If you've ever experienced the discomfort of indigestion, you might find relief in an unexpected place: your spice rack. A study published in the medical journal BMJ shows that turmeric, a spice accepted for its culinary use, is equally helpful in treating gastrointestinal symptoms as the frequently prescribed medicine omeprazole.
Turmeric, derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, contains a compound called curcumin, which is believed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. It has been used in Southeast Asia for medicinal purposes, including to treat indigestion, for many years. However, scientific research comparing turmeric to conventional medications for indigestion relief has been scarce—until now.
A trial that was conducted in Thailand from 2019 to 2021 included 206 patients between the ages of 18-70 suffering recurrent, unsettling dyspepsia with an unknown cause. These individuals were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups for 28 days:
Turmeric Group: Participants received two large 250-mg capsules of curcumin four times a day and one small dummy capsule (69 patients).
Omeprazole Group: Patients took one small 20-mg capsule of omeprazole daily and two large dummy capsules four times a day (68 patients).
Combination Group: Participants received both turmeric and omeprazole (69 patients).
Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), is traditionally used to treat functional dyspepsia, characterized by symptoms such as postprandial fullness, early satiety, and stomach or food pipe discomfort.
Significant improvement in symptom severity was reported for all three age groups on day 28 of the study. The positive effects became even more pronounced by day 56. Importantly, no serious side effects were reported, although some curcumin users with excess weight showed slight deterioration in liver function tests.
The study is quite encouraging, but it does consider its limitations, that is the limited sample size, a brief intervention period, and the lack of long-term monitoring data. However, the researchers consider and emphasize the importance of larger, longer-term studies to strongly support and confirm the findings.
The Secretary-General, Dr. Krit Pongpirul of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, believes that this study provides very reliable information on the medical use of turmeric to treat active dyspepsia. The results "may justify considering curcumin in clinical practice," he argues.
However, gastroenterologist Dr. Yuying Luo from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City cautions against immediate changes in treatment plans. Although turmeric curcumin has shown promise in various inflammatory disorders, further research is needed. However, before introducing turmeric into your treatment program, Luo recommends consulting with a healthcare provider, especially if we are on other medications.
Individuals should also consider possible side effects such as nausea and the risk of blood clots, especially if they are taking any anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents. Nevertheless, when consumed in typical food amounts, turmeric and its curcumin compound are generally considered safe.
While this study gives individuals hope to seek natural treatment for dyspepsia, the medical community advises caution and further investigation. The ability of turmeric to prevent indigestion is an exciting development, and it is important to continue monitoring it and seek the help of a healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your treatment regimen. Also, keeping turmeric in your spice stand may hold the key to soothing the stomach and healing other ailments.
Reference
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/11/health/turmeric-indigestion-wellness/index.html
https://www.thenationalnews.com/health/2023/09/11/why-turmeric-may-be-better-than-medicine-at-treating-indigestion/
(Rehash/Arpita Meher)
