All You Need To Know About Curamin Extra Strength

You, our faithful readers and subscribers, voted Curamin Extra as your #1 favorite formula we offer here on the site... I can’t say I'm surprised! 

So we've decided to write this post dedicated to all things Curamin Extra Strength. This article contains information regarding why you should take it over other painkillers, what is in Curamin Extra that makes it so great, and how you should take it to relieve your pain.

If you've ever wondered what the difference is between Curamin and CuraMed, both popular formulas from Terry Naturally, you can find the answers and more information regarding them here: CuraMed: All Your Questions Answered.

As you know, we offer several highly absorbable curcumin products. The strongest of the lot is Curamin Extra Strength. We always keep Curamin Extra on hand for various reasons. It is part of our Natural Remedy Home Pharmacy.

Imagine a remedy for those pesky headaches that come after a long day at work. A natural answer to chronic pain that doesn't bring all of the nasty side effects some of the other pain relievers bring. Curamin really is the solution and there are thousands of testimonials to prove it. Here's one straight from Terry Naturally's Website:

"I never believed it would work. I took the Extra Strength Curamin 2 times a day, and after several weeks my pain became less and is barely noticeable now. My pain was a result of overworking my right upper arm. I saw an ortho MD with no relief. Searched the net for a pain remedy and found Curamin. Unbelievable, but true!"

According to the AMA (American Medical Association), pain is the #1 symptom that drives people to go to the doctor or to seek alternative health advice. Pain is implicated in just about every disease state that ails us. From joint issues and chronic migraines to colitis and muscle spasms, pain is the common symptom that just can't be ignored.

So, why take Curamin Extra Strength and not an over-the-counter painkiller?   

We all know and have probably used prescriptions, over-the-counter painkillers, and anti-inflammatory medications. But what you may not know is that they have very serious and unwanted side effects.

Remember the popular drug Vioxx? For a while, it was being prescribed for everything from headaches to spinal pain. It was pulled from the market because a large number of people taking Vioxx were dying from heart attacks and strokes. And the non-prescription options aren’t much better. Over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) can cause reflux, stomach ulcers, and heart attacks.

Some of the more popular over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) are naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin.

Curamin Extra Strength is a formula that covers several biological factors associated with pain. It is a proprietary blend of four natural painkillers in one tablet. It is your best natural option for pain and inflammation relief, period.

What is in Curamin Extra Strength that makes it so effective?

Here are the 4 all-natural, powerhouse ingredients that boost Curamin Extra Strength to the top of everyone's pain relief charts:

DLPA (DL-phenylalanine)

Did somebody say DLPA? I don’t know about you, but pain makes me grumpy. There is a reason that pain changes your mood; Pain signals in the brain can get into a close-looped circuit. The endorphins that help relieve pain and improve your mood can get stuck in the brain and not ever arrive in the tissues where they are needed. DLPA helps endorphins get to the needed area, which means faster relief and less pain-triggered bad moods!

Boswellia

Curamin Extra contains a specialized form of Boswellia extract. Many less-expensive Boswellia extracts may have beta-boswellic acid, which actually PROMOTES inflammation and pain. That's never good!

Curamin Extra Strength has AKAB boswellic acid, which is standardized to less than 5% beta-boswellic acid.  In other words, the AKAB guarantees that you aren’t taking the pro-inflammatory type or Boswellia.

In one study, AKAB Boswellia was shown to reduce symptoms by 60% in patients with arthritis. 

Turmeric

Turmeric is a root vegetable that has been highly prized and eaten in India for thousands upon thousands of years. Curcumin is the helpful extract from that bright yellow turmeric root. Curcumin supplements are readily available, but not all of them are created equal.

Curcugreen (formerly BCM-95®) Curcumin is made by a patented process. It contains both curcumonoids and tumerones whereas other supplements just have curcumin extract. Because of the curcumonids and tumerones, Curcugreen is 10 times more effective than others. Curcugreen curcumin has been studied and proven to be just as effective as NSAIDs without all the serious side effects (like death).

