Combat allergy with curcumin

The changing weather comes with lots of bad winds at this time of the year. Along with that comes allergy, a major contributor to skin problems stemming from the overreaction of the body’s immune system, such as food, dust and more. Curcumin is a compound that can be effective to treat allergies.

Found in abundance in spices like turmeric and in traditional South Asian dishes, curcumin has been considered as a gold standard of health foods. We will share with you some common types of allergies and how curcumin can effectively treat them.

An allergy is the overreaction of the body’s immune system to allergens such as pollens, foods, some pets, and house dust mites. Though for most people, these substances referred to as allergens pose no problem but in allergic individuals, their immune system treats them as a threat and thus produces an inappropriate response. Curcumin, the main component of turmeric, has proven to be effective in preventing the onset of allergic reactions.

Signs And Symptoms Of Allergy

The allergic reactions can be manifested by:

• Runny and itchy nose
• Sneezing associated with itchy red eyes.
• Redness of skin and rashes
• Excessive cough, wheezing, and shortage of breath.
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.

There are certain risk factors related to allergies are as following:

• Age: Younger children are more prone to suffer from allergies than adults; though a lot of times children outgrow allergies as they grow older.
• Family History of Asthma or allergies: Individuals with a family history of asthma or allergies are at higher risk of developing allergies themselves.
• Personal History of Asthma or allergies: Having a history of asthma or allergic reaction to one thing can actually indicate an increased risk of other allergies as well.

Effects Of Curcumin on Allergies

• Curcumin helps to modulate immunity: Curcumin has known immune system modulation properties. It can alter the immune response so as to avoid hypersensitivity reactions. Allergies actually result from the hypersensitive reaction of the immune system and curcumin helps balance these reactions.
• It reduces Histamine release and acts as a decongestant: Curcumin contains a highly potent form of Curcumin that acts as a decongestant and anti-histamine working on reducing mast cell degranulation which results in the release of histamine. Thus it can treat chronic as well as acute allergies effectively.
• Inflammatory mediator inhibitor: Curcumin acts as a natural Leukotriene, an inflammatory mediator inhibitor for allergic reactions and thus helps in respiratory allergic conditions such as bronchial asthma and other lung problems.
• Brings down inflammation: Curcumin present acts on reducing inflammation in asthma by inhibiting the activity of the Notch-GATA signaling pathway while it suppresses the activity of nuclear factor-kappa B- which is the master protein that regulates inflammation. Also, it alleviates airway inflammation by creating a balance of immune cells called T helper cells. These actions prevent hypersensitivity reactions. It also controls other biochemical agents so as to control the inflammation and also prevents the narrowing of the airways. Thus, reducing bronchial inflammation related to asthma.
• Anti-oxidant effect: Allergies trigger an inflammatory response in the body. Curcumin helps in scavenging free radicals that attribute to inflammation and thus help relieve allergies.
• Anti-allergen: Since Curcumin prevents the accumulation of inflammatory cells while preventing constriction of airways. Also, it helps with a decrease in mucus production and its anti-allergic properties help reduce the incidences of allergy-induced asthma.
• Anti-microbial agent: Curcumin is known to have an antimicrobial and antiseptic effect. It has a natural ability to fight against bacterial and viral infections. It is as effective as antibiotics and helps eradicate respiratory infections which can trigger asthma attacks.

READ ALSO: Boost your immunity with turmeric

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