3 Easy-To-Make Turmeric Shots For Gut Health

More often than not, gastrointestinal health is the last thing on our minds when we eat anything. However, considering the fact that we’ve all suffered from problems like constipation, bloating, and acid reflux, the importance of gut health can’t be overstated.

Most of us pop a pill when we’re hit with a gut disorder, but this merely offers temporary relief. Additionally, considering the fact that gut health is vital for immune function and heart health as well, it’s important to find more permanent solutions. Thankfully, you don’t have to look beyond your spice rack to improve your gut health. Experts now believe that consuming turmeric every day can prevent gut health problems.

How Does Turmeric Promote Gut Health?

According to studies, the key to turmeric’s benefits for the gut seems to lie in curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.¹ Some of the gut problems that turmeric might be helpful for are

• Indigestion: Curcumin is believed to stimulate the gallbladder to produce bile. This might improve bowel functioning and reduce symptoms of bloating and gas.²
• Ulcerative Colitis: Turmeric might relieve abdominal pain and cramping caused due to inflammation.³ Additionally, when had along with conventional treatment, curcumin in turmeric reduces the risk of a relapse.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A few studies have concluded that curcumin decreases the severe inflammation and resultant intestinal damage caused by inflammatory bowel disease.⁴

In addition to aiding the treatment of the above disorders, turmeric is believed to improve intestinal barrier function, which in turn prevents autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.⁵ It is also believed to prevent colorectal cancer and maintain healthy gut flora.⁶

While you could opt for curcumin supplements after consulting a professional, an easy way to consume turmeric is to have a shot of it in the morning. And, if you’d like to increase the benefits of this morning shot, you could add a few other gut-healthy ingredients to it.

3 Easy Turmeric Shot Recipes

1. Turmeric With Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented, lightly effervescent black or green tea. It consists of probiotics which are known to promote the balance of healthy gut bacteria. This makes it a good addition to a gut-healthy shot.⁷ Here’s how you can go about making this shot.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of organic kombucha, unflavored
• 2 tablespoon of freshly grated turmeric (or 1 tablespoon of ground, dried turmeric)

Directions

1. Combine the two ingredients in a glass jar and transfer to a glass bottle.
2. Store in the fridge and consume within 2 weeks.

Have a shot of this mix every morning to see results. If you experience any kind of allergic reaction, be sure to consult a professional at the earliest.

2. Turmeric With Ginger And Apple Cider Vinegar

Ginger is a popular spice that was used in Chinese folk medicine to treat stomach upsets, diarrhea, and nausea. Scientific research on these ginger supports the above-stated benefits but is still preliminary.⁸ Apple cider vinegar, meanwhile, is believed to improve digestion.⁹ Here’s how you can combine both these ingredients with turmeric.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of filtered water
• 1/4 cup of raw ACV
• 1 tablespoon of ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon of freshly ground ginger

Directions

1. Pour the water into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat.
2. Once it’s hot (not boiling) take it off the heat and stir in the ginger, ACV, and turmeric.
3. Pour the mixture into a pitcher and refrigerate.

If the mixture tastes too strongly of ACV, you could dilute it with a little more water. Additionally, ginger might interfere with blood thinners and diabetic medications, so be sure to consult a doctor before you try this recipe.

3. Turmeric With Black Pepper And Honey

Black pepper is believed to prevent diarrhea and flatulence.¹⁰  In addition to this, it increases the absorption of turmeric in the gut.¹¹ Honey, meanwhile, might contain oligosaccharides, which are prebiotics that promotes gut flora.¹² Here’s how you can combine the two ingredients with turmeric.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of filtered water
• 1/4 cup of raw honey
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper

Directions

1. Pour the water into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat.
2. Once it’s hot (not boiling) take it off the heat and stir in the honey, black pepper, and turmeric.
3. Pour the mixture into a pitcher and refrigerate.

If you are on certain medications, be sure to consult a professional before trying this recipe.

Taking a shot of turmeric in the morning can help you prevent or reduce the incidence of, most common gastrointestinal disorders. However, too much of anything can be bad for you so be sure not to overdo the turmeric in any of the above recipes.