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Turmeric May Be As Effective At Treating Indigestion As A Common Acid Reflux Drug, Study Finds

A natural ingredient found in turmeric, a bright orange spice used in many soups, may be as effective at treating indigestion as a medication commonly used to curb excess stomach acid, according to a recent study. 

People who took two capsules of curcumin, a compound extracted from turmeric, four times a day for about a month experienced similar relief from indigestion as those who took omeprazole, known by its brand name Prilosec, once a day over the same stretch, the study found. 

The researchers at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand concluded curcumin and omeprazole each are effective at managing and relieving symptoms of indigestion – bloating, nausea, stomach pain and early fullness after a meal. But there was no added benefit when combining the two remedies. 

The researchers said larger studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of curcumin, but they said their findings may justify considering the supplement in clinical practice. The study included 151 participants. 

"Turmeric has been used by Thai traditional medicine doctors for releasing dyspepsia-like symptoms," Dr. Krit Pongpurul, associate professor at Chulalongkorn University and lead author of the study, told Medical News Today. "Individuals with functional dyspepsia, especially those with excessive gas, are considered (to be of) 'insufficient wind constitution' that could be corrected by some herbs with 'hot flavor' such as turmeric." 

Turmeric is a yellow-orange spice traditionally used in Indian cuisine. It it native to Southeast Asia and has been used in Ayurveda as a way to treat skin disorders, upper respiratory infections, joints and issues with the digestive system, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 

Turmeric spices, used in stews, soups and rice dishes, as well as supplements, are made from the ground-up roots of the plant. Curcumin provides the spice with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Prior research has linked turmeric to longer remission of ulcerative colitis when taken with prescription medication. Some evidence suggests taking large doses of curcumin can increase the body's ability to hold onto antioxidants. But studies are needed to determine whether turmeric might help specific conditions, like Alzheimer's disease, that are linked to oxidative stress. 

Turmeric also has been linked to improved memory in adults without dementia, reduced joint pain in people with osteoporosis, lower risk of heart disease and improved symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Though adverse side effects are rare, taking turmeric or curcumin supplements may cause diarrhea, skin rash, nausea or headache, particularly in people who are allergic to the spice. 

Doctors typically recommend taking about 500 milligrams of turmeric twice daily with food, though that dose depends on other health factors. People are advised to talk to their doctors before adding supplements to their diets. Taking turmeric with heart-healthy fats like oils, avocado, nuts and seeds can also add benefits, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

How Long Does Esophagitis From GERD Take To Heal?

Some research suggests that inflammation in the esophagitis from GERD can take up to 8 weeks to heal with successful lifestyle changes and medications. However, these measures will not fully cure GERD.

Treatments can include a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Most people will notice symptom improvement to complete resolution with treatment.

This article reviews the possible timing of esophagitis from GERD healing, the various treatment options for GERD, and how they affect a person's symptoms.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) esophagitis is when the stomach's content comes back up — referred to as reflux — into the esophagus. This results in inflammation and damage.

GERD esophagitis can cause mild to severe symptoms, including:

heartburn

regurgitation

neck pain

lump in the throat

increased saliva

The goal of therapy for esophagitis healing is to keep symptoms well managed and prevent complications. The esophagus may heal within 6–8 weeks with the following lifestyle changes and treatments.

Read more about GERD with esophagitis.

If a person is overweight or has obesity, weight loss may help improve GERD esophagitis. In some cases, reaching and maintaining a moderate weight may completely reverse this inflammation.

Possible weight loss strategies include:

physical activity

behavioral strategies

dietary modifications

In an older study from 2013, researchers noted that of over 330 participants, 65% saw the complete resolution of their GERD symptoms, and 15% saw the partial resolution. They noted the weight loss percentage had the largest impact on successful resolution.

If a person is considering weight loss, talking with a healthcare professional first can be helpful. They can help them determine if weight loss is a suitable option and if needed, assist them in creating a weight loss plan based on their medical needs.

Timing

In the study sample from the 2014 research, most people (81%) experienced a reduction in GERD symptoms over 6 months.

