How Turmeric Benefits in Gastritis & Dosage

When the stomach lining gets eroded, inflamed or irritated, we are said to be suffering from acute or chronic gastritis.

This is caused due to stress, excess alcohol consumption, frequent vomiting and long term usage of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin.

Gastritis is also caused when the Helicobacter pylori bacteria infect the stomach, bile reflux, viral and bacterial infections or pernicious anemia.

Doctors identify gastritis through symptoms, various tests or an endoscopy.

Common symptoms include abdominal bloating, indigestion, nausea, chronic diarrhea, hiccups, loss of appetite, burning sensation in the stomach, black stools or vomiting blood.

Gastritis must be treated immediately for otherwise it could cause ulcers and increase the risk of contracting stomach cancer.

Gastritis is treated with a combination of drugs depending on the cause and the right diet.

Please feel free to use the Table of Contents below to jump to the relevant section in the article.

Turmeric and Gastritis

Turmeric contains curcumin which is a polyphenol with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

It can lower inflammatory enzyme levels in the body and even improve digestion by helping bile production by the gall bladder.

Since it is an antioxidant, it can protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals.

This herb has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat gastritis for it can reduce stomach acids and prevent inflammation of the walls of the intestines.

In a 2001 study on the effects of curcumin on gastritis and peptic ulcers, it was found that it could relieve symptoms of gastritis within a couple of weeks.

The study was conducted on 24 male patients and 21 female patients in the 16-60 age groups with peptic ulcers. 7 female and 18 male patients underwent endoscopies to locate their ulcers, size, etc.

The patients were given 300mg of capsule-filled turmeric powder five times a day.

The results were studied after 4 weeks of treatment. In 12 cases, the ulcers disappeared after 4 weeks, in 18 patients after 8 weeks.

The remaining 20 patients had no ulcers but seemed to suffer from gastritis, stomach erosion, and dyspepsia.

These patients were given a 4-week course of turmeric capsules. Their abdominal discomfort and pain subsided and they could eat normal food.

There were no side effects after taking turmeric with all patients having normal renal and liver functions.

The Helicobacter pylori bacteria cause peptic ulcers, gastritis, and gastric cancer. Treating it can be difficult with many available medications failing to ease symptoms.

Curcumin diferuloylmethane seems to inhibit the growth of H.pylori. An in vivo study of 65 H.pylori clinical isolates was studied when being treated with curcumin.

It stopped the growth of all the H.pylori strains. Mice infected with H.pylori were given curcumin.

It was effective in eradicating the bacteria and protecting the mice from gastric damage. This study shows the potential that turmeric may have in treating H.pylori infection and diseases caused by it like gastritis.

The H.pylori bacteria are known to cause most of the GI infections affecting a large section of the population. Hence, there are many turmeric for gastritisstudies on various therapies that can protect us against infection from these bacteria.

Eradication of H.pylori could especially help prevent gastritis caused by duodenal peptic ulcers.

Since many strains of these bacteria are resistant to conventional treatment, new methodologies are required.

Hence an in vitro study was conducted on the uses of water and ether extracts of cinnamon and turmeric on 5 H.pylori strains.

Water extract from turmeric plants showed the most potent antibacterial effects.

An international study was conducted on 6 strains of H.pylori in patients with peptic ulcers. 25 medicinal plants were selected and an aqueous extract of each was obtained.

Turmeric was the most effective, killing 100% of H.pylori within 15 minutes of administration. 

In another study, the stomachs of laboratory rats were ligated to cause gastric hyperacidity. Now, symptoms of gastritis appeared and the rats were given doses of turmeric and ranitidine.

Ranitidine is usually used to treat heartburn, duodenal and gastric ulcers.

The rats were not fed but given water for approximately 18-24 hours. They were then given plain saline water, water extract of turmeric or ranitidine.

Their stomachs were carefully examined after the test period for ulcerations. Saline water did not prevent hyperacidity.

However, both the groups given ranitidine and turmeric had reduced hyperacidity. This could be because of the ability of turmeric and ranitidine to suppress histamine receptors H2R. Turmeric usually does not create any side effects and could benefit the treatment of gastritis.

A 2004 study found that curcumin could prevent cellular processes vital to the growth of H.pylori bacteria.

This gram-negative bacterium can cause gastritis, ulcers and even gastric adenocarcinoma. H.pylori causes a cell scattering or motogenic response that can activate pro-inflammatory cytokines and transcription factors and result in the death of epithelial cells.

