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THEPRESS.NET
FEBRUARY 17, 2017
LIVING 50 PLUS
Daily dose of turmeric goes a long way A C
indeed worse than the original problem. Just listen to the disclosures on television about side effects. They are mind-boggling! For the last four years, I have had horrific back pain. It became the norm, as I would wake up every morning, slowly uncurl my body and hobble to the shower. The hot water spraying on my lower back helped for a while, and as I have written before, I tried a TENS machine, pain pills and, yes, even the topical marijuana oil. Everything helped temporarily, and along with my chiropractic visits, I was able to get some excellent, if only part-time, relief. Antiinflammatories and spasm pills made me very sleepy and unable to function normally. Being responsible for my family in so many instances, I needed to keep my wits about me at all times and be perched and ready to dart out the door on a moment’s notice, so those pills were pretty much a no-go for me. I am a firm believer in natural products, and when I heard about turmeric from my doctor, I read everything I could and decided it was definitely worth a try. After three months of taking one capsule a day, I experienced absolutely no side effects. Unfortunately, I did not notice any major change in my back issues, but on the doctor’s advice, I continued taking it. Then, several days ago, I woke up, took my morning splash and while getting ready, I noticed something very odd. I had no back pain. I didn’t want to jinx it, so I didn’t tell Grandpa, but for the whole day, I felt pretty
I am a firm believer in natural products, and when I heard about turmeric from my doctor, I read everything I could and decided it was definitely worth a try.
darn great. I stopped everything else for a few days and kept my typically vocal self, quiet about what was happening. The days turned into a week, and still, I was feeling pretty good. I mentioned it to my granddaughter, who spends a lot of time with me. For a few hours, Grandma is good to go, but after a while, my back will start hurting and the time comes to end our shopping or visits. Sitting at my computer to write once caused pain after an hour or two, but even that has become very close to normal again. I don’t know if the turmeric is totally responsible for this newfound freedom, but anytime I find a natural solution to a painrelated medical problem, I will share. Be patient. As in my case, it took several months before I noticed the changes. Orange in color, turmeric is a spice used frequently in curry, ergo the color. It is sold in
the spice aisle, as well as in pill form. Not at all expensive, either form is suggested for a multitude of medical-related issues. According to WebMD, a tablespoon of ground turmeric contains 29 calories, nearly a gram of protein, 2 grams of fiber and 6 grams of carbohydrates. It contains minerals such as manganese, phosphorus and potassium. Turmeric also contains nutrients that help to keep you strong and healthy. WebMD claims it supports joint, bone and physical wellness, which is why – in my case of degenerative spine disks – it seems to help with the discomfort. As a concentrated extract, turmeric contains antioxidant properties that help the body promote healthy functioning, cognitive ability, enhance mood, empower whole-body mobility and flexibility as well as provide heartrelated cardiovascular benefits. These findings are from the website and not my personal opinion, but from my recent experience, I’m convinced that I have benefitted from my daily dose. I may still have a twinge or two in my back, and at my age, that’s normal. However, if I continue to feel this way, don’t be surprised if you see me dancing around Brentwood! Marla Luckhardt is a Brentwood resident who works with several local senior care and advocacy groups. Visit her website at www.marlasreferrals.com or email her at marla2054@aol.com. To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
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FREQUENT DISCLOSURE OF MINE is to always check with your doctor before taking or changing any medications, supplements or over-thecounter health products of any kind. I stick to that statement, but I have received numerous calls from Senior people, phoning on orner behalf of themselves or a loved one, in regard to overmedication. Part of this problem is we have many different specialists, along with a primary care physician, who prescribe different drugs to help Marla alleviate a multitude of Luckhardt issues as we age. With today’s technology, any physician in your group can and will check your chart on their computer to avoid the possibility of a bad drug interaction, so that particular safety net is covered. However, taking a lot of different drugs can take its toll on organs, including the brain. Years ago, a loved one of mine was on so many antidepressants and anxiety medicines that it made her extremely irritable and downright loopy. This is no joke sadly, not only in her case, but also for many seniors I know. The abrupt halt of taking medications is almost as bad – if not worse – than continuing with too many, so having a discussion with your doctor is imperative if the side effects are
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