How Should I Take Turmeric
If you choose to use turmeric, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
Turmeric is thought to be possibly safe when used short time as a mouth rinse or as an enema.
Do not use different forms of turmeric at the same time or you could have an overdose.
If you need surgery, dental work, or a medical procedure, stop taking turmeric at least 2 weeks ahead of time.
Store as directed, or at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Potential Risks And Interactions Curcumin Supplements
Turmeric and curcumin are considered safe for most people. There are few if any reports of people experiencing negative reactions to typical amounts of turmeric in food, and curcumin supplements are generally well tolerated.
Potential RisksTaking curcumin supplements may suppress iron absorption. Curcumin supplements are not recommended for:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People who have iron deficiencies
A small percentage of people experience stomach upset, gastroesophageal reflux disease, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea from taking curcumin supplements, particularly if taken regularly at too-high doses.
A few doctors have expressed concern over excessive dosing as well as long-term safety. Research in these areas is ongoing, and peopleparticularly people with medical conditions and people who take medicationsare advised to talk to their doctors about how curcumin supplements might affect their overall health.
May Cause Gastrointestinal Problems
Turmeric hasnt been found to cause any kind of stomach issues or other gastrointestinal reactions when consumed as a part of a cooked curry. However, evidence suggests that taking turmeric by itself or as part of a treatment for arthritis may lead to gastrointestinal issues .
The curcumin in turmeric, when taken by those with pancreatic cancer, caused abdominal fullness and pain in some of the patients .
Though turmeric is generally recognized as safe, it may cause gastrointestinal upsets in certain individuals .
In a small rat study, the ingestion of curcumin for 6 days produced stomach ulcers .
Also, if you have dyspepsia or hyperacidity, you may want to avoid turmeric. The curcumin in turmeric may aggravate dyspepsia .
Anecdotal evidence suggests that turmeric supplements might also cause issues of the stomach. However, we need more research here, especially in adults who consume more than the recommended dosage of the supplements for prolonged periods.
Ensure you take turmeric only within the recommended dosage.
Secret Side Effects Of Eating Turmeric Says Science
Golden milk lattes are popular for good reason. Turmeric is not only delicious, but it has also been known to have extremely powerful healing properties. As part of the same family as ginger, eating has been known to lower inflammation, reduce allergy symptoms, and give us an immunity boost.
With all the possible health benefits that come from turmeric, are there any negative risks of consuming it? Although they’re rare, we did find some potential side effects of eating turmeric that may be helpful to know. And for more healthy eating tips, make sure to read The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
How Much Turmeric Can I Take In A Day
Currently, there is no official recommendation for the amount of turmeric you can take daily. However, there is a daily recommendation for curcumin, which is the active component in turmeric, and is responsible for most of its medicinal benefits.
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives recommends taking up to 3 mg per kg of body weight per day of curcuminoids, which includes curcumin . This equates up to 210 mg of curcumin per day for an adult weighing 70 kg.
For the best effect, you should have turmeric in combination with black pepper. A 2017 reported that piperine found in black pepper can increase the bodys ability to absorb curcumin by 2000% .
Turmeric And Black Pepper
Unfortunately, its hard for your body to absorb enough turmeric to see positive effects. The good news is combining it with another spice, black pepper , may enhance its strength in the body.
A past study reveals that combining 20 mg of piperine, the main ingredient of black pepper, and 2 g of curcumin increases the bioavailability, or the amount of curcumin that can be absorbed by the body, by as much as 2,000 percent. According to an August 2014 review published in Medicinal & Aromatic Plants, piperine increases the bioavailability of many nutrients, mainly by preventing enzymes from breaking down foods and other substances.
If you plan on using turmeric or curcumin for health purposes, be sure to find a supplement that contains piperine.