The study found that turmeric was able to block this mitogenic response and could be effective in treating H.pylori.

Various natural products like omega-3 fatty acids, curcuminoids, black seed oil, and omeprazole – a synthetic medication – were tested on gastritis.

While omeprazole helped with gastritis, there were certain side effects. However, a combination of the three natural products taken for 3 weeks normalized gastric mucosal activity and may be used in the future to treat gastritis.

Dosage

There is no particular prescribed dose of turmeric defined for gastritis. Based on the studies and reader’s reports we have summarized various ways of taking turmeric which could benefit from this disorder. 

For low stomach acidity, indigestion, dyspepsia or heartburn, the recommended dosage of turmeric is 500mg four times daily.

This was concluded after a study that found turmeric is a carminative agent that can relieve indigestion. This is one symptom of gastritis.  

The standard dosage of turmeric powder is 400-600mg thrice daily, of cut root – 1.5-3g daily, dried powdered root – 1-3g daily and fluid extracts – 30-90 drops daily.

Precautions

Turmeric supplements taken in excess could cause indigestion, diarrhea, nausea or dizziness. Turmeric spice used in food is safe for anyone to consume.

Those with gall bladder problems, pregnant and breastfeeding women, anyone needing surgery and diabetic patients must avoid turmeric supplements.  Always consult your doctor for the right quantity to use for gastritis.

38 thoughts on “How Turmeric Benefits in Gastritis & Dosage”

  1. Hi I was diagnosed with chronic erosion gastritis and I have bought 500mg of turmeric capsules will this cure my gastritis and the nausea as I have been suffering badly for over a year now.?

    Reply
    • Curcumin should help relieve gastric inflammation. Turmeric supplements should be taken after a meal. However, some individuals do report increase in acid reflux symptoms with turmeric. Taking them immediately after a meal should reduce acid reflux symptoms. Please consult your doctor as well.

      Reply
  2. I have autoimmune atrophic gastritis/pernicious anemia and would like to know which supplement is recommended as I am confused. Should it be turmeric and curcumin combined or just one or the other? Thank you!

    Reply
  3. I have been diagnosed with Chronic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia. Can tumeric help?
    Currently taking rabeprazole in the morning and domperidone 8 hourly.

    Reply
  4. I am curious how did the people take the turmeric in the study? Was it by golden paste or by capsule? My stomach is bothering me way too much for a spice right now… Will capsule form work? If so how much? The study also mentions both tumeric and cut cumin which is better?

    Reply
  5. Can turmeric (spice not pill) be used in my morning oatmeal if I sometimes take Zantac in the evening? Are there side effects if this is done? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hi. It is safe to take turmeric in the morning when you are taking Zantac in the evening. Start with small doses to mitigate any gastric side effects.

      Reply
  6. HI, i have been suffering from H.Pylori associated Gastritis for the last 9 months.
    Which turmeric brand in India I can take .

    I have gall stones as well . Surgery is planned. Can i take Turmeric without any worry.

    Reply
  7. My beby is 4 months old and she is suffering from cystic fibrosis and at present she is in hospital please tell me how can I give her turmaric so that she can live heathy life dr are saying she have small life

    Reply
    • Hi. Your daughter is too young to consume spices in diet. Child should be at least of 8 months to 1 year to include turmeric in his or her diet.

      Reply
  8. I have crohns and am taking steroids, I have gained weight and wanted to try the golden milk to see if it could help me, I have been drinking this for 3 days and have gained a pound and my cheeks are puffer than they were,does anyone know if this usual when starting

    Reply
  9. Had Helicobacter Pylori Infection 6 years ago and was treated with Antibiotic .
    Now I think it came back and I want to try Turmeric
    Question :
    How long should I take Turmeric ( Golden Paste ) to get rid of the Infection ??

    Reply
  10. I have a burning stomach and pain in my left shoulder blade now for the past two days, I do suffer on and off with this, but i think i messed up my good bacteria bu having to take two antibiotics. Turmeric might help if its inflammation. please comment if you have suffered from this

    Reply
  11. Sally, please give a look at the following:
    Discov Med. 2015 Mar;19(104):159-68.
    Advances in mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of pernicious anemia.
    Rojas Hernandez CM1, Oo TH1.
    Be well
    Dr Dimitrios N. Gelis

    Reply
  12. Hi. I have just been diagnosed with pernicious anaemia. I take turmeric (golden paste) daily and wondered if this will be helpful or a problem?
    Thank you!

    Reply

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.