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Turmeric Benefits for Crohn’s Disease, IBS, or Ulcerative Colitis
Research continues to link excessive inflammation in the body with digestive issues like Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcerative colitis.
Since Turmeric (curcumin) has been shown to promote a healthy inflammation response in the body, researchers have been investigating its potential role in helping these conditions.
So far the research looks very promising and it appears Turmeric may be one of the best supplements to add to your daily routine to promote digestive health.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is one of the autoimmune diseases that comprise the term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This disease affects the whole gastrointestinal tract, causing the immune system to attack healthy gastrointestinal tissue. The inflammation can cause fistulas, which can lead to blockages, and may lead to intestinal obstructions that will require surgery. In severe cases, this disease can cause malabsorption and malnutrition, requiring the individual to rely on medical nutrition therapy through a feeding tube or central line catheter.
A 2014 meta-analysis review on the potential use of curcumin as therapy for IBD, showed the benefits of using curcumin to reduce inflammation through its inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and p38 MAPK in the intestinal mucosa. This in turn allows intestinal mucosa to regain structure, prevent degradation, and allow for better signal transduction. (1) Curcumin can then be an effective way to help patients suffering from Crohn’s disease in reducing inflammation and promoting motility in a more tolerable way.
A 2019 randomized, double-blind study, evaluated the efficacy of 360 mg a day of curcumin in patients with Crohn’s disease. Thirty-one patients were evaluated for 12 weeks, and the group that received this dose of curcumin showed significant improved results after a clinical and endoscopic evaluation as compared to the placebo control group. Particularly, curcumin seemed to improve scarring of the longitudinal ulcers and allowed healing of the mucosa.(2) Along with other medical therapy, curcumin can be added to improve the prognosis of lesions and inflammation in patients with Crohn’s disease.
The Link Between Turmeric, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
A 2019 review study showed the effects of curcumin in intestinal inflammatory disease, including Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. The study focused on the inflammatory effects of these diseases on the intestinal barrier, which in the longer term leads to bacterial translocation, generalized chronic inflammation, and even sepsis in some cases. Because curcumin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, many studies have focused on its effect in IBD.
Curcumin can reduce mechanisms of inflammation, which include cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS), by inhibiting their actions and preventing the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways.
These are mechanisms that we acquire through environmental exposure, but also through an unhealthy diet high in saturated fats or processed foods. If these pathways aren’t blocked, the result is discomfort, swelling, and even diarrhea or constipation.
Since it is an affordable and tolerable treatment, curcumin could be added to IBD treatment and help in reducing systemic inflammation. This review concluded:
“The culmination of the vast number of effects of curcumin on the intestinal epithelium and immune system is to strengthen the intestinal barrier through a reduction in bacterial translocation and inflammation.” 3
While turmeric is a dietary supplement and not a medication, its properties have been widely studied due to its ability to significantly reduce inflammation pathways, but more recent studies have focused on other properties.
Turmeric Effects on Gut Bacteria
The 2020 study Microbial-Based and Microbial-Targeted Therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, discussed how curcumin can promote protective bacteria growth, acting as a prebiotic, which could result in better peristalsis and movement in the gut, as well as better absorption.4
Healthy bacteria is usually lacking in patients with IBS or IBD, so consuming foods that promote their growth can help battle symptoms like constipation, bloating, and excessive gas production. Healthy microbiota has been thought to be a key factor as a protective effect in people that don’t have gastrointestinal issue.
A 2018 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effect of curcumin on microorganism growth in the human microbiota. Subjects were assigned to 3 different groups, turmeric tablets with extract of piperine (BioPerine® ) (n = 6), curcumin with BioPerine® tablets (n = 5), or placebo tablets (n = 3).
The placebo group showed a 15% reduction in all microbiota species, while the turmeric experienced a 69% increase in evaluated microorganisms, which included
Clostridium spp., Bacteroides spp., Citrobacter spp., Cronobacter spp., Enterobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., Parabacteroides spp., and Pseudomonas spp.
The high potency curcumin displayed better results, as opposed to the placebo group that showed a decrease in microbiota.1 This study shows how turmeric, particularly high dose turmeric extract can positively increase certain microorganisms in the gut, all of which help promote digestion, nutrient absorption, and decrease transit time.
