Suja Turmeric Shots: Benefits, Side Effects, and Safety Tips

What is Suja Turmeric Tonic?

Suja Turmeric Tonic is a popular drink made by the company Suja Juice. It is a concentrated "shot" containing turmeric, ginger, lemon, black pepper, and cayenne pepper that is meant to be consumed in one or two ounce servings.

This tangy, spicy shot is marketed as an anti-inflammatory health tonic. The main ingredient turmeric contains the compound curcumin which has medicinal properties. Suja claims the turmeric and black pepper combo in their drink improves absorption of curcumin.

Potential Benefits of Suja Turmeric Shots

There are some science-backed ways that the ingredients in Suja Turmeric Tonic could positively impact health:

Anti-Inflammatory

Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory compound. Reducing inflammation helps alleviate pain, joint stiffness, and swelling associated with arthritis, injuries, and chronic conditions.

Antioxidant

Turmeric and ginger are packed with antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and may help prevent cell damage linked to cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline.

Improved Immunity

Animal research indicates curcumin can enhance immune response. Turmeric may potentially help fight infections and speed recovery from illnesses.

Better Digestion

Ginger aids digestion by relaxing stomach muscles to relieve gas, bloating, cramping, nausea, and indigestion after eating.

Heart Health

Studies show curcumin supplements may improve endothelial function, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure - reducing risk of heart attack and stroke.

Pain Relief

Curcumin is believed to influence neurotransmitter activity in the brain to effectively dull pain signals. Turmeric shots may help relieve headaches, joint pain, and menstrual cramps.

Examining the Downsides of Suja Turmeric Shots

Despite the potential upsides, there are some drawbacks to consider regarding regularly consuming Suja Turmeric Tonic shots:

High in Sugar

Each 2 ounce shot contains 5 grams of sugar from lemon juice concentrate. This is a significant amount for a concentrated, low-volume drink. Too much added sugar can negatively impact blood sugar control.

Spicy Heat

The combination of spicy ginger and cayenne pepper gives this shot a intense hot flavor. Some may find it too overpowering to drink regularly. The heat can aggravate heartburn or gut issues for sensitive individuals.

Effectiveness Not Proven

While the ingredients in Suja's turmeric shot have promising health benefits, the efficacy of consuming them in this specific formulation is not clinically validated. The low concentrations may be insufficient to produce significant medicinal effects.

Not a Meal Replacement

Marketed as a daily tonic, some may mistakenly consider the shot an adequate substitute for meals. However, it lacks protein, fiber, and other nutrients essential to good health.

Possible Nutrient Interactions

High doses of turmeric may inhibit absorption of some minerals like iron. Consuming turmeric shots in addition to a nutrient-rich diet likely poses little risk, but could affect those with deficiencies.

Drug Interactions

Turmeric can potentially interact with certain medications including blood thinners, diabetes drugs, antidepressants, and NSAIDs. Those on medication should consult a doctor before regularly consuming concentrated turmeric shots.

Who Should Not Drink Suja Turmeric Shots

While moderate turmeric shot consumption is likely safe for most healthy adults, certain individuals are better off avoiding Suja's spicy tonic, including:

Pregnant or Nursing Women

Due to lack of safety research, it's best for pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid concentrated sources of turmeric in favor of seasoning food with small dashes of turmeric powder.

Children

The potency and intensity of taking turmeric in shot form may be unpleasant or unsafe for children. Adding small amounts of turmeric to meals is likely safer way to benefit from its therapeutic properties.

Those with Gallbladder Issues

Turmeric can cause gallbladder contractions in those prone to gallstones. Turmeric shots could aggravate gallbladder problems like blockages, pain, or cholecystitis.

People Taking Blood Thinners

Turmeric may boost anticoagulant effects of drugs like Coumadin and aspirin, increasing risk of bruising and bleeding. Those on these medications should avoid potent turmeric shots.

