What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Turmeric and Ginger Every Day?

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to ancient Ayurvedic practices, turmeric has been used for over 4,000 years to treat inflammation and aid digestion. When combined, the potent properties of these two spices can bring about significant changes, raising the question: 'What happens to your body when you drink turmeric and ginger every day?'

Quick Summary

Consuming a daily drink with turmeric and ginger can lead to powerful anti-inflammatory effects, enhanced antioxidant activity, improved digestion, and stronger immune function. It can also support cardiovascular health and help manage pain and nausea, especially when taken in moderation.

Key Points

Reduces Inflammation: The active compounds curcumin (in turmeric) and gingerol (in ginger) work synergistically to lower chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Boosts Immune System: Their powerful antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties help strengthen your body's defenses against infections and illnesses.
Improves Digestion: Ginger is excellent for relieving nausea and bloating, while turmeric aids fat digestion by stimulating bile production.
Relieves Pain: Regular intake can help reduce joint stiffness and muscle soreness, offering a natural analgesic effect, particularly beneficial for arthritis.
Supports Heart Health: Both spices contribute to better cardiovascular function by improving circulation, lowering cholesterol, and preventing plaque buildup.
Enhances Absorption: Combining turmeric with black pepper is crucial, as the piperine in pepper dramatically increases the absorption of curcumin.
Requires Moderation: High doses can cause side effects or interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and blood sugar regulators.

The Powerful Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Duo

Both turmeric and ginger have been celebrated for centuries in traditional medicine for their healing properties. The primary benefits of consuming them daily are linked to their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. In turmeric, the key active ingredient is curcumin, while in ginger, it is gingerol. These compounds work synergistically to provide a robust defense against oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which are contributing factors to many chronic diseases.

Targeting Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a root cause of numerous health issues, including heart disease, arthritis, and certain cancers. Daily consumption of ginger and turmeric can help manage this inflammation:

Curcumin in Turmeric: Studies indicate that curcumin can be as effective as some anti-inflammatory medications in reducing inflammation markers in the body. It works by blocking inflammatory molecules and pathways.
Gingerol in Ginger: The compounds in ginger help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body. This can offer targeted relief for acute inflammatory conditions, such as muscle soreness after exercise.
Synergistic Effect: Research suggests that when consumed together, ginger and turmeric extracts exhibit a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect, meaning they work better together than alone.

Boosting Antioxidant Capacity

Antioxidants are crucial for fighting free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage. The combination of turmeric and ginger offers a strong antioxidant punch, protecting the body from damage and supporting overall wellness. This is particularly important for fortifying the immune system against infections.

Benefits for Digestive and Immune Health

Drinking a turmeric and ginger beverage every day can significantly benefit your digestive system and boost your body's natural defenses.

Aiding Digestion

Nausea Relief: Ginger is particularly well-known for its ability to soothe an upset stomach and reduce nausea caused by motion sickness, chemotherapy, and pregnancy.
Improved Gut Function: Ginger stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, helping food move more efficiently through the system and relieving bloating and gas.
Bile Production: Turmeric stimulates bile production, which helps in the digestion of fats. The anti-inflammatory properties can also soothe the gut and may help with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Strengthening Immunity

Both spices contain antimicrobial and antiviral properties that help strengthen the immune system. A daily dose can provide a natural shield against seasonal illnesses, as supported by their use in traditional medicine for centuries.

Comparing Turmeric vs. Ginger: A Closer Look

While they are often combined, it's helpful to understand the distinct benefits of each root to appreciate their combined power. The table below highlights some key differences in their primary therapeutic actions.


