Expert Claims vs. Genuine Curiosity

A Curcumin Lesson

One of the more interesting parts of Super Gut by Dr. William Davis is his analysis and overview of the popular supplement curcumin.

Curcumin plays a central role in the Super Gut protocol for restoring balance within the microbiome. It’s noteworthy for its dual action against both fungi and bacteria.

Research and observation have shown that curcumin may offer several beneficial effects, including:

• Reduction in inflammatory blood markers

• Decreased joint pain and swelling in arthritis

• Moderate antibacterial and antifungal activity in the gut

• Minimal absorption, which is actually beneficial (more on that later)

• Strengthening of the intestinal barrier

• Reduction of intestinal permeability or “leaky gut”

• Increased production of antimicrobial peptides

Dr. Davis notes, however, that curcumin (as a supplement) should not be taken long-term. As a natural antibiotic, its ongoing use could disrupt the microbiome balance over time rather than support it.

In his book, Dr. Davis reflects on the newer enhanced-absorption forms of curcumin now on the market. He argues that higher absorption may not be either necessary or desirable and recommends taking curcumin without such additives. His hypothesis is that its systemic benefits arise primarily from its effects within the gut itself.¹

While searching for this type of supplement, I had two notable encounters in different health stores. In both cases, I mentioned the book Super Gut and explained that I was specifically looking for a curcumin product without additives.

The first was a conversation with a young man who showed genuine curiosity about the topic. He was also making L. reuteri yogurt, so we had common ground. When I explained my preference for additive-free curcumin, he mentioned that, as part of his job, he was required to attend promotional information sessions. In these sessions, he had heard claims about improved absorption. He had assumed enhanced absorption must be better, but our exchange made him reconsider that assumption.

High absorption curcumin supplement may help you, but it is not what Dr. Davis recommends in his book

The second encounter was with someone who seemed pressed for time. She insisted that taking curcumin without absorption-enhancing additives could be harmful to the liver. She said she knew this because she was Indian and ate curry regularly, which she claimed gave her mastery of the subject. She also said she was a student of chemistry—again, a way to discount what I told her. I asked if she had actually read Super Gut, because she was not coming across that way. While she may have expertise in many subjects, using that to argue against Dr. William Davis is not an especially strong argument, as he is a cardiologist. Therefore, if it were a competition of expertise, I believe she would lose this one.

Later, when I looked into it online, I could only find reports of liver injuries linked to curcumin supplements that contained those very additives.²

To me, this highlights the difference between speaking with an “expert” who recites accepted claims and someone who approaches the topic with genuine curiosity and openness. Admittedly, the conversation with the young man was far more rewarding.

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1. https://drdavisinfinitehealth.com/2023/01/when-do-we-not-want-absorption/

2. https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.14460