A new study found that turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, was as effective as a drug often prescribed for indigestion and stomach discomfort.
Key Ideas
- The study found that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is as effective as omeprazole for reducing stomach acid associated with dyspepsia (indigestion.)
- In the U.S., doctors often prescribe omeprazole to help reduce acid when a person is experiencing indigestion or stomach discomfort.
- Turmeric is a bright yellow spice traditionally used as an antacid in Southeast Asia.
- This is the first direct comparison of turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, with the medication omeprazole.
What Is Omeprazole?
According to the Mayo Clinic, omeprazole is a commonly used, generic drug that reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. It is used to treat indigestion, heartburn, stomach ulcers and acid reflux.
Omeprazole is called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) because it blocks a system in the stomach called the proton pump during the final step of acid production.
When the proton pump is blocked, the stomach makes less acid which can decrease the symptoms of indigestion or acid reflux.
Latest Research
The study, published this month in the medical journal BMJ, compared how more than 150 people with dyspepsia, or indigestion, responded to either the drug omeprazole, turmeric — which contains the compound curcumin — or a combination of the two.
The study is the first direct comparison of the two antacid therapies.
“In addition to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant purposes, curcumin/turmeric could be an option for treating dyspepsia with comparable efficacy to omeprazole,” said lead study author Dr. Krit Pongpirul, associate professor in the department of preventive and social medicine at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand.
Understanding Dyspepsia and Acid Reflux
Indigestion — also called dyspepsia or an upset stomach — is discomfort in your upper abdomen. Indigestion includes certain symptoms, such as pain or burning in the stomach, bloating and a feeling of fullness soon after you start eating.
Indigestion is an umbrella term that describes a range of symptoms rather than a specific disease. However, indigestion can also be a symptom of other digestive disorders.
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and chest discomfort. It can be triggered by various factors, including certain foods, obesity, and lifestyle choices.
Acid reflux feels like heartburn: a mild burning sensation in the mid-chest, often occurring after meals or when lying down. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of acid reflux.
In GERD, the backflow of stomach acid is chronic and over time, causes serious damage to the esophagus (the hollow, muscular tube that passes food and liquid from your throat to your stomach.)
The Golden Powder
Turmeric has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia for cooking. It has also been used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory, to treat digestive and liver problems, skin diseases, and wounds.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, turmeric has been shown to have many benefits, including increasing bile production, which aids in digestion and reducing pain in the body.
The bright yellow powder has also been considered a power antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals, which are thought to play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.
Although anecdotal evidence suggests that turmeric relieves acid reflux, there are few clinical trials to prove these claims.
How to Incorporate Turmeric
If you’re interested in trying turmeric for indigestion here are some tips:
Turmeric Tea: Brewing a cup of turmeric tea can be soothing and may help alleviate symptoms.
Turmeric in Cooking: Incorporate turmeric into your meals by adding it to curries, soups, or stir-fries. It not only enhances flavor but also provides potential health benefits.
Turmeric Supplements: Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements because doses higher than what is naturally found in food may be harmful for some.
Reason for Caution
While turmeric shows promise in managing indigestion, it’s still wise to be cautious:
Individual Reactions: The effectiveness of turmeric can vary from person to person. What works for one person may not work for another. Turmeric may also interact with certain medications that need to be monitored.
Side Effects: Turmeric is generally considered safe, but some individuals may experience side effects like stomach upset. So start with a small amount to see how your body responds.
Turmeric is also a natural blood thinner, so if you take drugs that thin your blood or have an upcoming surgery, check with your doctor for recommendations about safe usage.
Consult a Professional: If you are considering using turmeric in higher doses as a treatment for indigestion, consult a healthcare provider for guidance first.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, recent research suggests that turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive properties, may offer relief for indigestion and related conditions. However, it’s important to use turmeric as a complementary option with other lifestyle modifications and medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice for your specific needs.
For more ideas and information on using turmeric, check out the following.
Can You Use Turmeric to Treat Acid Reflux?
Indigestion- Symptoms, Causes and Complications
Turmeric Might Help Treat Your Indigestion
10 health benefits of turmeric tea
Image by wirestock on Freepik
Hi, just wanted to tell you, I liked this article. It was funny.
Keep on posting!
The use of turmeric explained nicely.
What type of turmeric your using/recommending , like
Yellow/plain turmeric or
Black turmeric or
Lakadung ?
We are farming the above varities.
You can contact us for further information.
Regards.