Turmeric-A life saver!!!

How much do you know about turmeric? Did you know it’s a cancer fighter, a pain reliever, an anti-inflammatory? Or that it’s a detoxifier, helps with gastrointestinal issues, is a boost for the liver, AND an anti-septic for wounds? What can’t this root vegetable do?!?!

I’ve been reading up on the benefits of turmeric and honestly after what I’ve read, I want to put it on EVERYTHING! Once you’re done reading this post, trust me, you’ll want to also! (and when you do, you can head over here to read about all of the benefits of turmeric for the 2-legged:  https://lyfebotanicals.com/health/turmeric-benefits/

I’m going to review 5 ways that turmeric is a life saver and I’ll even have a recipe for you at the end to help you incorporate it into your dog’s daily routine:

1. TURMERIC IS AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

It contains a compound called curcumin. This compound has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, AND anti-cancer fighting activities. It’s anti-EVERYTHING!

Not all inflammation is bad, of course. Typically acute inflammation will release white blood cells to the body’s tissues to start the healing process. It’s the chronic inflammation that’s the silent killer. Inflammation is a main cause of pain & joint failure within older dogs.

Inflammation is also not just a problem for dogs with joint disease! In fact, inflammation is the root cause of nearly all disease. It can cause the following:

• Cancer
• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Dental Disease
• Kidney Disease
• Digestive Disease

That’s just to name a few. Studies have shown that the curcumin contained in turmeric outperformed ibuprofen and is one of the best natural anti-inflammatories nature or medicine has to offer!

2. IT CAN TREAT & PREVENT CANCER

Studies show that half of the adult dogs today will get cancer. That’s an alarming statistic! Sadly, our lab, Mason, had been diagnosed with cancer when he was close to 11 years old. From surgery to remove the mass, to pills, to a new diet, we did everything we could for our Mason. It took less than 6 months after his surgery for his cancer to come back. If I would have known about the benefits of turmeric then, I would have added it to his diet years ago just to have him with us a little longer…https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/0jffHhsvwX4QwRs38yPb5xvU91DgDRpxwNTPqnSQ0HTK4ysKhznNRbQQZCW-DV6-DJLBdNuThWiEj5hyvLhnX3mzo1UZh9urb6Mtjx5_xs7yUa0PARzkQtSIoyv7PDISII5ySLEE” width=”400″/>

As mentioned above, chronic inflammation can cause cancer. The curcumin in turmeric has the ability to stop precancerous changes from becoming cancer. It is shown to kill cancer cells & prevent more from growing. So, it’s a way to treat cancer naturally too!

3.  IT RELIEVES ARTHRITIS PAIN

Turmeric can relieve pain & stiffness caused by arthritis. It has been shown that it’s better than conventional pain medications as far as treatment.

4. TURMERIC CAN TREAT GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

Did you know that dogs can have IBD? (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) It amazes me how alike dogs are to people when it comes to having some of the same ailments that we do. Well, the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric can help treat IBD.

5. IT CAN REPLACE STEROIDS

Many dogs are often given steroids to help treat allergies & joint pain. Studies have shown that the curcumin found in turmeric is just as effective as steroids. Another bonus is that side effects of turmeric are slim to none unlike other medications.

BONUS!!! HERE’S #6: TURMERIC IS AN ANTI-OXIDANT

This is not considered a life saver, BUT using it can help prolong your dog’s life! Anti-oxidants can slow aging, degeneration, & increase life span!

After reading this, don’t you just want to sprinkle turmeric on EVERYTHING?!?! Don’t do that, though! The curcumin in turmeric is hard for your dog to absorb if given on its own & won’t provide the results you’re looking for! It is important to add turmeric to either a healthy oil, like coconut oil, or to make a paste and add it to his or her food.

AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, HERE’S THE RECIPE FOR WHAT IS APPROPRIATELY CALLED  “GOLDEN PASTE:”

125 Grams of turmeric powder

500 ml of water

2 tbsp ground black pepper

70 ml virgin coconut oil

Put the turmeric & water in a pan on low heat & stir until thick. Then add the coconut oil and black pepper. Stir until mixed well.

Place in a jar or in an air tight container and keep in fridge for up to 4 weeks. It can also be kept in your freezer for up to 3 months.

*The amount you put on your dog’s food is based on your dog’s weight. Add a 1/4 tsp for a small dog, 1/2 tsp for a medium-sized dog, and up to 1 tsp for a large dog. This paste can cause binding & constipation. To prevent this, mix some water into your dog’s food dish as well.

I don’t know about you, but I’d give anything so that our dogs could live longer, happier lives! Adding something as simple as turmeric may do just that! If it does anything close to what I mentioned above, it’s definitely worth trying! I know we will be!  ***As with all natural treatments, ALWAYS consult your vet first before trying it out on your dog. If your dog is on current medications, it may not mix well with turmeric***