Doctors consider dietary changes a first-line treatment for GERD esophagitis, which suggests that it may be a fairly quick way to help heal some people.

Dietary changes can also help improve a person's GERD symptoms. Many foods can aggravate symptoms of GERD. Examples include:

spicy foods

acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes

chocolate

alcoholic drinks

high fat foods

coffee and other sources of caffeine

mint

A person should also avoid heavy, large meals before bed and remain upright for a few minutes to allow food to digest before reclining.

Dietary changes can also help a person in losing weight. A person should consider talking with a doctor or nutritionist to help tailor a plan to their needs and goals.

Timing

Older research showed a significant improvement 3 months after dietary interventions.

Read more about the GERD diet.

It can be helpful for a person to use pillows, wedges, or other devices to prop their head up when lying down. Experts recommend raising the head by about 6–8 inches to help alleviate symptoms at night.

Timing

A 2021 systematic review showed a reduction in symptom scores at 6 weeks following head-of-bed elevation interventions.

In addition to many other health benefits, stopping smoking could help reduce inflammation from GERD.

In a 2016 study, researchers noted that quitting smoking helped improve GERD and a person's quality of life. Of those observed in the study who successfully quit, 43% noted improved symptoms.

Timing

Smoking relieved some GERD symptoms as quickly as 2 weeks after smoking cessation, but most found significant improvement by 12 weeks.

From an older study, among the groups, 12.5%, 11.0%, 33.3%, and 40.0% of these recognized complete symptom relief at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks respectively.

Some symptoms cleared as early as 2 weeks when individuals quit smoking.

H2 blockers can help reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces.

These medications have a duration of action of 4–10 hours. These are useful for the on-demand treatment of occasional symptoms. H2 blockers are available in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms for mild to severe GERD.

They can help the esophagus heal but are less effective than proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Doctors often recommend antacids for mild acid reflux and GERD inflammation. A person can use either OTC or prescription strengths.

People should not use them every day or for severe symptoms unless a doctor directs them to, as they can also lead to side effects, including diarrhea or constipation.

Relief from antacids is fairly immediate but tends to be temporary and short term.

PPIs can help reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. They can also help heal the esophagus and are generally more effective than H2 blockers. They are available in both OTC and prescription forms.

A doctor will likely prescribe PPIs for long-term treatment. In clinical practice, medical professionals define this as 4–8 weeks.

Though generally safe and effective, safety during long-term use remains not fully understood. Experts suggest they can increase a person's risk of developing a Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) infection. They may also cause headaches, constipation, or upset stomach.

Several procedures may help to correct GERD and may treat chronic GERD if symptoms do not improve with lifestyle and medication changes or if the person wishes to stop taking medications.

Procedures include:

Fundoplication: This is for long-term relief and involves sewing the top of the stomach around the end of the esophagus to put pressure on the lower portion and reduce symptoms.

Bariatric surgery: A doctor may recommend this procedure to aid with weight loss and help reduce GERD symptoms through reduced weight in the long term.

Endoscopy: This is a rarely used procedure that involves doctors inserting a tube into the throat. Through this tube, they can sew the stomach around the lower esophagus or inject radioactive material to help long-term relief of GERD symptoms.

Often lifestyle changes combined with medications can help improve inflammation from GERD over time. A person may find that diet, exercise, and weight loss cause their symptoms to disappear completely.

In cases where lifestyle changes and medication are not enough, a doctor may recommend surgery to help correct the esophagus and help improve symptoms.

Below are some frequently asked questions.

What are the signs GERD is healing?

People may notice their symptoms lessen, become less frequent, or go away entirely. It's important that they consider talking with a doctor about reducing their medication usage as they notice their symptoms improving.

Can GERD be cured?

Evidence suggests that lifestyle changes, like losing weight, and taking medications can significantly improve or eliminate GERD symptoms. Experts generally recommend losing weight if a person is overweight or has obesity, stopping smoking if they smoke, changing eating habits, and taking medications as directed to help improve or eliminate GERD symptoms.

What is the fastest way to heal GERD?