Have You Experienced Curcumin Side Effects
If youve taken curcumin and experienced unfavorable side effects and/or adverse reactions, be sure to mention them in the comments section below. Discuss when you initially noticed the emergence of these side effects after you began supplementing and note their severity . To help elucidate the details of your situation, share:
- Curcumin supplement brand
- Single dosing vs. divided dosing
- Whether you took other drugs/supplements
- Whether you took on an empty stomach or with food
Were the side effects severe enough as to make you discontinue curcumin supplementation? Realize that despite emerging evidence suggestive of curcumins therapeutic properties, no supplement should be considered utopian or a magic bullet. Always listen to your body regardless of what the literature suggests if you dont react well to curcumin, it may be a sign to avoid taking it. If you know of any effective side effect mitigation strategies , feel free to share them in your comment.
May Cause Gallbladder Contractions
Studies show that the curcumin in turmeric may cause gallbladder contractions 40 mg of curcumin was found to produce a 50% contraction in the gallbladder .
Turmeric supplements of 20-40 mg were also reported to increase gallbladder contractions .
Some experts believe that the oxalate in turmeric may also increase the risk of gallstones. However, direct research is limited in this aspect. If you are at risk of gallstones or have gallbladder issues, please check with your doctor before using turmeric in your diet.
Prevention Method
Stop taking turmeric if you have any type of gallbladder issues or are on medication for the same.
What Are Ginger And Turmeric
Ginger and turmeric are two types of flowering plants that are widely used in natural medicine.
, or Zingiber officinale, originated in Southeast Asia and has long been used as a natural remedy for various health conditions.
Its medicinal properties are mostly due to the presence of phenolic compounds, including gingerol, a chemical thought to possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties .
, also known as Curcuma longa, belongs to the same family of plants and is often used as a spice in Indian cooking.
It contains the chemical compound curcumin, which has been shown to aid in treating and preventing several chronic conditions .
Both ginger and turmeric can be consumed fresh, dried, or ground, and added to a variety of dishes. Theyre also available in supplement form.
Summary
Ginger and turmeric are two types of flowering plants with medicinal properties. Both can be consumed in various ways and are available as supplements.
Though evidence is limited on the effects of ginger and turmeric when used together, studies show that both can help reduce pain and sickness.
Why Do People Eat Turmeric
Turmeric is used as a spice and food dye, adding both flavor and color to food.
But it has also been consumed for its health benefits, all of which have been attributed to curcumin, its main active ingredient.
Curcumin supplements have the following benefits, to name a few:
- Reduced inflammation: Chronic is associated with many diseases. Studies show that curcumin supplements may reduce the levels of inflammatory markers (
Yet, some people may experience side effects when they take them in large doses as supplements.
How To Take Turmeric For Pain
Turmeric in Indian and Asian cooking is a long-standing tradition.
A typical Indian diet supplies 2,000 to 2,5000 mg of turmeric per day. That equals 60 to 100 mg of curcumin. If you ingested the same quantity of turmeric as an extract it would be 1,900 to 2,375 mg of curcumin.
The spice has about 3% curcumin. Turmeric extract has 95% curcumin. Adding turmeric to your food provides some benefits, but not as much as a supplement.
Most studies use a turmeric extract. The typical study dose of 500 to 2,000 mg of turmeric per day had potential benefits. The exact dose depends on the medical condition.
The Arthritis Foundation suggests taking turmeric capsules 3 times per day. Another option is to take a half to three grams of the root powder every day.
Further studies revealed one gram of curcumin per day helped arthritis patients.
One issue with turmeric is its hard for the body to absorb the spice by itself. Nutritionists suggest mixing the spice with black pepper and olive oil to help your body absorb it.
The amount of turmeric used in normal cooking is safe. But dont assume more is better. High doses can cause nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness.
The World Health Organization found 1.4 mg of turmeric per pound of body weight is okay for daily intake. Its not advisable to take high doses of turmeric for long periods of time. There isnt enough research to guarantee safety.
What Side Effects Have Been Reported By Readers And Real
Here is a list of side effects that have been reported by our readers.
Only a minor percentage of readers have reported may be one of these side effects; most of which are minor and transient side effects. Each of these is presented just to increase awareness and not to intimidate you from taking turmeric.
Turmeric May Cause Kidney Stones
Turmeric is high in oxalate, a chemical thats released from the body through urine. In high doses, excess oxalate can combine with calcium to form kidney stones, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. A past study found that turmeric supplements significantly increased levels of oxalate in urine, and may increase the risk of kidney stones.
