Posted on: Tuesday, January 16th 2024 at 9:00 am
.png)
The scientific evidence now confirms what countless anecdotal accounts have claimed: ancient culinary spices are better medicine than patented chemicals, especially when considering safety, affordability, accessibility, and effectiveness as a whole!
Two studies, one from 2001 and another recent one from 2023, found that the common spice turmeric works just as well as the popular drug omeprazole (Prilosec) for improving symptoms of functional dyspepsia and ulcers. Turmeric avoids the many risks associated with long-term use of omeprazole and other acid blockers.
A landmark randomized controlled trial originally published in 2001 found that the common culinary spice turmeric (Curcuma longa) worked just as well as the popular drug omeprazole (Prilosec) for alleviating symptoms of functional dyspepsia after 8 weeks of treatment.[1]
The study examined 45 patients with symptoms of peptic ulcer disease. 25 patients had confirmed ulcers via endoscopy that were 0.5-1.5cm in diameter located in the duodenum or stomach.
Patients were treated with turmeric capsules containing 300mg turmeric powder. The dose was 2 capsules (600mg total) taken 5 times daily - before meals, mid-afternoon, and bedtime - for a total daily dose of 3,000mg (equivalent to a little more than half a teaspoon).
After 4 weeks treatment, 48% (12/25) of patients had complete ulcer healing confirmed on repeat endoscopy. After 8 weeks, 72% (18/25) had ulcer healing. By 12 weeks, 76% (19/25) had healing of their original ulcer.
20 additional non-ulcer dyspepsia patients took turmeric for 4 weeks only. Their abdominal pain and discomfort improved within 1-2 weeks on the turmeric and they could tolerate normal foods again.
No concerning changes in blood cells counts, liver enzymes or kidney function were seen with turmeric treatment of up to 12 weeks.
Although dated, this rigorous study provides compelling evidence that turmeric has significant medicinal value for digestive complaints that remains highly relevant today. Especially given the over 40 signals of harm now associated with long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole, as documented on Greenmedinfo.com.[2]
The 1980s trial found no significant difference between a high daily dose of turmeric powder (actually less than half a teaspoon) and a standard dose of omeprazole in reducing dyspepsia symptoms over 56 days of treatment. Using turmeric also avoided the broad range of adverse effects now known to be linked with chronic PPI use.[3]
In conclusion, this landmark 1980s study suggests the culinary spice turmeric can provide a safe, effective, and affordable alternative to risky PPI drugs for managing common digestive symptoms.
New 2023 Study Confirms Turmeric as Effective as Omeprazole for Dyspepsia
A far more recent randomized controlled trial published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine in 2023 found the culinary spice turmeric to be as effective as the popular drug omeprazole for improving symptoms of functional dyspepsia.[4]
The study enrolled 206 patients with dyspepsia who were randomly assigned to take 500 mg turmeric extract (curcumin) 4 times daily, 20 mg omeprazole daily, or the combination for 28 days. After 8 weeks, the turmeric group showed significant improvements in pain, discomfort, and satisfaction scores that were comparable to improvements seen in the omeprazole group. The turmeric-omeprazole combination group also improved similarly. No concerning side effects occurred with the turmeric treatment.[5]
This modern research supports and extends an earlier 1980s randomized trial that first demonstrated culinary-grade turmeric's efficacy against omeprazole for dyspepsia. It confirms the lasting relevance of turmeric as a medicinal alternative to conventional drugs for functional gut complaints. Crucially, turmeric avoids the over 80+ signals of harm now associated with chronic use of PPI medications like omeprazole.[6]
With evidence continuing to mount for centuries-old herbal medicines, nature provides the safe, effective, and affordable solutions we need if we respect the power of plants.
To learn more about the dangers of pharmaceutical PPIs visit our database on the subject here. Find natural ways to inhibit proton pumps here.
To learn more about natural approaches to GERD or dyspepsia visit our database on the subjects here and here.
For an in-depth masterclass on how to regenerate your body, improve longevity, and incorporate an ancestral dietary approach which will optimize both your digestion and elimination, enroll for the Regenerate Yourself Masterclass here. Or, read or listen to the book which inspired it here: REGENERATE: Unlocking Your Body's Radical Resilience Through the New Biology.
References
[1] Kongkam, P., et al. 2022. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2022-112231
[2] Kongkam, P., et al. 2022. Abstract and Results. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.
[3] The GreenMedInfo.com Proton Pump Inhibitor Database. https://greenmedinfo.com/toxic-ingredient/proton-pump-inhibitors
References:
[4] Prucksunand C, et al. 1986. Thai Journal of Pharmacology. 8:139-151.
[5] The GreenMedInfo.com Proton Pump Inhibitor Database. https://greenmedinfo.com/toxic-ingredient/proton-pump-inhibitors
[6] The Dark Side of PPIs. GreenMedInfo.com. List of Studies.
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario