, has also shown benefits of the supplementation on the reduction of pain and muscle damage. Research suggests the curcumin supplementation in individuals is likely safe and beneficial for sport and physical activity, due to the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress, reduction of pain and muscle damage and improved muscle recovery, sports performance, psychological and physiological responses during training.

It is important to discuss with your doctor or another health professional before commencing supplements.

For more information on supplements feel free to contact us on 0408 957 957 to speak with one of our dietitians.

Reference:
L.G.Suhett et al 2020, “Effects of curcumin supplementation on sport and physical exercise: a systematic review”, Critical reviews in food science and nutrition pg 1-13.

NSS Team x