Can Interfere With Surgery
Since turmeric reduces the blood’s ability to clot, it can interfere with surgery. Patients who need to have dental surgery, a medical procedure, or any type of operation that involves cutting the skin should check with their doctor about when they need to stop taking turmeric supplements. Generally, most healthcare organizations recommend patients scheduled for surgery to discontinue turmeric supplementation at least two weeks before the operation. Patients should let their dentists, doctors, and other healthcare professionals know they are taking turmeric. If turmeric is not stopped before surgery, increased bleeding could occur during the operation, which might result in complications.
Surgeons may need to take additional steps during the operation to control bleeding, and extra medication could be necessary. Patients who continue to use turmeric in the two weeks before their surgery could also experience more bleeding than normal after surgery, and this could result in a longer hospital stay and recovery time. After having an operation, the patient should ask their surgeon about when it is safe to start taking turmeric again. The doctor will monitor the patient’s wound healing and bloodwork to make sure turmeric supplements will not be harmful to the patient’s overall health.
Increased Risk Of Gallbladder Issues And Gallstones
Turmeric contains the right amount of oxalate, a substance that can spike the chances of developing gallstones. According to a study in the AJCN , urine showed high levels of oxalate when the subjects had ingested turmeric, in comparison to the control group.
Increased gallbladder contractions were also found when turmeric supplements of 20-40 mg were eaten. If you are suffering from gallbladder issues, its best to dump turmeric capsules.
Skin Rash And Itching
This could be due to an allergy to turmeric/curcumin or to the additive in the supplements. Even the presence of heavy metals in turmeric could cause such rashes.
Common Reader Query Turmeric gives me a rash and sensation, what should I do?
Opt for organic turmeric powder . If taking supplements opt for a better brand or consult a health practitioner.
If the rash is too severe stop taking turmeric.
The Rich History Of Turmeric
This “Golden spice” is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia, having been used dating back to 4,000 years ago, both for culinary purposes and medicinal.
It is probably most famous for its presence in popular curry dishes, where it is one of the main spices.
And yes, it is considered a “spice”, but is not a spice like you may think. It is not going to be causing diarrhea like red hot chili peppers or habaneros do for some people.
Traditional medicinal uses as well as modern medicinal uses both rely heavily on its ability to reduce inflammation, which can be a good thing when it comes to diarrhea.
Turmeric Ginger Tea Improves Skin Health
The turmeric present in turmeric ginger tea has been used to treat skin conditions such as acne, and . The gingerols within turmeric ginger tea are also excellent antibacterial and antioxidant compounds that can protect the skin from , while also stimulating the growth of new cells and preventing signs of aging, such as and blemishes.
Curcumin Vs Turmeric: Whats The Difference
Turmeric is comprised of 100 compounds. The one most talked about is curcumin, the active compound thats credited with most of turmeric’s health benefits. While turmeric gets its bright yellow hue from curcumin, this compound makes up only about 5 percent of the spice, according to an article published in January 2017 in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. Most of the benefits of turmeric are credited to curcumin .
May Prevent Iron Absorption
High doses of turmeric may prevent iron absorption, and turmeric should be used with caution in patients who have an iron deficiency. Studies conducted in the laboratory and on animals suggest turmeric binds to iron, decreasing the body’s ability to absorb iron from food. In theory, this could result in in patients who are already mildly deficient in iron. While some human studies have concluded iron absorption was not affected by turmeric supplementation, most doctors advise patients to be careful about consuming large doses of turmeric if they have or are at risk for an iron deficiency.
In fact, a case study from January 2019 reported that a sixty-six-year-old male developed an iron deficiency after consuming six turmeric extract capsules per day. Patients should ask their healthcare provider about a safe turmeric dose for their health needs, and they may also want to have their iron levels checked regularly. When consuming any amount of turmeric, patients may want to increase the amount of iron in their meals. Iron-rich foods such as lentils, chickpeas, peas, and soybeans may be beneficial, and some patients might need to take an over-the-counter iron supplement as well. Patients should check with their doctor before taking any type of supplement.