Yes, that's correct! Turmeric has been proven to be just as effective as Ibuprofen and any of your other generic aspirin.

Nattokinase

Nattokinase is an enzyme that comes from naturally fermented beans. Enzymes do the job of breaking and building up substances in your body.

Nattokinase is an enzyme that can break up fibrin or clotting substances in the bloodstream. This helps to reduce overall pain and inflammation. Nattokinase is considered to be one of the most efficient natural blood thinners out there.

(Look for our upcoming blog post that will go deeper into Nattokinase and all of its benefits.)

Curamin Extra Strength is packed with everything you need to relieve pain and it's safer to take then those NSAIDs you get over the counter. Want to stock your shelves with Curamin Extra? You can buy it here: Terry Naturally's Curamin Extra Strength.

How should you take Curamin Extra Strength?

If you've ever wondered how much you should take for certain symptoms, check out this infographic cheat sheet our Nutritionist Carly created.

For aching muscles: Take 1 tablet 3 times per day.

For a tough headache: Take 2 tablets and follow up with 1 tablet 1 hour later if symptoms haven’t subsided.

For joint pain and stiffness: Loading dose of 2 tablets 3 times per day for 1 week, then down to 1 tablets 3 times per day.

For sprains and strains: Loading dose of 2 tablets 3 times per day for 1 week, then down to 1 tablets 3 times per day until healed.

For backaches and shoulder pains: Take 2 tablets in AM and 1 tablet in PM unless symptoms resolve.

Commonly Asked Questions & Answers

Did Terry Naturally change the Curamin Extra Strength bottle and packaging?

Yes, they did change the bottle and packaging, but it is the same great formula you are familiar with!

What are the benefits of Curamin? 

Curamin’s top benefit is pain relief. It contains a high dose of curcumin which decreases inflammation. It also contains other natural compounds to reduce pain signals that travel to your brain. It helps your body to reset your pain messengers after an injury. Curamin contains a patented curcumin formula that has been proven to stay active in your bloodstream for over 12 hours. Curamin is an all natural pain-reducing formula.

Is Curamin an anti-inflammatory?

Yes, Curamin is a natural anti-inflammatory. It is not a prescription anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication, which can cause ulcers and digestive problems. Curamin doesn’t work in the same way the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications work. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can cause acid reflux and heart attacks. Natural anti-inflammatory compounds, like curcumin, have no side effects or risks. Curamin works with your body to naturally reduce inflammation.

Can I take Curamin on an empty stomach?

You can definitely take Curamin on an empty stomach, but I don’t recommend it. Most supplements, including Curamin, are best taken with a snack or meal. This activates the digestive process and helps get the best absorption. Think about it this way; you need to chew something in order to tell your stomach to release any digestive juices. When you simply swallow your Curamin on an empty stomach, you will not digest or absorb it very well. I take my daily dose with my breakfast.

Is it better to take turmeric or curcumin?

Curcumin is far superior to taking a turmeric capsule. Turmeric is a root that is usually dried into a powder. It is used in Indian cooking and creates a bright yellow-orange color. Curcumin is an isolated extract from turmeric root. Curcumin is only used in supplements. Use turmeric as a spice, and use curcumin capsules as a supplement to reduce inflammation.

Is Turmeric bad for kidneys?

No, turmeric is not bad for your kidneys. In fact, it reduces kidney inflammation in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Turmeric does have high amounts of potassium. People with any type of kidney disease must monitor their blood potassium levels. I recommend Curamin along with regular potassium blood testing for any type of kidney issues.

Does Nattokinase contain Vitamin K?

Nattokinase is an enzyme supplement made from fermented soybeans. It naturally contains Vitamin K1 but not Vitamin K2.

Can you take Curamin Extra Strength and Curamin at the same time?

You can most definitely take Curamin Extra Strength and Curamin at the same time. They have the same ingredients at different doses. I recommend keeping Extra Strength on hand because they come in tablet form. It is easier to break a tablet in half if you want a lower dose or want to increase the dose. Curcumin doses up to 8000mg have no negative side effects. I recommend taking both Curamin and Extra Strength with food.

