Stomach pain may be the result of spicy food or a severe illness (and always worth a visit to your doctor), but whether temporary or chronic, relief may be just within arm’s reach. If you have a bottle of turmeric sitting on your spice rack, consider it your stomach’s new best friend.
Harvested from the turmeric plant, this common spice is used to flavor curry, mustard and other condiments, and even add color to food and cosmetics.
Meanwhile, scientists are testing turmeric – and its active ingredient, curcumin – for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Their research is not without precedent. Throughout history, this spice has been used as a natural remedy for a plethora of illnesses, from
- heartburn
- to liver disease
- and even high cholesterol.
Unfortunately, pinpointing the cause of an upset stomach isn’t always easy. Britt Brandon, a certified fitness nutrition specialist, explains the mystery like so: “Because there are so many organs and functions involved in digestion, the process can easily be disrupted, especially if you don’t get enough of the vitamins and minerals that are necessary to support those organs and their functions.”
Vitamins, minerals, fiber and anti-inflammatory compounds may help to smooth the complex and sometimes irritable function of digestion. Some nutritionists, like Brandon, swear by its effectiveness. “The potent compounds in turmeric also relieve the underlying issues of acid and bile overproduction, thereby promoting benefits to the body instead of painful conditions and helping to produce good bacteria, minimize bad bacteria, and improve the colon’s ability to absorb beneficial nutrients,” he writes in Turmeric for Health.
Is Turmeric Good for Nausea?
These compounds can also treat the physical and mental causes of nausea, which not only arises from inflammation and bacteria – but also stress. The spice’s antioxidants can aid in healthy brain chemistry, promoting general wellness and easing anxiety.
Can Turmeric Relieve Diarrhea?
No one likes talking about diarrhea, which is a messy inconvenience at best and a life-threatening condition at worst.
When afflicted with this ailment, you lose fluid, salt and nutrients – all necessary for the healthy functioning of your internal organs.
Diarrhea can be caused by:
- medications
- food poisoning
- allergies
- viruses
- or simple food intolerance.
Fortunately, a spoonful of turmeric may fix it right up.
Well, that’s three teaspoonfuls, to be precise.
Because of its magnesium and potassium content, a teaspoon of powdered turmeric three times per day may help to relieve loose stool. Both fight dehydration, while the combo of other vitamins and chemicals in turmeric can improve your overall digestion and boost your immune system.
Turmeric, Gas and Bloating, Oh My!
In addition to diarrhea, turmeric can also relieve gas and bloating by helping your body reduce the acids that cause flatulence. “For fast flatulence relief, turmeric can be used as an effective, all-natural remedy that’s not only able to treat the symptoms of gas but the underlying issues as well,” writes Brandon.
Turmeric Recipe Remedy for Digestion
Supplementing with Turmeric
Turmeric may also help those with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
In one 2015 study, people diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were given one gram of curcumin powder for eight weeks. By the end of the study, the group showed lower levels of inflammation than those given the placebo.
Other studies have shown turmeric’s effectiveness in stimulating bile production, which aids in digestion and helps your body absorb nutrients.
Conclusion
Turmeric has been the subject of many medical and scientific studies, and shows great promise in offering natural relief for stomach pain.
If you’re interested in adding this spice to your daily diet, finding a supplement that contains curcumin, the active ingredient, is key. Natural Wellness’s Turmeric 95 contains the highest percentage of curcumin available, and is formulated so it can be absorbed 20x more effectively by your system.
As with any supplement, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor to see if turmeric may interfere with any of your current medications, or if you have allergies.
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