Turmeric May Lower Blood Sugar Too Much
On the one hand, some research suggests that turmeric may help treat and prevent diabetes, according to a review in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. That said, turmeric may magnify the effects of diabetes medications that lower blood sugar, increasing your risk of low blood sugar . More research in humans is needed. Dont take turmeric supplements for diabetes without first checking with your doctor.
How Much Turmeric Per Day Should You Consume
It is generally recommended to have about a teaspoon a day, which is considered to be safe. Anything in excess may trigger specific reactions. Consuming turmeric or Haldi in its natural form promotes health, but an overdose of it can cause an upset stomach, nausea, and .
Especially if you take turmeric capsules or supplements in high amounts, it can prove to be detrimental to your health. Taking turmeric in its natural form in moderate quantities to attain its health benefits.
is safe for most people when ingested in limited quantities found in daily food. But turmeric can have severe side effects when taken in large doses. Some supplements contain up to 500 milligrams of turmeric extract, and their labels recommend taking four capsules per day.
Before Taking This Medicine
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have ever had:
-
diabetes;
-
a stomach disorder called gastroesophageal reflux disease ;
-
or uterine fibroids; or
-
cancer of the breast, uterus, ovary .
Turmeric when taken in medicinal amounts is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. Taking turmeric during pregnancy could cause uterine bleeding or contractions.
Turmeric is likely to be safe during pregnancy when used in the small amounts that are found in spices or foods.
Ask a doctor before using this product if you are breast-feeding.
Turmeric taken by mouth may lower levels and sperm motility in men. This could affect fertility .
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
Do Curcumin Supplements Have Drawbacks
Because curcumin seems to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, many people wonder why curcumin supplements are not recommended more often. There are three primary reasons:
Some manufacturers hire independent laboratories to verify their products purity. Manufacturers that list Good Manufacturing Practice or GMP on their labels attest that the products are pure and that they have made efforts to minimize or eliminate contamination and errors.
That Thing Called Diarrhea
If you have loose bowel movements and go to poop more than three times in a day, thats diarrhea. To top it off, the stool should be soft, watery and it is usually accompanied by a rumbling stomach.
Check the following for some usual causes of diarrhea:
- Medicines like antibiotics, magnesium-based medicine, or antacids
- Food allergies
- Bacterial, viral, or presence of parasites in food or water
- Having irritable bowel syndrome
It Might Affect Your Gallbladder
In larger quantities, turmeric has been known to potentially cause some gallbladder problems in a small number of people, especially those who already had preexisting gallbladder trouble. In a study from the Asia Pacific Journal of Nutrition, it was shown that large amounts of turmeric can possibly cause the gallbladder to contract, which can lead to blockages and improper function.
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Does Too Much Turmeric Have Side Effects
Turmeric is a popular yellow spice originating from southern Asia. Its an essential ingredient in many Indian dishes.
Its also consumed for its health benefits. Supplements of turmeric, or curcumin its main active ingredient are becoming increasingly common.
However, some people are concerned about the possible side effects of high-dose turmeric and curcumin supplements. This review looks into the evidence.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Abdel Fattah, E. A., Hashem, H. E., Ahmed, F. A., Ghallab, M. A., Varga, I., and Polak, S. Prophylactic role of curcumin against cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity: Histological and immunohistological study. Gen.Physiol Biophys. 2010;29:85-94. View abstract.
Abraham, S. K., Sarma, L., and Kesavan, P. C. Protective effects of chlorogenic acid, curcumin and beta-carotene against gamma-radiation-induced in vivo chromosomal damage. Mutat.Res 1993;303:109-112. View abstract.
Adhvaryu, M. R., Reddy, N., and Vakharia, B. C. Prevention of hepatotoxicity due to anti tuberculosis treatment: a novel integrative approach. World J Gastroenterol. 8-14-2008;14:4753-4762. View abstract.
Agarwal, K. A., Tripathi, C. D., Agarwal, B. B., and Saluja, S. Efficacy of turmeric in pain and postoperative fatigue after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study. Surg Endosc. 6-14-2011; View abstract.
