Spice up your immune system this winter with turmeric

They often seem surprised when I mention turmeric, with many perceiving the spice as a digestive aid to combat inflammation rather than recognising its inherent immune-boosting qualities. For example, research has found that the curcumin present in turmeric could act as an immunomodulatory agent, capable of modulating the activity of T-cells and B-cells, and pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as enhancing your immune system’s antibody response.[1]

This is very important for a number of reasons. How effectively your immune system works depends on the efficiency of your white blood cells which can loosely be divided into B-cells and T-cells. T-cells help to stimulate an immune response by recognising foreign pathogens and producing cytokines that activate other T-cells – think of them as a sort of watchman, keeping an eye out for any intruders and sounding the alarm when they encounter any pathogens or viruses.

This activity will then increase your production of antibodies, which are produced by B-cells that are developed in your bone marrow. Turmeric may increase this action, helping your T-cells to be more vigilant and consequently maintain a stronger immune system that is more capable of fighting off the types of viruses responsible for the cold and flu.

However, turmeric’s capacity to inhibit macrophages from producing pro-inflammatory cytokines that has the most widespread repercussions, helping to reduce systemic inflammation which has been associated with heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Not to mention, turmeric is also loaded with antioxidants that can help to prevent free-radical damage too!

So how do I go about getting more turmeric?

The problem with turmeric is that when it’s absorbed in your gastrointestinal tract, it’s metabolised quickly so you don’t always get the benefits. While it’s always worth adding more turmeric to your dishes, supplementing can be the only way of getting the right amount but again, most supplements have to go through your intestinal tract.

This is why I always recommend BetterYou’s Turmeric Daily Oral Spray. It’s absorbed directly into your bloodstream via the mucous membranes in your mouth meaning that it doesn’t have to pass through your digestive system. Instead, you get to make the most out of this potent dose which delivers 1300mg of turmeric per 4 sprays!

It’s also suitable for vegans and was even awarded the ‘Best New Health and Nutrition Product’ in the 2017 Natural and Organic Awards – not bad! BetterYou have even provided a citrusy orange flavour to make this spray more palatable so that taking this supplement doesn’t have to feel like a chore.