Hello Mary! This is an excellent question.

Drinking the juice about 15 to 30 minutes before a meal is generally considered the most beneficial timing.

Ginger and fennel are both well-known for stimulating digestive enzymes and preparing the digestive system to receive food. Drinking them before a meal essentially gives your gut a “head start,” helping prime stomach acid and enzyme production so that when food arrives, digestion can work more efficiently. Lemon juice works similarly, supporting bile production and helping the body prepare for incoming nutrients.

Turmeric is best absorbed when taken with food because it is fat-soluble, so if your meal contains any healthy fat, that actually works in your favor if you drink the juice just before eating or alongside the beginning of your meal.

Drinking it on a completely empty stomach first thing in the morning is also a popular approach and works well for many people, particularly for the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric and ginger. Some people find the ginger and lemon combination too stimulating on a completely empty stomach, so it is worth paying attention to how your body responds.

Drinking it after a meal is generally less effective for digestive purposes, as the digestive process is already well underway by then.

Feel free to give it a try at different times, to see how you feel! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

You’re welcome, Laura! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

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I’m so glad you got a new perspective by reading this article, Greg! Thanks for sharing. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team