Agrawal, D. K., Saikia, D., Tiwari, R., Ojha, S., Shanker, K., Kumar, J. K., Gupta, A. K., Tandon, S., Negi, A. S., and Khanuja, S. P. Demethoxycurcumin and its semisynthetic analogues as antitubercular agents. Planta Med. 2008;74:1828-1831. View abstract.
Ahmed, T. and Gilani, A. H. Inhibitory effect of curcuminoids on acetylcholinesterase activity and attenuation of scopolamine-induced amnesia may explain medicinal use of turmeric in Alzheimer’s disease. Pharmacol Biochem.Behav. 2009;91:554-559. View abstract.
May Be Risky During Surgery
This has to do with turmerics tendency to inhibit the blood-clotting process. Though there is no direct research here, it is likely that turmeric may interfere with blood clotting during surgery. Patients who are considering surgery may have to refrain from consuming turmeric one to two weeks before surgery and consult their doctor.
Prevention Method
If you are considering surgery, you must refrain from consuming turmeric one to two weeks before surgery.
May Cause Allergic Reactions
Curcumin can be a contact allergen. Certain individuals have reported contact dermatitis and urticaria due to contact with turmeric. Since turmeric belongs to the ginger family, one is more likely to be allergic to it if they are allergic to ginger. You can also be allergic to turmeric if you are allergic to yellow food coloring .
Applying turmeric to your face may cause your skin to turn yellow. This effect is harmless. However, those allergic to turmeric may develop rashes or on their faces. Research is limited, and more studies are required to find out how turmeric can affect the skin.
Turmeric can also cause shortness of breath. Reactions can occur from both skin contact and ingestion .
Prevention Method
If you have an allergy for yellow food coloring, it is best to stay away from turmeric.
How To Find A Quality Turmeric Supplement
Dana Angelo White, RD, the owner of Dana White Nutrition in Fairfield, Connecticut, recommends opting for food sources over supplements whenever possible. This way, youll ingest a wide variety of healthy nutrients not just a single one. That said, turmeric doesnt absorb well in the body, and what it does absorb is rapidly metabolized and eliminated, according to a review published in October 2017 in Foods. Whats more, the unique flavor of the spice means it may not go with many dishes. Thats where the supplement may be more desirable, or allow for a more regular consumption, White says.
If you want to try a turmeric supplement, make sure you shop around to find one thats been third-party tested for safety. Why? The FDA doesnt require dietary supplement manufacturers to prove their products are safe or effective before sale. Choosing a product thats been third-party tested will ensure youre getting the real deal. These are a few of the top third-party testing companies to look for on any supplement label: NSF International, , and .
To help narrow your search, .
To boost absorption, look for a turmeric supplement with piperine in it. Piperine is a compound in black pepper thats been shown to help your body absorb turmeric. In fact, piperine may increase absorption by as much as 2,000 percent, according to one study.
How To Choose Your Turmeric Supplement
Supplements arent regulated like medications. Do your research on the company and brand you choose.
Consider supplements tested by a third party like Informed Choice or NSF International.
Turmeric extracts are the most potent type of supplement. Concentrated extracts are 95% curcumin. Powders and spices contain a lot less of the potent ingredient.
Extracts also have less chance of contamination from other substances.
Do The Health Benefits Of Turmeric Outweigh The Side Effects
My answer to this question would be a BIG Yes! But this absolutely depends on what kind of side effect you are facing. Here is a quick list of the health benefits of turmeric:
- It is an anti-cancer agent and can prevent cancer.
- It has immunomodulatory properties that benefit in conditions.
- It protects and preserves bone health from conditions like .
- It benefits the skin and protects from skin disorders.
- It is brain food as it helps combat mood related disorders and prevents conditions like Alzheimers.
- It benefits in metabolic health and aids in weight loss.
- It protects from side effects of drugs.
- It protects the heart from disorders.
- It is a natural agent and enhances healing.
- It has potent natural antioxidants.
Now if you are comparing these health benefits with side effects like gastric discomfort as frequent bowel movement, bloating, etc. then you are the best judge to ascertain who wins the case.
Such side effects are transient and can be minimized by reducing the dose.
However if it is something more serious like an allergic reaction, skin rash affecting the whole body, bleeding event then you should definitely steer clear of turmeric.