Most of us know turmeric as that bright yellow spice that can stain everything in sight. But it’s more than just a colorful kitchen ingredient—it might also be a natural way to treat acid reflux.
A recent clinical trial from Thailand has shown that turmeric could be just as effective as commonly used acid reflux medications. The study was led by researchers from Chulalongkorn University and several hospitals, and it ran between 2019 and 2021. Their goal? To find out if curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can relieve symptoms of acid reflux.
What the Study Looked At
The trial involved 206 adults between 18 and 70 years old, all struggling with ongoing indigestion (called functional dyspepsia). This condition includes symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, gas, and nausea—basically, all the things that make you uncomfortable after eating.
Participants were divided into three groups:
- One group took turmeric capsules.
- One group took omeprazole (a common acid reflux medicine sold as Prilosec or Losec).
- The third group took both turmeric and omeprazole.
- The turmeric capsules contained 250 mg of curcumin, and participants had to take them four times a day. The omeprazole dose was smaller and taken once a day.
What Happened?
After 28 days and again at 56 days, the researchers checked in on how the participants were feeling using a test called the SODA score, which measures things like pain, burning, and nausea.
Here’s the interesting part: all three groups showed almost the same level of improvement.
For overall symptom relief, turmeric performed nearly as well as the medication.
Omeprazole was slightly better at reducing pain early on, but by the end of the study, turmeric had caught up.
In some cases, turmeric was even better at easing bloating, gas, and nausea.
Is Turmeric Safe?
Most people in the study didn’t report any serious side effects. However, a few people who took turmeric showed signs of mild liver issues. While it wasn’t a major concern in this study, other reports from the U.S. and Australia have also linked turmeric supplements to liver damage. These cases are rare, but it’s still something to keep in mind.
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of health problems, from arthritis to infections. And this isn’t the first time science has backed up those ancient uses. A study from May 2023 also found that curcumin could help with weight loss and inflammation in the body.
The Takeaway
Turmeric might be more than just a spice—it could be a natural option for managing acid reflux. This study suggests that curcumin can work just as well as standard medications like omeprazole. But while the results are promising, more research is needed before doctors can confidently recommend turmeric as a regular treatment.
As always, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before trying any new supplement—especially if you have liver problems or are taking other medications.
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