Nutrition

Can Turmeric Help Boost Yoga Flexibility?

Turmeric has become somewhat of a ‘buzzword’ in recent years. However, it’s been used by the practitioners of yoga and traditional Chinese Medicine long before it became popular in the West.

According to many reputable studies, turmeric’s powerful anti-inflammatory effects can boost joint health and help you recover faster from yoga exercises.

If you’d like to discover all of the benefits of this super spice, this article will provide you with all the essential facts. Keep reading to discover more.

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a plant native to India and some other parts of Asia. If you love to flavor your food with spices or you’re a fan of curry dishes, then you probably know that turmeric is the main ingredient used.

The main reason why turmeric is so healthy is because it contains several powerful ingredients – including curcumin[1]. This active compound gives turmeric its golden color and most of its health benefits.

According to a 2007 study overview from Advanced Experimental Medical Biology, curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial and anticancer properties[2]. As such, it has the potential to help with a whole host of health issues, including diabetes, allergies and arthritis.

Turmeric is especially beneficial for yogis – it can speed up recovery, boost joint function, and help you feel more comfortable on the mat. Here’s how!

How Turmeric Can Improve Your Flexibility

Turmeric is packed with anti-inflammatory compounds – many of which block the enzyme in your body that causes pain and inflammation[3].

Not only does this help to treat arthritis, but it may also reduce swelling and pain after surgery. This is why turmeric is such a popular joint supplement[4].

Ask any yogi who uses turmeric, and they’ll probably tell you that it makes them more flexible. The golden spice is thought to help prevent injuries and reduce inflammation on days when you exercise too hard.

A number of recent studies have shown that turmeric is just as effective at reducing inflammation as ibuprofen[5]. But unlike the drug, turmeric doesn’t put a strain on your liver or kidneys.

In one particular study from 2010, turmeric supplementation led to long-term improvement in knee pain and function in 100 participants[6].

Other Reasons Why Yogis Take Turmeric

Inflammation and joint health is just part of the reason why turmeric is so popular in the yoga community.

However, there’s more to this spice than inflammation benefits. Other ways turmeric may boost overall wellbeing include:

  • Could ease digestion

Turmeric is one of the spices that improve food’s digestibility. It’s the perfect add-on to high-protein food such as meat or beans.

Many yogis who’re vegetarians tend to have digestion issues from legumes. This food group is inherently gas-producing; however, turmeric helps to offset this by improving the digestive process[7].

  • May strengthen your immune system

Drinking golden milk lattes (a blend of hot milk and ground turmeric) could help defend against the common cold and flu. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties of turmeric may help to boost your immune system to fend off pathogens[8].

  • Helps fight depression

Turmeric is a natural mood booster. It acts as an antidepressant in your brain[9] promoting the production of happy brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Alongside, it also boosts a brain protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, also known as BDNF[10].

BDNF is important for triggering the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, an area of the brain that regulates many of your mental functions – including your mood[11].

How Should You Take Turmeric?

One issue with turmeric is that it’s fat-soluble, making it harder for your body to absorb. A large portion of the studies done on curcumin are done using the extract which is easier to utilize.

Even though curcumin extracts are potent, they don’t contain all the beneficial compounds that actually live in the turmeric plant. Therefore, the whole herb offers more over any one isolated compound as it carries specific microbes that support its actions[12].

This is why you should look for a turmeric supplement that combines not only turmeric extract, but also whole turmeric powder.

What’s more, you should always use turmeric in combination with black pepper. This boosts its potency and absorption by up to 2000%![13]

Drishti Ashti Turmeric for Joint Flexibility & Healing

At the moment, Drishti Supplements is our favorite supplement brand for yogis.

Drishti has several products in its range, including Ashti Turmeric which is formulated to boost joint function and recovery.

Each daily capsule of Ashti Turmeric contains responsibly sourced ingredients that help reduce soreness from intensive yoga classes.

Ashti Turmeric is said to help with:

  • Improved flexibility
  • Strengthened bones
  • Joint support and strength
  • Dieting and weight loss

Some reasons why this particular product stood out to us include:

  • Good manufacturing practices – cGMP certified
  • Natural formula – uses 100% vegan-friendly ingredients
  • Free shipping – all orders delivered fast
  • Good results – helps with yoga comfort and post-exercise healing

Okay, sounds great! But you might wonder, what’s inside Drishti Ashti Turmeric? Let’s have a look.

 

Ingredients

  • Organic Turmeric (Curcuma Longa root) (500mg)
  • Organic Ginger Extract (100mg)
  • Turmeric 95% Curcuminoids (50mg)
  • BioPerine (5mg)

Turmeric

Drishti Ashti doesn’t only use a curcumin extract, but also a whole turmeric powder. This way, you reap the benefits of both – the isolated curcumin extract is the most powerful compound in turmeric, while the powder supplies other beneficial compounds that work in tandem with curcumin to boost its effects.