For even more information regarding Curamin Extra Strength, listen to Carly Neubert BA, NC dive deeper into the details on this video:

 

How long does Curamin Extra Strength take to work?

This is one of the questions I hear most often, and unfortunately there isn't one magic answer because everyone responds differently.

Some people notice a difference very quickly, while others find that the benefits build with consistent use over time. It depends on how much inflammation you have throughout your body.  

If you are taking it for an injury or pain you have had for awhile, it may take weeks to notice a difference.  If you are taking for a headache, you may get relief in 15 minutes.  

I also think it helps to remember that Curamin isn't just one ingredient. It combines curcumin, boswellia, DLPA, and nattokinase, so you're supporting several different pathways involved in pain signal reduction and inflammation at the same time.

For occasional discomfort, some people use Curamin as needed, while others prefer to take it consistently as part of their daily supplement routine. I recommend it daily to reduce pain and inflammation.  

What is the difference between Curamin and Curamin Extra Strength?

Curamin and Curamin Extra Strength contain the same four primary ingredients: BCM-95®/Curcugreen® curcumin, BOS-10® boswellia, DLPA, and nattokinase. The big difference is the potency and ratio of those ingredients.

Curamin Extra Strength gives you higher levels of key ingredients in a tablet, which makes it a convenient choice for people who want the stronger Curamin formula without taking as many capsules.

I generally think of regular Curamin as the everyday version and Extra Strength as the option for someone

• has been in pain for more than a few days
• has multiple injuries or areas of pain
• has chronic or severe headaches
• has a very painful acute injury (like pulling a muscle while working out)

One other difference you'll notice right away is the form: regular Curamin comes in capsules, while Curamin Extra Strength comes in tablets.

What is the difference between Curamin Extra Strength and CuraMed?

This one gets confusing because Curamin and CuraMed sound almost identical, and they both contain the same specialized form of curcumin.

CuraMed is primarily a curcumin supplement. Its focus is giving you a concentrated amount of BCM-95®/Curcugreen® curcumin for whole-body healthy inflammation support. CuraMed contains one active ingredient: bioavailable curcumin.  

Curamin Extra Strength is a combination formula. It contains that same enhanced-absorption curcumin, but combines it with boswellia, DLPA, and nattokinase to provide broader support for pain and inflammation associated with injury or  overuse.

So, in really simple terms:

CuraMed = concentrated curcumin.

Curamin Extra Strength = curcumin + three additional ingredients for targeted comfort support.

Neither one is automatically "better." They are simply formulated for different purposes.

Can you take Curamin Extra Strength every day?

Yes, Curamin Extra Strength is formulated for daily use. The current suggested dose is 3 tablets daily, which can also be divided into 1 tablet three times per day. I recommend taking with food.

Consistency can be especially helpful when you're taking curcumin and boswellia for ongoing support rather than simply reaching for something when you're already uncomfortable.  Both curcumin and boswellia disrupt the inflammatory process and support the healing process of your muscles and tissues.  So having those ingredients on board, continuously, leads to reduced pain and inflammation.  

Can I take Curamin Extra Strength with ibuprofen, Tylenol, or other pain relievers?

This is one I wouldn't give a blanket "yes" to.

Curamin Extra Strength contains several active ingredients, including concentrated curcumin and nattokinase. Supplements can interact with medications, and the answer may depend on which medication you're taking, how often you use it, your dosage, and your individual health history.

If you occasionally use ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, naproxen, or a prescription pain medication, I would check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining it with Curamin Extra Strength for a daily regimen.

Can I take Curamin Extra Strength with blood thinners?

If you take a prescription blood thinner or antiplatelet medication, this is definitely something to discuss with your healthcare practitioner before using Curamin Extra Strength.

Curamin contains curcumin as well as nattokinase, and both are important considerations when you're taking medications that affect blood clotting.

This includes medications such as warfarin and other anticoagulants, as well as antiplatelet medications. Even aspirin can matter depending on the dose and why you're taking it.

I would also make sure your doctor knows about Curamin before a surgery or medical procedure. 

