Turmeric is a spice used in cooking and has also been used for medicinal purposes. It contains a compound called curcuminwhich is the origin of its potential health benefits. Curcumin supplements are being studied for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
But could turmeric be present in your food or curcumin Can supplements also be used to spice up your love life? There is no simple answer to this question. Although some evidence supports the various health benefits of curcumin, boosting libido is more complicated.
Claims About Turmeric Affecting Hormones
There is a lack of studies on how curcumin supplements affect the levels of hormones that influence sexual function. Although some studies have explored how cancers of the reproductive system respond to curcumin, this research does not address how it may affect sexual health.
It is thought that curcumin may have anti-estrogenic and antiandrogenic properties, meaning it could block the production of estrogen and testosterone. This has been studied in people with cancers affected by hormoneslike breast cancer. Blocking hormone production is a method of treating certain types of cancer.
Anti-inflammatory properties and sexual function
Curcumin may contain anti-inflammatory properties. It may act on some of the pathways leading to inflammation. Curcumin may also help reduce oxidative stress, in which there is an imbalance between harmful free radicals (highly reactive molecules produced by cellular processes) and helpful antioxidants, which can damage cells and tissues. These advantages are not directly related to sexual function but could contribute to better overall health.
Some studies in rats and pigs show that curcumin may help with vasodilation, increasing blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Increasing blood flow to the penis could potentially help erectile dysfunction. However, this theory has not yet been studied in humans.
One human study looked at a mixture of several herbs to treat erectile dysfunction. It included curcumin, but also other herbs believed to have an effect on sexual function. The results showed that subjects who received the supplement had slightly improved scores on sexual intercourse questionnaires. However, this study was preliminary and the authors noted some difficulties in obtaining good data on the exact effects of this herbal preparation on the people who took it.
Can it boost libido?
Currently, there is little evidence supporting the use of turmeric for stimulate libido (sexual drive).
Curcumin is not chemically stable and is not easily absorbed into body tissues. Additionally, while they may have some effects on the body, they are not strong enough to be useful in treating a health problem such as sexual dysfunction.
Studies in rats have tested the effects of curcumin in the treatment erectile dysfunction. Some of this research dates back decades, so there has been little progress in advancing the theory.
Research on rats and curcumin generally focuses on the management of erectile dysfunction in the context of diabetes. Generally speaking, curcumin supplements did “improve” erectile function, but in diabetic rats, not in humans.
Little research has been done to know the effect that turmeric may have on female sexual function. It’s unclear whether turmeric supplements could help people of any gender with their libido.
What happens if you take too much?
Turmeric or curcumin supplements are generally thought to be safe for most people. The researchers write that for healthy people, taking between 4,000 and 8,000 milligrams (mg) per day has not been associated with many long-term negative effects.
This does not mean that side effects do not occur or are not possible. Doses between 500 and 1,200 mg/day have caused diarrhea, headache, rash, and yellow stools in some people. Higher doses, between 500 and 4,000 mg/day, cause nausea and diarrhea in some people.
Even more worrying, taking this amount also caused an increase in blood levels of enzymes called alkaline phosphatase And lactate dehydrogenasewhich could indicate an underlying condition.
Other possible side effects of curcumin supplements are:
- Anemia (low number of healthy red blood cells) in people with low iron intake
- Risk of bleeding
- Gallbladder problems
- Gastrointestinal effects (nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea)
- Kidney problems
- Liver injury
- Lowering blood sugar levels
How to Take Turmeric for Sexual Health
Since there are no guidelines on the best way to take turmeric supplements for sexual health, people experiencing problems might benefit from talking to a healthcare professional. A provider can comment on the benefit of taking turmeric and rule out other conditions that may contribute to sexual dysfunction, such as diabetes or diabetes. heart problems.
Additionally, erectile dysfunction can cause significant stress and impact quality of life. Treatments are available and can help.
The dosage that might help with sexual function has not been established. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers a daily dose of 1.4 mg of curcumin per kilogram of body weight (0 to 3 mg per kilogram of body weight) to be acceptable. However, this is based on studies in rats.
As with most supplements, the best time to take them is when it is convenient and easy to remember to do so. Since turmeric and curcumin can cause stomach upset, consider taking this supplement with meals.
Some people may also wonder about combine turmeric with ginger in a supplement. Ginger may have some health effects (such as being anti-inflammatory) that overlap with those of turmeric. There is not enough evidence on the magnitude of the health effects of this combination to draw conclusions.
Who should avoid taking turmeric?
Although turmeric is generally considered safe when taken as a supplement, it may have an effect on certain medical conditions or medications. It is recommended that people avoid turmeric supplements and ask their doctor if they:
- Are allergic to turmeric
- You are receiving chemotherapy
- are taking blood thinners
- have been diagnosed with a blood clotting disorder
- have been diagnosed with diabetes or are taking medications that lower blood sugar levels
- You have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- I have an upcoming surgery planned
Sexual health tips
If you have sexual health concerns, consult a healthcare professional to address your concerns and seek solutions. For example, certain medications can affect libido or sexual health.
However, there are steps people can take to improve their overall sexual health. Here are some tips:
- Don’t use recreational drugs.
- Follow a healthy diet.
- Exercise more.
- Limit alcoholic beverages or don’t drink.
- Maintain a healthy weight (talk to your healthcare professional about what this means for you).
- Stop smoking.
- See a doctor regularly for an examination.
Summary
Turmeric is a spice studied for its health effects. Curcumin supplements contain the active ingredient curcumin.
Research on the use of curcumin for its health benefits is not yet definitive, and there is little evidence for its use to improve libido or sexual performance. Most studies have been done on rats, not humans.
Curcumin is generally safe, but it could have side effects in people who take certain medications or live with a health condition. The first step in treating sexual dysfunction is seeing a healthcare professional to understand the cause and explore solutions to improve quality of life.