It's used in ayurvedic medicine as a digestive healing agent. Now Western medicine has begun to study how turmeric can help with gut inflammation and gut permeability, two measures of your digestive efficiency. Turmeric is even being explored as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.
Due to its therapeutic properties, turmeric not only supports detoxification steps in the liver but also help with several health conditions including gastrointestinal disorders (such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease – IBD, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome – IBS), osteoarthritis, diabetes and even cancer.
Turmeric as a Prebiotic
New research shows that taking turmeric may increase the function of the probiotic bacteria in your gut by acting as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are a form of fiber your body can't break down that probiotic bacteria in your gut use as food.
Relieve irritable bowel syndrome
Turmeric acts as a natural remedy, with the help of vitamins, minerals, and other chemicals that reduce inflammation, reduce abnormal muscle movements, and soothe digestive issues. Add a tablespoon of the spice to your food every day to find some relief.
According to a study published in the Nutrition Journal, it is thought that turmeric has a half-life (the time it takes the body to eliminate half of a drug) of 6-7 hours.
The World Health Organization found 1.4 mg of turmeric per pound of body weight is okay for daily intake. It's not advisable to take high doses of turmeric for long periods of time. There isn't enough research to guarantee safety. If you want to take turmeric to relieve pain and inflammation, talk to your doctor.
“Like other colorful plant-based foods, turmeric is rich in phytonutrients that may protect the body by neutralizing free radicals (pollution, sunlight) and shielding the cells from damage.” Diets rich in plant-based foods are associated with prevention of medical conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
Drinking turmeric water helps the skin radiate and look healthier. *Turmeric water also elevates liver health by producing vital enzymes capable of detoxifying the blood going to the liver by breaking down the toxins. *Turmeric water also helps in weight loss and indigestion.
Drinking lukewarm water has been shown to be good for digestion as well. Also, try eating plenty of foods high in water content. This includes fruits and vegetables like watermelons, tomatoes, lettuce, and celery. In fact, there are lots of foods that help cleanse the colon naturally through diet.
The antioxidant effect of turmeric appears to be so powerful that it may stop your liver from being damaged by toxins. This could be good news for people who take strong drugs for diabetes or other health conditions that might hurt their liver with long-term use.
Seema Singh, chief clinical nutritionist & HOD, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, told indianexpress.com, “Besides reducing inflammation associated with obesity, consumption of turmeric increases the metabolic rate which helps burn calories faster in the body. Turmeric water or turmeric tea can help you reduce belly fat.
Fasting during prolonged periods gives the gut the time it needs to restore its integrity. This is especially important for those with “leaky gut”, also called intestinal permeability, where the gut lining is weakened thereby allowing toxins, partially digested foods and pathogens to enter the bloodstream.
Turmeric should be taken with meals to help with absorption. It's also a good idea to divide it into two doses taken 8 to 12 hours apart. This will help increase absorption and keep levels steady in the body. Dividing the dose may also help reduce possible side effects.
Drinking turmeric milk before bedtime may help give your mood a boost. In fact, turmeric may even help alleviate symptoms of depression. In 2014, researchers launched a study to determine the effects – if any – of curcumin on significant depression.
But in high doses (more than 8 grams or about ½ tablespoon), the curcumin can cause upset stomach, dizziness, and diarrhea. Turmeric supplements are also not recommended for pregnant women, people who take blood pressure medication, or people who have gallstones or gastrointestinal problems.