Over the last couple of years, health influencers on social platforms have taken to the trend of trying turmeric shots. Check the feed of any top-level fitness or health guru, and you're bound to see them taking a turmeric shot from time to time.
The bright yellow liquid leaves most of them wincing after the shot - we can't say we blame them. We're all for turmeric's health benefits, but we won't lie – we can't stand the taste. The super-spicy and intense flavor of turmeric shots are good for your health, and that's why everyone does it.
However, it might surprise you to learn that there are an upside and downside of including turmeric shots in your diet. In this post, we'll unpack the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating a turmeric shot into your daily diet.
What are the Advantages of Turmeric Shots?
#1 Boost Your Energy Levels Naturally
Turmeric creates a thermogenic response in your digestive system. It's common for first-time users to notice slight warming feeling around 40-minutes after taking the shot. However, if you're unlucky, this effect can turn into cramping that ruins your morning.
Still, the increase in thermogenesis gives you a noticeable boost in energy levels, if you can handle the reaction in your tummy.
#2 Stop Workout Soreness in Its Tracks
If you enjoy a hard workout, chances are you always feel sore the following day. The stiffness occurs due to the breakdown of muscle tissues, and the onset of inflammation.
Turmeric helps to inhibit the inflammatory response, reducing muscle stiffness the day after training.
#3 Reduce the Symptoms of Inflammatory Disease
If you're dealing with rheumatoid arthritis or other auto-immune disorders, consuming a turmeric shot every morning can help your body deal with the effects of inflammatory disease.
The curcumin in turmeric helps to neutralize inflammatory cytokines, preventing them from turning on the genes that cause the inflammatory response.
What are the Disadvantages of Turmeric Shots?
You'll Experience an Increase in Bowel Movements
If you think a morning coffee moves your bowels, just wait for 10-minutes after taking a turmeric shot. The bowel response to the shot is tremendous, and most people find themselves running for the bathroom.
The effect of the shot diminishes after a week or two of regular use. However, you'll always feel some response after having a shot, regardless of whether you're a seasoned shot-taker.
You'll Struggle to Handle the Taste
We won't snow you, a turmeric shot tastes terrible. Some people enjoy the spicy, aromatic flavor, but it's going to be too much to handle for most. Try cutting it with whatever you want, but you'll still have that turmeric taste repeating for the rest of the morning.
Let's not forget that your mouth is going to look yellow for a few hours – fin fact: Turmeric also has a use as an industrial dye.
It Might Conflict with Medications
If you're using any medication, turmeric might amplify or neutralize the effects of the medicine. Speak to your doctor for advice before introducing turmeric shots to your breakfast.
Why Bother with Turmeric Shots when You can Supplement?
Let's be honest here – turmeric shots are good for you, but they taste terrible, and it's not the best way to get a daily dose of curcumin. Reading through Smarter Nutrition curcumin reviews shows plenty of positive responses to this supplement.
Smarter nutrition includes Bioperine in its formula, increasing the bioavailability of curcumin in the digestive system. Using this supplement, you'll get all the benefits of consuming turmeric, without the need to take a nasty-tasting shot.
