Will Turmeric Help With My Gerd? The Answer May Surprised You.
About 14 – 20% of all Americans have experienced gerd. These statistics in the 'Alternative Medicine Review' indicate that gerd is a common problem. Antacids are the commonly used treatment to take care of this condition. Individuals experience gerd in mild or extremely escalated levels. Most people complain of having heartburn when they have gerd. Heartburn is just one of the symptoms of the condition. Sometimes over the counter medication like antacids do not help the condition. More people are now opting to use alternative medicine to treat gerd. Turmeric is now popularly known as a reliable way to reduce the symptoms of gerd.
What is Gerd?
Gerd is severe acid reflux. The condition is caused by the frequent backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Although the symptoms of gerd differ from one person to the next, some of the common symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, and problems swallowing. Individuals have also complained of having chest pain.
What causes gerd? According to the 2013 clinical practice guideline by The American College of Gastroenterology, gerd is brought about by lifestyle changes. Presently, medical practitioners have not done enough research about gerd and how to treat the condition. However, The American College of Gastroenterology recommends not eating before bedtime as a remedy for Gerd. They also suggest the elevation of your head at night in the management of gerd.
There is a need to conduct further research on the management of gerd especially before the use of alternative medicine. Turmeric is a traditional herbal remedy used by thousands around the world.
Gerd causes a lot of discomfort, and if not properly managed, it can get worse. Drugs have been manufactured to deal with the condition. However, most people prefer to use alternative medicine to handle the problem.
Benefits of Tumeric
The use of Turmeric in response to health conditions is not a new concept. Turmeric is a natural herb from Asia that has been used for thousands of years to treat various health conditions. Apart from the use of turmeric for acid reflux, it has been used to treat other stomach-related illnesses.
Turmeric is special because of its anti-oxidant characteristics. The herb also has anti-inflammatory compounds that make it useful in aiding various health problems. Turmeric has a unique compound called Curcumin which gives it the yellow color. Curcumin is believed to have the power to destroy bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells.
The special characteristics of turmeric as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent are what make it a great tool to fight gerd. Medical scientists have not conducted research on the exact way that turmeric helps to relieve gerd. Experts in the alternative medicine field, however, strongly recommend the herb not only for the relief of gerd but other ailments as well. Patients need to correctly understand how the herb works and establish whether it may have adverse side effects on them.
Can turmeric help to relieve Gerd?
Turmeric's special qualities can help to relieve gerd. Medical research indicates that the inflammation of the esophagus is a major contributor to the negative symptoms related to gerd. Turmeric can reduce inflammation in the human body and so, it can be used to relieve the effects of gerd. Oxygen-free radicals that are produced when an individual has gerd are toxic and can damage the esophagus. Turmeric's antioxidant properties can counter the formation of the oxygen-free radicals and prevent the damage of the esophagus.
Gerd results when there is an acid imbalance in the stomach. When there is an acid imbalance in the stomach, adequate food digestion cannot take place. The undigested food refluxes into the esophagus causing gerd. Turmeric prevents the condition by helping the gall bladder to produce enzyme required for proper food digestion. Compounds found in the herb increase bile acids which make the food in the stomach to be fully digested.
To manage gerd, you can use turmeric as a spice when you are preparing your food. Turmeric supplements are also available in health stores. Alternative medicine experts recommend that the adequate dosage for turmeric is 500 - 1000 MG of curcuminoids per day. Please keep in mind that you'll also need Bioperine included in your turmeric supplement to ensure bioavailability.
It is always advisable to seek medical attention before you settle on any alternative medicine treatment. Gerd needs to be correctly diagnosed by a doctor. Self-diagnosis may result in wrong treatment. The symptoms you have may be a consequence of another medical condition. Especially when you are experiencing the symptoms at an elevated level, seek medical advice first. Like any other kind of treatment, the use of turmeric also has contraindications.
There are thousands of testimonies about the healing ability of turmeric. Among the Asian community, the herb is used together with other herbs in response to many other ailments. Using turmeric promises general health to an individual apart from relieving the effects of gerd.
You can couple the use of turmeric with other measures like eating smaller portions of food during meals and avoiding lying down in a horizontal position immediately after meals. Sleeping with a good pillow that keeps your upper body slightly elevated will keep gerd at bay. Smoking aggravates the symptoms of GERD. It is, therefore, advisable to quit smoking as you are trying to treat the condition. Wearing clothes that are very tight around the stomach area can cause gerd.
Side effects of using turmeric to relieve Gerd and precautions
Over the years, alternative medicine experts have identified the side effects of using turmeric. Although no allergic reactions to the herb has ever been reported, your body may naturally reject the herb. When this happens, you may experience diarrhea, nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort. Experts advise that if you notice these symptoms when you are using turmeric, stop immediately. Let your doctor help you find alternative ways to manage or treat your condition.
Pregnant and lactating mothers should not use turmeric in response to gerd. Extensive research is yet to be conducted with regards to the effects of turmeric on breastfeeding babies. It is, therefore, safer to avoid the intake of turmeric for gerd in lactating mothers. Curcumin has properties which cause uterine contractions. These contractions are dangerous in pregnant women as it may cause premature births of worse conditions.
People who are taking blood-thinning medication for the treatment of other health conditions should not consider turmeric for gerd. Turmeric has natural blood thinning properties and therefore it may cause serious health problems to such individuals. People with diabetes should also stay away from turmeric. The herb has adverse effects on the body's blood sugar levels which may result in serious health problems.
Any treatment must be used in the recommended dosage. Otherwise, it brings about harmful effects. Turmeric is a fantastic natural alternative to help relieve gerd, but when consumed in excessive amounts, the herb will make your gerd worse. Do not consume more than 1500 milligrams of turmeric in a day. Alternative medicine experts advise that the best way to use turmeric is to accompany it with black pepper. Continuous use of turmeric in food not as a treatment remedy as a natural spice will keep many ailments at bay. Research indicates that Asians who have been using turmeric as a spice for thousands of years do not get some medical conditions as a result.
If you get hives or experience labored breathing or an accelerated heart rate when using turmeric, discontinue its use and seek medical help. If the symptoms of gerd do not lessen after a prolonged period of using turmeric, stop the regimen and seek medical advice.