Does Curamin Extra Strength contain black pepper or piperine?

No. Curamin Extra Strength does not rely on black pepper or piperine to increase curcumin absorption.

Instead, it contains BCM-95®/Curcugreen® curcumin, which combines curcuminoids with components of turmeric essential oil.

This is one of the things I like about the formula because curcumin by itself is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb. There are several different strategies supplement companies use to improve absorption, and adding piperine is only one of them.  I don’t like curcumin supplements with piperine because it can be a gut irritant for some people.  If you have sensitive digestion like I do, you may want to avoid anything that can irritate your gut lining. 

Curcugreen uses turmeric's own essential oils rather than black pepper extract to enhance bioavailability.

What is BCM-95®/Curcugreen® curcumin?

If you've shopped for curcumin supplements, you've probably noticed what looks like an alphabet soup of trademarked curcumin ingredients. BCM-95® is one of those names, and today you'll also see it called Curcugreen®.

Curcugreen is a specialized curcumin extract made from turmeric. It contains a standardized curcuminoid complex along with turmeric essential oil to improve its absorption and bioavailability.

Why does that matter?

Regular curcumin isn't absorbed particularly well by your body and it can’t work for inflammation unless if get’s into your bloodstream. You can swallow a big number of milligrams, but the number on the front of a bottle doesn't tell you how much your body can actually use.

That is why I always tell people not to compare curcumin supplements based on milligrams alone. The form of curcumin matters.

Curamin Extra Strength uses Curcugreen rather than simply adding inexpensive turmeric root powder to the formula.

What are the possible side effects of Curamin Extra Strength or curcumin?

Most people tolerate turmeric and curcumin supplements well, but that doesn't mean they can never cause side effects.

Curcumin and turmeric supplements can occasionally cause digestive issues such as stomach upset, nausea, reflux, diarrhea, or constipation. If a supplement consistently makes your stomach unhappy, don't assume you simply have to put up with it. 

Solutions:

1. Try it a different time of day
2. Take it with food
3. Take a lower dose 

There have also been rare reports of liver injury associated with some highly bioavailable curcumin products. If you develop symptoms such as unusual fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes while taking a turmeric or curcumin supplement, stop taking it and contact your healthcare provider.

You should also talk with your healthcare practitioner before using Curamin Extra Strength if you're pregnant or nursing, taking prescription medications, preparing for surgery, or managing a medical condition.

Supplements can be incredibly useful tools, but I am a big believer in using them intelligently.

Is turmeric good for joint pain and stiffness?

Turmeric—and specifically curcumin, one of turmeric's most researched compounds—has received a lot of attention for joint comfort.

Researchers have studied turmeric and curcumin for osteoarthritis, including their effects on knee discomfort, stiffness, mobility, and function. All of the research is encouraging, including studies for mental health.  

Another important distinction is that the turmeric sitting in your spice cupboard isn't the same thing as a concentrated curcumin supplement.

I absolutely love using turmeric in food, but culinary turmeric contains only a portion of curcuminoids and isn't particularly well absorbed. A product such as Curamin Extra Strength uses a concentrated, enhanced-absorption curcumin extract instead.

And Curamin doesn't stop with curcumin. It combines Curcugreen curcumin with BOS-10 boswellia, DLPA, and nattokinase, which is one reason I like this formula for people looking for broader support for occasional or chronic joint and muscle discomfort and pain.

Think of turmeric as a wonderful food and spice. Think of a well-formulated curcumin supplement as a much more concentrated way to get the compounds researchers are actually studying.

If we haven't pumped enough information into you about the product and you're wanting to learn more, call us! Carly, our Nutritionist, would love to answer any of your questions regarding Curamin Extra Strength or anything else about the supplements you are interested in.

You can also leave a comment below and let us know what you think of our blog!

For additional recipes, biohacking tips and lifestyle hacks -- check out my other blog on my coaching site www.cleancoachcarly.com! I post weekly about nutrition and lifestyle topics, all backed by science. Happy Reading!

In health,

Carly Neubert BA, NC