Can Turmeric Help with Braces? The Truth About Curcumin Mouthwash

Getting braces is a major milestone, but the first month often comes with a literal “pain in the mouth.” From rubbing brackets to poking wires, traumatic ulcers (mouth sores) are a common rite of passage for orthodontic patients. A recent clinical trial explored whether Curcumin—the active compound found in turmeric—could act as a natural shield against these painful sores. Here is what the science says about using a curcumin rinse during your first 28 days of treatment. The Study at a Glance Researchers conducted a double-blind, randomized clinical trial with 70 patients (aged 12–30) starting their orthodontic journey. Half used a curcumin mouthwash, while the other half used a placebo. What was measured? Image by Deepak Singh from Pixabay The Results: Does it Work? While curcumin is famous for its healing properties, the results were a mix of “not quite” … Read more

What You Eat Can Play A Role in Preventing Cancer

New research has shown that several natural compounds found in food, including turmeric, apple peels, and red grapes, could prevent the growth of prostate cancer, the most common cancer in U.S. men. The research uses a novel analytical approach to screen numerous plant-based chemicals instead of testing a single agent as many studies do, discovering specific combinations that shrink prostate cancer tumors. After screening a natural compound library, the researchers developed an unbiased look at combinations of nutrients that have a better effect on prostate cancer than existing drugs. The researchers were able to inhibit tumor growth in mice without any toxicity. During the past decade, other cancer research has shown that the chemicals found in foods such as turmeric, apple peels and green tea could be beneficial against cancer. These compounds reduce inflammation within the body and this reduction … Read more