CuraMed: All Your Questions Answered

I often get questions from confused clients about turmeric and curcumin. My clients have heard about all the great health properties associated with turmeric and curcumin, but they don't know how to introduce it into their daily routines. Depending on their needs I recommend either CuraMed or Curamin. Both of these supplements have an indisputable history and evidence backing their anti-inflammatory strength.

If you are looking for more information on Curamin or Curamin Extra Strength, check out this article: All You Need To Know About Curamin Extra Strength.

Some people use the words turmeric and curcumin interchangeably. They are not the same thing. Turmeric root (curcuma longa) is the traditional Indian spice you cook with. Curcumin is the natural phenol found in turmeric that causes that bright golden color. Curcumin is an extract from turmeric root and is used medicinally in supplement form.

CuraMed Overview

CuraMed is the product name for an evidence-based high dose curcumin supplement. CuraMed is superior to other curcumin supplements because it not only contains curcumin, but also curcumin essential oils. Over 20 studies have proven that it is 10 times more readily absorbed than other curcumin supplements. The higher absorption rate is due to the patented process used to extract both curcumin and the essential oils from turmeric roots.  

CuraMed isn't your average, run-of-the-mill curcumin supplement. It is among the most studied and used curcumin formulas. There is a stark difference in the quality and strength of CuraMed and other curcumin supplements. CuraMed softgels are filled with a patented curcumin extract called Curcugreen (formely named BCM-96). This is no ordinary form of curcumin. It is a mixture of full-spectrum curcuminoids and turmeric essential oils. This unique formulation is 10 times more readily absorbed and stays in your bloodstream longer.

CuraMed is a potent weapon in your fight against inflammation. Curcumin is well studied and proven to support your body in a healthy inflammation response as well as protect your cells from oxidative stress.

There are a variety of dosages and formulas included in the CuraMed line. They are all free from sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, and dairy. They are also free from artificial colors, flavorings and, preservatives. 

Question #1: What does CuraMed do?

A growing body of medical science is supporting the use of natural anti-inflammatory supplements for inflammation found anywhere in your body. The benefits of curcumin outweigh the possible side effects because there are literally ZERO side effects from taking curcumin supplements. 

 

Most chronic and acute health problems have an inflammatory aspect.

• Here are a few examples:
  -Arthritis is inflammation of the joints.
  -IBS and Crohns are both inflammation in the intestines.
  -Multiple Sclerosis is inflammation near nerves.
  -Diabetes causes systemic inflammation.
  -The common cold causes inflammation in the ears, nose, and throat.
  Almost every known condition benefits from reduced inflammation. Curcumin is widely recognized as one of nature's strongest anti-inflammatory substances. That is why curcumin is recommended for such a wide variety of conditions.

Question #2: There are so many choices; which CuraMed should I take?

CuraMed comes in several sizes, doses, and formulas. So which one is right for you? All of the formulas contain the same patented and medically studied Curcugreen (formerly named BCM-95) curcumin. All formulas contain full-spectrum curcuminoids and turmeric essential oils. The main difference is the strength and dosages.

CuraMed 200mg is 1 softgel per dose. I recommend this dose for children or adolescents who can swallow soft gels. This is also a good starting dose for anyone who has a low body weight of 100 pounds or less. It is available in one size: a 60 count bottle.

CuraMed 375mg is also 1 soft gel per dose. I recommend this dose for those who want to take curcumin as a preventive measure. CuraMed 375 is for you if you don't have any aches or pains, but want to prevent them by taking an anti-inflammatory supplement every day. CuraMed 375mg is available in 60 or 120 count bottles.

CuraMed 750mg is for anyone who has problems with inflammation. If you have systemic inflammation caused by diabetes or an auto-immune disease, CuraMed 750mg will be your formula. Remember that most studies show a dose of 3,000mg or more is necessary for most inflammatory symptoms, including depression. CuraMed 750mg is available in 30, 60, and 120 soft gels per bottle.

CuraMed Syrup was developed for those who have a hard time swallowing pills. Although you can open the CuraMed softgels and mix them in water, the taste is pretty strong. If you have ever tasted turmeric root, you know that the flavor is pungent and powerful. CuraMed Syrup, on the other hand, is sweet and smooth. It is flavored with stevia so it is diabetic safe. I recommend it for children or adults who have a hard time swallowing. It has the same inflammation-fighting properties as all of the other CuraMed formulas. It has 200mg per dose. 

CuraMed + OPC is 2 soft gels per dose. It comes in a 60 soft gel box. It is a mixture of curcumin and OPC Grape Seed Extract VX1 which is an excellent anti-oxidant.

