HEALTH BLOG

Boost Your GLP-1 Naturally: The Power of Ginger & Turmeric

by | 04/11/25

Ginger & Curcumin Make Your Supplements More Effective

If you’re on GLP-1 medications or looking for natural ways to support your body’s GLP-1 levels, you’re not alone. Many retailers and online stores now have dedicated sections for GLP-1 support, highlighting the growing interest in this health topic with a range of supplements available to assist with the digestive woes that can occur with GLP-1 medications, as well as natural compounds that can boost our own bodies GLP-1 production. But did you know that two common cooking spices you likely have in your kitchen right now —ginger and turmeric—could play a role in this journey? Let’s explore how these powerful spices may help. 

What is GLP-1 and Why Does It Matter?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, slow digestion and promote feelings of fullness (1). It’s a key player in metabolic health and is often targeted by medications for weight management and blood sugar control. However, these medications can come with side effects like nausea, digestive discomfort and reduced appetite (1). This is where natural substances like ginger and turmeric may lend a hand. 

Ginger: A Natural Digestive Soother

Ginger has been used for centuries across the globe to calm the stomach, making it a go-to remedy for nausea and digestive issues (2). For those on GLP-1 medications, this is particularly useful, as nausea is one of the most common side effects and can affect up to 50% of patients taking them. Studies suggest that ginger may help: 

  • Reduce nausea by speeding up gastric emptying (2) 
  • Support digestion and ease bloating (2) 

In addition to ginger’s stomach-soothing properties, it also has been shown to promote a feeling of fullness and satiety, which can align with GLP-1’s natural effects. (3) 

An easy way to incorporate ginger into your routine is with ginger tea, ginger chews, ginger lozenges or a shot of ginger juice. 

Turmeric: More Than Just a Super Spice

Turmeric; the golden root known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contains the powerful polyphenol curcumin, which may naturally support GLP-1 levels in several ways. Research suggests that turmeric: 

  • Helps improve insulin sensitivity (5) 
  • May enhance the body’s natural production of GLP-1 (4) 
  • Supports overall digestive health, making it easier to tolerate dietary changes (6) 

It’s important to note that curcumin is quickly metabolized by the body and has poor solubility in water, therefore to get the most out of turmeric be sure to pair it with black pepper (which is rich in piperine, a compound that enhances the bioavailability of curcumin) or enjoy it in warm golden milk, curries or some other fat-containing food or beverage.  

The Perfect Pair: Ginger + Turmeric for GLP-1 Support

Combining ginger and turmeric can provide a double dose of digestive support while potentially enhancing your body’s natural GLP-1 function. Whether you’re taking GLP-1 medications or exploring natural metabolic health solutions, these spices are a flavorful and functional addition to your daily routine, plus they go so well together in many different recipes and applications!  

Simple Ways to Add Ginger and Turmeric to Your Day:

The Takeaway

With roughly 13% of U.S. adults having used a GLP-1 medication and approximately 33% diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, it’s clear why the demand for natural support is on the rise.  

Ginger and turmeric aren’t just culinary herbs used to spice up your meals – they may also help support digestion and metabolic health, especially for those on GLP-1 medications. With more retailers, both in-store and online, now featuring GLP-1 support products, demand is undeniably growing. Why not harness the power of these natural ingredients and give your body a little extra support? Go ahead—spice up your health with a daily dose of ginger and turmeric.  

 
 
 

References

  1. Henry P. Parkman, Daniel S. Rim, et al. Glucagonlike Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly—Benefits for Glucose Control and Weight Loss with Side Effects of Delaying Gastric Emptying.  Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology Mar 2024, 52 (1) 3-7; DOI: 10.2967/jnmt.123.266800 
  2. Anh NH, Kim SJ, Long NP, et al. Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):157. Published 2020 Jan 6. doi:10.3390/nu12010157
  3. Mansour MS, Ni YM, Roberts AL, Kelleman M, Roychoudhury A, St-Onge MP. Ginger consumption enhances the thermic effect of food and promotes feelings of satiety without affecting metabolic and hormonal parameters in overweight men: a pilot study. Metabolism. 2012;61(10):1347-1352. doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2012.03.016
  4. Rohani, Febrina, E., Wahyuni, I. S., & Levita, J. (2023). Pharmacological and Clinical Studies of Medicinal Plants That Inhibit Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV. " Drug Design, Development and Therapy,17, 3473–3491. doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S426870
  5. Marton Taynara L. , Pescinini-e-Salzedas LM., Barbalho Sandra M., et al. (2021) The Effects of Curcumin on Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review , Frontiers in Endocrinology  DOI 10.3389/fendo.2021.669448 ISSN=1664-2392
  6. Thavorn, K., Wolfe, D., Faust, L., et al. (2024). A systematic review of the efficacy and safety of turmeric in the treatment of digestive disorders. Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), 2687–2706. doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8189