2. Curcumin
Our runner-up for the best supplement is curcumin, a true superhero in the world of natural compounds. Curcumin is the biologically active component found in the delicious Asian spice, turmeric. For more than 4,500 years, turmeric has been a staple in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicinal practices for its powerful healing properties. Modern science is now confirming what ancient healers knew all along.
Curcumin has been shown to help with a vast array of inflammatory conditions, from joint pain to stomach problems, high cholesterol, and even anxiety. In fact, some studies have found it works as well or even better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for treating joint pain. For neuropathic pain, curcumin works its magic through several routes. It inhibits specific enzymes and proteins related to nerve pain and reduces general inflammation by lowering inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha. While large-scale clinical trials specifically for curcumin and peripheral neuropathy are still somewhat sparse, the combination of its proven track record for pain and inflammation, strong basic science, and a wealth of positive anecdotal data makes it a powerful tool.