CuraMed Brain is 2 soft gels per dose and is available in a 60 count bottle. It contains curcumin, Vitamin D3, thyme, and rosemary.  All four of these nutrients support brain health. 

CuraMed + Tumerones is 1 liquid capsule per dose. It comes in a 60 count bottle. It contains 400mg of Curcugreen standardized full-spectrum curcumin extract. On top of that, there is an additional 50mg of CO2 extracted curcumin oil standardized to 30% ar-turmerones. Recent research indicates that ar-turmerones are the most crucial for anti-inflammatory processes.

Healthy Feet and Nerves: is a formula designed for the inflammation that causes peripheral neuropathy. The formula includes 95% standarized curucmin along with B vitamins to assist in nerve healing. Read more about this formula here.

CuraMed Acute Pain Relief is for the times you need quick and all-natural response. Read more about acute pain relief with this supplement.

Question #3: What are the side effects of CuraMed?

When you are in pain or have high levels of inflammation, why not just reach for the over the counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories)? Most of us have our cupboards loaded with Aleve, Motrin, Tylenol, and ibuprofen or aspirin. Although these medications are common and seem harmless, they have serious side effects. Major side effects include Dementia, Stomach Ulcers, Leaky Gut, Intestinal Bleeding, Leucopenia, and Malabsorption.  
In comparison to the potentially life threatening side effects of NSAIDS, studies have shown there are no side effects of taking daily high doses of curcumin.

I recommend taking CuraMed or Curamin with food to help with digestion. Like most supplements and medications, you could experience an upset stomach when taking them without food.

Question #4: What are the benefits of CuraMed?

Most health issues have inflammation associated with them.  The answer to any type of inflammation, from a common cold to cancer, is reducing inflammation.  

Chronic body aches and pains are associated with numerous conditions. Aches and pains are major symptoms of Arthritis, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Lyme Disease, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Many, if not all, chronic aches can be reduced by lowering inflammation levels. CuraMed offers anti-inflammatory power without the dangerous side effects.  

Curcumin is particularly powerful in your intestines. From Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) to colon cancer, curcumin will reduce inflammation and decrease pain.  

In the past, depression was blamed on genetics or malfunctioning brain chemicals. Gratefully, scientists have discovered the true root cause of depression: inflammation. The landmark study of 2013 taught us that curcumin decreases depression just as well or better than Prozac.

Question #5: What is the difference between Curamin and CuraMed?

 

 

CuraMed and Curamin both have high doses of highly absorbed curcumin. CuraMed is pure curcumin extract and essential oils, while Curamin has curcumin, essential oils and additional herbs targeted for pain. CuraMed has higher doses of curcumin than Curamin.  

CuraMed is best used to prevent or manage chronic aches and pains due to inflammation. It is also preferred for managing arthritis, digestive disorders and Leaky Gut. 

The Curamin formula includes DLPA which works to decrease pain sensations. Curamin is best used for acute or occasional aches and pains like headaches, or recent injuries. For example, I recommend Curamin if you get a headache, but I recommend CuraMed if you have chronic or daily headaches.  

Another example is back pain: if you hurt your back working in your garden, then take Curamin. If you have chronic back pain, no matter what activity you are doing, then take daily CuraMed. 

Question #6: The most frequently asked question I receive is: "how much can I take?"

Over 3,000 studies have been conducted using curcumin. Tests have recorded participants taking up to 8,000mg (8gms) per day without side effects or toxicity. If you translate the dose to CuraMed 750mg, you could safely take 10 softgels per day without risk of toxicity. I recommend starting with 3 softgels (2250mg) per day and increasing as needed.

Here's a reference guide for common chronic ailments:

For chronic inflammation associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Lyme Disease, take 9 softgels per day for 12 weeks and then decrease to 6 softgels per day. For Depression, take 4-6 softgels per day for 8 weeks. For IBS, take 3 softgels per day (2250mg) for 2 weeks. Increase up to 6 softgels per day as needed for relief. After relief is stable, decrease to a maintenance dose.

Question #7: What are the reviews saying about CuraMed?

From Terry Naturally's site:

"Thanks to CURAMED I have almost total relief. I have taken turmeric in the past with great success but this tops them all with a total days worth of relief with just one in the morning and one at night."

From Terry Naturally's site:

"A nutritionist highly suggested CuraMed. This is an incredible product and I will continue to tell everyone about it!"

From Amazon:

"I have arthritis in my hands and elbows making life very painful. Other medications irritate my stomach. This is the first thing to ease and almost completely get rid of my pain and stiffness without making me feel sick. My only complaint is the pills are large but it's worth it!"

From Amazon:

"I cannot take any N-SAIDS and didn't know what to do for my arthritis pain. Someone recommended this product and while I'm not always pain-free, the discomfort in my back and left leg has improved tremendously."