Individuals with Acid Reflux

The combination of spicy ginger, acidic lemon juice, and black pepper may irritate the esophagus. Turmeric shots could worsen GERD symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and discomfort.

Potential Side Effects of Suja Turmeric Shots

When consumed in normal food amounts, turmeric is very safe. However, taking it in concentrated shot form may provoke adverse reactions in some cases:

Upset Stomach

Concentrated turmeric powder can aggravate the GI tract, causing stomach pain, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea in sensitive individuals.

Heartburn

The lemon juice and spicy ginger and pepper combo may trigger acid reflux. Heartburn, burning sensation, and regurgitation could result.

Headaches

Turmeric's influence on neurotransmitters may change brain chemistry and provoke headaches in those prone to migraines.

Rapid Heartbeat

Very high doses of turmeric could potentially cause temporary tachycardia or arrhythmia in susceptible individuals. Shot form makes it easy to overdo turmeric intake.

Skin Rash

Some people have topical allergic reactions to turmeric, reporting itchy, red, bumpy skin. Oral turmeric shots could possibly trigger rashes in cases of allergy.

Hormone Interference

In very large doses, turmeric may disrupt hormones like estrogen and testosterone. This is unlikely from occasional shots, but high intake over time may be a concern.

Safe Consumption of Suja Turmeric Shots

To gain health benefits from Suja's turmeric tonic while minimizing risk of side effects, consider these tips for safe consumption:

Talk to Your Doctor

Discuss integrating turmeric shots into your diet with your physician, especially if you take medications or have any health conditions.

Read Labels Carefully

Check ingredients lists for any allergens and confirm the product is certified organic to ensure highest quality ingredients.

Follow Dosing Recommendations

Stick to suggested 1-2 ounce serving sizes. Consuming shots in excess can increase risk of adverse effects from concentrated turmeric.

Incorporate Into Balanced Diet

Use turmeric shots as a supplement to a varied, well-rounded diet - not as a meal replacement. Pair with protein, healthy fats and leafy greens.

Watch for Interactions

Be alert for possible turmeric interactions that worsen side effects of any medications you take or health conditions you have.

Stop if Any Discomfort

Discontinue use if you experience stomach upset, pain, rash, headaches or other unpleasant symptoms after consuming the shots.

Other Potential Healthy Turmeric Drink Options

For those seeking the benefits of turmeric in a drink without the intensity of Suja’s shots, some milder smart beverage options include:

Golden Milk

This soothing ayurvedic drink contains turmeric, coconut or almond milk, ginger, cinnamon, and honey.

Turmeric Tea

Steep sliced turmeric root or powder in hot water with lemon and honey for an antioxidant anti-inflammatory drink.

Turmeric Broth

Simmer turmeric powder, black pepper, veggies, and bone broth for a nourishing soup that eases joint pain.

Turmeric Smoothies

Blend turmeric powder or fresh root into smoothies along with fruit, kefir, greens, and healthy fats like avocado or nut butter.

Turmeric Juice

For an alkaline gut cleanse, juice raw turmeric root with lemon, ginger, apples, celery, kale and parsley.

Sipping turmeric as tea, lattes, or juices may provide similar benefits as Suja's shots without the intense spicy heat and concentrated dose. But those seeking maximum anti-inflammatory effects may prefer drinking Suja's shots as directed.

The Bottom Line on Suja Turmeric Shots

When used moderately and cautiously, Suja Turmeric Tonic shots may have legitimate benefits thanks to the proven therapeutic properties of curcumin. However, these powerful 2 ounce shots pack a concentrated dose of stimulant ingredients that could provoke side effects in excess.

Pregnant women, children, and those with medical conditions or taking medications should exercise highest caution and may be better off avoiding Suja's intense turmeric shots altogether in favor of incorporating small amounts of turmeric into a balanced diet. For most healthy adults, occasional consumption of Suja Turmeric Shots is likely safe when heeding dosage guidelines and watching for any adverse reactions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.