Millions of people suffer from heartburn and indigestion (Image: Getty)
A doctor has revealed a common kitchen spice that has proven to be ‘as effective as’ omeprazole in alleviating heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. Omeprazole is frequently prescribed to people suffering from these conditions as it functions as a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI), reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.
Lowering stomach acid can aid in the recovery of irritated or damaged tissues in the oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Available over-the-counter for short-term use (up to 14 days) or on prescription for more severe cases, omeprazole also treats stomach ulcers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and the stomach infection Helicobacter pylori.
Approximately 15% of people in the UK take a PPI, such as omeprazole. In England alone, over 73 million prescriptions for PPIs were issued in 2022-23, with omeprazole being one of the most commonly prescribed medications.
The duration of omeprazole treatment, as directed by your doctor, depends on your specific health issue and the dosage recommended by your doctor. It’s crucial to adhere to your healthcare provider’s instructions and continue taking the medication for the entire prescribed period, even if your symptoms improve.
Nevertheless, prolonged use of omeprazole increases your susceptibility to various health complications, making regular GP consultations essential, reports the Mirror. Extended omeprazole usage can trigger several problems, mainly through continuous stomach acid suppression and alterations in gut bacteria.
Read more: Anyone taking omeprazole issued ‘you’ve been warned’ alert by doctor
Read more: Omeprazole warning issued by NHS to anyone with heartburn who takes it
Diminished stomach acid impairs the absorption of vital nutrients, potentially leading to magnesium deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and inadequate absorption of calcium and iron. It also elevates your risk of bone fractures and kidney damage. Additional potential complications include stomach growths, dementia, and heart and liver problems.
Suppressing stomach acid, which typically eliminates harmful ingested bacteria, can leave the body more susceptible to certain infections, including community-acquired pneumonia and Clostridioides difficile infection, which triggers severe diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
What is the spice, and how can it help?
However, health experts suggest one particular spice may prove equally effective as omeprazole, whilst avoiding the associated health risks. Dr Michael Ruscio, DC, DNM, claims that curcumin, the active ingredient found in turmeric, could be « just as effective », based on a study.
Dr Ruscio is a naturopathic practitioner, clinical researcher, and author whose research has appeared in peer-reviewed medical journals. He serves as Chief Health Officer and Head of Research at RIFM, whilst also being the Founder and CEO of DrRuscio.com.
In a recent YouTube video, the doctor informed his 145k subscribers that curcumin could help them manage heartburn and acid reflux without relying on PPIs. He explained: « Let me give you one very important case and point study showing that anti-inflammatory interventions can be very powerful.
« You’ve probably heard of curcumin, this anti-inflammatory spice. A 2023 randomised control trial compared the blockbuster acid lowering medication omeprazole versus curcumin at two grams per day for one month in duration.
« Quoting the researchers here, ‘curcumin and omeprazole had comparable efficacy for functional dyspepsia’. That’s sort of a catch-all term that would include fullness, GORD and indigestion. That’s functional dyspepsia.
Many people in the UK have been prescribed the acid blocker medication (Image: Getty)
« So, pretty remarkable that curcumin, which has other side benefits like reducing joint pain, is as effective as omeprazole. And, it won’t have, of course, the long-term complications that acid suppression with omeprazole will. »
Curcumin possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that may help reduce inflammation in the oesophagus triggered by stomach acid. Animal studies have demonstrated that curcumin can shield the stomach lining from damage caused by certain medications and other irritants.
What did the study’s findings reveal?
The research Dr Ruscio references is published in BMJ Journals under the title: « Curcumin and proton pump inhibitors for functional dyspepsia: a randomised, double blind controlled trial ». The investigation found that a daily oral dose of curcumin provided comparable relief from functional dyspepsia symptoms to omeprazole.
Study researchers noted that no significant adverse effects were observed; nevertheless, liver function assessments revealed declining liver performance in overweight participants taking curcumin. They also highlighted that the investigation was limited in scope and faced additional challenges, including the brief duration of the study and the absence of long-term information.
They maintain that more extensive and prolonged studies are required. Despite this, the researchers concluded: « This multicentre randomised controlled trial provides highly reliable evidence for the treatment of functional dyspepsia. »
The anti-inflammatory spice could help ease symptoms naturally (Image: Getty)
They further stated: « The new findings from our study may justify considering curcumin in clinical practice ».
Dyspepsia, alternatively referred to as chronic indigestion, occurs when you experience persistent or recurring pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen. It frequently presents alongside bloating, burping, nausea, or the sensation of becoming full prematurely.
This may signal issues within the oesophagus, stomach, or duodenum. While the research appears encouraging, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, including substituting prescribed medication with supplements.
A discussion with your GP can guide you towards the most effective strategy for managing your health concerns.
Read more: Urgent alert for people using cinnamon, turmeric or ginger
Read more: Best supplements for joint pain – best five treatments for joints
What else is curcumin good for?
Curcumin is a strong antioxidant that works to neutralise free radicals. These are molecules that can harm the body’s cells and lead to ageing and illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Research indicates that curcumin may help alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, thereby easing pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints.
Some studies even suggest it can be as effective as certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for relieving pain.
Curcumin may help maintain brain health by increasing the levels of a hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a crucial role in memory and learning. Because of this, scientists are investigating how it could help protect us from losing our cognitive abilities as we age and from diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Additionally, by lowering inflammation and oxidation, and possibly helping to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure, curcumin could reduce the chances of developing heart disease.
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Are there any key factors to consider?
Some people report that turmeric or curcumin supplements exacerbate their acid reflux symptoms. This could be attributed to its natural acidity (pH 4-5) or its potential to stimulate gastric acid production in certain people.
It’s absolutely vital to seek advice from a healthcare professional before using curcumin supplements for heartburn, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions or are on other medications.
Turmeric supplements aren’t readily absorbed by the body. They often contain black pepper extract (piperine) to aid absorption, but this ingredient can also provoke reflux.
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