Should I take turmeric on an empty stomach
Posted by Wen Dan Jiang on
Should I take turmeric on an empty stomach?
Should I take turmeric on an empty stomach? Yes, you may take turmeric on an empty stomach. Turmeric, this golden spice, is arguably one of the most incredible things on earth. When you take turmeric on an empty stomach, the absorption is excellent, and you will get most of it. Turmeric originated from Asia is widely used because of its numerous health and beauty benefits.
It has a whole lot of medicinal advantages and has been used as an ointment to treat injuries for decades. Apart from that, turmeric can beautify your skin, keeping it youthful and fresh. In this guide, you will know about what happens to your body when you take turmeric on an empty stomach, who should not take it before eating, the correct way of using turmeric and the best time of taking it.
What happens when you take turmeric on an empty stomach?
Consuming turmeric at least 30 minutes before a meal can make the following changes to your body.
Enhances immunity
This incredible herb is loaded with antioxidants, which enhances the defensive ability of your body. It helps to prevent various bacterial and viral diseases like cold, flu, etc. So, if you are a person who always falls prey to infectious diseases, turmeric is for you. Turmeric has the great ability to boost your immunity against many serious diseases and helps to treat them.
Decreases inflammation
If you have any sort of bodily swelling, pains, and cramps, turmeric is the best natural tonic to deal with them. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to relieve joint pains and other swellings. Moreover, it aids the healing process of your body. It has an extra-ordinary soothing effect and is ideal for people having arthritis. It is known to lessen period and after-birth cramps in women.
Aids digestion and weight loss
Taking turmeric before breakfast will kick start your metabolism and will help you to shed weight. Components of turmeric encourage bile production in the gallbladder and thus, improves digestion and prevents bloating. A survey showed that turmeric helped to recover irritable bowel syndrome. In addition to that, it helps to treat inflammatory bowel diseases. It is tough to lose weight without doing painful and time-consuming workouts, but turmeric provides a natural way to eliminate extra fat. Turmeric tea on an empty stomach helps to keep you full and enhances your metabolism.
Protects you from cancer
This rich orange-colored spice can prevent almost all types of cancer, including skin and breast cancer. Curcumin, found in turmeric, helps to avoid the growth of cancer cells. Not only that, studies have shown that it may also help to fight against cancer cells. It halts the spread of cancer cells in your body.
Calms your mind
The turmeric tea is quite soothing and helps to keep you relaxed and calm throughout the day. It is best to relieve your stress and tension. If you have hypertension, it will help to regulate your BP. Apart from that, it is best to keep your mind fresh, alert, and it enhances your mood. In this hectic life, almost everyone has mental stress of some sort. Turmeric is known as a natural way to prevent many mental disorders like depression, anxiety, stress. Studies have shown that daily use of turmeric can help with Alzheimer's disease and memory loss.
Who should not take turmeric on an empty stomach?
Taking turmeric on an empty stomach may cause side effects in some people. If you have the following conditions, you must avoid the excess use of turmeric.
Sensitive stomach
If you have a sensitive stomach, you must be cautious about the amount of turmeric you use daily. Researchers have shown that turmeric may stimulate heartburn and acidity. So, if you are suffering from any sort of gastrointestinal condition, you should try to consume a monitored amount of this spice. Also, try to consume it with a meal to avoid any dangers. Your stomach may be allergic to this spice, if you witness any type of symptoms like cramps or bloating, stop using it.
Diabetic person
Turmeric has a property to decrease the sugar level in your blood. If you have diabetes and are already using medications like insulin to reduce blood sugar levels, turmeric may cause problems. It may decrease your sugar level to a dangerous level and can cause more significant problems. It is best to consult your doctor if you are hypoglycemic or are taking drugs for hyperglycemia before starting using it.
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Natural turmeric is safe to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, taking turmeric or curcumin supplements is not recommended. The curcumin found in turmeric can promote bleeding and may cause premature birth or miscarriage. So if you are expecting, you should try consuming it raw and that too in smaller quantities with a meal.
Kidney stones
If you have kidney stones or have had them before, you must watch the turmeric you use. Turmeric is rich in oxalates, which can combine with calcium and result in kidney stones. So, to avoid renal problems, use a little amount of natural turmeric in your diet.
Ways to take turmeric on an empty stomach
To gain health advantages from this magical herb, you must use it the right way.
Turmeric with water
Warm water in the morning or before meals is the best way of hydrating your body. Mixing a teaspoon of turmeric in it can make it more beneficial. Also, you can make turmeric tea with this recipe. Boil a cup of water, add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder or raw turmeric. Now add a pinch of black pepper in it. Black pepper will increase the ability of your body to absorb curcumin. You can also add a teaspoon of lemon juice if you like, to get vitamin c. Add honey to taste. This tea is taken on an empty stomach is best for weight loss along with other benefits.
Golden milk
Golden milk is everywhere because of its delicious taste and endless nutrients. If you are a person who cannot start his/her day without a creamy hot latte, this drink is for you. Take a cup of almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or any milk you like. Make a powdered mixture of turmeric, black pepper, and cinnamon (if you like). Heat your milk, add this mixture to it, and whisk well or use a blender if you want to. Add a natural sweetener to it.
You can also add half a teaspoon of coconut oil or ghee. As turmeric is fat-soluble, milk and coconut oil will help our body to digest it fully. This delicious latte is best for you, and you can drink it even if you are vegan. It is best to soothe stiffness in your joints and muscles and to treat arthritis.
Other ways
You can make a smoothie with all your favorite frozen fruits like bananas, mangoes, and berries. Adding a teaspoon of turmeric and black pepper will enhance its power. You can add this mixture to your regular tea or juices. Add ginger, turmeric, and black pepper with ice in your favorite fresh juices and stay healthy. If you are too lazy to do anything, just add this mixture to your water, stir and chug this tonic. You must make sure to use turmeric with its promoter i.e., black pepper. Just make a homogenous mixture of turmeric with black pepper, keep it safe in a container, and add it to anything you like.
What is the best time to take turmeric?
The best way to consume turmeric is on an empty stomach. Try to take it half an hour before a meal or two to three hours after it. If you want to gain all of its nutrients and vitamins, you should try to eat with black pepper and fat. If you face any issue with your digestion, you can eat it with your meal. Furthermore, it is best to take this powder raw rather than supplements as natural turmeric contains a safe amount of curcumin. If you want to use a turmeric or curcumin supplement, you must consult your doctor before starting it.
Final word
To sum the discussion, I would like to say that yes, you should take the natural turmeric on an empty stomach. If you are suffering from heartburn or other digestion related problems, there is no issue to take it with a meal. To absorb maximum turmeric, you must pair it with black pepper or oils like fish oil or coconut oil as they will promote the better accumulation of nutrients.
This ginger-like herb is highly rich in iron, manganese, and potassium. Also, honey and turmeric are a match made in heaven to fight infections. A little amount of this natural herb is harmless for your body. However, if you have a medical history and are using any blood-thinning medication, you must consult your doctor before taking its supplements or larger doses of it to be on a safe side.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-662/turmeric
https://draxe.com/nutrition/turmeric-curcumin-benefits/