Ulcerative Colitis (UC)
Ulcerative colitis is another inflammatory bowel disease caused by a dysregulation of the immune system, resulting in chronic inflammation of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. This disease causes chronic ulcers that result in bloody diarrhea, pain, rectal bleeding, and malabsorption. Ulcerative colitis requires treatment with steroidal medications, biological agents, or immunosuppressive drugs.
A 2011 case study evaluated the effect of curcumin on a 60 year woman that had recurring ulcerations and had failed to get better through multiple mesalamine preparations (oral and rectal), sulfasalazine, and steroid enemas, and had required multiple courses of steroids.
After a year on 500 mgs of curcumin along with 40 mgs of prednisone a day, the same woman was in remission with regular bowel movements and no significant signs of ulceration. Curcumin is believed to have a significant inhibitory effect on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), resembling sulfasalazine in terms of mechanism of action.1 This is a good case for the use of curcumin along with traditional medical treatments to reduce inflammation and ulceration.
A 2018 meta-analysis review on the use of curcumin as an adjuvant therapy for ulcerative colitis evaluated 380 patients (Curcumin n=188; Placebo n=192) and found a statistically significant improvement on ulceration and on endoscopic response in the curcumin + mesalamine group. The same group showed a decrease in stool frequency and nausea.2 This study is significant in proving that curcumin could aid other therapeutic treatments and lower side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, or bloating.
Picking a Turmeric Supplement
For digestive health, the benefits of turmeric extract seem too good to ignore especially if you have tried everything else to feel better. It’s worth a try, but you should know several factors about picking a potent, bioavailable, and safe turmeric supplement.
Get enough Turmeric Extract per capsule
The dosage of many turmeric supplements are too low since they only provide 50-150 mgs of turmeric extract per capsule. The rest of their capsules are filled with turmeric powder because it’s cheaper to source allowing companies to increase their profit margins. We understand if they choose to sell a low dose turmeric, but it becomes a problem when these companies advertise that they have the “highest potency turmeric available” when, in fact, they do not.
Supplement companies are really good at marketing and labeling their products to give you the perception they have a high potency product. Be vigilant when reading their supplement facts labels including the serving size to verify how much turmeric extract is provided in each capsule.
We have written a revealing article comparing 5 top-selling turmeric brands on Amazon and how they use clever marketing tactics to make their product look better than it really is. There are screenshots provided with an in-depth analysis of their labels.
You can read the article here:
Misleading claims about Turmeric – 5 examples and how to read labels
Check for Absorption
In addition to the amount of turmeric extract per capsule, there are other considerations to look for when choosing the best turmeric supplement.
As mentioned before, turmeric extract has poor absorption without black pepper extract. BioPerine® is a patented form a black pepper extract which is shown to increase the absorption of turmeric by 2000% making it an essential addition to your turmeric supplement.
Although “you are what you eat” is true, its more accurate to say “you are what you absorb.” Eating turmeric powder without black pepper would like doing laundry without detergent which is why Active Atoms Turmeric Extract contains 5 mgs of BioPerine® per capsule.
Check for Lead Testing
Lastly, be sure to pick a turmeric supplement that is tested for lead. It’s hard to believe, but lead contamination is a major concern with turmeric products.
We have regularly sent our turmeric to an independent lab to test for lead ever since we began our company and we will continue to invest in the health and safety of our customers by testing for lead.
If you want more information about picking a top-tier turmeric then read this article:
The Takeaway
As always, before you consume a turmeric supplement, it is best to consult with a doctor. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation recommends using turmeric with care6, as some individuals may experience side effects like bloating. It is especially important to be careful with high concentrations of turmeric if you are on blood thinners, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
Remember that for the best turmeric supplement to work you must also do your part and take care of your body with enough sleep, exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress. This is considered the whole-person approach to reducing inflammation and it will certainly help your digestion.
Now that you know what turmeric can do for you, consider protecting your digestive system and whole body with it before other diseases develop and affect your quality of life. Don’t waste more time feeling tired and down, consult about Active Atoms Turmeric Extract to change your digestion and health today!
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