tumeric for gut health

How Turmeric Supports Gut Health (Plus a Delicious Recipe!)

February 14, 20252 min read

If your gut has been feeling off—bloating, sluggish digestion, or just not quite right—I've got something for you. And no, it’s not another supplement or complicated regimen. It’s a simple, natural ingredient that has been used for centuries to support digestion and calm inflammation: turmeric.

This golden spice isn’t just for curries. Turmeric is packed with curcumin, a powerhouse compound known for its anti-inflammatory and gut-supporting benefits. Let’s break down exactly how turmeric can help restore balance in your digestive system—and then I’ll share a quick, delicious smoothie recipe so you can start feeling the benefits right away.

Why Turmeric is a Game-Changer for Gut Health

1. Protects the Gut Lining

Your gut lining is like a security system for your digestive tract—it keeps harmful toxins out while allowing nutrients in. Curcumin helps safeguard the gut lining by reducing inflammation, which is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. A strong gut lining prevents harmful toxins and bacteria from entering the digestive tract, lowering the risk of conditions like leaky gut syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

2. Balances Gut Bacteria

Having a healthy microbiome (the trillions of bacteria in your gut) is crucial in digestion, immunity, and overall gut function. Turmeric helps promote the good guys (like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) while suppressing harmful pathogens. This balance enhances digestion and supports immune function.

3. Boosts Bile Production

Bile is essential for digesting fats and absorbing vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Turmeric naturally stimulates bile flow, which helps maintain a healthy microbiome by reducing harmful bacteria in the small intestine and supporting optimal digestion.

Ready to Give Your Gut Some Love? Try This Turmeric Smoothie!

I know adding new habits can feel overwhelming, but this one is easy—and delicious. This Gut-Friendly Turmeric Smoothie blends anti-inflammatory spices with gut-supporting probiotics for a creamy, nutrient-packed treat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk for extra creaminess)

  • 1 frozen banana

  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (or ½ inch fresh turmeric root, peeled)

  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger (or ½ inch fresh ginger root, peeled)

  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds (for fiber and omega-3s)

  • 1 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup (optional)

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt (for probiotics)

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

  • ½ cup ice (adjust for desired thickness)

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately!

Try It & Let Me Know!

This isn’t just another smoothie—it’s a gut-healing powerhouse in a glass. Try making it a few times a week and pay attention to how your digestion feels. You might notice less bloating, better regularity, and even more energy.

If you give it a try, let me know how you like it! Your gut health will thank you.

Dr. Anastiscia Lang, Ph.D., RDN

Dr. Anastiscia Lang uses an integrative approach to health and wellness, combining natural modalities, and noninvasive analysis in order to best support patients in removing obstacles preventing optimal health.

Back to Blog

Contact

  • 775-881-8558

Hours of Operation

Mon - Fri: 10:00am to 4:00pm

By Appointment Only

Locations

695 Wolf St.
Kings Beach, CA 96143

9169 W State St Suite 1321

Garden City, ID 83714

Copyright © 2025 Glow Health Wellness | All Rights Reserved