Feature	Turmeric (Curcumin)	Ginger (Gingerol & Shogaol)
Best for	Chronic inflammation (e.g., arthritis), oxidative stress, long-term health maintenance.	Immediate digestive relief (nausea), acute inflammation, muscle soreness.
Absorption	Poorly absorbed on its own; requires black pepper (piperine) to enhance bioavailability.	Absorbed much more readily; compounds reach peak blood levels relatively quickly.
Primary Mechanism	Blocks multiple inflammatory pathways, targets nuclear factor-kappa B.	Targets more immediate inflammatory needs and improves gut motility.
Taste Profile	Earthy, peppery, slightly bitter.	Warm, spicy, and pungent.

Important Considerations and Potential Risks

While daily consumption is generally safe for most, it is crucial to be mindful of potential side effects and contraindications.

Optimizing Absorption

To fully benefit from the curcumin in turmeric, it is essential to consume it with black pepper. The piperine in black pepper significantly enhances the absorption of curcumin by up to 2,000%, ensuring your body can utilize its anti-inflammatory properties effectively. This is why many tea and shot recipes include a pinch of black pepper.

Medication Interactions

High doses of turmeric and ginger can interact with certain medications.

Blood Thinners: Both spices have mild blood-thinning properties and may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising when combined with anticoagulant medications like warfarin or aspirin.
Blood Sugar Medication: Turmeric and ginger can lower blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes on medication should consult a healthcare provider, as this combination could cause blood sugar to drop too low.
Antacids: Turmeric can increase stomach acid, which may interfere with antacid medications.

Contraindications and Side Effects

Gallbladder Issues: Turmeric contains oxalate, which can stimulate gallbladder contractions and may be problematic for those with gallbladder issues or gallstones.
Kidney Stones: High doses of turmeric could increase the risk of calcium-oxalate kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women should consult their doctor, as large amounts of turmeric and ginger are not well-researched for safety during pregnancy.
Digestive Discomfort: Excessive intake of either spice may lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as heartburn, diarrhea, or mouth irritation.

How to Incorporate Turmeric and Ginger into Your Routine

For safe and delicious daily consumption, a popular method is to make an herbal tea or a wellness shot.

Simple Turmeric Ginger Tea Recipe

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
Add ½ tsp ground turmeric or 1 tbsp fresh grated turmeric, and ½ tsp fresh grated ginger.
Add a pinch of ground black pepper to boost curcumin absorption.
Reduce heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Strain into a cup, add a squeeze of lemon juice, and honey to taste if desired.

This simple tea provides a comforting, natural way to integrate these powerful roots into your diet. Other options include adding them to smoothies, soups, or stews.

Conclusion

Drinking turmeric and ginger every day can offer substantial health benefits, particularly in fighting inflammation, boosting antioxidants, and supporting digestive and immune health. However, it is essential to consume them in moderation and be aware of potential risks, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or take certain medications. To maximize the benefits of turmeric, remember to always combine it with a pinch of black pepper. By incorporating this golden elixir mindfully into your daily routine, you can harness the potent powers of these ancient spices for a healthier, more balanced body.

For more information on the active components and benefits of turmeric and ginger, visit the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy adults, drinking turmeric and ginger daily in moderation, such as in a tea, is generally safe. However, excessive consumption or high-dose supplements can lead to side effects or interact with certain medications.

While some digestive benefits, like reduced nausea, may be felt relatively quickly (within an hour), more systemic effects like reduced inflammation may take several weeks or months of consistent daily use to become noticeable.

Emerging evidence suggests that both spices may aid in weight management by boosting metabolism and regulating blood sugar levels. However, it is not a magic solution and should be part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle.

You should consult a healthcare provider before consuming these spices daily, especially in concentrated forms or large quantities, if you take medications. Both can interact with blood thinners, antacids, and diabetic medications.

To significantly enhance the bioavailability of curcumin in turmeric, always consume it with black pepper. The compound piperine in black pepper is known to boost curcumin absorption by a large margin.

Excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal issues such as stomach upset, heartburn, and diarrhea. Individuals with gallbladder problems or a history of kidney stones should also be cautious.

Due to insufficient research on the effects of high doses during pregnancy, it is best for pregnant women to consult their doctor before adding these spices to their daily routine.