Turmeric, Ashwagantha Root and Maca Root

I watch Dr. Suneel Dhand on YouTube and he recently uploaded a video about the benefits of Turmeric (link) as an anti-inflammatory. Before viewing this, I'd also noted that it had been added the Moringa capsules that I'd recently purchased off Amazon. See my post on Moringa Leaf.

Here is what Gemini had to say about Turmeric:

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. It's a polyphenol compound that gives turmeric its vibrant yellow color and is responsible for most of its medicinal properties. 

Benefits of Curcumin:

Anti-inflammatory: Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation associated with various conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Antioxidant: It acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to aging and chronic diseases.

May Improve Brain Function: Some studies suggest that curcumin may improve cognitive function and memory, particularly in older adults. It may also have potential benefits for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions

May Aid in Digestion: Turmeric has been traditionally used to support digestion and may help relieve symptoms of digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

May Boost Heart Health: Curcumin may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. It may also have blood-thinning properties, but more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Source

I was curious to find out the health benefits of the other ingredients in the capsules. So what is Ashwagandha root?

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is an ancient medicinal herb with several potential health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits:   

Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Ashwagandha is often referred to as an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. Studies suggest it can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall mood and well-being.   

Improved Sleep Quality: Ashwagandha may help regulate sleep patterns, leading to improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia.   

Enhanced Cognitive Function: Some research indicates that ashwagandha may improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and reaction time.   

Boosted Immune System: Ashwagandha may help strengthen the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections and illnesses.   

Increased Testosterone Levels: In men, ashwagandha may help increase testosterone levels, leading to improved sexual function and muscle strength.   

Reduced Inflammation: Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis.   

Source

What about Maca root?

Maca root, also known as Peruvian ginseng, is a traditional Peruvian medicinal plant with several potential health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits:   

Improved Sexual Health: Maca root is often used to boost libido and sexual desire in both men and women. It may also help improve fertility in men by increasing sperm count and motility.   

Hormone Balance: Maca root may help balance hormones, particularly in women going through menopause. It can help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.   

Increased Energy Levels: Maca root is believed to boost energy levels and reduce fatigue. It may be helpful for athletes and individuals with low energy levels.   

Enhanced Mood: Some studies suggest that maca root may improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.   

Improved Fertility: Maca root may enhance fertility in both men and women by improving sperm quality and egg health.   

Cracked Rib and Other Ailments

Leaning into a garbage bin to retrieve a rock that had tumbled in along with the garden refuse that I was discarding, resulted in a pronounced crunch that left me feeling that my one or more of my lower ribs had cracked. I don't know for sure if it has but the area remains very tender and I have difficulty in moving from various positions.

A couple of weeks earlier I was suffered for a couple of days with discomfort in the right unguinal area after a lot of up and down movement in the garden. I didn't have any herniation but the sudden onset of symptoms was a bit of a shock. The decrease in the strength of my leg muscles is disturbing. Today I was bending over repeatedly and putting all the weight on my right leg as I plucked out grass shots from the wood chip in the garden. I soon found that the leg was becoming fatigued.

Gardening has the benefit of making one realise where the weaknesses are in ones body. The unguinal discomfort and today's rapid onset of fatigue in the leg muscles remind me that I need to do a lot more strengthening exercises for my legs. I have started doing some regular isometric exercises for my upper body and a little for my legs. 

As I do so, other problems emerge such as discomfort in the bony protuberances on my hands and elbows. The latter is termed the medial epicondyle (the bony bump on the inner side of the elbow) joint while the former is the pisiform bone. To quote: 

Pain and tenderness on the palmar and ulnar aspects of the wrist in the area of the pisiform bone is fairly common. Chronic pain in the pisiform area may be due to tendinitis of the insertion of the flexor carpi ulnaris, bony fractures or osteoarthrosis of pisotriquetral joint which is the second most common degenerative arthritis in wrist after the scaphotrapezial osteoarthrosis. Source.

My right shoulder continues to bother me, especially when lying horizontal in bed. If I raise my upper body a little using two pillows, the pain subsides. The discomfort from my thymoma is ongoing but only manifests when getting out of bed or doing stretching movements. This and these other disabilities don't encourage exercise but I need to persevere nonetheless or I'm to find myself increasingly incapacitated.

A few days ago I weighed in at 70.8 kilograms and in fact over these past months I've been hovering around 71 kilograms. If I drop below 70 kilograms, it will assuredly be due to sarcopenia so I must strive to maintain muscle mass.

Source

Just as I track the properties of the number associated with my diurnal age EVERYDAY, I should be equally diligent in tracking all exercises and activities associated with my physical health. Should it be a physical diary or an electronic one? What do I track? 

... to be continued.