Is Turmeric good for the Stomach? (IBS, Bloating, Gastritis)

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Is Turmeric Good for the stomach?

Turmeric is good for the stomach because the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin help in digestion, acid reflux and prevent gut damage from certain medications. 

Curcumin has been a part of Ayurveda as a digestive remedy for a long time. 

In addition, the nutrients and active ingredients in turmeric help acid production, digestive movements, and nutrient absorption. 

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the active ingredient curcumin can protect the gut from irritants and free radicals. 

A study further suggests that the various medicinal properties of curcumin can protect the body from gastric disorders. 

In the video below, Sameer Islam MD explains how Turmeric can be beneficial for Gut Health:

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Can you use Turmeric for IBS?

Turmeric can be useful for IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) because the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin help with digestive issues. 

A pilot study performed on 207 subjects demonstrated that, when patients were supplemented with turmeric extract for 8 days, the patients reported a significant reduction in the symptoms of IBS. Patients reported a significant decrease in abdominal pain and discomfort, and a significant improvement in bowel movements. 

In another study when patients were administered a commercially available remedy containing 330 mg of turmeric extract and other ingredients, the patients reported a significant decrease in IBS symptoms as compared to the placebo group. 


Can you use Turmeric for bloating?

Turmeric can be useful for bloating because studies show that turmeric can help decrease the symptoms of IBS such as bloating, gas, and indigestion.

The active ingredients of turmeric help in digestion and prevent the overproduction of acids in the stomach that causes gas. It is suggested to drink a glass of juice containing a tablespoonful of turmeric to get relief from gas. 

Women in online forums have suggested drinking turmeric tea to prevent the occurrence of gas during the monthly period. 

Turmeric can cause symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness in some people, so it is advised to start with a small dosage.  


Is Turmeric effective for gastritis?

Turmeric may be effective for gastritis because the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of curcumin help decreases inflammation. 

Gastritis can be caused by various reasons such as over-secretion of gastric acid, infection, and inflammation. A review suggests that turmeric can help ease the symptoms of gastritis with its anti-inflammatory properties. 

A study performed on rats confirmed that curcumin can block acid secretion and stress-induced gastric ulcers and other agents that can cause stomach irritation. 

Turmeric has been a part of Ayurvedic medicine, and online forums suggest that turmeric can relieve acid reflux, however, more clinical trials and evidence are required before it can be used as a treatment. 


Can you use Turmeric for GERD?

Turmeric can be used for GERD because curcumin decreases inflammation and act as an anti-oxidant. GERD is caused due to inflammation and oxidative stress and studies show curcumin can be effective against those thus helping relieve GERD.  

It is suggested to use curcumin capsules or tablets to get relief from GERD, because taking a turmeric tea or in other forms may not be effective during acid reflux or GERD.

Turmeric in its raw form has very low bioavailability so, it is suggested to consume black pepper extract and turmeric to improve absorption


How to use Turmeric for acid reflux?

Turmeric can be used in the following ways for acid reflux:

  • Powder: Turmeric is available in powder form in grocery stores. The powder can be added to food or directly to water. Turmeric can be consumed directly by mixing it with water. 
  • Tea and Shots: 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls of turmeric can be added to a juice or simply boiled with water. Other ingredients can be added to the tea or shot to provide additional relief from acid reflux. 
  • Capsule or supplement: Turmeric extract or curcumin is available in the form of capsules that can be consumed directly for the treatment of acid reflux. 

Is Turmeric effective for gas?

Turmeric is effective for gas because it helps with proper digestion and prevents the overproduction of acids that causes gas.

An analysis of various published articles shows that turmeric can be effective for gas and bloating associated with irritable bowel syndrome. 

Adding turmeric to the daily diet can work as a home remedy for the treatment of gas. 

To use turmeric for gas:

  • Add 2 tablespoonfuls of turmeric powder to 3 cups of water.
  • Boil the mixture over low heat.
  • Once cooled, strain the liquid.
  • Add a juice of a freshly squeezed lemon.
  • Add honey for taste.
  • Drink.

Is Turmeric good for digestion?

Turmeric is good for digestion because the active ingredient curcumin works as a digestive stimulant. It increases mucus secretions in the intestine offering protection against irritants and facilitating digestion. 

Turmeric has been a part of Ayurveda and kitchens for a long time as a digestive aid. It is suggested that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric help with digestion.   

Turmeric can be used for digestion in different ways:

  • Turmeric powder: Add a teaspoonful of powder to a glass of water and boil. Once cool, drink.
  • Add turmeric to daily cooking. 
  • Take turmeric supplements available as extract or curcumin. 

Is Turmeric good for pancreatitis?

Turmeric is good for the treatment and prevention of pancreatitis. A study performed on mice shows that curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric plays a role in the prevention of pancreatitis. The study found that when curcumin was administered to the mice for 6 days, it decreases several disease markers associated with pancreatitis. The study concluded that curcumin can prevent pancreatitis disorder by inhibiting inflammatory agents. 

Another study performed on rats found that the administration of curcumin significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory agents as compared to the control group. The study found that curcumin can reduce inflammation in pancreatitis by inhibiting the pathway that causes inflammation. 


Can you use Turmeric for SIBO?

Turmeric may be useful for SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) because studies show that it decreased symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. However, more trials and evidence are required before it can be used for the treatment of SIBO.  

The study was conducted to evaluate the effectivity of curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric on gastrointestinal disorders, and the gut microflora. The study found that a 500 mg dose of turmeric extract for 8 weeks significantly decreased the symptoms of diarrhea, stress, and anxiety but had no effect on SIBO. The authors suggested using larger samples and testing methods to test the microflora of the gut. 


How to use Turmeric for intestinal worms?

You can use turmeric for intestinal worms as follows:

  • With milk or water: Add a small amount of turmeric to the hot water or milk. Mix well, allow to cool, and drink. 

A pinch of salt and lemon can be added to the above preparation. It can be drunk every day, or for 5-7 days. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of turmeric help get rid of the worms in the stomach or intestine. 

A study was performed on mice to evaluate its effectiveness against parasites. At the end of the study, the researchers found that the mice treated with turmeric had less number of worms and a complete absence of adult worms. 


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Sources

This article makes use of information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Is Turmeric good for the Stomach? (IBS, Bloating, Gastritis)
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