Question #8: What is the difference between turmeric and curcumin?

Tumeric is a root that grows in well-drained soil.  The plant name is curcuma longa.  It is in the same family as ginger.  Turmeric is often dried and ground into a powder and used as a spice in traditional Indian foods or used as a coloring agent.  Raw turmeric root and dried turmeric powder taste somewhat bitter and are often compared to mustard.  You can purchase turmeric powder on the spice aisle and raw turmeric root in the fresh vegetable section of a grocery store.  

Curcumin is an extract taken from turmeric root.  When you eat or use turmeric root, you get an unknown amount of curcumin extract.  If you want to obtain the anti-inflammatory benefits or curcumin as seen in medical studies, you have to take a high-quality supplement.  It would be nearly impossible to eat enough turmeric root to obtain 500-1000mg of curcumin extract.  Curcumin supplements are available in varying strengths. 

Question #9: Is turmeric the same as curcumin?

Turmeric is not the same as curcumin.  Turmeric is a whole food and curcumin is an extract that is dreived from turmeric roots. When shopping for curcumin, look for a supplement with a standardized extract.  Avoid supplements that only list turmeric root as the main ingredient.  

Question #10: What is turmeric with black pepper (piperine)?

Some studies show that taking curcumin with black pepper (piperine) will increase absorption.  While this is true, there are also studies that show that black pepper is irritating to the gut lining and can cause additional inflammation.  For this reason, I recommend a high-quality standardized curcumin extract without black pepper.  Curcumin is not very easy to digest and absorb.  That is why I recommend a standardized extract and a form that is optimized for absorption.  Terry Naturally uses enhanced technology to create a form of curcumin that is proven to be 95% absorbed and used within your body.

Question #11: How long does it take for a turmeric supplement to work? 

It depends on what kind of pain and inflammation you are dealing with.  I recommend CuraMin for acute pain, such as a headache.  You can see results within 15-30 minutes.  For long term aches, pain, and inflammation, I recommend this dosing schedule or the one listed above.  Read more about how inflammation is a common issue in many diseases in this blog post:  What is Inflammation. In this article, I describe Dr. Kelly Brogan’s recommendations for using curcumin for depression.  Above in this article, I outline the main reasons and diagnoses that benefit from curcumin supplements.

Question #12: Are turmeric supplements safe to take every day?

Yes, turmeric supplements can be taken every day.  Read more about medical studies about long-term use and high doses and the end of this article, All You Need to Know About CuraMin Extra Strength. 

Question #13: What should I look for in a high-quality turmeric supplement?

Here is a list of what to look for in a high-quality turmeric/curcumin supplement.

1. Standardized extract
   1. I recommend something that is at least 95% or more.  Read more about absorption at the beginning of this article.
      
      
2. At least 500mg or more per dose
   1. Most studies show improvement of symptoms with 500mg-3000mg per day
      
      
3. A healthy fat in the capsule.  Avoid a supplement that is just powder.
   1. Curcumin is difficult to absorb.  Taking it emulsified in fat will increase absorption.  Look for a gel capsule or liquid.  
      
      
4. Third-party testing and “cGMP” on the label
   
   
5. Low ingredient list
   1. Look for a supplement without added coloring, excipients, and flow agents

Question #14: Do turmeric supplements help with inflammation? 

Yes, the main reason to take curcumin supplements is inflammation. Pain is usually a by-product of local or systemic inflammation.  Diabetes, arthritis, and depression all have a common thread----inflammation.  So curcumin supplements will assist with all of these conditions. For a list of the top causes of pain that can be alleviated with curcumin, read this blog--The All Natural Pain Killer.

Question #15: Can turmeric supplements help with joint pain or arthritis? 

Yes, joint pain and arthritis are among the top reasons to take curcumin supplements.  See this blog for all the reasons you want to avoid NSAIDs and use a combination of curcumin and boswellia instead. And read all about how curcumin can reduce chronic pain in many conditions in this blog.

Question #16: Should turmeric supplements be taken with food?

Yes, I recommend that most supplements be taken with food for optimal digestion and absorption.  

Question #17: Can turmeric interact with medications?

Yes, curcumin supplements can interact with the following classes of medications: 

1. Blood thinners
2. Some chemotherapy medications

Check with your doctor if you have a history of gallbladder or kidney issues. 

Question #18: What is the best form of turmeric supplement? 

The best curcumin supplements will have 

1. Standardized extract
2. Enhanced absorption technology 
3. Both tumerones and curcuminoids
4. Liposomal or fat emulsion

Conclusion

If you want customized advice about how to reduce pain and inflammation with CuraMed, schedule a consult with me, Carly Neubert BA, NC