Since its discovery, the gut microbiome has become known as one of the most important influencers of health and disease and is a major topic of research due to its vast array of microorganisms, each performing various biochemical interactions within the body.1 Research now shows that the gut microbiome plays an even larger role in many of the body’s functions and has expanded the gut-brain axis2 to include a link between the gut and other systems such as the musculoskeletal,3 immune,4 endocrine,5 cardiovascular6, lymphatic,7 respiratory,8 integumentary,9 and excretory10 systems.

The Gut Connection

While a healthy, balanced microbiome is ideal for maintaining homeostasis amongst all body systems, gut dysbiosis or the imbalance of gut microbes can lead to profoundly negative health outcomes.11 Fortunately, as new research unfolds, our understanding of the gut microbiome may help pave the way for targeting various gut-axis connections and the impact of using nutraceuticals, such as turmeric, to support a healthy microbiome in the treatment and prevention of disease.12

The Influence of Turmeric on the Gut Microbiota

One of the major curcuminoid compounds found in turmeric, curcumin, has been shown to have a bidirectional relationship with the gut microbiome where curcumin metabolism is partly regulated by the microbiome and curcumin metabolites influence the function, diversity, and composition of beneficial gut microbes.13 Curcumin has also shown to enhance the integrity of the intestinal barrier and reduce intestinal permeability by preventing tight junction protein disruption,14 as well as play a role in regulating inflammatory signaling pathways and pro-inflammatory mediators linked to chronic disease.15,16,17

While curcumin has a compelling reputation in the research world, the curcuminoid compounds only account for roughly 2-9% of the whole turmeric root. In fact, the whole turmeric root has been found to contain over 300 bioactive compounds predominantly consisting of non-curcuminoid compounds that have been shown to offer the same, if not greater, therapeutic benefits while synergistically enhancing the bioavailability and bioactivity of curcumin and supporting a healthy gut microbiome.18,19,20

Why it is Best to Recommend the Whole Turmeric Root

While isolated curcumin has been studied in-depth for its influence on human health and the gut microbiome, its therapeutic activity in-vivo is limited by its low stability, low solubility and low bioavailability.21 This is due to the fact that isolated polyphenols, such as curcumin, readily activate Phase II detoxification in the liver and are excreted because they are recognized as foreign molecules by the body.22 To overcome this, research has shown that turmeric given in its whole root form, as a complete matrix which contains both the curcuminoids and non-curcuminoids, is the most effective way to ensure gut microbial interaction, improve absorption, and enhance therapeutic outcomes.23,24,25,26,27,28

 

Claire Kacena, DC is the Musculoskeletal and Immune Clinical Brand Manager at Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center and a board-certified Chiropractor. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2010 and then went on to receive her Doctor of Chiropractic from National University of Health Sciences in 2015. Currently, Dr. Kacena is pursuing her diplomate in clinical nutrition.

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