Golden Magic of Turmeric for Dogs
Article by: Donna Lorenz | Chief Dog Lover
Turmeric is amazing for dogs. Until Ruby’s cancer though I’d never thought of turmeric beyond delicious curries. But it was THE natural therapeutic agent most recommended to me whenever people heard of her cancer challenge. The more I investigated the more I learned that turmeric is not just a spice, it is one of the most effective natural medicines on the planet and has been used therapeutically for thousands of years.
Turmeric is native to south Asia and is grown in tropical areas around the world. Its active ingredients are turmerone oil and water-soluble curcuminoids, mostly curcumin which is what gives it its colour and seemingly its incredible healing power for humans and animals.
Curcumin has THE most evidence-based literature in support of its effectiveness on multiple cancers in multiple ways. In numerous studies it has been shown to destroy and inhibit cancer cell growth, enhance healthy cell function, amplify chemotherapy effectiveness and be a strong anti-inflammatory. That’s a strong cocktail of anti-cancer benefits.
Beyond cancer curcumin has also been proven effective to various degrees in mitigating many other health issues such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, weight loss, liver toxicity, and to have natural pain relief and antibacterial effects.
Given this wide range of health benefits we should all be getting more turmeric into our and our dog’s diets as often as possible, especially if we or they are dealing with cancer or inflammation related health issues.
Raw or whole turmeric is not sufficient on its own to provide therapeutic benefits as it has only small amounts of curcumin. But it is thought the natural oils found in turmeric root and turmeric powder can enhance the bioavailability of curcumin seven to eight fold. For therapeutic benefits it is important to consume the concentrated spice or, even better, curcumin capsules.
I often grated fresh turmeric into Ruby’s meals as I believe nature’s wholefoods deliver the perfect package of healing benefits but every day I also either sprinkled turmeric onto her dinner, or cracked open a curcumin capsule. It’s important to also add a COLD PRESSED oil (I use flaxseed oil, hemp seed oil or coconut oil) and a dash of black pepper to maximize the bioavailability to the system. The oil helps the curcumin to bypass the liver and go straight into the bloodstream and the piperine in the black pepper reduces the liver’s ability to break it down and flush it away. It sounds kind of complicated but it is really easy to do.
An even easier way to include the benefits of turmeric in your dog’s health regimen is as Golden Paste. This is a delicious and nutritious premixed concoction that you can spoon into your dog’s (or your) meals. You can make it yourself or buy it pre-made. Try this recipe from Dr Doug English (Vet) from Turmeric Life. http://www.turmericlife.com.au/turmeric-recipes-golden-paste/
Golden Paste Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (125 mls/60gms) turmeric powder
- 1 cup water (250 mls) PLUS 1 cup water in reserve, if needed
- 1/3 cup (70 mls) cold pressed Olive or Coconut oil (I also use flaxseed or hemp oil)
- 2-3 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Place turmeric and water in pan, stirring over gentle heat until you have a thick paste. This should take about 7-10 minutes and you may need to add additional water along the way.
Add the freshly ground pepper and oil AT THE END of cooking. Stir well (a whisk is ideal) to incorporate the oil and allow to cool. The Golden Paste will keep for 2 weeks, refrigerated.
In all the research I did, turmeric and curcumin was the most solidly heralded as a natural response to cancer. While study results vary and there is still much going on, the evidence is beyond anecdotal and has had proven efficacy in numerous research labs around the globe. So I embraced it and included it as a key element of her nutritional supplement program in both natural and supplement forms.
I also found many research studies hypothesizing or advising that the combination of curcumin and quercitin, a natural occurring flavonoid in many fruits and vegetables, had even more effect in apoptosis (killing cancer cells), and therefore I also included quercetin in her diet (as a supplement and in fresh grated apple).
I highly recommend we all include more turmeric in our and our dog’s diets. If you want to know more keep investigating through credible sources such as those listed below. Please feel free to get in touch and let us know how you get on.
Enjoy the golden magic of turmeric.
Eat well and enjoy life!
Research sources / more reading:
These are some of the research I found and learned from. Check them out if you’d like to learn more.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22471448
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/03/02/curcumin-benefits.aspx
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/turmeric
http://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/spice-of-life-curcumin-and-dog-cancer/
http://www98.griffith.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/handle/10072/36884/67255_1.pdf?sequence=1
http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html
http://nutritionfacts.org/2015/02/05/why-pepper-boosts-turmeric-blood-levels/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17569205
http://www.turmericlife.com.au/start-here/three-basic-ingredients-turmeric-benefits/
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