Turmeric For Acid Reflux- Uses, Benefits, And Side Effects

Acid reflux has become a common problem for many due to changing lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. Although there are many over-the-counter medicines like Prilosec and other advanced treatment options for fighting acid reflux, home remedies can also come in handy and one such home remedy is turmeric. It has been used as an alternative medicine for to treat many diseases and conditions, including stomach problems and digestive issues for thousands of years. In this article, we will learn more about the key benefits of turmeric for fighting acid reflux.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is even known as pyrosis, heartburn, and acid indigestion. A person experiences acid reflux when some quantity of the acidic stomach contents goes back up into the esophagus. With acid reflux, a person senses burning pain in the low chest region following a meal or eating. Two lifestyle factors that cause acid reflux are obesity and smoking.

If you sense acid reflux more than two times a week it is called Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

[Also Read: Milk For Acid Reflux]

Symptoms Of Acid Reflux

Below are two major common symptoms of acid reflux;

• Heartburn is the first and foremost symptom that's found in people suffering from acid reflux. A burning pain or uneasiness that could move from the stomach to the chest or abdomen or for that matter up into the throat.
• Regurgitation, a bitter-tasting or sour acid backing up into the mouth or throat.

Other common symptoms of it include;

• Bloating
• Black stool or bloody vomiting
• Burping
• Dysphagia
• Hiccups that do not let up
• Nausea
• Weight loss for an unknown reason
• Wheezing,
• Hoarseness
• Dry cough, or
• Chronic sore throat

Causes Of Acid Reflux

One of the common causes of it is an abnormality of the stomach known as a hiatal hernia. This happens when the stomach's upper part and LES move above the diaphragm, a muscle that divides the stomach from the chest. Usually, the diaphragm aids in keeping acid in the stomach. However, if a hiatal hernia is present, acid can move up into the esophagus and cause acid reflux symptoms.

The Risk Factors Include

• Eating heavy meals or sleeping right away after eating.
• Being obese or overweight.
• Bending over at the waist or lying on your back after eating a heavy meal.
• Eating close to bedtime.
• Eating a certain type of food like tomato, chocolate, citrus, mint, onions, garlic, or fatty or spicy foods.
• Drinking beverages like alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea.
• Smoking.
• Pregnancy.
• Certain types of medicines such as ibuprofen, aspirin, certain muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medicines.
• Alcohol.

Is Turmeric Good For Acid Reflux?

Simple home remedies such as ginger and turmeric for acid reflux also can do wonders. Coming to if turmeric is good for acid reflux yes, it is definitely good as Ayurveda has suggested using turmeric as a standalone product or in combination to fight acid reflux.

Turmeric extracts curcumin which is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and as such turmeric may help to relieve acid reflux and may be used as a home remedy.

How To Use Turmeric For Acid Reflux?

Stems or rhizomes of turmeric can be dried up and grounded into powder which can be taken either orally or by adding while cooking.

Unless one adds turmeric to every drink or food item or consumes lots of turmeric tea it is impossible to get a proper amount of turmeric to answer acid reflux. One may also rely on organic turmeric extract supplements which in fact is the best way to use it for acid reflux. Taking in such form allows the body to quickly metabolize turmeric and its extract by the intestine wall and the liver.

One of the other best ways to enhance turmeric's absorption of the body is to take it with piperine, which is usually present in black pepper.

When you take turmeric for acid reflux along with pepper the former's action is doubled.

Benefits Of Turmeric For Acid Reflux

The existing studies show that curcumin can foster an array of good pleiotropic properties in the gastrointestinal tract, such as defense against reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and gastric mucosal damage persuaded by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and necrotizing agents. It has also been found that curcumin can also act on gastric cancer cells.

Turmeric is the key healing herb for heartburn, inflammation, and stomach ulcers in Ayurveda. The anti-inflammatory property in it prevents esophageal inflammation. It checks the bacteria that cause ulcers and thus indirectly safeguards from acid refluxes.

Side Effects Of Turmeric For Acid Reflux

• Turmeric is a natural blood thinner and as such, it can't be taken along with blood thinners.
• Diabetics should not use it.
• In a few people, it may worsen the condition.
• It may increase gallbladder problems.
• It may lessen BP in the long run.

As such there are limitations to the question, "Is turmeric good for acid reflux". However, if acid reflux is severe, even after using the remedy then you must meet your doctor.