The benefits of turmeric for stomach acid have been known for a long time. This spice plant is known to contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can relieve various symptoms of stomach acid.
Acid reflux disease is a condition where stomach acid rises into the esophagus which causes a burning sensation in the chest. The disease, also known as GERD, is caused by a weakening of the muscles at the bottom of the esophagus or stomach lining lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
In addition, stomach acid disease can also be caused by other things, such as:
- Overweight or obesity
- Pregnant
- Smoking habit
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Age factor
Some types of drugs are also known to cause the LES muscle to weaken, so that stomach acid can easily move up into the esophagus.
This condition of rising stomach acid does cause discomfort. However, you don't need to worry, because there are various ways to deal with it and one of them is by using turmeric.
Benefits of Turmeric for Stomach Acid
Turmeric is known to contain curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its yellow color, which acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer. Thanks to this compound, turmeric is known to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux by reducing the amount and acidity of the fluid in the stomach.
The polyphenol antioxidant content in turmeric can also prevent inflammation of the esophagus which can trigger stomach acid and treat gastritis, a disease caused by ulcers in the stomach. This disease can cause symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and vomiting.
In addition to some of the stomach disorders above, turmeric has also been used since ancient times to relieve pain due to arthritis, launch menstruation, improve digestive function, and maintain liver function.
How to Use Turmeric for Stomach Acid
Besides being used as a mixture of cooking ingredients, you can also use turmeric in other ways to relieve stomach acid, namely:
1. Take turmeric essence
This method can be done by grating turmeric that has been cleaned, then squeezed until only the water remains. You can drink turmeric water in the morning after waking up or at night before going to bed on an empty stomach.
If you choose to consume it in the morning, give it a gap of about 30 minutes before breakfast or other drinks. Do it for 3-7 days until the stomach feels more comfortable.
2. Making turmeric tea
Currently, turmeric has been widely processed into tea and you can easily find it in the market. Just like other turmeric preparations, turmeric tea also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory which are good for dealing with stomach acid problems.
3. Taking turmeric supplements
You can also take turmeric supplements, which are now widely sold freely. In fact, these supplements are usually equipped with piperine, which is a compound that can help the absorption of curcumin in the body.
However, it is still recommended that you consult with your doctor before using turmeric supplements to ensure their effectiveness and safety.
If you plan to use turmeric as an alternative to treat acid reflux disease, it's a good idea to consult your doctor first. The doctor will examine your medical history and provide information about the effectiveness and safety of using turmeric for your condition.