Taking an antacid before or after a meal may help with mild symptoms. However, for long-term healing, it's important that a person focuses on the following steps:

maintaining a moderate weight

changing their diet and food intake

stopping smoking if they smoke

taking medications like PPIs as recommended and prescribed

GERD treatments focus on a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery or other procedure to help correct the condition.

With successful management, a person may find their symptoms are reduced significantly or go away entirely.

Chest Pain: 11 Causes, Symptoms And Treatment Options

Chest pain may indicate a number of health conditions.

Heart Attack

Coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when blood flow to the arteries is compromised by a narrowing and hardening of the arteries, can cause a myocardial infarction (heart attack), and chest pain is one of many potential symptoms of this medical event. "Chest discomfort due to CAD is usually diffuse (widespread) and difficult to localize," explains Dr. Jean. "It's also worse with exertion or emotional stress and relieved by rest."

Pericarditis

Pericarditis occurs when the pericardium, a two-layer structure of tissue that surrounds and protects the heart, becomes inflamed due to an infection, a heart attack, certain medications, heart surgery or an injury or medical condition. The pericardium holds the heart in place and helps it function appropriately, and if it becomes inflamed, it may rub against the heart.

Pericarditis commonly causes chest pain similar to that of a heart attack, says Alexandra Kharazi, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon at CVTS Medical Group Inc. In San Diego and author of The Heart of Fear, a book about her experiences as a surgeon.

Angina

Angina occurs when the heart isn't getting the blood volume it needs, often resulting in chest discomfort or pain. As well as feeling pain in the chest, some people with angina experience pain in other parts of the body, such as the shoulder, neck, jaw, arms or back, as well as sensations like pressure or squeezing in the chest similar to indigestion. Angina becomes serious when symptoms don't dissipate when a person is resting, an indication that they need urgent care.

Aortic Dissection or Rupture

An aortic dissection occurs when a tear in the wall of the aorta, the heart's main artery, gets bigger. As the tear grows, blood starts to flow between the layers of the wall of the blood vessel. The tear can also inhibit blood flow to important branches of the aorta, potentially leading to additional symptoms like stroke, abdominal pain or leg pain and weakness, according to experts. Chest pain experienced during an aortic dissection or rupture is usually sharp and sudden and may have a stabbing or ripping quality. The discomfort usually occurs below a person's breast bone initially but often moves into the back or shoulder blades.

Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve disease occurs when the valves in the heart stop working properly because they're damaged or because of an underlying health condition. While many people with heart valve disease don't experience symptoms, some may experience chest pain and heart palpitations, as well as fatigue, lightheadedness and shortness of breath.

Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot from another part of the body breaks loose and enters the lungs, where it blocks blood flow and inhibits oxygen flow through the body. Chest pain caused by a pulmonary embolism can mimic that of a heart attack, and the condition can be fatal. Certain populations are at a higher risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, including anyone with a prior history of the condition, people who are inactive for long periods of time and those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, COVID-19, lupus, interstitial lung disease and some cancers. Smoking, pregnancy, and medications containing estrogen can also increase a person's risk.

Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux or GER, occurs when the contents of a person's stomach rise into their throat, causing heartburn and indigestion that may manifest as chest pain. Acid reflux is usually temporary but may become gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic condition.

Asthma

Asthma is a disease that causes intermittent airway inflammation, potentially leading to chest tightness or pain, breathlessness, wheezing and coughing.

Musculoskeletal Pain or Costochondritis

Sometimes chest pain can stem from the muscles and structures of the chest. For instance, costochondritis occurs when the cartilage between a person's ribs and their sternum becomes inflamed, leading to chest pain. Musculoskeletal chest pain may also stem from the body's muscles or bones, referred pain from other areas of the body or traumatic injuries to the chest, such as broken ribs.

Anxiety or Stress

A number of anxiety and stress conditions can result in chest pain. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder can all cause a feeling of chest pain, often as a result of stress or navigating stressful situations.

Chest Infections

A wide range of infections may cause chest pain, including pneumococcal disease and acute bronchitis. These conditions are usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as coughs, fevers and difficulty breathing. COVID-19 may also lead to chest pain in some cases.

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