Use warm water and turmeric to cleanse your body, support digestion

The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) researches a wide range of digestive disorders — chronic constipation, gastrointestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, ulcers, diverticulitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) among others. According to their 2010 data, the NIDDK states that “60 to 70 million people [in the U.S.] are affected by all digestive diseases.”  It’s likely that those 2010 percentages, as well as the population’s discomfort and pain have increased. GERD alone “affects 20% of all Americans,” reports Everydayhealth.com.  Another 700,000 citizens are burdened with ulcerative colitis and “10-15% of the U.S. population suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.”

Using pharmaceutical concoctions to reduce acid or pain can do even more damage. U.S. News and World Report reports that serious side effects were being recognized from the “113 million annual prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors,” better known as Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid.  These drugs, given as acid-reducers, have been linked to “bone fractures in older women and Clostridium difficile infections that can cause life-threatening diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset in older people.”  So why not try to stem your digestive woes, and help detox your body, with two elements utilized for their positive health effects for thousands of years?  Turmeric mixed in a warm glass of water will not only help cleanse your body, but they will also lend support to your digestive system.

Warm water, as opposed to cold, is gentler on your body systems. And being well-hydrated is essential to good health. The human body, depending on weight, age, gender and health, is comprised of between 50 to 75 percent water. Water is a critical primary element that does more than you realize. Water flushes toxins, helps regulate temperature, “helps insulate your brain,” lubricates your joints, and, says Chemistry.com, assists in swallowing and digestion. That’s where the turmeric comes in. When added to warm water, turmeric will help create bile, an important digestive juice made in the liver that helps break down and absorb fats. Bile secretions also carry out the body’s waste products from the blood, including extra cholesterol and old red blood cells. It’s very important for your body to be able to eliminate these efficiently. Turmeric in your water will help.

Warm turmeric water also creates an alkalizing effect on the body which can reduce the risks of diseases that thrive in an acid environment. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, the well known active ingredient of turmeric, may also assist with the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. According to Authoritynutrition.com, curcumin is also “strongly anti-inflammatory” and works because it targets the “inflammatory pathway at the molecular level.” (Related: 5 Ingredients Turmeric Tea- Supress Pain Caused By Inflammation & Prevent Type-2 Diabetes.)

The amazing properties and benefits of the superfood turmeric and its inherent curcumin go even further. It has shown to be beneficial for relieving depression by boosting dopamine and serotonin. Research indicates that curcumin has demonstrated the ability to clear Amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This ancient herb also appears to have a hand in preventing heart disease and has been shown to attack cancer cells at a molecular level.

Instead of greeting each new day with a cup of java, why not trade that in for a soothing glass of warm water and turmeric? You may be pleasantly surprised.

Sources include:

NIDDK.NIH.gov

EverydayHealth.com

Health.USNews.com

Chemistry.com

HealthHype.com

AuthorityNutrition.com