Ginger

Ginger is added to Drishti Ashti to improve digestion, bile production, and blood flow[14]. It also adds nicely to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects with its gingerols, which boost your body’s capacity to fight oxidative stress[15].

BioPerine

BioPerine’s simple role in Drishti Ashti is to boost turmeric’s bioavailability in your body. In other words, it allows for more of its compounds to be absorbed instead of being passed down the digestive tract[16]. 5mg per serving is a good dose, too.

 

Find Out More

at Drishtisupplements.com

Who Makes Drishti Supplements?

Drishti is made by PFX Labs. The company, which originates from the UK, now operates worldwide and stands out against many other manufacturers.

One thing we noticed is that its supplements likeAshti Turmeric are specifically crafted for yoga practitioners. As the official website says: “Dedicated Yoga Supplements for Enhanced Flexibility, Focus and Recovery”.

Another thing that stood out to us about Drishti Supplements is its focus on quality and transparency. The ingredients are responsibly sourced and adhere to strict cGMP standards.

Drishti Supplements also donate $1 to American Forests and Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation for every order, and offer excellent customer care and fast shipping times.

10 Minute Yoga Flow for Strength & Flexibility

What’s one way to sleep better, feel less stressed, and stay focused? It’s by starting your day with a short and easy yoga sequence!

The following twisting and stretching movements should energize your body and calm your mind first thing in the morning. These poses will strengthen and lengthen your muscles, help you feel fit and flexible, and set you up for a productive and positive day.

1. Tadasana

This is also known as a Mountain Pose. You start by grounding your feet and pressing evenly with all 4 corners of each foot. Draw your stomach in and up and stretch your arms towards the floor. Hold this pose for 5-8 breaths.

2. Urdhva Hastasana

After lifting your arms up overhead, press your palms against each other. Activate your triceps and keep your abs and legs engaged. Hold this pose for 5-8 breaths.

3. Warrior I

This is a great pose do to first thing. Start by stepping your left foot way back on the mat, so that you’re in a lunge position. Press with the left corner of your left foot against the mat as you maintain the right knee lunged forward. Make sure the knee and the ankle stay aligned. Hold this pose for 5-8 breaths.

4. Warrior II

Following the Warrior I Pose, open your hips, waist and arms to the side as you look forward over your right arm. Your back foot can open up slightly more than 75 degrees. Just keep an eye on your front knee and make sure it doesn’t roll in. Keep your abs tight and keep your torso steadied between the legs.

Stay in this pose for 5-8 deep breaths.

5. Triangle

Straighten your front leg and lean forward, placing your right hand on your leg. Imagine this position as being between two narrow walls. Hold it for 5-8 breaths, then prepare for a plank.

6. Forearm Plank

Drop to your hands and knees with your forearms on the floor. Make sure to form a straight line from head to toe while holding the plank position. Keep your abs engaged throughout the whole exercise, which should last between 30-60 seconds. This will fire your core up for the day.

7. Baby Cobra

Drop down to your belly from plank, walk your hands a bit forward if you feel you need to, and lift your chest out. Keep your shoulder blades together and breathe into your chest and belly deeply. Hold the pose for 5-8 breaths, rest a bit, and then repeat two more times.

8. Child’s Pose

Finish this energizing yoga flow with a Child’s Pose to stretch your entire back body. Stay in this pose as long as you want to, before finishing with Savasana or standing up for a great day ahead.

Repeat this entire yoga sequence as often as you can, coupled with a daily intake of Drishti Ashti Turmeric for healthier joints and faster recovery.

[Related article: Does Hot Yoga Burn Calories?]

 

Summary

Yogis have an even greater need to take quality supplements, in order to get the most out of their daily practice.

Obviously, taking care of the basics is the most important first step. Avoiding junk food, eating clean, and getting lots of fresh air should be your starting point before anything else.

Then adding quality supplements, such as Turmeric to minimize inflammation, boost your flexibility, and improve joint function.

There are many great turmeric supplements out there, but our favorite pick of the bunch is Drishti Ashti Turmeric. It combines high-quality ingredients and has added ginger and Bioperine for better absorption, too. Weave it into your daily menu and watch your yoga progress accelerate!

 

Find Out More

at Drishtisupplements.com

Disclaimer:  The information on this site has not been evaluated by the FDA. The products on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Results in description and Testimonials may not be typical results and individual results may vary. We may earn commission if you click the links and buy the products featured on this page.

This post was last modified on Jul 27, 2020 7:15 am

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