Turmeric is being used in traditional medicines for centuries and one of its many benefits is that it relieves digestive issues. People use turmeric against stomach ulcers as a home remedy, but the research has shown its potential to treat acid reflux at home, without any other medicine.
Turmeric is often used in alternative therapy for treating a number of digestive issues such as heartburn, and ulcers Curcumin, a naturally occurring ingredient inside turmeric is responsible for its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer effect.
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For those who don’t know about turmeric, it is that aromatic and yellow powder that is added to any Indian curry which gives it a spicy taste and a bright color. There are so many studies that have evaluated the medicinal potential of turmeric but there is no research that specifically talks about how turmeric may treat acid reflux at home.
There is sufficient evidence that suggests that turmeric can improve digestive health/ A previous study reported that acid reflux as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is somehow linked with chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This same study proposed that these conditions might be treated using products that add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to the body.
Another study estimated the anti-inflammatory benefits of curcumin from turmeric which may inhibit digestive inflammation. So one thing is clear that turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that also has a high amount of anti-oxidants to offer. For this reason, it may relieve the symptoms of GERD.
A recent study from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences presented curcumin as an anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant-rich ingredient that may relieve digestive disorders. All of this suggest that turmeric may treat acid reflux at home.
Turmeric which is commercially available is a powder made from the rhizome of the turmeric plant. This powder is added to different recipes, mainly curries or mixed in herbal teas or water for remedial benefits. But to treat acid reflux at home, turmeric supplements are better than using turmeric mix in water or recipes.
Turmeric supplements provide more amount of the product and are easier to take. Once inside the body, the curcumin takes some time to absorb. That’s why many turmeric supplements are often added with Piperine, another natural ingredient from black pepper, which may increase the bioavailability of turmeric.
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But a hypertensive person can’t use turmeric to treat acid reflux at home as it is a blood thinner and can’t be used by a person who is already taking blood-thinning medicines. Diabetic patients can also not use turmeric on their own because it can bring the blood sugar to dangerously low levels.
Although there is a huge possibility that turmeric can treat acid reflux, there are still chances that it may not work at all or make it go worse. These side effects are mainly because of the pepper-like nature of turmeric. In case a person experiences undesirable effects after using turmeric, he should immediately stop using it.