Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can make the daily grind a pain. Symptoms are uncomfortable, making it hard to focus and do the things you love. There also isn’t a cure. While medicines can control the symptoms, if you want something natural, reach for turmeric. It might be just what your management plan needs.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
IBS is a chronic disorder of the large intestine. It affects 14 in 100 women and 9 in 100 men. And those aged between 35 and 50 are most likely to have the disease. Normally, intestinal muscles move along food, slowly taking out water until it forms solid stool. But if it happens too fast? Hello, diarrhea! And if it takes too long, constipation develops.
Symptoms are different for everyone, but common signs include abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. It can be caused by lactose or gluten intolerance or nothing at all! And treatment also varies, depending on the person. Exercise, fiber, probiotics, and avoiding certain foods may help. If IBS is stress-induced, therapy and stress relief is a good idea.1
Turmeric: Indian Solid Gold
Turmeric’s benefits for IBS are from curcumin, its most active compound. Curcumin gives turmeric its distinctive bright yellow color. It has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. This explains turmeric’s nickname, Indian solid gold. In IBS, turmeric has a multi-faceted approach. It fights various aspects and symptoms, leading to overall relief.
How Turmeric Treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome
1. Relieves Stomach Spasms
IBS may cause painful spasms when intestinal muscles contract violently. You can take anti-spasmodic drugs, but curcumin works just as well.2 A 2003 animal study found that it relaxes smooth muscle cells. Curcumin also decreases the frequency of muscle contractions, helping relieve painful spasms.3
2. Regulates Colon Transit
When intestinal motility is too fast or slow, pain and bowel issues develop.4 Yet, a 2012 animal study found that curcumin controls it. This is especially useful for severe diarrhea or constipation.5
3. Manages Food Allergies
Food allergies and IBS have a strong link. There isn’t a direct relationship, but IBS patients tend to have more food allergies.6 Of course, avoidance is the best type of prevention. But need extra protection? Take turmeric, which regulates the immune response.7 This is ideal if you’re not positive what’s in the food you eat or if you just want to be safe.
4. Controls Enteric Nervous System
Turmeric acts on the enteric nervous system (ENS), which manages the gut. This is similar to the central nervous system, earning the nickname “brain in the gut.” Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is associated with IBS. If the ENS has serotonin problems, intestinal function declines. This leads to IBS and any unwanted symptoms.8
However, curcumin increases serotonin, which then acts on the ENS.9 It’s like a happy boost for your gut!
5. Relieves Anxiety And Depression
Living with IBS can be tough. About 30 to 40 percent of patients have depression or anxiety, making things far more worse.10 But turmeric can help. Remember, curcumin increases serotonin, just like anti-depressant drugs. This will significantly help the brain and emotional health.11
Curcumin even lowers the stress hormone cortisol.12 This is a game changer for stress, whether it’s the cause or a symptom.
Turmeric is generally safe for most people. Regardless, tell your doctor before enjoying tea or powdered spice. Too much can actually cause gastrointestinal problems13 – the last thing you need.
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