The turmeric can be used safely in the kitchen as a seasoning, or as a supplement if you are a lover of alternative medicine; however that does not mean that some people may experience adverse symptoms, such as stomach upset, nausea, dizziness or diarrhea, especially if they have taken very high doses of the tuber.
Read on below to learn more about this topic: who should not take it and what precautions should we take into account .
Index
What contraindications and side effects does turmeric have?
Although this root is highly valued for its medicinal effect, the truth is that its use can be counterproductive in some cases 1.
To begin with, it is known that turmeric compounds can cause a number of adverse effects, especially when the person exceeds the recommended daily dose or suffers from a particular condition 2 3 . These include:
- Diarrhea, nausea, and other stomach problems
- Worsening of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Increased risk of bleeding
- Very low blood glucose or blood pressure levels
- Increased gallbladder contractions
- Increased risk of kidney stones
- Allergic reactions
- Interaction with certain medications
- Lack of iron
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Pure turmeric is considered safe for most people. However, it is no secret that some manufacturers adulterate turmeric powder by adding cheap fillers, such as wheat starch and questionable food coloring. It is said that they may even contain traces of lead.
Special precautions and warnings
In the following cases, turmeric should be consumed with great caution 4 5:
Women during pregnancy and lactation
Women can safely consume turmeric during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as long as it is used as a spice in food; but its consumption in supplement form is not recommended in these stages . Some scholars warn that significant doses of turmeric can stimulate the uterus and promote the presence of bleeding, putting pregnancy at risk. On the other hand, there is not enough information to evaluate the safety of turmeric during breastfeeding, hence it is best to avoid it.
People with blood clotting disorders
Taking turmeric on a regular basis has been found to slow blood clotting. Over time, this can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Diabetic people
The properties of turmeric are often beneficial for people suffering from diabetes, but these patients should use the root in moderation, as curcumin can cause blood sugar levels that are too low , especially when combined with medication.
It may interest you: Benefits and Medicinal Properties of Turmeric (Scientific Findings)
People with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Some people with GERD notice a worsening of their symptoms when they consume turmeric on a daily basis.
Patients with hormone-sensitive conditions (breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids)
Some researchers warn that curcumin may act similar to the hormone estrogen . Although this theory has not been proven, it is recommended that those with hormone-sensitive conditions consume it with great caution and only under medical supervision.
People with high blood pressure
One of the healthy benefits of turmeric is precisely its regulating effect on blood pressure levels, but it is noted that taking high doses can result in blood pressure values that are too low , especially if combined with medical treatment.
Men with fertility problems
It has been observed that when turmeric is taken orally (in capsules), it can lower testosterone levels and affect sperm motility. This is believed to reduce fertility in men.
People with anemia or iron deficiency
Taking large amounts of turmeric affects the proper absorption of iron, hence it is not recommended for people deficient in this mineral.
People prone to kidney stone formation
Consuming high daily doses of turmeric can increase the risk of kidney stones due to the presence of oxalates in this root. Typically, oxalates bind to calcium to form insoluble calcium oxalate, the main culprit in the formation of these stones.6.
Who shouldn’t take turmeric?
It is recommended that the following people avoid regular consumption of turmeric, or depending on the case, not take it at all:
Allergic people
Those who have a known allergy to turmeric should not only avoid its consumption, they should also avoid coming into contact with it. Curcumin can be a contact allergen ; there are records of several people who have experienced dermatitis and urticaria due to contact with the spice. Because turmeric and ginger belong to the same family, a person allergic to ginger is likely to be allergic to turmeric as well.7.
Note: You can be allergic to turmeric if you are allergic to yellow food coloring.
People who will have or have had recent surgery
Since turmeric can slow blood clotting, its use is not recommended before or after surgery. It is important to stop consuming it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
People with gallbladder disorders
Turmeric should not be used if there are gallstones or a bile duct obstruction. Its use can worsen both conditions and result in a medical emergency.
Can turmeric interact with medications or other supplements?
Although turmeric is a natural ingredient, we must not overlook that its compounds can react in the presence of other substances, including some herbs and drugs.
See below: Turmeric – What is it, Uses, Types and Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the medications / herbs that turmeric may interact with are listed below . Stay away from the spice if you are using:
Anticoagulant medications
- Warfarin
- Clopidogrel
- Aspirin, among others.
Medications that reduce stomach acid
- Cimetidina (Tagamet)
- Famotidina (Pepcid)
- Ranitidina (Zantac)
- Esomeprazole (Nexium)
- Omeprazol (Prilosec)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
Herbs and spices
- Nail
- Angelica
- it
- Ginger
- Ginseng
- Red clover
Be cautious if you are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and others) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, and others).
Please consult your doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you are taking medication or have any health conditions.
Does Turmeric Tea Cause Side Effects?
Drinking 1 or 2 cups of turmeric tea a day is safe for most people. However, when the person exceeds the recommended turmeric dosage or drinks too much tea, then they are likely to experience any of the following side effects:
- Indigestion
- Stomach ache
- Sickness
- Gases
- Allergic reactions
- Skin rash (long-term use)
- Stomach ulcers (long-term use)
It may interest you:
- Turmeric Tea – Benefits, Properties, Contraindications, Dosage, Uses
- How to Take Turmeric? Forms of Consumption (Root, Tea, Supplements)
- Turmeric with Black Pepper: Properties, Benefits and Consumption
Conclusions
Everything seems to indicate that there are many reasons to include turmeric in our lives. This golden spice fights inflammation, strengthens the immune system, helps to lose weight , prevents oxidative damage and has anticancer power, among many other benefits; but its regular consumption can be counterproductive in some people. As with any other alternative therapy, it is important that you consult your doctor before taking turmeric as a supplement.
References:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306981.php
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633300/
- https://nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric/ataglance.htm
- https://www.rxlist.com/turmeric/supplements.htm
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-662/turmeric
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18469248
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4689497/
My name is Louise Hammond, and I am the creator of this website, a place to find information about tubers, bulbs and medicinal roots. In Dreamsship.com I show the properties, benefits, characteristics, photos and images, ways of growing and how to make delicious meals from starchy vegetables.