New study finds that turmeric could be as effective as medication at alleviating indigestion and stomach discomfort.

6 minute read 

Turmeric is a yellow spice that has been used in Asia for centuries. It has long been prized for its medicinal qualities, but there has not been enough scientific evidence to back up these claims. 

A recent study found that turmeric may be an effective treatment for indigestion. 

Let’s look in more detail at what turmeric is, what the study findings showed, and whether turmeric could be used as an alternative to drugs in the treatment of indigestion. 

What is indigestion?

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a pain or burning sensation in your upper abdomen (stomach). It normally occurs during, or straight after eating. 

Other symptoms of indigestion may include:

• Nausea (feeling sick)

• Bloating

• Burping 

• Loud stomach gurgling

• Feeling full soon after eating

• Bringing up food into your food pipe (oesophagus) 

Indigestion occurs when the stomach lining becomes irritated. This irritation may be caused by conditions such as stomach ulcers or acid reflux, or the long-term use of certain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In some cases, no obvious cause for the inflammation can be found. 

The most common trigger for indigestion is eating. However, other factors like stress, smoking or vaping, drinking alcohol, and pregnancy can also trigger indigestion attacks.

How is indigestion treated?

Traditionally, indigestion is treated with a medication called omeprazole. Omeprazole is a type of medication called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes.

Omeprazole comes as tablets, capsules, and liquids in strengths of 10, 20 and 40mg (milligrams). It is available on prescription, or over the counter in strengths of 20mg.

Omeprazole is a relatively safe drug, but as with all medications, it can cause side effects in some people. 

Side effects of omeprazole may include: 

• Headaches

• Nausea (feeling sick) 

• Vomiting (being sick) 

• Stomach pain 

• Constipation or diarrhoea

Taking omeprazole for more than 3 months may cause the levels of magnesium in your blood to fall. Long-term use of omeprazole (over 1 year) may also increase your risk of bone fractures, gut infections, and vitamin B12 (folate) deficiency. 

What is turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. It is commonly used in curries and is a popular ingredient in southeast Asian and middle-eastern cuisine.

Turmeric contains a natural compound called curcumin that is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It has been used as a medicinal herb in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat and prevent a range of ailments for thousands of years.

Turmeric may help to treat a variety of conditions including osteoarthritis, depression, type 2 diabetes, viral infections, premenstrual syndrome, high cholesterol, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The role of turmeric in treating indigestion: A study

A recent study comparing turmeric to omeprazole in the treatment of indigestion has shown promising results. 

The study took place in Thailand and lasted for 28 days. It involved 206 patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia. The participants were divided randomly into three groups. 

Treatment with curcumin

The first group, made up of 69 participants, was given two 250 mg capsules of curcumin four times a day, as well as a small capsule containing a placebo (dummy pill). 

Treatment with omeprazole 

The second group consisted of 68 participants. They were given one 20mg omeprazole capsule and two large placebo capsules four times a day. 

Treatment with a combination of curcumin and omeprazole

The third group had 69 participants and received a combination of two 250 mg curcumin capsules four times a day, plus one 20mg omeprazole capsule per day. 

How were the results measured? 

The participants were assessed after 28 and 56 days using the Severity of Dyspepsia Assessment (SODA) score. They were also monitored for any side effects. 

The results

Before the study was completed, 20 people in the curcumin group, 19 in the omeprazole group and 16 in the combined treatment group dropped out. 

Of the remaining 151 participants, both curcumin and omeprazole were found to be equally effective at treating the symptoms of dyspepsia. 

Taking a combination of curcumin and omeprazole showed no added benefits compared to taking one treatment alone. No serious side effects occurred during the trial. 

How does turmeric work to relieve indigestion?

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which may help reduce inflammation of the stomach lining, relieving indigestion pain, and improving overall gut health. 

Curcumin also stimulates the gallbladder to release bile, which helps your body to digest fats. This increase in bile production may help with other symptoms of dyspepsia, such as bloating and discomfort. 

Is turmeric approved by the NHS?

Turmeric is not currently approved as a treatment on the NHS as further clinical studies are needed to assess its safety and effectiveness.

If you are thinking about taking turmeric to help with indigestion, speak to your GP or healthcare provider. Never stop taking any prescribed medication without checking with your GP first.

Is turmeric safe? 

Turmeric supplements are safe for most people, but in some cases, may interact with other medications you are taking. Check with your GP that turmeric supplements are safe for you before taking them.

High doses of turmeric can make your blood thinner and may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you are taking prescribed blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin. Turmeric supplements can also be dangerous for people with liver or bile duct problems as they increase the production of bile.

Cooking with turmeric is unlikely to cause any problems as the amounts used are so small.

Could turmeric replace medication for indigestion?

Currently, turmeric supplements are not being used to replace traditional indigestion medications. While the results of the study are promising, more research is needed to make sure turmeric is a safe and effective treatment for indigestion.

Turmeric may be beneficial as a complementary treatment to help improve gut health, or for people who experience side effects from traditional medications. Always speak to your GP or healthcare provider before taking turmeric, or any other supplements. 

Conclusion 

Indigestion is a common condition that causes pain and discomfort to millions of people around the world. Though effective, traditional medications such as omeprazole may cause side effects in some people and can lead to other health problems when used long term. 

Turmeric is a natural ingredient that is used by many cultures around the world for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Until recently, there has been a lack of scientific research into the benefits of turmeric to recommend it for conditions like indigestion. 

This latest study showed promising results and is the first clinical trial to compare the effects of turmeric and omeprazole. Though more research is needed, the use of turmeric as a treatment to treat indigestion may offer a safe, effective alternative, with fewer adverse effects than traditional indigestion medication.